Caleb Foster
A nail injury is when any part of your nail becomes injured, including the nail, nail bed, cuticle, and the skin around the sides of the nail. This can be caused by smashing your finger in a door, hitting it with a hammer, or cutting it with a sharp object. While some nail injuries may require medical attention, there are several at-home remedies to fix a broken nail, including cutting the nail, using nail glue, or patching it with a silk wrap.
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What You'll Learn
Repairing a broken nail with a silk patch
Breaking a nail can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to grow them out. If you've broken a nail, you have two options: cut the nail to remove the tear, or repair it with a silk patch. If the tear is close to the nail bed, it's best to repair it with a silk patch. This guide will take you through the steps of repairing a broken nail with a silk patch.
First, you'll need to purchase a pack of nail silk wraps. You can find these online or at your local drug store. Next, you'll want to buff your nail so that there are no rough edges. Apply a small amount of nail glue directly to the break. Then, trim the nail silk to the size of the break and stick it to your nail. Cut off any excess silk and apply another layer of glue.
If you want to add an extra layer of protection, you can dip your nail in fill powder. This will add strength to your natural nail. You can then glue your nail back together using a thin layer of nail glue and buff your entire nail with a nail file.
If you don't want to use a silk patch, there are other temporary solutions. You can use clear tape, a tea bag, or a coffee filter to cover the tear and glue it down. Once the glue dries, apply a clear coat of nail polish over the entire nail.
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Using nail glue to fix a broken nail
When a nail breaks, it can be tempting to cut it off and start over. However, if you want to preserve your nail's length, there are a few ways to fix a broken nail using nail glue.
One method is to use a nail silk wrap, which can be purchased online or at a drug store. Start by buffing your broken nail to smooth out any rough edges. Then, apply a thin layer of nail glue directly onto the break. Cut a piece of nail silk to fit the size of the break, peel off the backing, and stick it to your nail. Finally, trim off any excess silk and paint on another layer of glue. Complete your manicure with a strengthening base coat and nail polish. The silk wrap will grow with your nail, allowing you to maintain your nail's length.
Another method is to use a tea bag or coffee filter. Cut a small piece of tea bag or coffee filter to cover the tear. Apply a layer of clear nail polish to your nail, then use a toothpick or tweezers to place the tea bag patch onto your nail while the polish is still wet. Once dry, buff out any rough patches. Apply your chosen nail polish, and voilà! Your nail is good as new.
If you don't have a tea bag or silk wrap, you can use clear tape as a temporary fix. Cut a small piece of tape to cover the tear and lay it over the break, pressing down firmly. Trim away any excess tape, and mould the tape around your nail. While this method is quick and easy, nail polish won't adhere to the tape, so you'll need to find a more permanent solution later on.
While using nail glue can be a convenient way to fix a broken nail, it's important to note that some experts advise against it due to the potential for irritation to the nail bed. Additionally, keep in mind that if your nail has separated from the nail bed completely, it will take around six months to grow back, and you may want to focus on proper nutrition and nail care during this time.
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Temporary fixes for a broken nail
Breaking a nail can be frustrating, especially if you've been trying to grow them out. Luckily, there are several temporary fixes you can try before getting a more permanent solution. Here are some methods you can use to fix a broken nail:
Clear Tape
If you need a quick fix and don't have any nail glue on hand, clear tape can be a temporary solution. Cut a small piece of clear tape just big enough to cover the tear. Lay the tape over the tear and press it down firmly. Then, trim away any excess tape. You can also wrap the tape around the front and back of your nail and file it down for a smoother finish. However, keep in mind that nail polish won't adhere to the tape, so this is only a temporary solution until you can apply a more permanent fix.
Tea Bag and Nail Glue
If you have nail glue available, you can create a longer-lasting solution by gluing down a small piece of a tea bag or coffee filter over the tear. First, cut a tiny strip of the tea bag to match the size of the break. Apply nail glue to the tear and stick the tea bag strip onto it with tweezers. Once the glue dries, apply a clear coat of nail polish over the entire nail, including the patch.
Nail Silk Wrap
Nail silk wraps are another inexpensive way to mend broken nails. Start by buffing your broken nail to smooth out any rough edges. Apply nail glue directly to the break, then trim a nail silk to size, peel off the backing, and stick it to your nail. Cut off any excess silk and apply another layer of glue. Finish with a strengthening base coat and your chosen nail colour. The silk wrap will grow with your nail, helping you maintain its length.
Press-On Nails
If you're looking to cover up a broken nail without sacrificing your manicure, press-on nails can be a great temporary solution. Simply remove any nail polish from the affected nail and glue on an artificial nail to match the length of your other nails. This will give you a longer manicure while you wait for your natural nail to grow back.
Filing and Clipping
If you'd rather not use any adhesive methods, you can simply file or clip your broken nail to match the length of your other nails. This is a good option if your nail is too far gone to fix or if you prefer shorter nails. File or clip the nail just below the break to create a smooth edge, then shape it with a nail file.
Remember, while these temporary fixes can help you maintain your manicure and nail length, they are not permanent solutions. For a more long-lasting repair, consider visiting a nail technician or salon for professional advice and treatment.
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When to cut a broken nail
When a nail breaks, you are faced with a decision: cut it off or patch it up. The best course of action depends on the location and severity of the break.
If the nail is chipped at the tip, you can simply trim the rest of the nail tip down until it is even. If the nail is chipped below the tip, trim the nail down and apply a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material on top of the chip to help it grow back evenly. If the nail is chipped on the side, wash the area with clean, warm water, gently pat it dry, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage or gauze and medical tape.
If the break is close to the nail bed, it is recommended to use a silk patch. If the break is past the free edge, you may want to cut it and extend it with a free form. If the break is small, a quick nail filing session may be enough to smooth out the nail. If the nail has a more extended split, you may need to trim it. Clip your nail to just below the split, then use a nail file to even out the nail shape.
If you are looking for a temporary fix without glue, you can wrap clear tape around the break. Cut a small piece of tape so it is just big enough to cover the tear, lay it over the tear, press it down, and trim away any excess.
If you want to glue the nail, you can use a tea bag, silk wrap, or coffee filter. Start by cutting a piece of tea bag, silk wrap, or coffee filter to size. Apply a thin layer of nail glue or super glue across the broken part of the nail. Lay the material down flat on your nail and fold part of it under your nail tip. Put another layer of glue over the material. Once the glue dries, buff the nail until it looks natural and apply a protective coating.
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How to prevent broken nails
Nails become fragile for many reasons, some controllable and others beyond our control. Controllable factors include nail biting, whereas ageing is a natural process that we cannot control.
- Keep your nails short and round or oval-shaped. This reduces the chances of snagging and tearing.
- Avoid using acetone to remove gel nails as it can be harsh and drying. Instead, opt for a non-damaging gel eraser.
- Moisturise your nails and cuticles with natural oil, cuticle oil, lotion, or hand cream after removing nail polish.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores or gardening to protect your nails from trauma and chemicals.
- Maintain a healthy diet and ensure you are getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Consider taking nail vitamins.
- File your nails regularly to prevent jagged edges and snags, and always use a nail file or nail clippers to trim them instead of biting or tearing them with your hands.
- Avoid picking at your nail polish. Always use a nail polish remover, as peeling it off can damage your nails.
- If you have acrylic nails, have them removed by a licensed nail technician to prevent nail damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Quick fixes for a broken nail include using tape, a tea bag, or a silk wrap. For the first two options, cut a small piece of tape or tea bag to cover the tear, lay it over the tear, and trim away any excess. Apply a thin layer of glue and then another layer over the tea bag or tape. Once the glue dries, buff the nail until it looks natural and apply a protective coating. For a silk wrap, buff your nail, apply glue, trim the silk wrap to size, stick it to your nail, cut off any excess, and apply another layer of glue.
If the tear is close to the nail bed, you may want to use a silk patch. If the tear is past the free edge, you may want to cut it and extend it with a free form. You can also use hard gel or nail glue to fix a broken nail.
To prevent broken nails, regularly moisturize your nail beds to minimize dryness. Limit your nails' exposure to water as too much moisture can cause your nails to break, split, or crack. Wash your hands frequently and keep them dry.
