Chemotherapy can affect nail health, but with gentle care, recovery is possible after treatment. Explore supportive tips, insights and safe salon guidance for clients and professionals navigating this journey.
Chemotherapy is a life-saving treatment, but it can also bring side effects that affect nails. If you, someone you love, or a client is going through chemo, you might notice changes such as dryness, ridges, discolouration, or increased brittleness. Some people also experience soreness or sensitivity around their nails. While these changes are completely normal, they can feel upsetting, especially if nails have always been part of your self-care or confidence.
The good news? With gentle care and the right approach, you can support nail health during this time and throughout recovery.
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, which unfortunately includes hair, skin, and nails as well as cancer cells. This is why nails may become weaker, slower to grow, or sometimes they may lift or split. Everyone’s experience is different, but what matters most is treating nails with patience and kindness.
Here are some safe, gentle ways to look after nails during chemotherapy:
- Keep nails short and smooth: This reduces the risk of snagging or breakage.
- Moisturise daily: Use a nourishing hand cream or cuticle oil, focusing on the nail plate and surrounding skin. Hydration is key.
- Wear gloves: Protect nails when cleaning, washing dishes, or gardening to reduce exposure to chemicals and water.
- Avoid harsh products: Skip strong chemicals or anything that could dry out or irritate nails further. Ensure to wear gloves when cleaning.
- Nail Polish only: If you want colour, opt for nail polishes like Peacci.
Many people still want to feel pampered during treatment, and rightly so! But it’s essential to be cautious. For anyone considering salon treatments, it’s important to:
- Check with your medical team first, especially if their immune system is low.
- Let your nail tech know you’re undergoing treatment so they can adapt (e.g., avoiding cuticle cutting, using the gentlest products).
- Prioritise hygiene — make sure your salon has strict sanitisation procedures in place to minimise infection risk.
As treatment finishes, nails usually begin to recover, though it can take several months. During this time:
- Continue with daily hydration: Think of it as rehab for your nails.
- Be patient with regrowth: New nails will grow stronger and healthier in time.
- Gradually return to treatments: BIAB™, gels or extensions may be an option again once nails are strong, but introduce them slowly and ensure your client speaks to their GP.
For many, nails are more than just appearance; they’re confidence, normality, and a little piece of ‘me time’. If you’re going through or recovering from chemotherapy, remember that it’s okay to grieve changes in your body, and it’s equally okay to embrace small rituals of self-care. Even a simple file, oil, and hand massage can bring comfort.
Nail care during and after chemotherapy is about gentleness, patience and self-love. Every person’s journey is unique, so listen to your body, take advice from your medical team, and adapt your nail routine to what feels safe and supportive for you.
At TGB, we believe nails are more than beauty; they’re part of feeling yourself again. If you’re navigating this journey, know you’re not alone.
