Isla Bennett
A broken fingernail happens when part of your nail gets torn, chipped, split, smashed, or broken off. This can result from your nail getting caught on something or being involved in some kind of finger trauma. You can fix a broken nail at home with fingernail glue or tea bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail filing | Smooth the nail and make it look as good as new |
| Nail clippers | Shorten the nails |
| Nail glue | Save the day |
| Tea bag | Cover the broken part of the nail |
| Nail clippers | Cut the nails to match the natural arch |
| Nail clippers | Repeat every few days |
What You'll Learn
Smooth jagged edges with a nail file
When you crack or break a nail, it will most likely be sharp and jagged, so smoothing it with a nail file should be your first step. Split nails mainly occur at the tip of your nail, which means they’re pretty easy to fix. If it’s a small split, a quick nail filing sesh will make your nails look as good as new. If your nail has a more extended split, you may have to trim it.
Clip your nail to just below where the split is, then follow up with a nail file to even out your nail shape and you’re all set. It is up to you to decide if you want just to file the nail you broke and leave the rest of your nails long or file them all to match.
Use a small pair of nail clippers to shorten your nails. Make sure you cut them to match the natural arch of your nail, not straight across. Then, file your nails with a nail file using a gentle horizontal motion. Go slowly and apply even pressure until the nails begin to shorten.
Repeat every few days to keep your nails just above the edges of your fingertips.
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Trim nails to shorten and strengthen
If you have a broken nail, smoothing it with a nail file should be your first step. Split nails mainly occur at the tip of your nail, which means they’re pretty easy to fix. If it’s a small split, a quick nail filing sesh will make your nails look as good as new. If your nail has a more extended split, you may have to trim it.
Clip and file your nails down short. It may seem counterintuitive, but trimming your nails can help them grow and become stronger. Use a small pair of nail clippers to shorten your nails. Make sure you cut them to match the natural arch of your nail, not straight across. Then, file your nails with a nail file using a gentle horizontal motion. Go slowly and apply even pressure until the nails begin to shorten. Repeat every few days to keep your nails just above the edges of your fingertips.
You can also trim your nails by cutting them to just below where the split is, then following up with a nail file to even out your nail shape.
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Clip nails to below the split
If you have a split nail, you can clip it to just below the split and then file it to even out the shape. You can use a small pair of nail clippers to shorten your nails and make sure you cut them to match the natural arch of your nail, not straight across. Then, file your nails with a nail file using a gentle horizontal motion. Go slowly and apply even pressure until the nails begin to shorten.
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Use nail glue to save length
If you would rather keep your length than cut down your nail, nail glue can save the day. Here's how to use it:
- Clip your nail to just below where the split is, then follow up with a nail file to even out your nail shape.
- Place a thin layer of glue on the broken area.
- Lay the nail you wish to fix flat over the glue.
- Apply an additional layer of glue over the nail you wish to fix.
- Let the nail dry.
- Once dry, buff the nail for a natural finish, then cover with your favorite nail polish.
You can also use a tea bag to fix a broken fingernail. Start by cutting the corner of a tea bag so you have a piece that's the right size to cover the broken part of the nail. Next, place a thin layer of glue on the broken area and lay the tea bag flat over the glue with tweezers. Apply an additional layer of glue over the tea bag and let the nail dry. Once dry, buff the nail for a natural finish, then cover with your favorite nail polish.
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Cover nail with tea bag and glue
If you have a broken fingernail, you can cover it with a tea bag and glue to fix it. Here's how:
- Cut the corner of a tea bag so you have a piece that's the right size to cover the broken part of the nail.
- Place a thin layer of glue on the broken area and lay the tea bag flat over the glue with tweezers.
- Apply an additional layer of glue over the tea bag and let the nail dry.
- Once dry, buff the nail for a natural finish, then cover with your favorite nail polish.
This method may seem a little out there, but it’s a surprisingly great way to fix a broken fingernail on the fly.
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Frequently asked questions
Smooth it with a nail file or clip and file your nails down short.
Clip your nail to just below where the split is, then follow up with a nail file to even out your nail shape.
Cut the corner of a tea bag so you have a piece that's the right size to cover the broken part of the nail. Place a thin layer of glue on the broken area and lay the tea bag flat over the glue with tweezers. Apply an additional layer of glue over the tea bag and let the nail dry.
