Why do nails turn yellow and peel after shellac: answers from a master

Shellac coating is one of the new manicure products. It gives nails strength and lasts a long time, withstanding exposure to water and detergents. The palette of shellac colors is very rich, and its color is more saturated than any traditional manicure varnish. But the new product has a significant disadvantage: after it is removed, the nail plate becomes thinner and requires special care. Simple procedures that you can do yourself will help her recover. Treating nails after shellac at home will take very little time, and these will be minutes spent on relaxation and harmony with yourself. But before we discuss recipes, a little theory: what is shellac made of and why does it damage nails?

Myths about the dangers of shellac

There is a lot of debate about whether shellac is harmful. The first step is to consider and debunk common myths. Namely:

• The product contains hazardous substances. In fact, the composition of shellac is much safer than that of a regular budget coating, which contains toluenes, formaldehydes and other toxic components.
• The product ruins your nails. With proper nail preparation, shellac not only does not damage the nail plate, but also protects it from external influences.
• Requires exposure to harmful ultraviolet light. In fact, this is not necessary. Shellac hardens perfectly under the light of a completely safe LED lamp.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Shellac

An allergy to Shellac (gel polish) can manifest itself as follows:

• redness of the skin around the nail plate;
• peeling;
• itching;
• rash on fingers and hands.

It is important to distinguish an allergic reaction from other possible consequences of a manicure with Shellac: when using low-quality gel polish removers, nail separation, brittleness, and peeling of the skin around the nail plate are possible.

Another disease that requires differentiation from allergies is fungal nail infection .

The main manifestations of a fungal disease are changes in the nail plate - its deformation, color change, roughness, nail detachment, brittleness. If these signs occur, you should immediately begin treatment with antifungal drugs, during which time you should stop covering your nails with Shellac.

Objective danger

Is shellac harmful? If your nails are healthy and your nail technician is a professional, your nails are in no danger. But unfortunately, the ideal picture of nail service is extremely rare. Therefore, you should beware of this real danger:

• Shellac creates a durable, airtight coating underneath which creates a greenhouse effect. This is an ideal environment for fungus to multiply and other diseases to develop.
• To remove the coating, use acetone, which dries out the nail plate. In addition, additional mechanical action may be required to remove residual product.
• The main harm of shellac is that before applying it, the surface of the nail is sanded, which is why the plate becomes much thinner. If the technician overdoes it, the plate can be seriously damaged.
• Shellac is worn for 3-4 weeks. During this time, you will not notice darkening, yellowness and other signs of nail diseases under the opaque coating. Thus, you are deprived of the opportunity to solve the problem at the initial stage.
• The harm of shellac is also associated with allergic reactions caused by methacrylate. The problem occurs with repeated use of the product and manifests itself in the form of itching and severe rashes.

There is especially a lot of controversy regarding the use of shellac during pregnancy. In principle, this is not prohibited. If expectant mothers do not want to deny themselves a beautiful manicure, it is better for them to refuse products that contain camphor oil.

Causes of yellow nails after shellac

How nice it is to come to a beauty salon and put yourself in the hands of a professional master who will skillfully perform a beautiful manicure.

At the same time, few of us are familiar with the composition of the gel that is fixed on the nails. But the packaging claims collagen, which, with the help of a special lamp, literally “melts” into the surface layer of the nail.

During the next correction, the old gel polish is removed along with the upper part of the nail, and this is the biggest danger to its health. This is why experts do not recommend wearing Shellac all the time. It is advisable to take breaks every six months.

Important Disclaimer

Whatever means and procedures you resort to, you should not expect instant miraculous restoration of your nails after shellac. All measures are aimed at relieving discomfort and improving the functional state of the damaged plate. But a nail is dead tissue, so restoration as such can only be discussed after it has completely grown back.

To speed up this process, you need to follow two simple rules. First, you need to apply moisturizing oils to your cuticles daily. Secondly, it is important to adhere to a balanced diet and take vitamin and mineral complexes rich in calcium.

What else can cause allergies?

In addition to the components of the varnish, allergies after shellac can also be caused by prolonged irradiation under an ultraviolet lamp. If you have previously had an unusual reaction to sunlight, it is likely that this problem will arise when using a UV lamp. Sometimes the cause may be some of the varnish that gets on the skin, especially for those girls whose skin is overly sensitive.

Pay attention to how you store your polish. If it has been frozen or constantly exposed to the sun, its chemical formula changes along with the reaction of the nails and skin to it. The very first irritation is noticed only after several months of constant use.

Baths

Baths are ideal for restoring nails after shellac at home. Salt treatments will help make the nail plate harder and stronger. Namely:

• in a glass of warm water, dilute a tablespoon of salt (preferably sea or iodized);
• add a couple of drops of citrus ether or lemon juice;
• keep your nails in the solution for 10 minutes;
• dry your hands and apply plenty of moisturizer.

If the nail plate is severely damaged and dry, it is better to give preference to oil baths. The procedure is carried out as follows:

• lightly heat the olive oil (it is better to use unrefined);
• dip the marigolds in the liquid for 10 minutes;
• wet your hands with a napkin and rub the remaining oil into the nail plate.

Gelatin mask

Gelatin has an intense restorative effect. A mask based on this product is an effective analogue of salon sealing. Here's how the procedure is done.

• Dissolve a tablespoon of instant gelatin in a glass of hot water.
• When the liquid has cooled to a comfortable warm temperature, dip your fingertips into it.
• After a quarter of an hour, remove your hands from the liquid and gently rub the residue into your nails.
• Dry your hands with a napkin and apply cream.

Salon treatments

For quick and high-quality restoration of nails after shellac, use salon services. Here are the most popular and effective procedures.

• Sealing. The procedure involves the use of a mixture of beeswax and honey. The product is applied to damaged nails and rubbed in intensively. As a result, a protective breathable film is formed, giving the nail plate elasticity. Externally, nails look healthier.
• Paraffin applications. They can be used both directly on the nails and on the skin of the hands in general. The tips of your fingers or brushes are dipped into melted warm paraffin, after which the “mask” is left for 20-30 minutes. After the procedure, the skin becomes moisturized and soft, and the nails are elastic and smooth.
• Healing varnishes. To restore nails, products rich in beneficial substances are used. As a rule, the composition contains vitamins, minerals, calcium, silk fibers, and so on. They prevent further destruction of the nail plate and improve its appearance. Most professional compositions require polymerization. Make sure that the technician uses an LED lamp and not harmful ultraviolet light.

Recovery methods

There are many recovery methods. Many of them are very easy to use at home. Some, of course, require a visit to the salon.

Biowax

Many salons provide a procedure such as bio-wax coating. It is often also called “nail sealing.” During the procedure, the master applies a special coating that contains beeswax and honey. As a result, a thin, almost invisible film is formed on the nails, which protects them from harmful external influences and nourishes them from the inside.

After regular coating with biowax, the risk of delamination is reduced, fragility is reduced and the nails acquire a healthy appearance.

Healing varnishes

Many cosmetic companies produce entire lines of restoration products.

Treatment in this way is very convenient:

• firstly, you can apply this varnish yourself at home;
• secondly, it does not take much time and does not require regular expenses.

When choosing a medicinal varnish, it is very important to carefully consider its quality and composition. It is better to focus on those companies that have been on the market for a long time and are in demand among professionals.

The composition of the medicinal varnish must include:

• various minerals;
• silk fibers;
• vitamins;
• calcium.

Oils

Oil compresses are one of the most popular remedies that can be used regularly at home.

For such a compress you only need a convenient container, healthy oils and a little free time. Professionals talk about the benefits of olive and almond oil, but you can choose any others - there is no fundamental difference between them.

How to use oils:

1. Prepare some oil.
2. Heat it in the microwave or in a water bath. Do not heat it too much, the temperature should be comfortable.
3. Dip your fingertips into the container for 10-15 minutes. If the oil does not cool for a long time, you can keep it longer.
4. Blot off any remaining oil with a paper towel.

Masks

Vitamin masks are perfect for home recovery. The ingredients for them can be bought at a regular store. Masks can be based on berries, honey, eggs and various oils.

Berry mask

To prepare this mask, you can use any berries that contain acid: currants, cranberries or raspberries.

Required ingredients:

• a handful of fresh berries;
• spoon of honey;
• a few tablespoons of vegetable oil (2-3 tsp).

All ingredients must be crushed using a blender. Then apply the mixture to your nails and the skin around the nails. For greater effect, you can wrap your hands with plastic wrap. This mask must be kept on your hands for 30-40 minutes.

Pepper based mask

This mask will not only quickly restore your nails, but also accelerate their growth.

Required ingredients:

• 1 tsp ground red pepper;
• 2 tbsp. water;
• 2 tbsp. hand cream or any rich cream (perfect for children).

All components must be thoroughly mixed and heated in a water bath. Then apply to the nail plate until it cools completely. To improve the effect, it is recommended to wear plastic gloves on your hands or wrap them in cling film.

The composition of the ingredients can be changed at your own discretion. The main thing is that they contain all the necessary vitamins. If, when applying a mask to your fingers, discomfort begins to appear, then it is better to end the procedure and choose another recovery method.

Paraffin wrap

Paraffin wrap is a very popular service in many beauty salons. But if you buy all the necessary ingredients, it can be easily repeated at home.

The essence of this procedure is that molten paraffin is applied to the hands. It should be kept for at least 20-25 minutes. As a result, any microcracks disappear, and a neat and healthy appearance of the hands appears. In addition, many experts note that paraffin perfectly fights aging of the skin of the hands and its pigmentation.

Strengthening baths

To restore the vitality of your nails, you can try various strengthening baths.

Herbal baths

Herbal baths are an excellent solution to the problem of deteriorating nail health. So, chamomile decoction perfectly relieves inflammation and promotes wound healing, and alendula will soothe irritation and relieve fatigue.

How to use herbal baths:

1. It is necessary to prepare a suitable decoction of medicinal herbs.
2. Cool it to a comfortable temperature and immerse it in your hand.
3. Keep your hands in the bath for at least 15-20 minutes.
4. Then carefully wipe off any remaining liquid and use a moisturizer.

You can use pine needles. It perfectly tones and helps eliminate fungal infections.

Sea salt baths

Sea salt is an excellent remedy, proven by more than one generation. This procedure is very easy to do at home. To speed up and enhance the effect, some experts recommend adding iodine, soda or essential oils. After regular procedures, many note that their nails become stronger and begin to grow faster.

For such a bath you only need a tablespoon of salt and 150 ml of water. You should keep your hands in it for at least 15 minutes. After the procedure, you must apply a nourishing cream to them.

Folk recipes

In addition to using berries and sea salt, there are several other effective folk remedies for recovery.

Iodine mesh

It is best to apply iodine mesh daily, before bed. But in order not to dry out the cuticle, you should make a very weak iodine solution. It can be diluted with ordinary boiled water.

There is no need to worry about the appearance of your manicure: overnight the iodine will be completely absorbed and will not leave any traces.

Clay

Cosmetic clay has a valuable composition that has a beneficial effect on the structure of the nail plate. However, it dries out your hands, so after the procedure you must apply nourishing, rich creams.

You should not use clay more than 2-3 times a month.

Gelatin

Gelatin helps to simply restore nails after shellac, as well as strengthen them well and accelerate growth.

For a gelatin bath you only need 250 ml of water and 30 g of gelatin. Dip your fingers into this solution for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat the procedure 2-3 times a week.

Professional strengthening products

The modern market is rich in various nail care products. They can be divided into preventive and therapeutic. Some drugs regenerate tissue, others strengthen, and others nourish and moisturize.

"Smart enamel"

The product contains provitamin B5, which provides high-quality hydration and nutrition of nails. It is better to apply enamel daily. This is very convenient to do because it quickly absorbs and dries. It does not need to be dried in a lamp.

"OPI"

This product was developed by specialists for high-quality and quick strengthening of the nail plate. It contains keratinic acids. They are useful because they cover the surface with a thin layer and give it strength. It is convenient to apply the product both in the salon and at home. The full course lasts 2-3 weeks.

The drug should be applied every other day. The surface of the plate is leveled, smoothed and strengthened after the first applications.

"Mavala Science"

This drug is also rich in various nutrients that allow you to quickly cure your nails. Before using it, the surface to be treated should be thoroughly degreased. It should be applied only to the edge of the nail plate, as it is aimed specifically at preventing brittleness.

Masters pay attention to the fact that the product contains several aggressive components, so it should not come into contact with the skin and cuticles.

"Eveline"

Evelyn belongs to budget funds. And this is its undoubted advantage. This drug accelerates the regeneration of nail tissue and the growth process.

The developers of Evelyn varnish claim that it can solve 8 problems at once:

• prevents delamination;
• makes the nail stronger;
• eliminates fragility;
• makes the nail surface smooth;
• strengthens weakened nails;
• removes dullness;
• makes the nail plate thicker;
• gives nails a matte finish.

It should be applied every day. But experts recommend not wiping off the product from your nails for the first three days - they should have three layers of varnish on them.

"Sally Hansen"

Manufacturers claim that this varnish is designed to eliminate delamination. It gives the plate hardness and protects it from external influences.

Before application, it is necessary to degrease the nails and coat the cuticles with oil to protect them from drying out. Particular attention should be paid to the edges of the nails. Experts recommend applying two coats every day. You can use the varnish as an independent product, or as a base coat before a manicure.

IBX complex

The difference between the IBX complex and other restorative products is that its nutrients penetrate deep into the structure of the nail and treat it from the inside. Many compare the effect after its use with salon procedures.

This varnish “eats” very strongly into the structure, so it cannot be removed with any special means. It grows along with the nail.

How to use the complex:

1. Prepare your nails: clean the surface and degrease it.
2. Apply the coating to the entire nail and dry in a UV lamp.
3. Remove the sticky layer with a cotton pad.
4. Apply a second coat and dry again in the lamp.
5. Remove sticky layer.

It is better to apply the complex in 2-3 layers. Gel polish can be applied over the coating.

Proper nutrition

All of the above procedures have only an external effect. But don't forget how important it is to nourish your nails. To do this, you should pay special attention to your diet: it must be balanced.

If the products contain a sufficient amount of essential microelements - calcium and vitamins, then your nails will delight you with their healthy appearance for a long time. During the period of vitamin deficiency, it is especially important to use complex vitamins: groups A, B, C and E. To do this, you need to add products such as fish, herbs, milk, cottage cheese and cheese to your menu.

Restorative varnishes

Therapeutic restorative varnishes can be used not only in the salon, but also at home. Here are the most popular and effective means:

• STRENGTHENING CONDITIONER WITH SILK - a restoring and strengthening product based on silk. When applied in a double layer, it nourishes well and improves the appearance of the nail plate.
• Regenerating conditioner with keratin - therapeutic conditioning coating based on keratin. It deeply moisturizes the nail plate and protects it from external negative influences. It can be used as a stand-alone coating or as a base for varnish.
• “Force of Nature” is a varnish based on sea minerals. Used as an independent strengthening coating or as a preventive base for cosmetic varnish.
• Kalyon is a professional product with strengthening and stimulating properties. Used in a three-week course. Thanks to its pleasant pearlescent shade, it can serve as a replacement for varnish.
• Keratin Nail Restorer is a moisturizing coating based on keratin. When applied daily, it partially restores the structure of the damaged plate, improving its appearance.

Recovery using IBX System

Needless to say, after removing the gel coating, the appearance of the nail plate leaves much to be desired. It may take 3-4 months for complete regrowth and recovery. But can a woman afford to walk around with a sloppy manicure all this time? The IBX nail system will help give your nails a natural, well-groomed look and speed up recovery.

It consists of two drugs. The first has a natural oil base and is intended to nourish, moisturize and accelerate the growth of nails, as well as gluing scales on the damaged surface. The second is a protective coating that neutralizes negative external influences and improves the appearance of the nail plate.

It is important that the use of the complex requires polymerization in an LED lamp. But women say that at home you can use a hairdryer or an incandescent lamp. The result of the procedure is the effect of a completely healthy natural nail. You can apply regular decorative varnish or even gel polish on top of the coating. Depending on the extent of nail damage, up to four treatments per month will be needed to maintain the effect.

The main disadvantage of the product in question is its high cost. The set costs about 3,000 rubles (the mini version costs about 1,500 rubles). If we are talking about a salon procedure, one session will cost you about 1,000 rubles.

Minor factors in the development of allergies

Another important factor why fingers itch and skin peels after shellac is a reaction to nail polish remover. Some girls attribute the allergen qualities to “Bluesky” or any other type of shellac, although the cause of the allergy is actually the “old-fashioned” acetone liquid for removing decorative coatings.

Article on the topic: How to treat eczema on the hands - medications and folk remedies

In addition to the components of Shellac, allergies can occur to ultraviolet lamps. In this case, the question arises not only of how to get rid of an allergy to shellac, but also why the skin reacts this way to UV rays. We are talking about individual sensitivity, intolerance to UV.

Gel polish Bluesky

If your hands are swollen after using a nail dryer, your cuticles are itchy, you experience itching, burning and other allergy symptoms, this may indicate problems with your health. For example, reduced immunity or the presence of fungus in the body. In this case, you need to get rid of fungal processes first. Nail plates and toes are a favorite place for mycoses of all types.

Wax from DNC

An affordable and effective remedy for restoring nails after gel coating is DNC biowax. The product has an immediate effect and gives your nails a well-groomed appearance. This is achieved through the following components:

• Beeswax and paraffin make the nail plate invulnerable to sunlight, aggressive substances and other harmful environmental factors.
• Castor oil - deeply moisturizes the nail plate and cuticle, and also promotes rapid healing of microdamages.
• Silicone - fills microcracks in damaged nails, and also creates additional protection from the negative effects of external factors.
• Vitamin-mineral complex - deeply nourishes the nail plate and promotes its rapid regrowth.

Judging by the reviews, this inexpensive budget product takes excellent care of your nails, gives them a neat appearance and is in no way inferior to the salon sealing procedure. The only drawback is the greasy texture. If you do not rub the composition into your nails properly, you can stain furniture and clothes with the remaining fat.

If your nails come off

If, after shellac, the nails move away from the skin, you should immediately consult a dermatovenerologist, because the problem may be associated not only with mechanical damage, but also with a fungal infection and other serious diseases. Treatment may be as follows:

• mechanical removal of the diseased nail;
• use of local and general antifungal drugs;
• taking vitamin and mineral complexes;
• laser treatment;
• following a special diet.