Caleb Foster
Acrylic nails can sometimes result in broken or bleeding natural nails. This can be caused by jamming or ripping the acrylic nail, which can lead to pain, bleeding, and even infection. To treat a broken or bleeding nail under acrylics, it is recommended to first clip the acrylic nail as low as possible and bandage the wound. While some suggest using acetone to soak off the acrylic, others advise against it due to the potential for pain and infection. Instead, it may be better to wait for the natural nail to heal before slowly buffing and cutting the remaining acrylic with a nail tip cutter. Applying cuticle oil and keeping the area clean and dry can also aid in the healing process. In severe cases, it may be necessary to seek medical attention to treat the injury and prevent further complications.
How to remove a broken acrylic nail that is bleeding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you remove the dip? | Yes, by clipping it back to the break or as far as you comfortably can. |
| What to do if there is pain from the pressure under the nail? | Use the old-fashioned technique of unbending a paper clip, heating the tip with a lighter, and gently but firmly pressing the tip into the center of the blackness until it penetrates the nail and allows the dark blood to be gently squeezed through the resulting hole. |
| What to do if the nail is infected? | Go to the emergency room. |
| What to do if the nail is not infected? | Bandage the wound for 2-3 days until the wound heals and there is no bleeding. |
| What to do after removing the bandage? | Buff off the nail slowly. Apply a lot of pressure just over the cuticle to hold the nail steady and help with the pain. |
| What to do after removing the bulk of the nail? | Cut the extension with a nail tip cutter, applying pressure on the nail bed as you do so. |
| What to do after cutting the nail? | Keep it clean and dry. Do not keep it covered for long periods as this can cause an infection. |
| What to do once the nail has grown out? | Cut more of the nail off as it grows out. |
| What to do once the nail bed has healed? | Soak the remaining acrylic off. |
| What to do if you want to remove the acrylic nail with acetone? | This will hurt, especially if there is an open wound. |
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What You'll Learn
Use nail clippers to remove the acrylic nail
If you have a broken acrylic nail that is bleeding, it is best to remove the nail to prevent further injury. While it is recommended to have acrylic nails removed by a professional nail technician, you can remove them at home with nail clippers.
Firstly, if there is any nail polish on the acrylic nails, remove it with nail polish remover and cotton pads. Then, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them well. This helps to remove any dirt or oil from your hands, ensuring a clean cutting process.
When using nail clippers, it is important to use specific acrylic nail clippers designed with sharp, sturdy blades that can cut through the acrylic cleanly. Regular nail clippers may not be strong enough and could cause cracking or splintering. Toenail clippers are also an option, as they are generally larger and provide more leverage.
To start, position the clippers on the outside of the nail and cut towards the middle. Then, do the same on the other side of the nail. Avoid cutting the nail straight across, as this can cause tension in the centre of the nail and lead to vertical cracks. Instead, cut the edges off in an upside-down, reverse V shape, and then chop down the centre.
After clipping, use an electric nail file or a buffing block to smooth out any rough edges and shape the nails to your desired length and style. Be gentle while filing, as excessive filing can weaken the acrylic and lead to breakage. Finally, clean the nails with a nail brush to remove any dust or debris.
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Treat the wound with cuticle oil and bandages
If your acrylic nail has broken and is causing bleeding, it is important to treat the wound properly to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some detailed steps to treat the wound with cuticle oil and bandages:
Clean the Wound
Gently clean the affected area with warm water and soap to remove any dirt or debris. This is crucial to prevent infection. Ensure that you are gentle and thorough during this step.
Trim and Dress the Wound
If any part of the nail is hanging off, carefully trim away the detached portion with clean nail clippers. Take care not to clip too close to the skin to avoid further injury. Once the bleeding has stopped, apply a small amount of cuticle oil to the affected area. Cuticle oil can help moisturize and protect the wound, promoting healing. You can then cover the wound with a light dressing, such as a small piece of gauze or an adhesive bandage. Make sure not to use a dry bandage, as it can stick to the wound. Instead, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the gauze or bandage before placing it over the wound.
Protect and Elevate
Keep the bandage in place for a few days to allow the wound to heal. Change the bandage daily and reapply a small amount of cuticle oil each time. Elevate your injured finger by propping it on pillows so that it is higher than your heart. This will help reduce throbbing and swelling.
Seek Medical Attention
If the wound is severe or if you experience signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or heat around the nail, seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider can assess the injury and provide further treatment options, such as antibiotics or a tetanus shot, if necessary.
Remember to be gentle and patient throughout the healing process, and always prioritize your health and safety.
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Avoid soaking the nail to remove the acrylic
If you have a broken acrylic nail that is bleeding, it is advised to avoid soaking the nail to remove the acrylic. Soaking the nail in acetone is a common method for removing acrylic nails, but it is not suitable for open wounds. Acetone can irritate and hurt the wound.
Instead, you can try to clip the nail as close to the break as possible without causing further pain or discomfort. You can use nail clippers or an electric nail filer to carefully trim the nail. If there is exposed skin, apply petroleum jelly to the area. Bandage the nail to keep it protected and allow it to heal. It may take a few weeks for the nail to fully heal, during which you should keep the area covered.
If you want to avoid using acetone to remove the acrylic, there are alternative methods you can try. One method is to use dental floss to work between the acrylic and your natural nail. This method requires you to first clip and wrap the nails in acetone-soaked cotton balls and tin foil. After waiting for about 30 minutes, you can then use dental floss to gently work between the acrylic and your natural nail until the acrylic comes off. However, this method may not be suitable if you have an open wound, as it may cause discomfort or further damage.
Another alternative to acetone removal is to use a nail file. Filing can be a gentler approach to removing acrylic nails. It is recommended to use a coarse, 100 or 180-grit file to file down as much of the product as possible. Filing creates a rough surface, which allows for easier removal of the remaining acrylic. However, when filing, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid damaging your natural nail. Always file in one direction and refrain from using a back-and-forth sawing motion to prevent injury to your natural nail.
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Use tip cutters to cut the nail
If your nail has broken under an acrylic nail and is bleeding, it is important to act quickly and carefully to prevent further injury and infection. One effective method to remove the acrylic nail is to use tip cutters, also known as nail tip cutters or clippers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use tip cutters to remove a broken acrylic nail that is bleeding:
Firstly, it is important to assess the situation and determine if it is safe to proceed with removal at home. If there is severe pain, infection, or significant damage to the natural nail, it may be best to seek medical advice or assistance from a professional.
If the injury is minor and the bleeding is not excessive, you can begin by sterilizing your tip cutters. This is crucial to prevent any infection. Use an appropriate sterilizing solution or follow the manufacturer's instructions for sterilization. Remember to also wash your hands thoroughly and ensure the work area is clean.
Once the tip cutters are sterilized, you can start the removal process. Support the nail by holding it at the back while clipping. Position the tip cutters at the outer edge of the nail and cut directly across. Be careful not to compress the nail with the tip cutters. If the acrylic is very thick, you may need to apply more pressure than usual, but always prioritize precision and control to avoid further injury.
After cutting the acrylic nail, you may need to repeat the process for any remaining pieces that are still attached. Be gentle and patient during this process, as rushing may cause more harm. Once the acrylic nail is completely removed, you can assess the damage to the natural nail and take appropriate next steps.
It is important to note that removing a broken acrylic nail, especially when there is bleeding, can be painful and may cause discomfort. Take breaks if needed and prioritize your comfort and safety. After removing the acrylic nail, clean the area gently and apply a bandage to protect the wound and promote healing. You may also apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the affected area to aid in the healing process and prevent infection.
Remember, if at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsure about removing the acrylic nail, it is best to seek professional help. Nail technicians and medical professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle such situations effectively and safely.
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Apply petroleum jelly to exposed skin
When removing a broken acrylic nail, it is important to take your time and follow the correct steps to avoid damaging your natural nails or the surrounding skin. Before beginning the removal process, it is recommended to apply petroleum jelly to the skin surrounding your nails, including the cuticles and nail beds. This acts as a protective barrier, preventing the acetone from irritating the skin. You can use a cotton-tipped wooden applicator to apply the petroleum jelly more precisely.
If there is exposed skin due to a broken nail, it is especially important to apply petroleum jelly to the cracked area to keep it protected and hydrated. After applying petroleum jelly, you can then proceed with the removal process. It is suggested to cut your nails as short as possible with nail clippers before starting the removal process.
Once your nails are clipped, you can then use acetone to dissolve the acrylic. Soak cotton balls in 100% acetone and place one on each nail, ensuring that the cotton ball is completely saturated and covering your nail. Then, wrap each fingertip in aluminum foil and let it sit for around 30 minutes.
After the waiting period, remove the foil and cotton, and gently push off the softened acrylic using a cuticle pusher. Finally, wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to remove any residue, and apply a moisturizer such as body oil, argan oil, or a rich hand cream to rehydrate and restore your nails and skin.
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Frequently asked questions
First, gently clip the acrylic nail with tip cutters or nail clippers. Then, wrap the injured nail in a bandage for a few days to let it heal. Once the wound has healed, buff off the remaining acrylic.
Yes, acetone will hurt if there is an open wound underneath your acrylic nail. It is recommended to wait until the wound has healed before soaking off any remaining acrylic.
Keep the injured nail clean and dry. Apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the affected area. Avoid covering the nail for long periods to prevent infection.
