Our guide outlines how to fix broken nail problems easily, and the best methods for diffferent kinds of break, plus tips for stabilization and sterilization.
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Ouch! One second not paying attention, and we are dealing with a crack in our fingernail. In everyday life we just like to get stuck with a fingernail on something and suddenly the mishap has happened. What can you do to fix broken nails so that the problem stops completely in such a situation and worse injuries do not follow?
If the nail is not torn too deep, it can of course simply be shortened. However, if the break is very low, and is over the nail bed anatomy itself, cutting the fingernail could lead to bleeding and even inflammation – so it is better not to do it. However, the closer the crack is to the nail bed, the more difficult it is to repair the nail. In this case, you need to give the damaged fingernail time to grow back enough before it can be cut.
Is the broken nail bleeding?
One needs to differentiate between a bloody and a bloodless fracture when you look at how to fix a broken nail. In the case of a bloodless break, the natural nail is “only” torn across, but not so deep that it bleeds, as with a bloody break.
Often the loose nail and its material get stuck on the finger, which is very uncomfortable. A plaster can be wrapped tightly around the finger for acute stabilization. The break should then be repaired as soon as possible. To do this, the loose piece must be carefully removed, if necessary with scissors if it is only hanging on a piece of skin.
If it is enough to file down the material, it is better to use the electric file, as the movement is then not as strong as with a hand file. The loose piece should be held firmly when filing.
If the nail is too badly damaged or if it is still bleeding, it cannot be repaired for the time being, it has to heal for a few days. If the break is bloodless, it can be repaired. It is important to ensure that the broken area is particularly stabilized, otherwise the nail will break again and again at this point.
Before starting the repair, it is essential to disinfect well! It is also important that there is no inflammation of the nail bed.
How to fix broken nail problems: the best methods
Immediate relief with a plaster
If the mishap happens to you, first protect your fingernail from further tearing.
- The first thing you should do with a torn fingernail is to protect it with a plaster. This does not only apply if the nail is torn down to the nail bed.
- A band-aid prevents the nail from getting caught, e.g. in clothing. Not only is this uncomfortable, the nail can quickly tear even further.
- If you don’t have a plaster with you, a piece of adhesive tape is certainly within reach in the office. This serves the same purpose when you put the tape over the tear.
Stabilization options
A tear can be repaired with a strip of ahdesive silk. This self-adhesive fabric is available as longer strips from which you can cut off a small, suitable piece. You stick it on the nail, on the cracked area, after you’ve almost completely removed the old material. When the subsequent adhesive layer is applied, the fabric becomes transparent. Usually the nail is reddened or you can still see the break, so it is advisable to apply a layer of make-up gel to hide this area.
Home methods to fix a broken nail
- The simplest method, of course, is to trim the nail as much as necessary. If the crack goes into the nail bed, it is difficult. In addition, you might not want to do without your long nails.
- Before the repair, remove the nail polish. This is the only way to correctly assess the damage. One option is then still the transparent tape: stick it over the tear and cut off the excess. The disadvantage: the adhesive strip can hardly be seen, but painting the nail is not possible.
- You can save the nail completely invisibly with a tea bag, tweezers and transparent nail polish. First, file the nail as smoothly as possible, both on the tip and on the nail itself.
- Cut out a piece from the tea bag that is the size of the tear. Then apply a thin layer of lacquer and place the piece of teabag with the tweezers on the still damp lacquer over the damage. Press the piece of teabag down with the back of the tweezers.
- Once the polish has dried, apply another thin layer of nail polish. Once this is dry, you can paint your fingernail with color as usual . You will no longer see or feel the crack, it can simply grow out.
- You have to repeat the process each time you paint the nail until the crack has grown out completely. You can also use nail glue instead of nail polish.
Stabilization with a tip
A tear can be repaired with a strip of silk. This self-adhesive fabric is available as longer strips from which you can cut off a small, suitable piece. You stick it on the nail, on the cracked area, after you’ve almost completely removed the old material. When the subsequent adhesive layer is applied, the fabric becomes transparent. Usually the nail is reddened or you can still see the break, so it is advisable to apply a layer of make-up gel to hide this area.
Genevieve Dumas is a design, fashion, food and style writer who has worked on major magazines and mastheads in the United States and Europe.
