Noah Sinclair
A split fingernail can be a result of nail injury, physical stress, nutrient deficiency, wear and tear, or simply the process of ageing. While it can be unsightly, there are many ways to fix a split nail. If the nail is severely split, causing constant pain, or appears infected, it is important to seek medical attention. However, for minor splits, there are several home remedies that can be used to mend or hide the split, such as using nail glue, fake nails, or a tea bag. Preventing nail splits involves a combination of lifestyle measures, such as wearing gloves when doing chores, maintaining a healthy diet, and keeping nails trimmed, clean, and moisturized.
How to fix a finger nail that grows split
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Physical stress, nutrient deficiency, wear and tear, nail polish, injuries, skin conditions, nail fungus, bacterial or yeast infections |
| Prevention | Wear gloves while doing chores, avoid exposing nails to harsh chemicals, maintain a healthy diet, take biotin supplements with a doctor's consent |
| Treatment | Home remedies like nail glue, tea bag with adhesive, gel and silk wrap, fake nails, nail clippers, nail polish with nylon fibre, nail hardeners, nail wraps, nail moisturizers with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), glycerin or lanolin |
| Medical Treatment | Antifungal or antibiotic treatments, medication for psoriasis, stitches, removal of the nail |
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What You'll Learn
- Home remedies: use nail glue, tea bags, or fake nails to mend or hide the split
- See a doctor: if the split is severe, constant, or infected, seek medical attention
- Prevent moisture: keep nails dry to avoid splitting
- Diet: eat a balanced diet with vitamins and minerals, or try supplements
- Nail care: keep nails trimmed, filed, and moisturized to prevent splits
Home remedies: use nail glue, tea bags, or fake nails to mend or hide the split
Using nail glue
If the split in your nail is small, you can use nail glue to fix it. Start by applying a small amount of nail glue to the area where your nail is broken. Then, press the broken nail piece into place with a nail file and hold it for about 10 seconds. After the glue has dried, lightly buff the surface of your nail to smooth out any bumps or ridges. Finally, apply nail polish to seal in your work.
Using tea bags
To fix a split nail with a tea bag, start by removing any nail polish and washing your hands with an oil-free cleanser. Cut a piece of tea bag large enough to cover the split area. You can add a drop of glue on an orange wood stick and dab it over the break. Then, place the tea bag piece over the split area and let it dry. Using a buffer or nail file, lightly smooth out the surface of your nail. Finally, you can paint over the nail with a clear coat or nail polish.
Using fake nails
You can either remove the piece that is splitting off or leave it in place and apply a fake nail to just the broken nail or to all of them.
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See a doctor: if the split is severe, constant, or infected, seek medical attention
Fingernails can split vertically or horizontally. While there are home remedies to fix a split nail, such as using glue or a fake nail, it is important to know when to seek medical attention.
If the split is severe, constant, or infected, it is important to see a doctor. A severely split nail may require the attention of a healthcare professional, who may need to remove the nail completely and stitch the nail bed. If the nail can be reattached, a doctor may use stitches or glue.
If the split nail is causing constant pain, it is a good idea to seek medical attention. A doctor will be able to address any underlying issues. For example, if the nail bed is affected, this could indicate damage to the nail matrix, which is the part of the finger that creates the nail. A doctor will be able to determine if the nail matrix is injured or healthy.
If the nail is infected, a doctor will be able to prescribe the correct treatment. Infections in the nail bed can be caused by fungi, yeast, or bacteria, and these infections require antifungal or antibiotic treatments to prevent further damage to the nails.
If the split nail is a result of an underlying medical condition, such as psoriasis, a doctor will be able to advise on the best course of treatment. Psoriasis can cause nails to thicken, crumble, or split, and medication can help prevent further damage to the nails.
If you are experiencing frequent nail splitting, it is a good idea to seek medical advice. A doctor will be able to advise on any necessary lifestyle changes and recommend preventive measures to avoid further nail splitting.
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Prevent moisture: keep nails dry to avoid splitting
Preventing nail splits usually involves a combination of lifestyle measures. Nails can weaken and break when exposed to water, so it's important to keep your nails dry to avoid this.
Firstly, wear gloves when doing chores, especially those that involve water, such as washing dishes or gardening. This will protect your nails from moisture and harsh chemicals.
Secondly, avoid keeping your hands or feet in water for long periods. If your hands are often exposed to water, consider investing in waterproof gloves to create a barrier between your nails and the water.
Thirdly, if your nails do get wet, apply moisturiser immediately after to prevent them from drying out. Look for nail-specific creams that contain ingredients like vitamin E, which can help strengthen nails and prevent cracking. You can also use ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor to seal in moisture. Exfoliate your nails once a week with products containing glycolic acid or urea to improve absorption and aid in moisture retention.
Finally, consider a technique called "nail slugging". After exfoliating and moisturising your nail bed, coat each nail in a thick layer of ointment and put on cotton gloves overnight to lock in moisture.
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Diet: eat a balanced diet with vitamins and minerals, or try supplements
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help prevent nail splitting. While split nails rarely occur due to poor nutrition, nutrient deficiencies may affect your nails' appearance. Vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as iron, zinc, calcium, and selenium, are among the nutrients that affect nail health. For instance, people with iron deficiencies often have brittle nails.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, may improve nail strength, although studies are mixed. However, some studies on biotin's effect on nail health are encouraging, so it may be worth trying. Biotin supplements may be taken, but only with a doctor's consent. You can also try eating more meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables like sweet potatoes to increase your biotin intake.
Collagen is a protein that strengthens nails, and there is some evidence that daily collagen supplements can improve nail strength and growth. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails.
In addition to supplements, it is important to practice proper nutrition, drink plenty of water, and avoid certain nail products to strengthen your nails.
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Nail care: keep nails trimmed, filed, and moisturized to prevent splits
Nail care is an important part of self-care. Well-maintained nails not only look great but are also less likely to harbour dirt and bacteria, which can lead to infections. Here are some tips to keep your nails healthy and prevent them from splitting:
Keep Nails Trimmed
Trimming your nails is an essential step in nail care. It is recommended to trim your nails immediately after taking a bath or shower when they are softer and easier to cut. When trimming, cut nails straight across with clippers and slightly round the tips for optimal strength. Avoid cutting your cuticles as they protect the nail root from bacteria and other germs. Instead, gently push them back.
File Your Nails
Filing your nails smoothens any uneven or rough edges, preventing them from catching and causing further tears. Always file your nails in the same direction, as filing back and forth can weaken them. Use a nail file or an emery board for this purpose.
Moisturise Your Nails
Moisturising your nails and cuticles is crucial for maintaining nail health. Apply a nail moisturiser with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycerin, or lanolin, which can strengthen brittle nails. Moisturising helps keep your nails flexible, especially in dry conditions, as dry nails are more prone to splitting.
Additional Tips
- Wear gloves when doing chores or immersing your hands in water to protect your nails from excess moisture and harsh chemicals.
- Avoid nail biting and picking, as it can cause stress to the nail, leading to splits.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, as nutrient deficiencies can affect nail health. Consider taking biotin supplements (with a doctor's consent) to promote nail strength.
- Use nail hardening products if your nails are brittle or prone to splitting.
- Avoid using acetone-based nail polish removers, as they can weaken your nails over time.
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