Nail Reconstruction Guide
Damaged, broken, thin or partly missing nails, rebuilt with hard gel so they look whole again while your own nail grows out. Here's how it works, who it's for, real results from our lounge, and what it costs.
What Is Nail Reconstruction?
Nail reconstruction rebuilds a nail that has been damaged, broken, worn thin or partly lost. Your technician cleans and preps what's left of the natural nail, then builds a new nail shape over it with hard gel, a strong, flexible gel that bonds to the nail plate and can extend over areas where the nail is missing.
The result looks like a full, even, healthy nail. Underneath, your natural nail keeps growing, and the rebuilt section is maintained until the damaged part has grown out.
In plain terms: an overlay strengthens a nail that's already there. Reconstruction rebuilds the parts that aren't.
Who It's For
Reconstruction is most often done on toenails, especially big toes, but works on fingernails too. It's a good fit if you have:
- Broken or partly missing nails after an injury, a stubbed toe or a nail that lifted and came away.
- Thin, split or peeling nails that won't hold polish or gel on their own.
- Uneven or misshapen nails from tight shoes, sport or years of wear.
- Bitten or short fingernails you'd like to look even while they grow.
What to Expect at AyuriNails
- Sanitizing and an assessment of each nail, so we know what can be rebuilt
- Cuticle and nail prep, with dry Russian e-file technique on our Russian combination services
- Gentle removal of loose or lifting nail so the new layer bonds properly
- Building the new nail shape with hard gel, then filing and refining it to match your other nails
- Your choice of gel colour or French tip to finish
Does it hurt?
It shouldn't. The work happens on the nail and dead tissue only. If a nail is tender, tell your technician so they can adjust.
Is it a treatment?
No, reconstruction is cosmetic. It rebuilds and covers a nail, it doesn't treat infection. If you have an active fungal infection, pain, swelling or an ingrown nail, see a doctor first. Your technician will check your nails before starting and will let you know if reconstruction isn't right for you yet.
Before & After
Real results from our lounge. Tap any photo to see it larger.
Discoloured, uneven big toes: before, both big toenails are patchy and dark in places, with an uneven, partly lifted nail plate. After, each nail is rebuilt to a full, even shape with hard gel and finished in a glossy caramel, so every toe matches.
Yellowed, ridged nails: before, the big toenails are yellowed with a rough, ridged surface and ragged edges. After, the surface is rebuilt smooth and level, the edges are squared off cleanly and a crisp white gel finish sits evenly across all ten toes.
Thin, damaged nails: before, the big toenails are thin and damaged, with short, uneven free edges. After, the nails are rebuilt to a natural length and shape and finished in a soft milky pink.
Short, uneven nails: before, the toenails are short with uneven edges. After, they are rebuilt to an even length and shape, with a crisp French tip that only works when every nail matches.
Yellowed big toenails: before, both big toenails are yellowed and uneven across the nail plate. After, they are rebuilt smooth and level and finished in a soft nude that matches the rest of the toes.
Pricing
rebuilds a damaged or broken fingernail₱2,499
rebuilds a damaged or broken toenail₱2,499
Russian manicure combined with hard gel nail reconstruction₱3,499
Russian pedicure combined with hard gel nail reconstruction₱3,499
Nail still intact and just needs strength? A hard gel or BIAB overlay may be all you need. Reconstruction is also available as home & hotel service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for something else? Soft Gel vs Hard Gel · Russian Manicure Guide · Nail Art Guide · Lash Extension Guide