Isla Bennett
A broken nail can be a frustrating experience, especially if you're particular about your manicure. While a broken nail won't magically fuse back together, there are several quick fixes you can try at home to mend or hide the damage. This includes using nail glue to stick the broken piece back on, applying a tea bag and super glue to patch up the tear, or using press-on nails to cover up the break. However, if the break is severe and has injured the nail bed, you may need to seek medical attention to treat the wound and prevent infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do when a nail breaks | Smooth the nail with a nail file |
| Cut the rest of the break off | |
| Apply glue to the broken nail | |
| Use a tea bag to connect the pieces of the nail | |
| Apply a protective coating | |
| Cut other nails to match the length of the broken nail | |
| Keep the wound clean and dry | |
| Soak the injured area in warm water | |
| Apply antibiotic ointment | |
| Wrap a bandage around the nail | |
| Apply ice to reduce swelling | |
| Take over-the-counter pain relievers | |
| Consult a doctor if the nail bed is injured |
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What You'll Learn
Use nail glue to stick a tea bag to the broken area
Fixing a broken nail with a tea bag is a great way to seamlessly patch a break or tear. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use nail glue to stick a tea bag to the broken area:
Prepare the Tea Bag
Start by cutting the corner of a tea bag so that you have a piece that is slightly larger than the broken part of the nail. The tea bag should be large enough to cover the surrounding area around the break but not larger than the actual nail. Ensure that you only use the tea bag paper and not the tea leaves.
Apply Nail Glue
Apply a small amount of nail glue to the broken area of your nail. You can use an orange wood stick to dab the glue over the break, or apply it directly from the glue container. Make sure to only use a thin layer of glue to avoid any clumping or excess.
Stick the Tea Bag
Once the glue is applied, use tweezers to place the tea bag piece flat over the glue, covering the broken area. Press the tea bag gently onto the nail and hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure it adheres properly.
Smooth and Shape
Let the glue dry completely. Once it is dry, use a nail file or buffer to lightly smooth out the surface of your nail. File the tea bag down so that the edges are smooth and blend seamlessly with your natural nail. You can shape the tea bag to match the rest of your nails or file it to the desired shape.
Seal and Polish
After shaping, apply a thin layer of nail glue over the tea bag to seal it in place. Once the glue dries, you can paint your nails with your favourite nail polish. The nail polish will help to further conceal the repaired area and give your nails a uniform look.
This method is a quick and easy way to fix a broken nail at home. With these steps, you can temporarily mend your broken nail until it grows out or until you can get a more permanent fix from a nail technician.
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File the nail so it's smooth
When you break a nail, it can often be sharp and jagged. Filing the nail is a great way to smooth it out and limit how far a crack can extend. This will help you avoid getting too close to the quick, the pink part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. Filing is also a good way to repair a nail if your nails are quite short.
If you have long nails and you've cracked one edge, you may want to file the jagged edge instead of clipping it. Move the file in one direction, filing the nail back to its original shape so that it matches your other nails. If it's a major break, you can clip 90% of the nail and file the remaining 10%.
If you've glued a broken nail back together, you can lightly buff the nail's surface with a nail file to smooth out any bumps or ridges. You can also use a nail file to press the broken piece of nail into place after applying a small amount of nail glue.
If you're using a tea bag to patch a broken nail, you can file the tea bag down so that the edges are smooth.
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Apply a protective coating
Once you have applied glue to your broken nail and smoothed it out with a nail file, the next step is to apply a protective coating. This will help seal in the repair and give your nail a more natural look.
Start by washing your hands with clean, warm water and drying them off with a clean towel. This will ensure that your nail is clean and free of any dirt or oil that could interfere with the protective coating.
Next, apply a thin layer of protective coating to your nail. You can use a clear, base coat of nail polish or a dip protective seal. Make sure to cover the entire nail, including the edges, to create a barrier that will protect your nail from further damage.
If you are using a dip powder nail system, apply a dip bond to the upper 3/4 of your nail and dip it into the fill powder. Then, add a second layer of bond and fill powder to the entire nail. This will provide extra strength and protection to your repaired nail.
Finally, allow the protective coating to dry completely. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and avoid touching your nail until it is fully dry. Once it is dry, you can continue with your regular nail care routine, such as painting your nails or applying nail art.
By following these steps and applying a protective coating, you can help prolong the life of your repaired nail and prevent further breakage or damage. It is important to note that this is not a permanent solution, and you may need to reapply the protective coating or repair your nail again in the future.
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Treat the exposed nail bed
If your nail is injured, it's important to treat the exposed nail bed to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some detailed steps to treat an exposed nail bed:
Clean the Area
Gently clean the exposed nail bed with a mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt, debris, or foreign material. Use a soft washcloth or cotton pad and avoid rubbing the area vigorously, as this may cause further irritation. Dry the area thoroughly but gently after cleaning.
Apply a Protective Ointment
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or neomycin ointment to the exposed nail bed. This will help keep the area moist, promote healing, and protect the delicate skin. Ensure you use a clean finger or a sterile cotton swab to apply the ointment gently.
Cover with a Bandage
Cover the exposed nail bed with a clean bandage or adhesive dressing. This will provide a protective barrier and prevent further injury or irritation. Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet to maintain proper hygiene.
Take Pain Relievers
If you're experiencing pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or consult your pharmacist for advice.
Keep the Area Dry
While it's important to keep the exposed nail bed clean and moist, you should also avoid excessive water exposure. Prolonged soaking of the nail bed can lead to softening of the skin, making it more susceptible to injury and infection. Keep your hands or feet dry when possible.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Monitor the exposed nail bed for any signs of infection, including increasing heat, redness, swelling, tenderness, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical advice promptly to prevent further complications.
Remember, if you're unsure about treating the exposed nail bed at home or if the injury is severe, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for proper medical advice and treatment.
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Trim the nail to prevent further tearing
Trimming the nail is a good option to prevent further tearing. If your nail has broken off, you can trim the remaining nail to match the length of the broken one. This will give your nails a uniform look, and no one will be able to tell that one of your nails is broken.
When trimming your nails, it is important to follow the correct technique to ensure a healthy cut. Firstly, soften your nails by soaking them in lukewarm water for a few minutes. Then, use the right tools for the job; a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails, and a toenail clipper for your toenails. Cut your fingernails almost straight across, with a slight roundness at the corners to keep them strong and prevent catching on things. For toenails, cut straight across to reduce the chances of getting an ingrown toenail.
Always file your nails in the same direction, as filing back and forth can weaken them. You can use a nail file or emery board to smooth out any sharp or uneven edges. Avoid biting or tearing off your nails, as this can weaken and damage them.
Remember to disinfect your nail tools monthly by soaking a scrub brush in isopropyl alcohol and then using it to clean your clippers or scissors. Rinse the tools with hot water and dry them completely before putting them away. Additionally, moisturize your nails after trimming, especially in dry air, as dry nails are more prone to splitting.
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