This tutorial will show you how to fix a broken nail at home. Using just a few simple tools, some patience, and our expert guide!
Your nails are on fleek and all of a sudden – broken nail! What's a girl to do?! Whether you've got a tiny crack or a full on split, we've got the best ways to fix a broken nail at home! So before you go and bite that nail off, read this tutorial that will guide you through how to fix a broken nail!
Why Do Nails Break?
Brittle, fragile nails can be a sign of something serious. If you suspect something, it's always best to consult your doctor. Often times, over-application of nail polish, fake nails, acrylics and gels can lead to fragile nails. If you see your nails starting to break and crack, give them a break from the aforementioned. Nails need to breathe, just like our skin needs a break from makeup.
Additionally, a lack of calcium can also lead to weak and brittle nails. Be sure to take calcium supplements if needed. Calcium is a crucial mineral for strong, healthy nails.
Lastly, make sure to moisturize every single day. Especially during the cold winter months, our skin and nails tend to get drier. It's important to keep the skin around the nails hydrated and soft. Stay away from very hot water and hand sanitizers as they can weaken the nail bed and cause breakage.
There are a few different ways you can mend a broken nail. These are some of our favorites because they're easy to do and won't take up too much of your time!
Fix #1: Mend With Glue
Break a nail? If you only have a split rather than a completely broken one, you can easily mend it with some nail glue. Yes, nail glue DOES exist. If you don't have it, you need to get yourself a bottle, especially if you have weak brittle nails that break easily!
Start by gently buffing the surface of the nail. Then, proceed to add about 2 coats of a fast drying nail glue such as Nail Bliss Brush-On Glue. Once the glue has completely dried, apply a base coat of clear polish to hold the crack in place.
Depending on the severity of the split, you may have to do this 2-3 times over the course of a week. Once your broken nail has fully recovered, take care of your nail bed. Do this by moisturizing it and apply a nail growth serum.
Fix #2: Apply a Fake Nail
If you've broken an entire nail, there is not much you can do except for applying a fake nail! It'll give your nail underneath a little bit of time to grow and your manicure won't be out of whack! Just apply a press-on nail over the broken nail until your natural nail grows out. It's easy, it's cheap, and your manicure won't skip a beat!
Of course, be sure that the fake nail you've just applied matches the length of the rest of your nails! Looking for some nail art ideas? Check out these 30 summer nail designs!
Fix #3: Silk Wrap
If your nail is almost completely off and just hanging on by a thread, try the silk wrap method! Start by applying a clear GEL top coat and stick on a piece of silk wrap. Buff the nail and apply another layer of gel coating. You can also purchase pre-made silk wraps, such as Dashing Diva's Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Nail Strips. Just stick them on directly over the broken nail as you would a piece of tape!
What is a nail silk wrap?
A nail silk wrap is exactly what it sounds like! A piece of silk fabric that's very thin and designed to hold together delicate things, such as your nails.
Fix #4: The Tea Bag Method
This method is one of the most popular ways to fix a broken nail and that's because it works! Cut a small piece of a tea bag, place it over your broken nail, and secure with a brush-on glue. Be sure to cover the broken nail completely with the tea bag. Buff it over once dry, paint it, and voila – broken nail no more! Every other day, apply another layer of brush-on glue to strengthen the tea bag. Do this for about a week and you're good to go!
If all else fails, you could just match the other nails to the broken nail and file them all down! They're nails after all and WILL grow back! So now that you know how to fix a broken nail, it's time to put your skills to the test!
Have another great idea on how to fix a broken nail? Let us know in the comments!
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