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Learn how to mend, tape, and glue nails to maintain their strength and length
Broken nails. Aren't they frustrating? They can instantly ruin your long, gorgeous manicure. But what if we told you there's a way to fix them? Broken nails don't have to be the end of your manicure! From temporary to permanent solutions, we've gathered the best and easiest methods to repair a broken nail almost anywhere.
Essential Information
- Attach a small piece of a tea bag or nail silk wrap to your nail to seamlessly repair a break or tear.
- Wrap clear tape around your broken nail for a quick fix while on the go.
- Utilize press-on nails to conceal a broken nail without compromising your manicure.
Procedures
Experiment with the tea bag technique.
Utilize a small portion of a tea bag and adhesive to effectively mend a nail break. Empty the contents of the tea bag, unfold it, and cut out a narrow strip matching the size of the break. Proceed to apply super glue or nail glue to the break, affix the tea bag strip with tweezers, and firmly press it down. Apply additional glue until the strip is thoroughly saturated, allow it to dry, buff with a nail file, and you’re done!
- Paint your nails as usual.
- The tea bag strip will grow along with your nail, preserving its length and strength.
- Don’t have a tea bag? A tissue or coffee filter can be used as an alternative.
Use nail adhesive.
Mend a minor nail tear with nail glue and a protective top coat. Apply nail glue to the torn area and smooth it with a toothpick. Secure the nail in place, holding for at least a minute to allow the glue to set. Smooth the mended area with a nail file, apply a top coat, and you’re ready to go!
- Complete your manicure as usual—the break will be invisible.
- If nail glue is unavailable, super glue can be used as an alternative.
Opt for silk nail wrapping.
Repair your nail with a cost-effective nail silk wrap. Get a pack of nail silk wraps from online or local drug stores. Then, meticulously smooth out your broken nail to remove any rough edges. Apply nail glue directly to the break, cut a nail silk strip to match its size, peel off the backing, and affix it to your nail. Trim any excess and add another layer of glue.
- Finish your manicure with a strengthening base coat and your preferred color.
- The silk wrap will adapt to your nail's growth, preserving its length.
Strengthen your nail with dip powder.
For significant tears, utilize fill powder for nail reinforcement. Apply a thin layer of nail glue to reattach your broken nail. Then, buff your entire nail carefully with a nail file. Coat the upper ¾ of your nail with a dip bond and dip it into fill powder. Add another layer of bond and fill powder to the entire nail. Complete your repair with a coat of dip protective seal.
- Remove excess powder between each layer with a dusting brush.
- Proceed with your nail painting and other nail art as usual.
Apply artificial nails.
Mask tears and flaws with a set of press-on nails. If your nail is completely off, don't panic! Remove your nail polish and attach artificial nails with glue to conceal the discrepancy in nail length. Although not permanent, this method can extend your manicure duration while waiting for your nail to grow.
- Prolong the longevity of your artificial nails by gently pushing back your cuticles after showering before applying the nails.
- Avoid cutting your cuticles, as it may lead to infections.
Use tape to hold the nail together.
For a temporary solution without adhesive, wrap clear tape around the break. Cut a small piece of clear tape to match the break's size using scissors. Apply the tape to the break with tweezers and trim any excess. Mold the tape around your nail with your fingers.
- This temporary fix is ideal for situations where you break your nail at work or school and have only tape nearby.
- Nail polish won't stick to the tape, so ensure you remove it and opt for a more permanent solution for a durable manicure.
Trim or file the nail down.
If nothing else works, adjust the length of your other nails to match the broken nail. Some nails may be beyond repair, and that's alright! Skip the adhesive and shorten your overall manicure by cutting or filing your nails to achieve uniformity. No one will notice if one nail is broken.
- Choose dark, muted, or neutral nail polishes when you have short nails.
- Apply a strengthening base coat to safeguard your natural nails and promote growth.
- Avoid biting or tearing your nails, as this can weaken and harm them.
Recommendations
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Prevent your nails from breaking and promote stronger growth by maintaining good nail hygiene and applying a nail hardener.
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Avoid using your nails as tools, such as opening containers or soda cans, to prevent breakage. Accidents may occur, but the less strain on your nails, the happier they'll be!
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These methods can also be effective for repairing a split toenail, but toenails may require extra care.
