Ava Monroe
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-free, glossy nails. However, they can cause damage to nails, especially if they are removed incorrectly. If you have a broken gel nail, there are several ways to fix it. You can use a nail repair kit, or cut a tea bag to size, glue it to the broken area, and then cover with another layer of glue and nail polish. You can also use a gel base coat or builder gel to repair the nail. To prevent damage, it is important to keep nails short and well-hydrated, and to avoid using an electric file or peeling nails.
How to Patch a Gel Nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Ensure your manicurist isn't using an electric file and don't peel nails. |
| Removal | Use acetone and nourish with an oil afterward. |
| Repair | Cut the corner of a tea bag, place a thin layer of glue on the broken area, lay the tea bag flat with tweezers, add another layer of glue, and buff the nail. |
| Repair | Apply a gel top coat or builder gel to provide extra strength. |
| Repair | Apply cuticle oil followed by hand cream. |
| Repair | Soak nails in olive oil for 10-15 minutes daily. |
| Repair | Use a nail strengthener, a protein-enriched base, and a top coat designed to strengthen nails. |
| Repair | Use products that contain ingredients like collagen and camellia extract. |
| Repair | Minimise exposure to chemical-heavy products. |
| Repair | Use a keratin treatment to strengthen the nail and prevent peeling, splitting, or breaking. |
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What You'll Learn
Fixing a nail that keeps lifting
Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to fix the nail. If the nail is severely compromised, you may need to shorten it. If you are not ready to trim your nails, you can extend the nail to match the other nails' length. A full-coverage tip will work like a brace by holding the nail in place and preventing it from flexing. A half tip can also work if the nail bed is not too short.
If you want to fix the nail yourself, you will need a hand file, an alcohol wipe, and a clear top coat. First, buff the area where the polish is chipping or lifting until the area is flat. Then, wipe the entire nail with an alcohol wipe to remove any oils that may prevent the polish and top coat from adhering properly. If you have the same gel colour on hand, you can paint over the bare part of the nail and cure it. Finally, apply the top coat and allow it to dry or cure under a UV or LED lamp.
If your nail is too damaged, you can overlay the nail with a silk wrap or use a gel product with nylon fibres, such as Kokoist's Fixee. After applying the product, make sure the nail is smooth and even, then apply a base gel or a base and builder over it.
Remember, it is important to keep your nails healthy, so avoid using products with harsh chemicals and always nourish your nails with oil or cream after removing gel polish.
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Repairing a broken nail with a tea bag
Firstly, remove any nail polish and wash your hands with an oil-free cleanser. Cut a tea bag into a piece large enough to cover the broken part of the nail. You can also use a silk wrap nail repair kit, which works in a similar way. Next, apply a thin layer of nail glue to the broken area of the nail. You can also use a clear coat of nail polish as a substitute for glue. While the glue or polish is still wet, place the tea bag piece flat over the nail, using tweezers to ensure it is smooth and there are no air bubbles.
Once the tea bag is in place, apply another layer of glue or clear polish over the top and allow the nail to dry. You can then buff the nail for a natural finish and paint your nails as usual. This method works by encasing the tear in the nail with the tea bag, which provides a stable base for the glue and polish to adhere to. The tea bag is also thin enough that it can be filed down to create a smooth surface.
It is important to note that this method is only temporary, and you may need to reapply the tea bag and glue after a few days or weeks. The tea bag can also be dissolved by using 100% acetone, so it is best to avoid this when removing nail polish.
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Using a nail strengthener
There are many clear strengtheners or coloured polishes with strengthening formulas available at drug and beauty stores. Look for strengtheners labelled "for problem nails". You can also use a nail strengthener as a base coat under coloured polish.
If you don't like wearing nail polish, you can still use a nail strengthener to help heal your nails. Look for a clear, strengthening product to apply after your gel manicure.
Some popular nail strengtheners include:
- Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener Strengthener Polish Treatment
- Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat
- Nailtiques Formula 2
- Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner
- CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner
In addition to using a nail strengthener, you can also try taking supplements to strengthen your nails from the inside out. Biotin, collagen, and multivitamins are all good options.
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Preventing damage when removing gel nails
To protect your nails, you can apply a gel base coat underneath your gel polish, which may help reduce damage. You can also use a nail strengthener, a protein-enriched base, and a top coat designed to strengthen nails to encourage healthy nail growth. However, it is not recommended to use a traditional nail strengthener under gel polish.
If you are removing the gel nail polish at home, you can follow these steps to prevent damage:
- Line your work area with plastic wrap to protect it from acetone damage.
- Place a thick towel on top of the plastic wrap.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from acetone.
- Cut the cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Using cotton that is roughly the same size as each nail reduces your risk of getting acetone on your skin.
- Use acetone to remove the gel nail polish.
After removing the gel nail polish, you can use cuticle oil to rehydrate your cuticles. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily to repair damaged nails.
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Moisturising nails after removing gel nails
It is important to moisturise nails after removing gel nails to repair the damage caused by the manicure. Gel manicures can damage your nails, especially if they are not removed properly. To prevent damage, it is important to ensure that your manicurist is not using an electric file and to avoid peeling off the gel nails. Instead, use acetone to remove them and then nourish your nails with oil.
One of the easiest ways to repair damaged nails is to apply cuticle oil, followed by a hand cream. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, while the cream will lock in moisture. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily. This is a cost-effective method for potential DIY nail repair.
You can also use a nail strengthener, a protein-enriched base, and a top coat designed to strengthen nails to encourage healthy nail growth. Additionally, you can minimise your exposure to chemical-heavy products and opt for acetone removers with treatment properties.
Other recommended products for rehydrating nails include CND Solar Oil, Jessica Phenomen Oil, and Leighton Denny Best Defence hand and nail cream. Taking supplements such as biotin and multivitamins can also help promote nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
To repair a gel nail that keeps lifting, you can use a silk wrap or a gel product like Kokoist’s Fixee to overlay the nail. Then, apply a base gel or a base and builder gel over it.
Cut the corner of a tea bag to cover the broken part of the nail. Apply a thin layer of glue on the broken area and lay the tea bag flat over it. Put another layer of glue over the tea bag and let the nail dry. Once dry, buff the nail for a natural finish and cover with nail polish.
Apply cuticle oil followed by hand cream. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, and the cream will lock in moisture. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily.
Ensure your manicurist isn't using an electric file and don't peel your nails. If you need to remove your gel manicure, use acetone and nourish your nails with oil afterward.
Keep your nails very short until they recover. Moisturize your nails and the area around them with cuticle oil or cream to help damaged cells stick together and improve the appearance of the nail.
