The DIY gel manicure has exploded in popularity over the past few years. Where you once dutifully visited the nail salon every three weeks, UV lamps now sit on kitchen tables across Belgium. And honestly? It's addictive.
But there's a flip side to that glossy coin. Gel nail polish is fantastic for appearance, but it can take a serious toll on your natural nails.
What gel actually does to your nails
During application, your natural nail plate is lightly buffed to create grip. The curing process under UV or LED light pulls moisture from your nails. And removal - whether soaking in acetone or filing - stresses the plate again.
The pharmacy as nail salon: products that work
Nail hardeners and repair treatments
Look for hardeners with silicon, biotin or keratin. Pharmacy formulas penetrate the nail plate and restore from within.
Nail oil: the secret weapon
Nail oil hydrates cuticles and restores the flexibility that gel and acetone strip away. The best contain jojoba oil, vitamin E and almond oil. Apply at least twice daily.
Compare prices of nail care products on PharmaCompare.
Biotin supplements: from within
Biotin (vitamin B8) can improve nail thickness by 25%. At Belgian online pharmacies like Viata, Farmaline and Medi-Market, prices vary significantly.
Routine between gel sessions
- Weeks 1-2: File short, nail oil 2x/day, repair hardener as base
- Weeks 2-3: Continue oil, biotin supplements, urea hand cream
- Weeks 3-4: Assess if nails are ready for next session
Pro tips
- Invest in a quality UV lamp
- Always use a base coat
- Never peel gel off
- Hydrate obsessively
- Take breaks every 2-3 months
Compare before you buy
All products discussed are available at Belgian online pharmacies, but prices vary. On PharmaCompare, we compare prices of thousands of products.
Inspired by The Styling Dutchman