Sophia Delgado
Breaking a nail can be frustrating, especially when you've been working hard to grow them out. When this happens, you have two options: cut it off or patch it up. If you're thinking of cutting your broken nail, it's best to act quickly to avoid damaging the rest of your nail. In this article, we'll explore the best way to cut a broken nail and offer some tips and tricks to help you out.
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What You'll Learn
Cutting the nail down
Cutting down a broken nail is one of two options you can take to address the issue—the other being patching the nail. If the tear is close to the nail bed, it is recommended to go for the patching option. However, if the break is quite far down or goes across more than a quarter of the nail, it is best to cut it down.
If you decide to cut down the nail, it is recommended to act quickly to prevent further damage to the rest of the nail. Leaving it for too long could cause tugging, especially if the nail gets caught on something.
To cut down the nail, you will need to cut the entire free edge right where the tear is. You can then extend the nail with a free form or paper form. It is recommended to invest in a glass or crystal nail file to flawlessly file down the nail without causing further damage.
After cutting down the nail, you may want to rub in some cuticle oil to moisturise the nail and the surrounding skin.
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Using a silk patch
If you have broken a nail, you can use a silk patch to fix it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, purchase a pack of nail silk wraps online or at your local drug store. These wraps are a low-price solution to mend your broken nails. Once you have the wraps, you will also need to gather nail glue (brush-on glue is easier to use) and a nail buff. Having a base coat on hand will also be useful to ensure the wrap is secure.
Before applying the wrap, carefully buff your broken nail so there are no rough edges. Then, dab nail glue directly onto the broken area. Take the nail silk wrap and trim it to the size of the break. Peel off the backing and carefully stick the wrap to your nail. Cut off any excess material and apply another layer of glue.
Once the glue is dry, you can complete your manicure with a strengthening base coat and coloured nail polish. The silk wrap will grow with your nail, helping you preserve your nail's length. This method allows you to seamlessly fix a broken nail without having to cut or chop your nails short.
As an alternative to silk wraps, you can also use a small piece of a tea bag as a patch to fix a broken nail. Simply cut a tiny strip of a tea bag and apply super glue or nail glue to the break. Then, stick the tea bag strip onto the glue and press it down. Once the glue dries, apply a clear coat of nail polish over the entire nail, including the patch.
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Applying nail glue
While nail experts advise against using nail glue to fix a broken nail, as it contains chemicals that can be irritating to the nail bed, it is still a common practice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply nail glue to fix a broken nail:
Prepare the nail
Before applying the nail glue, you should prepare the nail by cutting and filing it. If it is a major break, clip most of the broken nail, leaving a small portion to work with. Then, file the remaining part to smooth out any jagged edges and give it the desired shape. Filing helps limit how far a crack can extend, preventing it from reaching the quick, the sensitive pink part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels.
Apply nail glue
Apply a thin layer of nail glue to the torn nail. Spread it evenly, covering the entire nail. If you have a nail silk wrap or a tea bag, cut it to the size of your nail bed and stick it onto the glued area. You can use tweezers to place the tea bag. Apply another drop of glue on top of the tea bag and spread it around gently.
Smooth the nail
Let the glue dry completely. Once it is dry, use a buffing stone or a nail file to gently buff the nail smooth. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, especially if you are using a tea bag, as it can tear. Finish by using the polishing side of the buffer to make your nail bed as smooth as possible.
Apply a top coat
After buffing, apply a top coat to seal the repair. You can use clear nail polish or a gel base coat for a longer-lasting fix. If you use a gel coat, be sure to cure it with a gel lamp between coats. Finish with your regular manicure, applying nail polish as usual.
It is important to note that using nail glue is not recommended by experts due to the potential for irritation. If the break is severe or close to the nail bed, it is best to avoid gluing it back together and let it heal naturally.
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Using a teabag
Fixing a broken nail with a teabag is an easy and quick solution. This method takes about 10 minutes to mend the nail together. Once the nail grows out, you can cut the nail as usual.
Firstly, remove any nail polish and wash your hands with an oil-free cleanser. Cut a piece of the teabag large enough to cover the tear or thinning area. Apply a clear coat or nail glue to the nail, which will act as your adhesive. While the clear coat or glue is still wet, place the teabag piece over the tear.
Apply several layers of glue (so that the teabag is fully encased) and let it dry. You can then file the nail to smoothen it out and shape it. As the nail grows, you can continue to file it and shape it as you would a regular nail.
You can also paint your nails as usual. However, note that while regular polish remover will not affect the teabag, 100% acetone will dissolve the glue quickly.
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Filing the nail
Filing a broken nail is one of the quickest ways to fix it. When filing, it is recommended to invest in a glass or crystal nail file, rather than a harsh, scratchy version. This type of file will gently buff away the nail without causing any further damage.
If you are filing your nail after cutting off the majority of the break, be sure to cut your nail quickly and decisively. The longer you leave the broken nail, the more likely it is to get caught and cause further damage.
When filing, gently buff the nail in one direction only. Avoid the temptation to saw back and forth, as this can weaken the nail and cause further breakage. File until the nail feels smooth to the touch and there are no jagged edges.
If you are filing your nail to smooth over a small chip or tear, focus on filing in one direction, moving the file in gentle, short strokes from the edge of the tear towards the centre of the nail. Again, avoid sawing motions, and be careful not to over-file, as this can weaken the nail plate.
After filing, it is a good idea to moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin. Use a cuticle oil, or a rich hand cream, to nourish and protect your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
A clean, new teabag can be used as a temporary fix for a broken nail. Cut a tiny section from the teabag, place it over the split, and apply a light layer of nail glue before sticking it down and applying a top coat.
If the break is far down your nail, it is recommended to get it repaired professionally. However, if the tear is close to the nail bed, you can use a silk patch to repair it.
If you decide to cut your broken nail, it is recommended to use a glass or crystal nail file instead of a harsh, scratchy version to avoid damaging your nails.
