Strengthening nails: gel, powder, baths at home

The health of your nails directly depends on the general condition of our body. Constant stress, lack of vitamins, and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs lead to thinning, splitting and fragility of the nail plate. However, often we ourselves, with our careless attitude, bring the main decoration and protection of our hands into a deplorable state. For example, we use household chemicals without gloves, regularly resort to nail extensions, and use varnish of questionable quality for manicures. Strengthening your nails with special cosmetics will help correct the situation. After their use, the plates become stronger and more elastic, and look more attractive. Some procedures require visiting beauty salons with professional equipment, but many are quite accessible at home.

Strengthening nails with gel

One of the simplest and most common methods. The same material is used as for gel extensions, but the structure of the nail plate is not damaged, but an additional protective layer is created from negative external influences.

Advantages of the method:

• Nails do not flake or break; it becomes possible to increase their natural length.
• The gel coating “breathes”, therefore, pathogenic microflora does not develop under it.
• Any wellness treatments for natural nails do not lose their effectiveness, including massage and baths with essential oils, paraffin therapy, masks, and so on.
• The cuticle is also processed at the same time, so trimming manicures need to be done much less frequently.
• When strengthening nails with gel, decorative varnish lasts longer and looks brighter.

The main disadvantage of this nail strengthening procedure is that removing the coating at home is problematic.
If done ineptly, the nail plate can be injured. In addition, it is undesirable to resort to the gel constantly; your hands should be “rested” periodically. STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: HOW TO CARRY OUT THE PROCEDURE OF STRENGTHENING NAILS WITH GEL UNDER GEL POLISH USING NEONAIL PRODUCTS

The author of the master class is NeoNail Professional instructor.

The procedure for strengthening nails is carried out using camouflage biogel.

The gel has a thick consistency and a pleasant beige tint.

You will also need a synthetic and silicone brush in the shape of a cone.

Before applying the gel, you need to prepare the nail plate and remove the gloss.

The NeoNail technologist recommended using Cleanser liquid as a degreaser.

Next, you need to use an acid-free primer. After application, you need to let it air dry for 30-60 seconds.

The next stage involves using the base.

It is better to apply it in a very thin layer.

Next, the gel is applied using the following technology: first, a thin layer is applied.

Then a drop is placed in the center of the nail (it is better to use a conical brush for this, lightly distribute the gel over the nail plate with the tip).

The gel dries in approximately 40-60 seconds. in an LED lamp and 2-3 minutes in a UV lamp. Drying time directly depends on the length of the nails.

After drying, you need to remove the stickiness and sand it lightly with a buff.

Use a cloth to remove dust and degrease.

Next, you can paint a French pattern, an ornament on the nail, or simply cover it with gel polish. In this case, the base is no longer needed. Gel polish is applied immediately. It is better to apply the colored coating in two layers. The final step is to apply the top.

Strengthening with biogel

This method not only makes your nails stronger, but also restores them. The biogel contains vitamin and mineral supplements and protein. Biogel is a material about which we can say that it is slightly softer and more elastic than “construction” gel and harder than classic gel polish. It creates good adhesion while strengthening the nails. It does not cause allergies and does not disrupt the structure of the nail plate. And one of the components of the biogel, calcium, reduces its fragility, preventing thinning and cracking. Biogel is indicated for use on thin, weak, soft nails that are prone to splitting; it can be used to level the nail plate.

Advantages of the material:

• It allows air to pass through well and does not cause the development of fungus.
• It has a healing effect and is quite capable of replacing conventional procedures, such as masks and baths.
• When using colored varieties, it does not require additional coating with decorative varnish.
• It can be applied for a long time and with almost no breaks, since the nails do not suffer and remain elastic.
• Suitable for extensions (only a special type with increased rigidity).
• The application procedure is also available at home. It does not require professional skills, just watch a master class on strengthening nails with step-by-step photos. It is also easy to cover and remove.

Minuses:

Biogel is sensitive to household chemicals and can be destroyed under its influence. It also doesn't protect your hands enough in a hostile environment.

Tip: in the summer it is recommended to use a type of biogel that is resistant to UV rays.

MASTER CLASS: HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR NAILS WITH BIO-GEL?

Nails are prepared using standard technology.

Before work, sawdust is carried out, a dehydrator is worn, with the help of which excess moisture is removed.

Next, a base coat is applied to the nail.

In this case, the layer must be very thin. It is better to distribute the material over the nail using zigzag pressing movements. Dry in a lamp for 1 - 3 minutes, depending on the type of lamp.

The next step is to apply a layer of biogel. A small drop is collected.

Next, it is placed in the center and distributed with careful, light movements along the nail (without pressure). There is no need to go close to the cuticle.

If there is a need for additional leveling of the surface of the nail, then simply turn your finger over and hold it in this position for 2-5 seconds.

At the end of the procedure, we check the glare.

You can find this master class on the Kasya Nail Club channel.

In order to consider methods of restoring the nail plate, let’s remember its structure

Nail growth begins in the matrix or, as it is also called, the nail root. This is the back part of the nail plate which is completely hidden under the rear nail fold, a small part of the root protrudes from under the roller in the form of a whitish area of ​​the nail lune, it is in the matrix that the formation of np occurs. The matrix consists of epithelial cells that develop into nail plates.

The visible part of the nail - the nail plate, consists of keratin, this is a protein that is present in the skin and from which hair is formed, the density of keratin in nails and hair depends on the amount of sulfur. The bonds formed between the molecules strengthen the protein and make it hard; a large amount of sulfur is also hereditary; if you have had soft thin nails since childhood, as sad as it is, nothing can be changed, except perhaps by extending them, but if suddenly previously strong nails suddenly become weak and soft, then this is most likely a lack of some substances in the body.

Between the layers of keratin there are thin layers of fat and water, it is these layers that give it elasticity and shine. The nail can absorb water, thereby increasing its thickness, so people who frequently come into contact with water have soft and thick nails.

In addition to sulfur, the nail also contains other microelements: calcium, chromium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc; their presence makes the nail healthy. They grow slower than hair and on average per week, fingernails grow by 1 mm, and toenails by 0.25 mm. Complete renewal of the nail plate occurs in approximately 3-4 months.

Nails are often an indicator of painful processes in our body, for example, longitudinal grooves indicate the presence of chronic inflammatory diseases (paranasal sinuses, teeth or incipient rheumatism).

Transverse grooves may indicate diseases of the internal organs (kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract), and also that the body lacks zinc, because Since zinc is found mainly in products of animal origin, it is primarily vegetarians who suffer from its deficiency.

If dents and depressions give the nail the appearance of a thimble, this is a warning sign of psoriasis. Nails in the shape of watch glasses very often indicate lung disease (bronchitis or oncology). Yellow coloring of nails indicates a diseased liver. Lumpy and yellowish nails occur with diabetes and fungal infection.

Nails have long had an aesthetic value for our appearance; without beautiful, well-groomed, healthy nails it is impossible to imagine a single complete female image, and for this to be possible, nails must be prepared with daily care and a well-performed manicure.

Strengthening nails with acrylic powder

Another material that was originally used to build up the nail plate, and now helps to increase its strength.

Acrylic is effective, safe for health and durable. It is almost invisible on the nails, giving them a healthy look. The nail plates do not lose flexibility, so their owners feel natural and comfortable. When reinforced with acrylic, you can freely do your usual activities: cleaning the house, gardening, active games with children, without fear of damaging the coating.

But... the powder is absolutely not suitable for people suffering from nail fungus. The material completely blocks the access of oxygen to the plate, causing the infection to progress.

It is not recommended to apply acrylic powder yourself; this should be done by an experienced craftsman, since the material hardens quickly in air. In addition, it has a specific smell (this does not apply to expensive varieties) and you have to wear a medical mask during the procedure or forcefully ventilate the room.

It is difficult to remove the coating with chemicals, so when removing it at home, cutting is used. The procedure must be done very carefully so as not to damage the nail.

But correction of overgrown or damaged areas of the plate is much faster and easier than using gel.

Important: acrylic nail strengthening, contrary to popular belief, does not have a therapeutic effect. After removing the coating, the fragility of the plates may appear again, so restorative procedures should be used, for example, iodine-salt baths.

STEP-BY-STEP LESSON ON USING ACRYLIC POWDER TO STRENGTHEN YOUR NAILS

Before the procedure, you need to perform a manicure: remove the cuticle, file the nail, degrease it and apply primer.

Next, apply the base coat (without drying).

A thin layer of acrylic is sprinkled onto the base. Before drying the powder, you can lightly shake it off or blow it off.

The final step is to apply a base with a camouflage effect.

Camouflage can be applied in one or two layers. It all depends on whether you will continue to design with gel polish or not.

The author of the master class is Julia Crazy Nails.

Strengthening with acrylic powder for gel polish

Decorative coatings of the new generation last much longer than traditional analogues. However, if the natural nail plate is thinned, has cracks and other damage, even durable gel polish can lose its structure, as a result of which the manicure will have to be renewed much more often than the manufacturer guaranteed.

In such cases, it is also better to use powder for nail strengthening procedures. After the powder is applied to the base, it is covered with one or several layers of decorative varnish and nail art is made to your liking.

The manicure will last at least 2 weeks.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR GEL POLISH

After you have strengthened your nails with acrylic powder and a layer of base, it is recommended to apply a buffer. You also need to remove dust and degrease.

The next step is to apply gel polish.

Finally, the design is covered with a top.

Removes stickiness.

The nail design is ready.

Causes of brittle nails

Increased fragility of the nail plate is now a common phenomenon, which is associated with careless handling, since girls now prefer to have a decorative coating done in a salon rather than taking care of a manicure on their own.

Due to improper handling, nails gradually deteriorate, which is why the varnish on them lasts much less. Only then do girls strive to learn how to strengthen their nails in order to return them to a healthy state.

There are several reasons why marigolds deteriorate:

1. Incorrect care. If a woman does a manicure herself and cuts the plate with scissors, there is a risk of formation of detachments. To prevent them, you need to remove the length with a file, moving it in one direction, so as not to shift the arrangement of layers in the structure of the nail.
2. Constant application of chemicals and decorative coatings. Gel polish, especially with a design, looks impressive and neat, but you need to take a break from time to time. Despite the safety of the composition, alkalis and acids present in the solutions lead to thinning.
3. Poor nutrition. A lack of vitamins in the body also affects the condition of hair, nails, and skin.
4. Diseases. Often the poor condition of natural manicure is affected by problems with the thyroid gland.
5. Heredity. Genes can determine the normal healthy condition of nails, so pay attention to the condition of your mother or grandmother’s nails.
6. Insufficient hydration. Especially in cold or hot weather, nails become dry, as does the rest of the skin on a girl’s body. Because of this, it is recommended to use moisturizing creams and oils to restore the water balance of the plate and sensitive epidermis.
7. Bad ecology. An excess of carcinogens and carbon dioxide in the air blocks the normal renewal of the plate, which leads to the risk of detachments and thinning of the plate.
8. Constant stress, disturbed emotional state.

If there are any errors and factors that negatively affect the health of the nail, in order to restore its health, you need to pay attention to them.

Please note that based on the condition and shade of the plate, you can determine the presence of a disease in the body. Thus, white spots indicate a lack of vitamins, and uneven, lumpy nails indicate the presence of inflammation in the body.

If there are problems and defects in the plate, it is temporarily not recommended to apply a decorative coating to give it time to recover.

Manicure 2 in 1: beauty and strengthening

Nowadays, shiny manicure is in fashion. To make it, craftsmen resort to using a variety of materials: rubbing, sparkling powder, small crystals, gel polishes with glitter, etc. There is one way that kills two birds with one stone. This is a manicure that looks nice and significantly strengthens the client’s nails. It is ideal for girls with very thin and flexible nails, for whom the problem of cracking of the gel polish at the tips, chipping of the coating or its complete peeling off is a pressing problem. There shouldn't be such problems with this design.

There are several recommendations and fundamental points:

• It is better to use a rubber base and top when working. With them, the coating is more flexible and at the same time dense (it is not prone to cracking);
• Use finely dispersed glitter;
• It is better to sprinkle glitter on the base and not use gel polish. This way the manicure will look more delicate and will not turn out bulky due to the large number of layers;
• When creating an everyday manicure, it is better to give preference to white or beige sparkles.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREATING A UNIVERSAL MANICURE

Nails are prepared in the classic way. The base is applied as the first layer. It's better to take rubber.

The base should be applied with a layer of medium thickness so that the glitter is absorbed, but not too thick a layer.

Next, we take finely dispersed glitter; for a home manicure, you can use Born Pretty brand material.

In the photo they look like acrylic sand, but in fact they shimmer beautifully in the light.

Sprinkle them generously onto the wet base and dry them in a lamp a little more than usual. Before drying, you need to blow off the glitter a little so that there is not too thick a layer and the coating dries.

Next, you need to fix the glitter with two thin layers of topcoat, but before that, brush off the excess with a manicure brush.

The coating is ready.

The influence of nutrition on the quality of nails

Nails are moisturized from the inside in the same ways as skin or hair: you need to drink more clean water, as well as eat foods and dishes that promote hydration and nutrition from the inside:

• Vegetables Among vegetables, fresh cucumbers are, of course, considered the best source of clean and healthy water. They can be added to any salads and eaten just like that. Fasting days on cucumbers perfectly moisturize nails, and in addition actively promote the removal of toxins and weight loss. Melons and watermelons contain a lot of good water. Celery has a rich composition - it is especially rich in iron, due to the lack of which nails often break. It is worth paying attention to such vegetables and fruits as carrots, spinach, parsley, broccoli, sweet peppers, peaches, citrus fruits, mangoes, papaya.
• Fatty acids They help cells retain moisture better. Of the “animal” products, sea fish is rich in them, and of the “vegetable” products – raw nuts, seeds, and avocados.
• Chia seeds or flax seeds These foods are rich in fatty acids and minerals and retain moisture well.
• Eggs, liver, oatmeal, sprouted wheat, baked potatoes in their skins are foods that help nails retain moisture and accumulate nutrients.

It is very important to plan your diet correctly. Nails and hair will be beautiful and strong only with proper nutrition, rich in protein foods, fruits and vegetables. To keep your nails strong and healthy longer, you need to consume enough vitamins A, E, C, group B, calcium and iron every day.

Vitamin A is found in dairy products, eggs, carrots, and tomatoes. There is a lot of vitamin E in vegetable oils and various nuts, and it is also sold in its pure form in pharmacies. Citrus fruits, rose hips, currants, sea buckthorn, and sauerkraut are rich in vitamin C. There is a lot of iron in liver, eggs, poultry, sesame seeds, apples and nuts.

And, of course, drink more clean water, because it is an irreplaceable source of hydration and the basis of health for the whole body. If you find it boring to drink just water, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the glass, 1/2 tsp. honey, infuse water with orange zest or fresh mint for a few minutes - this will give the most ordinary drink at first glance taste, aroma, and benefits.

What other means are there to strengthen nails?

• If you don’t want to create a long-lasting, multi-day manicure, you can use acrylic varnish with nylon thread - it will increase the strength of the plate and eliminate minor irregularities and roughness. The product also contains natural resins and other beneficial substances, including vitamins for nails, which promote rapid growth and recovery.
• Some try to strengthen it with gel polish. Indeed, this polymer is highly durable and combines with the natural nail almost into one whole. However, the product only “preserves” the plate, preventing it from breaking off, but does not eliminate the cause of fragility. The same applies to strengthening with a gel polish base.

Beautiful nails strengthened with gel polish.

Important: In order for the polymer composition to last for a long time, it is necessary to properly prepare the nail plate: degrease and disinfect with a primer or other means. And then treat all layers of coating with a high-quality UV lamp.

• Regular gel polish can be replaced with shellac - this is also a new generation polymer, but more environmentally friendly. It does not contain formaldehyde and toluene, which makes the product safe for allergy sufferers and pregnant women. The downside of shellac is its instability to prolonged exposure to water and temperature changes. Microcracks form on the coating, through which fungal infections can penetrate.

Gelatin bath for nails

Natural gelatin contains valuable amino acids, vitamins and microelements, so it perfectly strengthens and nourishes the weakened nail plate.

Soak pure gelatin without impurities and dyes (in powder or plates) in warm, but not hot water - 25 g of gelatin per 1 glass. When the gelatin swells, slightly heat the bath in a water bath. The main thing is to never bring it to a boil! Immerse your fingers in the bath for 15-20 minutes. Perform the procedure at least twice a week for a month.

Beauty recipes: DIY sheet mask with aloe vera and honey

Strengthening nails at home

No matter what innovative products the beauty industry offers, you should not give up traditional methods of treatment, especially since they will cost much less and do not threaten side effects.

Affordable products for strengthening and growing nails

Home baths are considered the simplest and most effective. Depending on the components, they can have different effects:

How to strengthen your nails at home with masks

Method 9. Jojoba oil

Like any cosmetic oil, it is distinguished by its healing properties. It contains substances that help restore weakened nails. Just warm up the jojoba oil a little and rub it into the cuticle. Oil is not washed off with water, so make this mask at night so that your nails are saturated with fats, vitamins and microelements.

Method 10. Vitamins

Pharmacy vitamins in capsules will help quickly strengthen your nails. As usual, mix vitamins A and E and simply apply. I think everyone is familiar with a similar hair mask. Do a whole course, lasting 5-7 days. You won’t regret it - your nails will become stronger, their surface will be smoother and acquire a healthy shade.

Method 11. Gelatin

It is good for its ability to restore a damaged plate after frequent changes of varnish. Do not buy one that contains fruit or berry juice; it is suitable for desserts. We need a regular, colorless one. It is dissolved in hot water and the fingers are lowered for a quarter of an hour. Gelatin pleasantly envelops your fingers, interesting sensations are guaranteed. Why not a spa?

Expert opinion

Marianna Sergienkova

Expert of the LiteDay project. Pharmacist, certified fitness trainer, leads exercise therapy, Pilates, step and aerobics groups, 27 years old

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Important! The gelatin bath should be hot, do not wait for the composition to cool too much. It is enough that the temperature is tolerable for the skin of the hands.

Method 12. Iodine

This mask is done at night, since iodine colors the surface of the plate bright yellow. But not all beauties are ready to wear such a “manicure”. The drier the nail plate, the faster iodine is absorbed into it. Therefore, watch the reaction - it will tell you a lot of interesting things about your nails.

Iodine is used to strengthen nails while at home. It is advisable to make such a mask regularly, once every 7-10 days. You will not only strengthen your nails, but will also additionally save your body from iodine deficiency, which, as you know, affects most of the population of our large country.

Method 13. Castor + olive oil

This is a lifesaver. It comes to the rescue when you need to quickly restore the condition of your nails. Both oils alone solve a whole range of problems in restoring the normal condition of hands. And together they will help to quickly moisturize your nails and stimulate their further growth. Simply mix the oils in equal parts and rub in using massage movements. Don’t be lazy, a couple of such pleasant procedures and it will become a habit.

Method 14. Oatmeal + chamomile flowers

Take pharmaceutical chamomile, mix 1:1 with any oatmeal (sacrifice breakfast), then pour boiling water over it and leave to cool. Beat the resulting medicinal pulp with a blender until smooth and apply to your hands. Give your skin and nails the opportunity to recover and gain beneficial microelements. Yes, it doesn't look very attractive, but console yourself with the fact that it is really useful.

Method 15. Oil compress

Take equal parts of fruit oil - peach, grape, apricot will do, and essential oils - ylang-ylang, sandalwood, thyme, etc. – and heat to a temperature that is pleasant for the skin. Rub the oil mixture into the cuticle and plate. You will saturate your nails with nutrients and vitamins. And what a aroma it will be!

Method 16. Green tea mask

Brew fresh green tea, mix with vegetable oil (whatever you have) in a ratio of 1 to 4. Warm the mixture and hold the mask for about 20 minutes. Then you don’t have to wash your hands, but blot the residue with a napkin and walk around in fabric gloves for another forty minutes. This mask generally has a positive effect on your hands.

Method 17. Gelatin + honey

Dissolve regular yellow gelatin in hot water; when the composition becomes liquid and homogeneous, add honey to it. Keep your hands in the resulting mixture for half an hour. Both ingredients included in this mask very well nourish the cuticle and nail plate, strengthen and make nails less brittle.

Method 18. Lemon + sea salt

This mask is a gift for tired hands, because... Here you will find minerals, a cocktail of vitamins and benefits for the cuticle. Squeeze a spoonful of juice from a lemon, mix it with a spoonful of salt and rub the mixture on your fingers, rubbing in gently. Take your time to avoid damaging your delicate skin with the abrasive salt. In ten minutes. Rinse your hands and moisturize with cream.

Tip: If you don’t have sea salt on hand, take table salt.

Method 19. Wax + yolk + oil

Boiled yolk with wax will return tired, fragile nails to their former hardness. Take peach (you can use apricot or even any other fruit) oil, grind the boiled yolk, melt 4 grams. wax and mix all ingredients. You should get an ointment that you will rub daily (preferably at night) into the nail plate for a week. And be sure to write about the results in the comments.

Method 20. Peroxide and lemon

Impact composition for yellowed marigolds. It is necessary to alternate both means. First, for a week, wipe your nails daily with a cotton swab dipped in peroxide. Then we wipe our nails for a week with a cotton swab dipped in lemon juice. We take a week break and repeat the course again. Nails may turn yellow due to poor-quality coating, the negative effects of chlorine-containing products, and this can be associated with smoking. There are many reasons, but such a mask will help cope with the consequences.

The above baths and masks for strengthening nails at home are also good because they can be combined. So, you can add essential or fruit oils to herbal decoctions, and add your favorite herbs to sea salt and vice versa. Therefore, knowing the beneficial properties of certain products, you can always play a little with the ingredients and make a useful mask from what you currently have on hand.