How to stop throbbing nails after gel?

Author: Conner McDermott  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

The obvious one is to give your nails a lengthy break from gel and acrylic manicures altogether, particularly if they have become thin and weak over time as a result of filing and buffing. Streets suggests taking supplements and applying a daily slick of cuticle oil to moisturize nails and the surrounding skin.

Why are my fingers throbbing after gel nails?

It's not a good thing, but gel heats up as it cures, the thicker the gel, the more heat it needs to cure and that heats penetrates through to your nail bed, causing a spike of pain. Burning after the service is not normal. The burning you feel could be attributed to a few things: sensitivity from rough filing.

What helps sore nails after gel?

After a gel manicure, apply a nail moisturizer to your nails and the skin around them every day, since a gel manicure removes a lot of their natural moisture. And soak your nails in warm milk once a week for 5 minutes, which will remove residue and strengthen them.

How do you soothe a throbbing nail?

You should:
  1. Apply ice (inside a cloth) for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that.
  2. To reduce the throbbing, keep your hand or foot above the level of your heart.

How do I heal my nail bed after gel?

Hydrate Your Nails

Now that the gel is off, the key is to moisturize. "Prolonged use of gel manis ... dehydrates your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile," says manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of Jinsoon nail polish and salons. Cuticle oil is your BFF for imparting deep hydration.

Swelling, pain, blisters after gel polish. Pro nail technician explains.

How long does throbbing nail pain last?

Direct trauma to your nail — like something crushing or slamming it — typically causes a subungual hematoma. Such trauma damages the blood vessels just under your nail plate. Despite how painful they can be, subungual hematomas are typically minor injuries, and the pain gets better in a few days.

How do I get my finger to stop throbbing?

Apply ice and elevate the finger. Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce both pain and swelling. If needed, buddy tape the injured finger to the one next to it. This will help protect the injured finger as it heals.

How to stop a throbbing acrylic nail?

If you can't stand the pain anymore, try numbing your finger(s) in ice-cold water for five minutes. This will soothe irritation and make the pain disappear for a short amount of time.

Why do my nails throb after getting them done?

What Causes Nails to Feel Sore After Getting Acrylics? After getting acrylics, Edwards says that some people may experience a tightening sensation due to the acrylic forming a firm seal over their nails. The sensation may cause your nails to feel sore and sensitive immediately after application.

Why do my nails hurt under UV light?

It's essential to note that UV lamps are designed to emit specific wavelengths of UV light to facilitate the curing of UV gel polishes and other UV gels nail products. However, if the UV intensity is too high, this can cause excess heat that can become intense, leading to burning sensations.

What should you avoid after gel nails?

Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel and can lead to chipping. Be especially careful in the first 24 hours after application and avoid intense heat during this period (e.g. saunas, hot bath, or sunbeds).

What is a Russian manicure?

The Russian nail method is a dry process of filing, cutting, and removing the cuticle with electric drill bits entirely for a clean look and feel. The Russian manicure can prevent the dry cracking of cuticles or hangnails, thus extending the longevity of the manicure.

How to stop gel nails from hurting?

“Gel application should never hurt or burn,” Kao affirms, “If you experience that burning sensation, we suggest flash curing first. This means briefly exposing your nails to the UV light from a further distance, for about 10 seconds, before doing a full cure as usual.”

How long until acrylic nails stop hurting?

Acrylics shrink slightly as they dry, which can cause mild discomfort for first-timers. Solution: Wait it out. The tight feeling typically fades within 24 hours.

How do you get rid of fake nail pain?

Now, read on to learn about the best methods for taking off acrylic nails without acetone.
  1. Method One: Use Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover.
  2. Method Two: Try Cuticle Oil.
  3. Method Three: Soak Your Nails in Warm Water.
  4. Method Four: The Dental Floss Technique.
  5. Method Five: Use Business Card.

Why are my nails throbbing after press on nails?

In most cases, press-on nails hurt because they fit too tightly, so they end up squeezing your nail bed. If you feel pain soon after you've applied your press-ons, this is likely what happened.

What stops throbbing pain?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen – these medicines relieve pain and reduce inflammation (redness and swelling). Opioid medicines, such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone – these medicines are reserved for severe or cancer pain.

How do you relieve pressure under your nail?

Nail trephination is a quick, outpatient procedure that drains blood from a bruised nail (subungual hematoma). It involves making a small hole in the hard part of your nail (nail plate). This relieves pressure and pain under your nail. Only a healthcare provider should drain your nail.

Why do my nails hurt so bad after getting them done?

Poorly applied acrylics can be painful, especially if they're too thick or the technician hasn't used the glue properly. It's also essential to ensure that your nails aren't too long - overly long nails can cause pain when walking or doing everyday activities.

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