Liam Carter
Cracked nails can be a pain, but there are several ways to fix them at home. Nails can crack due to aging, frequent handwashing, vitamin deficiency, or underlying health issues. To prevent cracks, it is important to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated and healthy. This can be done through regular handwashing and moisturizing, using cuticle oil, or massaging your nails with coconut oil or Vaseline. If you have a cracked nail, you can file and trim the nail, or use nail glue, tea bags, or nail repair kits to fix the crack.
How to save a cracked fingernail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First steps | Smooth the nail with a file to remove any sharp or jagged edges. If it's a small split, filing may be all that's needed. |
| Temporary fix | Wrap clear tape around the break to hold it together. |
| Long-term fix | Cut a small piece of a tea bag to cover the break, then apply a small drop of super glue to your nail and lay the tea bag on top. Once dry, buff out any rough patches. |
| Prevention | Keep nails trimmed, wash and moisturize hands regularly, and avoid harsh nail products. Coconut oil can help to strengthen nails and prevent ridges. |
| Underlying causes | Cracked nails can be caused by frequent handwashing, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, anemia, or fungal infections. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a tea bag and glue
If you have a cracked fingernail, you can use a tea bag and glue to fix it at home. This method can be used to fix a substantial break and can even be used to reattach a nail that has broken off completely.
First, 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 damaged area. You can also use silk wraps, or a piece of two-ply paper towel, medical tape, or fabric from an old t-shirt. Apply a clear coat of nail polish to act as a glue, and place the tea bag piece over the tear. Press down with your finger or tweezers to ensure there are no air bubbles. Apply another coat of clear polish and allow it to dry.
Next, you can add nail glue to strengthen the repair. Pile on several layers of glue so that the tea bag is fully encased. This will allow you to file the repair without filing into the tea bag. Once the glue is dry, use a nail file to buff the nail and smooth out the texture. You can then apply a base coat and polish as usual.
If you are using nail glue, be sure to only apply it to the nail and not between the skin and the nail to avoid infection. This method should not be used if the nail bed is damaged.
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File the jagged edge
When you crack a nail, it can often be sharp and jagged. The first step is to smooth it with a nail file. Filing the jagged edge will help prevent the crack from extending further through the nail and avoid getting too close to the quick, the pink part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. Filing is a quick fix to smooth the nail and prevent further damage.
If you have long nails and crack one edge, you will want to file the jagged edge rather than clipping it. Filing in one direction, file the nail back to its original shape, so it matches your other nails, just slightly shorter. If it is a major break, you may need to clip 90% of the nail and then file the remaining 10%. Filing the nail will also help prevent the nail from catching on fabric and ripping further.
If you are happy to cut your nails shorter, you can simply file the jagged edge, so your nails are all uniform. No one will be able to tell that one nail is broken. Opt for dark, muted, or neutral-colored nail polishes when your nails are short.
You can also use a nail file to buff out any rough patches after applying a tea bag and clear nail polish to fix a broken nail.
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Use clear tape
Using clear tape is a great temporary fix for a cracked fingernail. It is a quick and simple method that can be done at home without the need for any special tools or products. All you need is some clear tape, scissors, and tweezers.
First, cut a small piece of clear tape with the scissors, ensuring that it is trimmed to a size that will cover the break. Then, use the tweezers to place the tape onto your nail, directly over the crack. Make sure the tape is smooth and flush with your nail, with no bumps or excess tape hanging off the edges. You can gently mould the tape to fit your nail shape using your fingers.
This method is perfect if you are in a pinch and need a quick solution, such as if you are at work or in a class and don't have access to a nail kit. It is also a good option if you are looking for a temporary fix and don't want to use nail glue or other more permanent methods.
It is important to note that while clear tape can be a lifesaver in these situations, it is not a long-term solution. Nail polish won't adhere to the tape, so if you are looking to maintain your manicure, you will eventually need to remove the tape and try a more permanent fix.
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Take biotin supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Consuming biotin through foods or supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. A few small studies support the use of biotin supplements for stronger nails. In one study, 63% of patients with brittle nails who took daily biotin supplements showed clinical improvement.
Biotin deficiency is rare, but it can cause brittle nails. If you are not getting enough biotin in your diet, you can try taking biotin supplements or eating more biotin-rich foods. Meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes are all good sources of biotin.
It's important to note that consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through food is the best way to improve and maintain nail health. Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of supplements is often lacking. However, under certain circumstances, taking a supplement may be beneficial.
In addition to taking biotin supplements, you can also support nail health by including a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your diet, as well as adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
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Apply coconut oil
Coconut oil is a great way to treat a cracked fingernail. It is a natural anti-fungal agent and can help prevent toenail fungal infections. Coconut oil is also a good option for those with acne-prone skin, as it is non-allergenic for the most part when used in an organic cold-pressed liquid form.
To use coconut oil to treat a cracked fingernail, start by cleaning and drying the affected area. Warm a small amount of coconut oil—perhaps by placing a jar in a bowl of warm water—and gently massage it into the nail and cuticle. Coconut oil can be applied throughout the day to prevent and treat cracked nails and cuticles. For a more intensive treatment, warm a small amount of coconut oil and add a minced garlic clove. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, then massage it into your nails and cuticles before bed.
If you are looking for a quick fix to a cracked nail, clear tape can be applied to the nail and filed down. However, this is only a temporary solution. For a longer-lasting solution, nail glue can be used to repair a cracked nail.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to file the edges of your nail, smoothing out any jagged edges. If it's a small crack, filing may be all you need to do. If it's a larger crack, you may need to trim the nail and then file it to its original shape.
There are several household items you can use to fix a broken nail, including clear tape, super glue, and tea bags.
Cut a small piece of clear tape to the size of the break. Place the tape on the break and cut off any excess. Mould the tape around your nail using your fingers.
Cut a small piece of tea bag to cover the broken area of your nail. Apply a small drop of super glue to your nail and place the tea bag on top.
