Recently removed your gel nails? Here are three products our beauty writer recommends

For a variety of reasons, this past weekend I removed my gel nails myself after a good six years of constantly wearing them. Sure, acetone and alcohol aren’t great but regular visits to the salon have kept my nails in good shape. Once your nails are removed by a professional, they should be fine. But because I filed my own off, they felt weak, looked flaky and needed some nourishment. After a day of treating them kindly with the following three products, they look good as new.

Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil, €6

This little vial of oil rehydrates and restores cuticles, nails, and skin surrounding the nail with a blend of super healing oils (grapeseed oil, kukui nut oil, sesame and vitamin E). Where other nail products feel like a plaster, visibly improving the damage but not really making a difference, this sinks in. I’ve added mine to the growing collection of go-to beauty products I keep at my desk, so when I need a brain pause, I can paint the oil onto my nail beds, roll it on with my fingertips and breathe in the citrusy smell. Use regularly for a mind refresh and healthy nails and nailbeds.

Coconut Merchant Organic Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, €8.09

Can’t remove your waterproof mascara? Coconut oil. Can’t fix your weak nails? Coconut oil. Can’t fix your broken relationship? Coconut oil. Add your flaking nails to the list of things that coconut oil can work miracles on. It won’t absorb quickly, so you’ll have to rub that magical elixir in and sit patiently, but you will visibly see the benefits of it hydrating your nails instantly. Nothing coconut oil can’t fix.

Mane ‘N Tail Hoofmaker Hand & Nail Therapy, €7.95

You’ve probably loved Mane ‘N Tail’s shampoos and conditioners from Boots – you know, the one with the horse on it – but their Hoofmaker Hand and Nail Therapy cream seems to fly under the radar. It’s non-greasy and quickly absorbed, with no real scent. Rub it gently into the nails and cuticles with your fingertips in a circular motion to restore nutrients into the nails. Bonus – before bed, massage a thick layer of it into cracked ankles or dry foot soles and pop your socks on. Wake up to soothed, smoothed hooves.

Featured image:@aliciatnails