Nail Repair: Quick Tips For Fixing A Cracked Fingernail

If you have a crack in your fingernail, your first step should be to smooth it with a nail file. If the split is small, a quick filing session will make your nails look as good as new. If the split is more extensive, you may have to trim it. You can also use a nail glue to fix the crack. Coat your nail with polish on top of the glue once it’s dried to help keep the crack in place. For a temporary fix without glue, wrap clear tape around the break. Use scissors to trim a small piece of clear tape the size of the break. Place the tape on the break with tweezers, and cut off any excess. Mold the tape around your nail using your fingers.

Clean the crack with nail polish remover and gently buff with a file

Firstly, clean the crack with nail polish remover. Then, gently buff the nail with a file. The goal is to make the nail as smooth and clean as possible (with no excess oil, polish, or snags).

Next, use nail glue to mend the crack. Very gently, apply the glue to the nail. Once it's totally dry, paint a layer of clear gel polish over the nail. While your polish is still wet, smooth a piece of silk (it should be pre-cut in the shape of your nail) over the area and wait for the gel to cure. The silk will act like a bandaid and give your nail an extra layer once it dries down.

If you don't have nail polish remover, you can clean off any excess oil and polish from the broken nail. Then, smooth a layer of nail glue over the crack (a brush-on formula is easiest here). While it's still wet, place the tea bag square on top. Once it's dry, paint one more layer of nail glue.

Nails grow very slowly and, as previously mentioned, it can take six months for a fingernail to grow back. Board-certified dermatologist Michele Farber, MD, suggests focusing on proper protein intake and optimizing your nutrition, practicing good nail hygiene, and gently caring for your nails.

Use nail glue to smooth over the crack

To mend a crack in your fingernail using nail glue, first clean the nail with nail polish remover and gently buff it with a file. Your goal is to make the nail as smooth and clean as possible. Next, apply a layer of nail glue over the crack, using a brush-on formula for the easiest application. While the glue is still wet, place a tea bag square on top. Once the glue is dry, apply another layer of nail glue. This method is a popular at-home fix and is considered durable.

Alternatively, you can use a gel strip as a tape-like alternative. After cleaning the nail, apply the nail glue and then stick the gel strip on top. This method requires regular maintenance, as you'll need to apply another coat of glue every few days to keep it strong.

It's important to note that nails grow very slowly, and it can take six months for a fingernail to grow back. To maintain healthy nails, focus on proper protein intake, optimizing your nutrition, practicing good nail hygiene, and gently caring for your nails. Coconut oil is recommended for natural nail strengthening, moisturization, and ridge prevention.

Paint a layer of clear gel polish

To mend a crack in a fingernail, you can paint a layer of clear gel polish. Here's how:

Firstly, clean the crack with nail polish remover. Gently buff the nail with a file to make it smooth and clean. Remove excess oil and polish from the nail. Smooth a layer of nail glue over the crack, and while it's still wet, place a tea bag square on top. Once it's dry, paint one more layer of nail glue.

You can also use a gel strip as a tape-like alternative. Cut the top off of a tea bag and make a square roughly the size of the crack. Smooth a layer of nail glue over the crack, and while it's still wet, place the tea bag square on top. Once it's dry, paint one more layer of nail glue.

To finish, paint a layer of clear gel polish over the nail. While your polish is still wet, smooth a piece of silk over the area and wait for the gel to cure. The silk will act like a bandaid and give your nail an extra layer once it dries down.

Smooth a piece of silk over the area

To mend the crack, clean off any excess oil and polish from the broken nail. Wipe the crack clean with nail polish remover and gently buff the nail with a file. Make the nail as smooth and clean as possible (no excess oil, polish, or snags). Smooth a layer of nail glue over the crack (a brush-on formula is easiest here). Once it's totally dry, paint a layer of clear gel polish over the nail. While your polish is still wet, smooth a piece of silk over the area and wait for the gel to cure.

This method is definitely the most popular broken-nail hack on the internet. The only catch? According to Yankee, this method requires a bit of maintenance “every few days by applying another coat or two of glue over the tea bag to keep it strong." But still, you can't beat an ultra-cheap DIY method. Cut the top off of a tea bag and make a square roughly the size of the crack. Place the tea bag square on top of the nail while the nail glue is still wet. Once it's dry, paint one more layer of nail glue and you're good to go.

Keep nails moisturised and polished to avoid breakage

Keeping your nails moisturised and polished is the best solution to avoiding breakage. Nails grow very slowly and, as previously mentioned, it can take six months for a fingernail to grow back. Board-certified dermatologist Michele Farber, MD, suggests focusing on proper protein intake and optimizing your nutrition, practicing good nail hygiene, and gently caring for your nails. Coconut oil is a great way to naturally keep your nails healthy as it is thought to strengthen nails, moisturize cuticles, and prevent ridges. Simply massage the coconut oil into your nails and cuticles each day. Nails that split down the middle can be caused by frequent handwashing or overuse of nail polish remover resulting in dry, brittle nails that crack. Keeping them moisturized and polished is the best solution to avoiding breakage.

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