Isla Bennett
Split nails, also known as onychoschizia, are a common issue that can occur due to various reasons, including nail biting, excess moisture, injury, infection, or underlying conditions such as psoriasis. While some splits may be minor and heal over time as nails grow out, others may require specific treatments. In this article, we will explore different methods to help make a split nail grow back together and restore its strength and appearance. From home remedies using household items to medical treatments, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this issue effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma or injury, nail biting, excess moisture, infection, psoriasis, nutrient deficiency, wear and tear, ageing |
| Treatment | Home remedies such as nail glue, clear nail lacquer, tea bag, fake nail, gel and silk wrap, petroleum jelly and bandage, nail polish with nylon fibre, nail wraps, nail hardeners or strengtheners, nail moisturizers with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), glycerin, or lanolin, biotin supplements |
| Prevention | Keep nails clean and healthy, avoid excessive exposure to water, use moisturizer, use nail hardening products |
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What You'll Learn
Use nail glue or clear nail lacquer
If your nail has a small split, you can trim or file down the jagged edges and let your nail grow back naturally. However, if the split is bigger, you can use nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the keratin together until your nail grows out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use these products to fix a split nail:
Prepare the nail
First, trim the nail short so that it is less vulnerable to further damage. If the split is at the edge of your nail, you can file down the jagged edges to create a smooth surface. Ensure that your nail is clean and dry before proceeding to the next step.
Apply nail glue
If you are using nail glue, apply a very small amount of adhesive to the detached part of the nail. Gently push the nail back together and hold it in place until the glue sets.
Use clear nail lacquer
If you are using clear nail lacquer, apply a thin coat to the split nail. Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat to ensure that the split is securely held together.
Finish with nail polish (optional)
Once the glue or lacquer is dry, you can paint your nail with regular nail polish if you wish to hide the break.
It is important to note that using nail glue or clear nail lacquer is a temporary solution. While it can help hold your nail together until it grows out, it is also important to address the underlying cause of the split nail. Frequent nail splitting can be a sign of a medical condition, vitamin deficiency, or nail infection. If you are experiencing frequent nail splitting, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice.
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Try a tea bag
Fixing a split nail with a tea bag is a simple and effective solution. The tea bag method can help mend the nail together in just about 5 to 10 minutes. Here's how it's done:
Firstly, ensure your nails are plain. Remove any nail polish with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover, being careful not to get cotton particles caught in the split of your nail. Wash your hands with an oil-free cleanser to remove any dust or debris.
Next, prepare the tea bag. Cut off the top of an unused tea bag and discard the tea leaves. Cut a small rectangular piece from the tea bag, ensuring it is large enough to cover the tear. The tea bag should be cut to fit your nail, with the sides reaching the sides of your nail.
Now, it's time to apply the tea bag to your nail. Apply a thin layer of base coat or clear nail polish to the split nail. While the polish is still wet, carefully place the tea bag piece over the split, gently pressing it down to ensure it adheres well. You can use a brush with adhesive or a drop of nail glue for extra hold.
Once the polish or glue has dried, trim off any excess tea bag material that extends past the edge of your nail. Lightly buff or file your nail to smooth out the surface.
Finally, apply a top coat to add shine and durability. You can now paint your nails as usual.
And that's it! Your split nail is now mended, and you can continue with your snazzy, Pinterest-worthy nail art. As your nail grows, you can file and shape it, just like you would with the rest of your nails.
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Apply a fake nail
Applying a fake nail is a good way to fix a split nail. You can either remove the piece that is splitting off or leave it in place. You can apply a fake nail to just the broken nail or to all of them.
If you are using a tea bag, cut it to be about the same size as your fingernail. Apply a thin layer of base coat to the split nail and press the tea bag over it while the base coat is still wet. Let the base coat dry, then trim off any excess tea bag so it fits the nail perfectly. Apply 2 more layers of base coat and finish with regular polish.
If your nail split is more severe, cover the nail with petroleum jelly and place a bandage on top until it grows back. Soak the nail in saline water 2–3 times a day and reapply the bandage.
If your nail is splitting due to aging, you may not be able to prevent nail splitting completely. However, you can try using a nail-hardening solution. Keeping your nails well hydrated is important for their health, but constantly exposing them to water can weaken them.
If you are experiencing frequent splitting, consider wearing gloves if your hands are often exposed to water and wet conditions.
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Soak the nail in saline water
Soaking your nail in saline water is a great way to treat a split nail. This method is simple and can be done at home. All you need is some saline water and a bowl. First, make sure you have the right supplies. You can either purchase saline water from a store or make your own by mixing salt and water.
Once you have your saline water, find a comfortable place to sit and place the bowl on a flat surface in front of you. You'll want to soak your nail for a few minutes, 2-3 times a day. This will help to disinfect the nail and keep it clean, which is important for preventing further splitting or infection. After soaking, be sure to dry your nail thoroughly, as constant moisture can weaken nails.
If your split nail is severe, you may also want to cover it with petroleum jelly and a bandage after soaking. This will help keep the nail protected and allow it to heal. Remember to reapply the petroleum jelly and change the bandage daily, or as needed.
Soaking your nail in saline water is an effective way to treat a split nail. By following these simple steps, you can help your nail heal and prevent further issues. However, if your nail does not improve or you experience severe pain, separation, or discolouration, be sure to consult a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment options.
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Use nail hardening products
Using nail-hardening products is an effective way to treat split nails and prevent them from occurring in the future. Nails can become brittle and prone to splitting due to various reasons, including physical stress, nutrient deficiency, wear and tear, aging, and underlying conditions such as psoriasis. While small cracks in your nails will usually heal as your nails grow, you can use nail hardening solutions to strengthen your nails and prevent further breakage.
Nail hardening products work by restructuring fragile nails and improving moisture levels and keratin production. They can help hold your nail in place and improve its appearance until the break grows out. You can apply nail polish with nylon fibre to strengthen your nail if the split is less severe. For more severe splits, you can use nail wraps to reinforce your nail and prevent further breakage, especially if the split is towards the cuticle or across the nail bed.
To use nail wraps, start by cutting a self-adhesive silk nail wrap to fit the size of your nail split. Then, secure the wrap to your nail using gel nail resin. You can also apply nail moisturizers with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycerin, or lanolin to strengthen brittle nails. AHAs and glycerin act as moisturizing agents that increase your nail's water content, while lanolin forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture.
In addition to using nail hardening products, it is important to keep your nails healthy and well-hydrated. Avoid constant exposure to water, as this can weaken your nails. Instead, use a moisturizer on your nails and cuticles to maintain proper hydration. You should also be gentle with your nails and avoid biting or picking at them, as this can decrease their strength over time and make them more susceptible to splitting.
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