How to strengthen nails after dip powder

There’s a lot to love about having perfectly manicured nails. Some of us choose acrylics, gels, or powders. Whichever option you choose there can be a downside. Regular manicures can weaken nails. Sometimes it’s not obvious this is happening until you try switching back to natural nails.

After multiple manicures, your nails can become dry and brittle. Some nails even become thinner and start to split. It’s side effects like this that can drive some people to completely give up on growing long nails naturally. Instead, they choose to rely on artificial nails because they believe their nails will never fully recover again. 

If you’re one of the unlucky ones who’s given up on going natural I’ve got some great news. Don’t lose hope yet! I understand how easy it is to rely on acrylics but you don’t have to. I’ve discovered a few ways you can help restore your damaged nails after getting an acrylic, gel, or dip powder manicure.

The effects of dip powder on your nails

You can achieve some lovable looks with your nails. But overusing nail treatments for dip powder nails can result in some adverse effects. Your nails can become dry and brittle when you don’t give them time to breathe and flourish naturally. The same can be said for alternatives like gel and acrylic nails.

Sometimes a nail treatment can block out moisture from being absorbed into your nails. Giving your nails a break from dip powders, gel and acrylic nail treatments may be one of the best ways to prevent damage in the first place.

Reasons why you should strengthen your nails again

After relying on acrylic nails for so long it may come as a shock to discover what your natural nails are like now. When you remove your acrylics, your natural nails may seem thinner and more prone to breaking. So why not give them a chance to grow back and recover properly?

It may take a while to restore your natural nails but it’s safe to say the results are worth it. It can take as long as eight weeks to strengthen nails and restore them to their original state. Growing your nails out to a generous length can take up to three months. But once you’re done, your nails will be stronger, healthier and ready for manicure treatments again.

It’s not just the amount of time spent getting your nails done at a salon. Some people choose to revert back to natural nails because of the cost too. If you’re looking to tighten your budget on life’s little luxuries then going natural with your nails can help. Applying your own nail dipping powders can also help reduce the cost of your manicures. 

What you can do to strengthen nails

One of the first things you need to do for strengthening your nails is to remove whatever you have on them. If you’re not confident with removing gel nails or acrylics yourself, there’s no harm in visiting a nail salon. There a professional can take the right time and care with removing your nails. 

After nail removal, your daily regime to strengthen nails can start with applying a coat of Nail Strengthener. This treatment is as simple as applying a coat of strengthener every day for a week. The length of this treatment really depends on how much you want to strengthen nails and how damaged they already were. For some people, it may take a week while others prefer a week and a half until they're satisfied with the results.

After your nail strengthener has dried, apply some Cuticle Oil. For best results, I recommend applying this oil twice a day. Any easy way to add this treatment to your daily schedule is to apply the oil once in the morning and once at night before bed. The last step I recommend is to apply some moisturising hand and nail cream. By applying nail products in this order you may notice that the oil absorbs into the nail bed better while the cream creates a barrier that locks in moisture.

Cuticle care and nail filing

When it comes to the condition of your cuticles it’s best to take a hands-off approach. Your cuticles are there to protect new nail growth from happening underneath your skin. So let nature do its thing. Your cuticles should grow back beautifully and start preparing your nails for stronger and healthier growth. 

During the period of nail growth, there’s nothing wrong with using a Nail File. Just try to be gentle. Filing too roughly can lead to your nails more susceptible to splits and breakages. Proper filing can help protect your nails by sealing keratin layers together at the edges. This seal can help prevent chipping and peeling. 

Health and nutrition

Your current nail issues may be more than skin deep. Many health issues can contribute to poor nails. More often than not, poor nail health can be a side effect of a much bigger health issue. I’m not saying you need to rush to a doctor as soon as your nails dry out. But consider your overall health and see if any other issues may be playing a part.

Your first step could be trying out some new vitamin and mineral supplements. You’ll find many of these at your local chemist that are specifically made to promote good nail, skin, and hair health. A lack of vitamins and minerals in your body can be caused by a poor diet. So maybe it’s worth talking to a dietician or doctor to see where you may be going wrong. 

Final advice

So when it comes to strengthening your nails, try and take a holistic approach. How often you get a manicure can affect how dry your nails become. Applying moisturisers and oils can definitely help maintain the health of your nails during regrowth. And let’s not forget to pay attention to your overall health. Dry nails can be a sign that your body isn’t getting the vitamins and minerals it needs.

Here at DIPD Nails, we are just as passionate about nail health and the latest trends for dip powder nails. That’s why we offer a no-nonsense range of nail care products designed for nourishing and strengthening your nails. Not sure where to begin with your recovery? Check out our latest Nourish Hand Cream Set that includes moisturisers and cuticle oil.