In recent years, nail extensions have become a beauty staple for women seeking a stylish, flawless finish for their hands. But once the glamorous tips come off, the reality often sets in—nails left weak, brittle, and dry due to chemicals, glue, and buffing during the application process. The good news? You don’t need pricey salon treatments to restore your natural nails. With a few simple steps from the comfort of your home, you can revive strength, shine, and overall nail health.

Here are five easy ways to rejuvenate nails after removing extensions:

1. Slug Out the Dryness

Post-removal, nails and surrounding skin often suffer from extreme dryness caused by acetone and adhesives. Start by gently exfoliating with a hand scrub, follow with a rich cream, and massage in cuticle or hand oil. For deep moisture, apply a thick balm, slip on gloves, and leave overnight.

2. Nourish and Moisturise

Cuticle oil is your best friend after extensions. It nourishes the nail bed and combats dryness from frequent exposure to water, soap, and sanitiser. For an extra boost, mix cuticle oil with your hand cream to lock in hydration and create a protective barrier.

3. Let Nails Breathe—Smartly

A nail strengthener can help prevent brittleness, but choose one that supports flexibility rather than hardening. The right formula fills gaps around keratin cells, strengthening nails from within and supporting healthy growth at the matrix.

4. Don’t Keep Nails Bare

The popular belief that nails need to be left bare is misleading. Since nails are made of non-living keratin, they won’t “heal” without polish. Instead, apply a transparent coat to protect them from water absorption and prevent peeling or fraying.

5. Prioritise Hydration

Hydration is key to preventing breakage. Use creams or serums with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter, especially before bedtime, to restore strength and flexibility.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll not only repair post-extension damage but also ensure your nails come back stronger, smoother, and healthier than before.