Much like not getting your hair wet after a perm for at least 24 hours (name that movie), the first cardinal rule of nail care is do not pick off your gel manicure and yet… that’s exactly what I did.

An incredibly hectic diary meant my gel manicure was slowly inching up my nail bed but I had zero time to go and get it removed by a professional. So, over the span of a few days, I found myself absent-mindedly picking it off until it was all gone.

While I was happy that the last remnants of my manicure had disappeared, my nails were not. All of that picking, scratching and peeling left my nails damaged and they flaked and split easily. Previously, I could grow my nails long, but then they were left so weak and would break before they were even half my usual length.

It was only after a casual conversation with a friend (and weeks of constant flaking) that led me to pick up a nail strengthener, samely Essie’s Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener, £9.99. The formula claims to ‘create a protective barrier against daily wear and tear’, something I needed in order to give my nails time to repair themselves.

After a few weeks of using this nail strengthener, I noticed my nails were a lot smoother (signs of flaking and uneven ridges were long gone), they felt stronger (no more bending) and finally regained the ability to grow long again. Plus, the formula has been developed in a shade of rosy pink that makes your fingertips look healthier. Almost like a lip gloss for your nails.

Of course, everybody’s nails are different and sometimes slow growth or weak nails can be the result of diet, lifestyle or a deficiency. But if, like me, your nails are damaged after picking apart a gel mani or just not caring for them properly, we asked manicurist Georgia Barker to explain how to get them back to good condition.

“Improper removal of your gel manicure can cause natural nail damage when not removed gently or with the correct techniques. When the gel is picked, pulled or prised off, this can causes thinning and trauma to your natural nail.”

“To prevent further trauma, keep your natural nails trimmed short. I recommend Navy Pro Tools’ Beryl clippers, £38, and using a gentle 150/220 grit file, shape the nails into a rounded edge – this way they are less likely to catch and tear. When filing, a back-and-forth motion will only cause the nail to splinter. Instead, file in one direction using long, swift, gentle strokes.

“Apply a treatment base coat. I’d recommend OPI’s Repair Mode, £29.90, a bond-building base designed to repair the keratin structure in your nail. It protects against breakage and visibly reduces the appearance of any damage. 

• “Invest in a good nail file. I would recommend a glass one for at-home use as they are longer wearing and easy to clean. You are less likely to create microscopic tears in the nail using this type of file. Try the Margaret Dabbs London Crystal Nail File, £16.
• Try a biotin supplement. Brittle nails that are prone to peeling can be a sign of a biotin deficiency (B vitamin). Supplementing your diet with an extra dose may encourage strength to your natural nails.
• Use a strengthening base coat.
• Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Healthy cuticles equal healthy nails. Dry hands and cuticles can be a problem when trying to maintain nail strength and health.”

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands