8 Ways to Strengthen Your Nails after Acrylics or Gels

How to heal damaged nails after acrylics?

Beautiful, healthy nails don’t have to come from acrylics, gels, or frequent salon appointments. In fact, these artificial enhancements can often leave nails weaker and more brittle over time. Instead, the path to strong, naturally resilient nails lies in mindful daily habits, nutrient-rich self-care, and using clean, science-backed nail products.

As someone who’s spent years researching the connection between nutrition, skincare, and nail health, I’ve learned that even small changes — switching out your regular polish remover for a gentle more nourishing one, a nightly good quality hand cream, or a consuming more nutritious foods — these can really transform fragile nails into smooth, glossy, healthy tips.

Below are my eight proven ways to strengthen nails without resorting to acrylics or gels.

1. Moisturise Your Hands and Nails Regularly

Hydration is the foundation of healthy nails and healthy skin. Dry nails lose flexibility and are far more likely to crack or split. By keeping your hands and nails well moisturised, you’re strengthening the nail plate and supporting natural keratin repair.

Apply a high-performance hand cream rich in botanical oils and antioxidants after every hand wash and before bed. This simple step prevents dehydration and supports long-term nail resilience.

Pro tip: Massage a few drops of the SCOUT Cuticle & Nail Rescue Oil into the nail beds and cuticles each night. The combination of Certified Organic Camellia, Almond, Jojoba, and Lemon Myrtle oils delivers essential fatty acids that restore suppleness and prevent brittleness.

Scientific support: Research shows that topical application of natural oils improves hydration and elasticity of the nail plate, helping prevent onychoschizia (splitting and peeling) . 

2. Apply a Clean Nail Strengthener

When nails feel thin or fragile, a targeted strengthener helps create a smoother surface while fortifying the nail’s keratin structure.

Our SCOUT Smooth + Perfect Ridge Filler is formulated with plant-derived ingredients that penetrate deeply to reinforce weak, uneven nails — without the harsh chemicals found in traditional strengtheners. This ‘green’ formula smooths ridges, reduces splitting, and creates a breathable barrier for natural growth.

Apply one to two coats on clean nails once a week. It also makes an excellent base coat under polish.

Scientific support: Keratin-binding amino acids and conditioning agents have been shown to improve the hardness and surface integrity of nails over regular use. 

3. Take a Break Between Long-Lasting Manicures

Gel and acrylic manicures can give temporary beauty, but the removal process — especially if it involves acetone, filing down or scraping (have you seen some of the utensils involved!!)— often causes long-term thinning of the nail plate. I always encourage a short “nail detox” between salon visits.

Allowing nails to breathe and regenerate improves both strength and shine. During this recovery phase, keep them protected with a hydrating base coat or ridge filler, and focus on intensive cuticle care.

Read next: How Often Should You Use a Ridge Filler?

Scientific support: Studies confirm that repeated exposure to UV curing and acetone removal can cause keratin degradation and brittleness in nails .

4. Consider Going Shorter

Long nails may look glamorous, but they’re also more likely to snag and break. Keeping nails trimmed to a manageable length helps reduce stress on the nail bed. File them gently in one direction (avoid sawing back and forth) using a fine-grit emery board.

Rounded or squoval shapes distribute pressure evenly, preventing chips along the edges.

Try this: Follow trimming with a light buff and a coat of Ridge Filler for instant smoothness and a clean, polished look. Once dry, massage in a Cuticle oil.

5. Opt for an Acetone-Free Polish Remover

Many removers contain acetone, a powerful solvent that dehydrates nails and surrounding skin. Instead, choose an acetone-free, plant-based formula that gently lifts polish while conditioning the nail.

Our SCOUT Nail Polish Remover with Kiwi Fruit, Rose Water & Aloe Vera is enriched with soothing botanicals to maintain hydration and prevent white, chalky nails after polish removal.

For best results, soak a cotton pad and press gently on each nail for a few seconds before wiping off.

Scientific support: Research shows acetone exposure reduces nail plate moisture content by up to 60%, leading to brittleness and peeling .

6. Protect Nails from Over-Exposure to Water

Ironically, water can both hydrate and harm nails. Excessive water exposure — frequent dishwashing, cleaning, or long baths — softens nails, making them more prone to splitting.

Protect them by wearing gloves for chores and limiting prolonged soaking. After washing hands, always reapply hand cream or cuticle oil to restore lost moisture.

Tip: Keep a tube of Hand Cream near your sink to make post-wash hydration effortless.

7. Limit Hand Sanitiser Use

While essential for hygiene, alcohol-based sanitisers can strip nails and skin of natural oils. Try to use soap and warm water where possible, and when you must sanitise, follow immediately with a nourishing hand cream.

Choose formulas with added humectants such as glycerin or aloe to counteract dryness.

Did you know? Studies show that repeated ethanol exposure disrupts the lipid barrier, accelerating water loss in both skin and nails .

8. Eat Foods That Promote Strong Nails

Healthy nails start from within. A diet rich in protein, biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids supports keratin production and nail resilience.

• Biotin (found in eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes) helps strengthen brittle nails.
• Omega-3s (in salmon, chia, and flaxseeds) nourish the nail bed and improve elasticity.
• Vitamin E and antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, a key factor in nail fragility.

1. Protein

Nails are made primarily of keratin, a structural protein. Adequate dietary protein ensures keratin synthesis and nail growth.
Best sources: Lean meats, poultry, eggs, fish, tofu, lentils, quinoa.

2. Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin supports keratin infrastructure and has been shown to thicken brittle nails.
Best sources: Eggs (cooked), almonds, walnuts, sweet potatoes, salmon, spinach.

3. Iron

Iron deficiency can cause “spoon-shaped” nails (koilonychia) and poor nail strength.
Best sources: Red meat, liver, lentils, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, spinach.

4. Zinc

Zinc aids cell growth and tissue repair, both essential for nail formation.
Best sources: Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s help maintain nail bed hydration and reduce inflammation around the cuticle.
Best sources: Salmon, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts.

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, supporting the nail bed and connective tissues.
Best sources: Citrus fruits, kiwifruit, strawberries, capsicum, broccoli.

7. Vitamin A

Promotes keratin production and prevents nail dryness.
Best sources: Sweet potato, carrots, kale, spinach, eggs, liver.

8. Magnesium

Supports protein synthesis and enzyme reactions involved in nail formation.
Best sources: Leafy greens, almonds, black beans, whole grains.

9. Selenium

Selenium is an antioxidant that protects nail cells from oxidative damage.
Best sources: Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, sunflower seeds.

10. Water & Hydration

Hydration keeps nails flexible and prevents brittleness and flaking.
Best sources: Water, fruits and vegetables with high water content (cucumber, watermelon, orange).

A Little Respect for Your Nails

Nails, like skin and hair, are living indicators of your overall health. Treat them with respect — nourish, protect, and care for them daily. Skip the harsh salon routines and instead embrace a holistic, toxin-free approach that supports long-term strength and natural beauty.

At SCOUT Organic Active Beauty, we believe that every treatment should nurture — not strip — your natural nail health. Explore our Nail & Hand Care Collection to find your perfect clean-beauty essentials.

By consistently following these steps, you’ll soon notice smoother, stronger nails — and the confidence that comes from letting your natural beauty shine through.