As you know, the latest nail trends like gel and dip powder manicures can leave your nails damaged and weak, but that’s not what a bride wants to hear before her big day. With this in mind, we’re sharing how to repair your nails before getting a wedding day manicure.

LA-based professional manicurist and nail care expert Yasmeen Sandoval knows too well that nail enhancements can lead to all kinds of unwanted side effects like dehydration, weakening and even nail separation from the nail bed! To prevent these harsh side effects, Yasmeen offers the following tips to her clients when their nails are in need of repair.

How to Repair Damaged Nails:

• Take a break and allow the damaged part of your nails to grow out. Applying a nail strengthener rich in vitamins and antioxidants to your nails a few times a week will also help your natural nails regain some strength. Dermelect’s Natural Nail Repair Kit ($20) is a great set because it includes two treatments that will repair damaged nails.

• Cut your nails as short as you can. This will remove the thin and weak part of your nail, preventing further damage.

• Take a biotin vitamin daily to encourage faster, stronger nail growth.

• If your nails are peeling away from the nail bed, avoid using colored nail polish. This will help you to see if your nails are getting worse or better. However, clear nail polish and strengthening treatments are totally fine and can actually moisturize and strengthen your nails.

• Keep cuticles moisturized by applying cuticle oil several times per day. I like Dermelect’s REVITAL-OIL Nail & Cuticle Treatment ($14) for its protein peptide treatment. This ultra-moisturizing formula will rehydrate dry, brittle nails and cuticles and restore much-needed moisture balance to your nail bed.