Isla Bennett
Breaking a nail can be frustrating and painful, but there are multiple ways to fix it. You can either visit a nail salon or fix it at home. The first step is to identify the root cause of the breakage. It could be due to dehydration, vitamin deficiency, improper gel or artificial nail removal, or genetics. Once the cause is identified, you can choose from various methods to repair the broken nail, such as the tea bag trick, using nail-shaped stickers, or applying a gel overlay. Additionally, maintaining a healthy hand and nail routine, including regular exfoliation, hydration, and cuticle care, can help prevent breakage and promote stronger, healthier nails.
Can a broken gel nail be fixed?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventing broken nails | Keep nails out of water |
| Keep nails hydrated | |
| Keep nails moisturised | |
| Temporary fixes | Use a bandaid to cover the broken nail |
| File the broken nail | |
| Cut the broken nail | |
| Long-term fixes | Identify the root cause of the breakage |
| Use the tea bag trick | |
| Use nail-shaped stickers made of super-thin silk | |
| Use the Gel X method |
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What You'll Learn
The 'tea bag trick'
Fixing a broken gel nail can be a tricky task, but one easy, quick, and effective method is the tea bag trick. This method can help you mend your broken nail in just 10 minutes!
Firstly, ensure your nails are plain by removing any nail polish with an e-file, manual file, or acetone. Then, wash your hands with an oil-free cleanser. Cut a tea bag into a piece that is large enough to cover the tear or thinning area. You can also cut the tea bag to match the length and width of the break in your nail. Apply a clear coat or a drop of glue, which will act as your adhesive, and place the tea bag piece over the tear. Press down with your finger or tweezers to ensure there are no air bubbles between the "gauze" and the nail. Once the glue is dry, use a buffer or nail file to lightly smooth out the surface of your nail.
If you have a UV nail lamp for curing gel polish, you can give yourself a nail-repairing gel manicure. Apply a layer of gel polish, using gel top coat or builder gel, as it provides extra strength. Paint a layer over the broken nail and let it cure. Apply another coat, and your nail should be nice and strong once again.
There are also a few extra tips to keep in mind. If you have sensitive skin, be mindful when using nail glue, as it is not meant to come into contact with your skin. You can also use a gel or acrylic overlay to help protect your nails further. Additionally, if you don't have a tea bag, you can use a disposable face mask as an alternative.
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Using a nail repair kit
If you have access to a nail repair kit, you can attempt to fix a broken gel nail at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
First, assess the damage and cut off any remaining parts of the nail that may be hanging off or causing discomfort. You can use nail clippers or scissors to do this, being careful not to cut yourself. If the break is too deep and painful, it is recommended to cover the nail with a bandaid to let the pain subside for a few days before proceeding.
Next, you will need to file the broken nail. Using a nail file, gently shape and smooth the broken nail, taking care not to tear it further. You may need to cut off more of the free edge if the nail is still catching and causing discomfort.
At this point, you may want to soak off any remaining gel polish on the nail. This can be done by soaking the nail in acetone, which may be painful, so be cautious. Alternatively, you can use an e-file or manual file to remove the polish.
Once the nail is prepared, you can use the tea bag method to repair it. Cut a small piece of a tea bag to fit over the broken part of your nail. Apply a small amount of nail glue to the nail and place the tea bag piece over it, pressing down gently to secure it in place.
After the glue has dried, use a nail file or buffer to smooth out the tea bag piece, blending it with your natural nail. You can then apply a thin layer of gel polish or clear dip powder to the nail, curing it with a UV lamp if you have one.
Finish by applying a gel top coat or builder gel to provide extra strength and protection to the repaired nail. Your nail should now be strong and reinforced, with the break less noticeable.
By following these steps and using a nail repair kit, you can temporarily fix a broken gel nail at home until it grows out enough to be trimmed and shaped evenly with your other nails.
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Soaking off the nail
Soaking off a broken gel nail can be a tricky process, but it is possible to do it safely and effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Nail
Before you begin the soaking process, it is important to prepare the broken nail. Start by clipping off any excess nail that is broken or damaged. Be careful not to clip too much off, as you still want the nail to have some length. You can then use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges and create a more even surface. This step will also help to remove any remaining nail polish or gel residue. If there is still gel polish on the nail, you may want to remove it before proceeding. This can be done by gently buffing or filing the surface of the nail to break the seal and lift the edges of the gel polish.
Protect the Skin
As you will be using acetone to soak off the gel nail, it is important to protect the surrounding skin to avoid irritation or damage. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to the skin around the nail, including the cuticles and fingertips. This will create a protective barrier and prevent the skin from drying out. You can also apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the nail bed, being careful not to get it on the actual nail.
Soaking Process
Now it's time to begin the soaking process. Pour some pure acetone into a small bowl or container. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area as acetone has a strong odour. Submerge the broken nail into the acetone and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. You may feel a slight stinging sensation, but it should not be painful. If it becomes uncomfortable, remove your finger from the acetone and try again later. The acetone will start to break down the gel nail, making it softer and easier to remove.
Remove the Gel Nail
After soaking, the gel nail should have softened significantly. Using a cuticle pusher or an orange stick, gently push the gel nail away from your natural nail. Start at the cuticle and slowly work your way towards the free edge. Be patient and gentle during this process to avoid damaging your natural nail. If there are any stubborn areas, you can carefully use a nail file to help lift and remove the remaining gel nail.
Moisturise and Care
Once the gel nail is removed, it is important to moisturise and care for your natural nail. Wash your hands with mild soap and warm water to remove any remaining acetone. Dry your hands thoroughly, then apply a generous amount of cuticle oil or nail moisturiser to the affected nail and surrounding area. Massage it into the nail bed and cuticles to promote healthy nail growth.
Remember, if you are unsure or uncomfortable with any of these steps, it is always best to seek the help of a professional nail technician. They can safely remove the gel nail and provide you with personalised care tips for your nails.
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Using a nail extension
If you have a broken gel nail, you can fix it by using a nail extension. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the nail
First, you need to prepare the broken nail. Start by gently filing the broken part of your nail with a nail file. If the nail has broken too deep to cut off, you can try the teabag method to repair it. Alternatively, you can cut off as much of the nail as possible without going too short.
Apply the nail extension
Next, you will apply the nail extension. You can use a builder gel or a gel nail extension kit to reinforce and rebuild the damaged area. Follow the instructions provided with your chosen product to create a seamless extension. Be patient and meticulous during this step to achieve a natural-looking repair.
Cure the nail
Once you have applied the nail extension, you need to cure it. Use an LED or UV lamp to cure the nail according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Apply gel polish
After curing, you can apply gel polish to the nail. Start by applying a thin, even layer of gel base coat to your entire nail, including the broken area. Remember to cap the edges of your nail to ensure long-lasting results. Then, apply your chosen gel polish shade, starting from the base of the nail and working towards the tip.
Finish with a top coat
To ensure a long-lasting and chip-free finish, apply a thin layer of gel top coat over the entire nail. Pay attention to capping the edges to prevent premature lifting. Cure the top coat under the lamp for the recommended time.
Final touches
Once your nails are fully cured, gently wipe away any residue with a nail wipe soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Finish by nourishing your cuticles with a few drops of cuticle oil to promote healthy nail growth.
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Preventing further breakage
Preventing nail breakage starts with identifying the root cause. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein notes that "chronic broken nails may be a sign of vitamin deficiency, so check with a doctor." She also emphasizes the importance of proper gel, acrylic, or artificial nail removal, as improper removal can lead to weakened nails.
To prevent further breakage, it is crucial to keep your nails, cuticles, and hands well-hydrated. This can be achieved by regularly applying cuticle oil and moisturizing your hands and nails. Additionally, consider using a scrub to exfoliate your hands and nails, followed by a vitamin E oil or a nourishing hand cream.
Another way to prevent nail breakage is by minimizing exposure to water. While it may seem counterintuitive, water can actually soften your nails, making them more prone to breakage. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your nails as dry as possible, except when necessary, such as during your skincare routine, showers, or handwashing.
Strengthening your nails can also help prevent further breakage. You can do this by using a nail strengthener or a clear dip powder. Additionally, consider using a gel top coat or builder gel, as it provides extra strength to your nails.
Finally, be cautious when filing or buffing your nails, as aggressive filing can lead to further breakage. Instead, opt for gentle and careful filing, supporting the broken nail with another nail to prevent further tearing.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cut off as much of the nail as you can, then cover it with a plaster to prevent the ripped part from catching and getting worse. Wait until it grows out a bit, then remove the polish.
You can use an e-file or manual file, or soak the nail in acetone.
You can try the 'tea bag trick' — use a tea bag to bind the nail together with nail glue and a nail file or buffer. You can also use nail-shaped stickers made of super-thin silk to patch the tear.
Keep your nails out of water as much as possible, as water naturally softens your nails and can cause them to break.
