Written by: layla • August 11, 2024• Nails

How To Fix A Broken Nail At Home: 5 Effective Methods

Some DIY ideas to the rescue of a chipped nail that can save you a trip to the salon.

Image: Shutterstock

Nothing is worse than chipping a perfectly manicured, Instagrammable nail! We’re all dreading it. Fortunately, you may quickly repair a broken nail without visiting the local salon and spending thousands of dollars. You only need the necessary materials and patience to mend your broken nails at home. While it may appear to be a minor problem, serious cases of damaged nails may necessitate medical treatment.

If the split caused damage to the nail bed, you must treat the wound and correctly repair the nail. In this post, we’ve covered some simple DIY methods for repairing broken nails at home, as well as advice for avoiding them from breaking again. Continue reading for more information.

Best Ways To Fix A Broken Nail At Home

1. Fix A Broken Nail With Glue

You can use nail glue to repair a broken nail. This is by far the finest way for mending your nails right before a big occasion or when you really need them to look excellent. Make sure your nails are clean and free of debris and grease before attempting this approach.

Once your nail has dried, put glue on the fractured section and press it against the other side until it hardens. Don’t worry about being delicate; this strategy is quite successful.

This approach can help avoid future nail damage, so apply adhesive only if the break is not serious. It’s quick and easy, and the adhesive is scarcely noticeable. Remember, you may only use this procedure for minor breaks until the adhesive completely dries. You will be unable to move your nail at all, therefore avoid using this procedure if your nails are flexible to avoid additional damage.

2. Fix A Broken Nail With Gel Strips

This procedure is simple and doesn’t take much time or effort. Before you use the product, ensure that your nails are clean and dry. If they are excessively wet, the gel strips will not adhere correctly.

Cleanse and dry your nails. Cut a gel strip to the desired size and apply it to your nail like a band-aid. Make sure it’s on top of the nail, not the bottom, where it would be visible. Blow dry your nail and ensure that the gel strip adheres securely to it.

These strips can hold up pretty well, depending on how bad of a break you have. The only drawback is that they are visible, so use the glue method instead if you want something more discreet.

3. Fix A Broken Nail With A Tea Bag

To get the most out of your tea bag, make sure it is very heated. This ensures that moisture permeates the nail and prevents additional damage, such as discolouration or peeling.

Soak a tea bag in warm water and squeeze out any extra liquid to ensure it is the most absorbent. Once your nails have been properly wet, lay the tea bag right on the fractured nail and apply mild pressure. Remove the tea bag after 5 to 10 minutes. You can now use clippers to shape your delicate nails uniformly. Dry them completely with a blow-dryer before applying a coat of clear nail paint to prevent them from additional harm.

This procedure softens your broken nail, making it easier to work with. However, it is not a long-lasting solution, so avoid exerting pressure on your nails while typing, writing, or using your fingers.

Khushbu, a YouTuber, presents a quick and simple DIY cure for a broken nail that does not require glue. She walks viewers through a step-by-step technique for repairing a broken nail in 5 minutes with a tea bag, a clear top coat, and a toothpick. She continues: “I change my manicure once a week so I will do this two to three times a month and by that time a nail will grow and I just trim it off and it will be new again (i).”

4. Fix A Broken Nail With Dip Powder

If you don’t want to use glue to heal broken nails, dip powder is a great alternative that strengthens them. It provides an ultra-thin coating of protection that can help protect your nails while also preserving their flexibility, making it great for those looking for something more discreet.

Make sure your nails are completely clean and dry. In a small dish, combine a teaspoon of dip powder and an equal amount of acetone. If you don’t have acetone, regular nail polish remover will work; however, use a small amount so your nails don’t get too wet.

Now, dip your nail in the powder-acetone mixture and let it cure for 15 to 20 minutes before removing any extra powder. Repeat the procedure before curing your nails. To achieve a smooth nail surface, apply a coat of clear nail paint and allow it to dry.

Note: If you have a habit of roughing up your nails, this is not the greatest way to fix them.

5. Use An Artificial Fingernail

Image: Shutterstock

Artificial nails are extremely thin but durable, making them perfect for temporary treatments while your nails regrow. If you’re looking for a proper artificial nail, visit a salon and ask the professionals to help you get the right size.

You must glue the artificial nail directly on top of your broken nail and file down at least half an inch from where it touches your cuticle. Use clippers or a buffer to shape it. Seal it in with clear nail polish and blow dry to set.

If your nails are excessively short, avoid applying the artificial nail too close to the cuticle line. Before applying clear nail polish, make sure your natural and imitation nails are at least half an inch apart. Take cautious not to break the prosthetic nail. Also, do not tear it off, since this can further harm your underlying broken nail.

If you’re having nail breakage, making minor lifestyle modifications can help you regain nail health. Continue reading to learn how you may make your nails last longer and avoid splitting or damage.

What Can Prevent The Nails From Breaking Again?

If you’re having nail breakage, making minor lifestyle modifications can help you regain nail health. Continue reading to learn how you may make your nails last longer and avoid splitting or damage.

Trim and file your nails on a regular basis to prevent unintentional paper cuts or damage from other items.

Statistics on nail-biting behaviors were reported in a YouGov survey of 1,060 participants in 2022. Approximately 32% of respondents reported to having the problem at some point in their life, and 41% are presently battling with it. 46% of males and 38% of females reported nail biting, which appeared to be more common among those aged 30-44 (57%) and 45-64 (59%). These people are prone to nail breaking and must take care of their nails.

Do not use your nails to open anything that could prick or harm you.

Wear gloves when performing housework or working with chemicals, detergents, or other harsh substances.

Avoid putting direct pressure on your nails while typing or playing video games.

To protect your nails, use a food-grade oil or wax polish first, then clear nail paint.

It hurts our hearts when our neatly manicured nails break. However, you do not need to go to a salon to get it corrected. You can mend a damaged nail at home for free. This article includes fast methods to assist you swiftly resolve this issue. To keep your nails from breaking again, follow these tips: moisturize them, avoid applying direct pressure, wear gloves while working, and trim them on a regular basis. Following these steps will help you keep your nails healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I fix a broken nail with tissue paper?

If you don’t have a teabag, tissue paper can be a quick fix for a split nail. Here’s how:

Trim the broken part of the nail as close to the fingertip as possible.
Gently file any rough edges, avoiding the split.
Cut a small piece of tissue paper to cover the break.
Apply a thick layer of clear nail polish to the broken area.
While the polish is still wet, place the tissue paper over the break using tweezers. Press gently.
Let dry completely, then add one or two more coats of clear polish.
Once dry, apply your desired nail color.

Can I use acrylics on a broken natural nail?

Yes, you can use acrylics to cover a broken nail as long as there’s no open wound or bleeding. If you clean the area with alcohol and feel a burning sensation, wait for the injury to heal before applying acrylics.

Is jojoba oil good for nails?

Jojoba oil can help moisturize nails, reducing dryness and brittleness. While research is limited, regular massage of jojoba oil into nails and cuticles may promote overall nail health.

Is garlic good for nails?

Garlic is a popular home remedy for nail strength and growth due to its sulfur content. However, scientific evidence is limited, and its strong odor and potential skin irritation can be drawbacks.

Is soaking nails in olive oil beneficial?

Yes, olive oil can benefit nails. It contains vitamin E, which can improve the appearance of nails affected by yellow nail syndrome. Olive oil’s moisturizing properties also help prevent breakage and enhance overall nail health