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To be fair, its not that these types of manicures are damaging in their own right.

Image of woman’s hands with natural nails

Hvostikova/Adobe Stock

Rather, theremoval processis public enemy number one.

All of the above can leave your tips looking, in a word, rough.

But dont reach for the polish in shame: There is hope.

180 Grit File in gray and green color way on white background

Start with a clean slate.

Then, cut them.

One to try: the Gelish 180 Grit File.

Glass Nail File in soft purple and clear gradient with case on light gray background

Even so, its a good idea to file no more than once per week.

Gelish

180 Grit File

Amazon

Londontown

Glass Nail File

2.

Consider exfoliating (yes, your nails).

Nail Renewal System in branded box packaging next to accessories on white background

File this one under Who wouldve thought?

It can be helpful to exfoliate, then moisturize.

(Researchsuggests that glycolic acid is an effective treatment for rough, uneven nails.)

ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil To Go in branded white tube on white background

Dr. Dana Beauty

Nail Renewal System

3.

Load up on cuticle oil.

Your cuticles protect the nail matrix, which is where nail growth starts, Belakhlef explains.

Cuticle Serum in branded pink and white packaging with applicator on gray background

(Its the little whitish half-moon-shaped crescent you might best see on your thumbs.)

A plant wont grow from dry soil, and the same applies to your nails, says Smith.

Still, thebest cuticle oilis one youre actually going to use, says Belakhelf.

imPRESS Color Short Press-On Manicure Nails in branded box packaging on white background

Choose one in a format that will make tool easy and fuss-free.

Resist the urge to bite your nails…

Cuticle oils other big benefit?

…and to go back to your old gel mani ways.

Mini Nail Buffer Blocks in deep coral color on white background

They like the Kiss ImPress Color Short Press-On Manicure Nails ($8,Ulta).

Kiss

imPRESS Color Short Press-On Manicure Nails

Ulta

6.

Try buffingonce your nails are healthy.

Once your plates are in better condition, you might start, so long as you do so correctly.

Try the Maryton Mini Nail Buffer Blocks ($6,Amazon).

Maryton

Mini Nail Buffer Blocks

Congratulations, youve now completed your six-step nail rehab program.

Does this mean you will never get another gel or acrylic manicure againor that you absolutely shouldnt?

Rather, consider this a handy (see what we did there?)

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