Ava Monroe
Chipped nails are a common injury that can usually be treated at home. Nails grow at a rate of about 0.004 inches (0.1 millimeters) per day, and it can take up to six months for a nail to fully grow back. There are several ways to treat a chipped nail at home, including using nail glue, tea bags, or tape to reattach the broken piece and allow the nail to grow back evenly. In more severe cases, such as when the nail bed is injured, medical attention may be required to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to treat a chipped nail | Wash the area with clean, warm water, gently pat dry, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage or gauze and medical tape |
| How to prevent chipped nails | Wash your hands frequently and keep them dry, don't bite or pick at your nails or rip off hangnails, don't stay in the bath or shower for long periods, trim or clip your nails regularly to keep them short, wear gloves or other protective gear when working with your hands, use only your own nail clippers, get your nails done at a clean and well-reviewed salon |
| How long does it take for nails to grow back | Nails grow at a rate of about 0.004 inches (0.1 millimeters) per day. It can take as long as six months for a nail to completely grow back |
| What to do if the nail bed is injured | Take off any rings, bracelets, or other jewelry from your hands and arms, wash the injury with clean, warm water, don't touch the injured area directly, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel, apply some antibiotic ointment, wrap a bandage or gauze around the nail and secure with medical tape |
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What You'll Learn
Fixing a chipped nail with tape
Chipped nails can be painful and frustrating, and they take time to heal and grow back. While you wait for your nail to grow, there are several ways to fix a chipped nail with tape.
Firstly, trim the nail down to get rid of any jagged edges. Then, cut a small piece of clear tape so that it is just big enough to cover the tear. Place the tape over the tear and press it down firmly. Finally, trim away any excess tape. This is a temporary solution, but it can be a quick fix when you are out and about.
If you have nail glue, you can create a longer-term solution by gluing a small piece of a tea bag, tissue, or coffee filter over the tear. This will grow with your nail so you won't lose length or strength.
To prevent nail chips in the future, there are several steps you can take. Keep your nails moisturised and trim them regularly, rounding them at the tip to prevent breakage. Avoid biting your nails, using them as tools, and picking at them.
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Using glue to repair a chip
Chipped nails are usually minor and painless, and they can be easily treated at home. Nails grow at a rate of about 0.004 inches (0.1 millimeters) per day, and it can take as long as six months for a nail to completely grow back. While waiting for the nail to grow back, there are several ways to repair a chip using glue.
If your nail is chipped below the tip, trim the nail and apply a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material on top of the chip to help it grow back evenly. Wash your nail with clean, warm water and dry it with a clean towel. Soak the nail in warm water to soften it.
Apply a thin layer of nail glue to the area where the nail is chipped off. Fingernail glue can be used to reattach the broken part of your nail. You can also use super glue, which contains the same main ingredient as nail glue. Spread the glue out so that it forms a thin layer.
If you have a tea bag, cut it to the size of the nail bed that's broken. Place the tea bag on your nail bed and add more glue until the strip is saturated. Wait for it to dry, and then buff it with a nail file. Paint your nails as you normally would.
For larger tears, dip your nail in fill powder. Fill powder adds strength to your natural nail. Glue your broken nail back together using a thin layer of nail glue. Then, carefully buff your entire nail with a nail file. Apply a dip bond to the upper 3/4 of the nail and dip it into the fill powder.
Other Methods
If you don't have nail glue, there are other methods to repair a chip. You can use tape to cover the chipped area. Simply cut a small piece of clear tape to the size of the chip and place it on the break. You can also use a nail silk wrap, which can be purchased online or at a drug store. Buff your broken nail so there are no rough edges, and then apply nail glue directly to the break.
To promote healing, keep the wound clean and dry. You can also soak the affected finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes, then apply petroleum jelly and cover it with a non-adhesive bandage.
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Home remedies for nail chips
Chipped nails are usually less serious than a nail tear or break and can be easily treated at home. Here are some home remedies to fix a chipped nail:
Tea bag repair
Apply a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material on top of the chip to help your nail grow back evenly. The tea bag will grow with your nail, ensuring that you don't lose any length or strength. If you don't have a tea bag, you can use a tissue or coffee filter instead.
Nail glue
Wash your nail with clean, warm water and dry it with a clean towel. Soak the nail in warm water to soften it, then squeeze a small amount of nail glue onto the chipped area and spread it out to form a thin layer. You can also use super glue if you don't have nail glue.
Nail hardening products
Apply a nail hardener to keep your nails strong and help them grow faster. Avoid nail products that contain harmful chemicals such as toluene sulfonamide, formaldehyde, alcohol, acetone, or dibutyl phthalate, as these can weaken your nails.
Moisturize
Use a rich moisturiser on your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated and supple. Coconut oil is a great natural moisturiser that can help strengthen your nails and soften your cuticles.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice can help brighten your nails, remove stains, and promote stronger growth due to its vitamin C content. Swipe lemon juice over each nail using a cotton pad, or apply lemon juice directly to the nail by rubbing a slice of lemon on it. Do this twice a week, followed by a rich moisturiser.
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Preventing nail chips
Chipped nails are much less serious than a tear or break and can be remedied at home. Here are some tips to prevent nail chips and breaks:
Keep Nails Short and Trimmed
Keeping nails short and trimmed can prevent them from snagging and also prevent dirt buildup underneath the nail.
Wear Gloves
Protect your nails by wearing gloves or other protective gear when working with your hands.
Avoid Biting or Picking at Nails
Don't bite or pick at your nails or rip off hangnails.
Avoid Long Showers or Baths
Limit the time you spend in the bath or shower to prevent your nails from becoming weak and prone to chipping.
Use a High-Quality Base and Top Coat
Using a high-quality nourishing base coat fills ridges and strengthens nails, leading to a smoother polish application and making your manicure less likely to chip. Always finish with a top coat to prevent chipping and fading.
Avoid Getting Polish on the Cuticle
When applying polish, place the brush on the nail about an eighth of an inch away from the cuticle and push backward. This will prevent the polish from lifting and causing chips.
Seal Your Tips
Chips often start at the tips of your nails, so lightly swipe your polish and top coat over the tips of your nails to seal in the colour and protect it from chipping for longer.
Use a Good Nail File
Use a good-quality nail file to prevent your nails from splitting, peeling, flaking, and breaking. Only file when your nails are completely dry, as they are more vulnerable to damage when wet.
Buff Your Nails
Buffing your nails after filing helps remove ridges, creates a smooth surface, and promotes better adhesion for your nail polish. However, avoid overdoing it, as buffing more than once a month can thin and weaken your nail plate.
Keep Nails Clean and Oil-Free
Before applying polish, wipe an acetone-free nail polish remover over each nail to ensure the surface is clean and oil-free. Nails have natural oils that can prevent polish from adhering correctly.
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When to seek medical attention for nail injuries
Most nail injuries can be treated at home and do not require medical attention. However, there are certain situations where it is advisable to seek medical help for a nail injury.
Firstly, if there is an injury to the nail bed, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. This is because the nail matrix, from which nails grow, can be harmed, and if not treated properly, the nail may stop growing back. In such cases, it is recommended to remove any jewellery from the hand or arm, wash the injury with warm water, and apply antibiotic ointment before wrapping the area with a bandage or gauze.
Secondly, for more serious nail injuries, such as any laceration or amputation of the nail, nail bed, or surrounding skin, it is advised to go to an urgent care centre or emergency room. In these cases, medical professionals will stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and numb the affected area before treatment.
Additionally, if you are unable to remove a ring due to a swollen finger, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider for assistance. If you have not had a tetanus booster shot in over ten years, or if you have an underlying condition that may impair healing or increase the risk of infection, it is also important to seek medical attention.
It is worth noting that nail injuries can take several weeks to heal completely, and even after the wound has stopped bleeding, it is advisable to keep a light dressing on the nail to provide protection during the healing process.
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Frequently asked questions
Trim the nail down and apply a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material on top of the chip to help it grow back evenly.
Wash the area with clean, warm water, gently pat it dry, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage or gauze and medical tape.
Nails grow at a rate of about 0.004 inches (0.1 millimeters) per day. It can take as long as six months for a nail to completely grow back.
To keep your nails healthy, make sure to keep them clean and dry. Avoid biting or picking at your nails or ripping off hangnails. Keep your nails short and trim them regularly to prevent dirt buildup underneath the nail.
