{"id":131,"date":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=131"},"modified":"2023-12-29T21:53:34","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:53:34","slug":"what-to-do-when-your-nail-breaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/what-to-do-when-your-nail-breaks\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do When Your Nail Breaks"},"content":{"rendered":"
Chipped, cracked, or broken nails can happen to anyone. Dealing with a damaged nail can be annoying and even painful if left untreated. Don’t worry – with the right steps, you can repair your broken nail and get it looking neat again.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Gently file down any sharp edges, apply a strengthening base coat, fill in the break with nail glue or acrylic, then buff and polish the nail to blend with the rest<\/b>.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about dealing with a broken nail, from stop-gap solutions to long-term nail repair.<\/p>\n
When a nail breaks, it’s important to inspect where and how the damage occurred. Look closely at the nail to determine if the break is partial or complete. A partial break may involve just a crack or a chip in the nail plate.<\/p>\n
A complete break goes all the way across the nail, separating the nail into two or more pieces. Also note if the break is in the center of the nail or closer to the side edges. Breaks near the corners of the nail often lead to ingrown nails or additional cracking.<\/p>\n
Checking the location and severity of the breakage helps you decide how to treat it.<\/p>\n
If the broken nail has rough, sharp edges or corners, gently file them with an emery board or nail file. Filing smoothes the edges and prevents snagging on clothing or further tearing of the nail. File in one direction, not back and forth, to avoid weakening the nail further.<\/p>\n
Round off pointed tips for a safe, uniform edge. Filing eliminates hazards and discomfort until the nail can grow out.<\/p>\n
If the nail separated near the free edge or tip, trim it shorter using nail clippers or scissors. Removing the broken part prevents it from catching and tearing more. Leave some white nail plate attached for strength. Trim evenly across to create a straight edge.<\/p>\n
The shorter length lessens risk of more splitting or breaking as the nail grows. Let the nail regrow to a safer length before reshaping the tip.<\/p>\n
After filing and trimming, apply cuticle oil, lotion, or cream. Moisturizers condition the nail plate and soften the cuticle area to aid healing. Massage the product into the nail bed and surrounding skin, especially near any cracks or roughness. Well-hydrated nails resist brittleness and breakage.<\/p>\n
Reapply daily to heal damage and keep nails flexible as they grow.<\/p>\n
While a nail is healing from a break, avoid harsh treatment that could cause more injury. Limit use of the fingers and nails on that hand when possible. Don’t bite or pick at nails. Wear gloves for wet work, cleaning, or gardening. Open doors carefully and avoid banging nails on hard surfaces.<\/p>\n
Carry bags on the arm opposite the broken nail. LET the nail rest and recover. Proper care prevents additional breaking and allows the nail to mend.<\/p>\n
Applying a base coat under your nail polish can help strengthen nails and prevent breaks. Base coats typically contain nourishing ingredients like vitamins, proteins, and minerals that condition nails.<\/p>\n
Look for a base coat labeled as a “strengthening base coat” or “ridge-filling base coat” for the most repair benefits. Using a base coat creates a protective layer between the nail and polish that reduces the risk of nails becoming damaged.<\/p>\n
For small cracks or breaks in a fingernail or toenail, an effective temporary fix is to apply a small drop of nail glue or acrylic nail product to fill in the gap. This helps seal the nail and prevents snagging. Lightly file the area first so the glue adheres properly.<\/p>\n
Avoid getting glue on the surrounding skin. Once dry, gently buff the filled area to smooth it out. Nail glue dries quickly and can serve as a temporary patch until the nail grows out.<\/p>\n
Natural remedies like tea bags and silk fabric can mend split nails. For tea bags, cut a small piece of the tea bag to fit over the split nail. Apply nail glue to the underside of the tea bag piece and position it on the nail, then apply glue over the top.<\/p>\n
The tannins in tea help harden the keratin in nails. For silk wraps, cut a strip of silk fabric to cover the nail split and glue it similarly to the tea bag. The silk provides structural support. Leave the wrap on as the nail grows out.<\/p>\n
These techniques protect the split nail from snagging while allowing it to grow.<\/p>\n
Splints made from household items can reinforce a cracked or split nail. Cut a toothpick or coffee stirrer to size to place underneath the nail over the crack. Apply a dot of nail glue at both ends to hold it in place.<\/p>\n
The splint acts as a support beam to take stress off the damaged nail as it heals and grows out. It helps prevent further cracking. Make sure the splint is smooth and flush with the nail surface. Trim and reapply as needed while growing out the nail.<\/p>\n
Gently buffing and polishing nails after a repair promotes healing and masks imperfections. Use a fine-grit nail file or buffer to shape and smooth the fixed nail until flush with the surrounding area. Don’t file too much, as you don’t want to thin out the nail.<\/p>\n
Apply nail strengthening polish evenly over the nail. Top it off with a shiny top coat. The polish seals the nail and makes cracks less visible. Re-apply the polish and top coat after a few days as it grows out for a pro-looking finish.<\/p>\n
Keeping nails and cuticles well-hydrated is key for healthy, strong nails that resist breakage. Massage a rich moisturizer like coconut or olive oil into nails and cuticles once or twice per day. Products containing jojoba oil, vitamin E, and shea butter also nourish nail beds.<\/p>\n
Consistent hydration keeps nails flexible and less likely to become dry and brittle.<\/p>\n