Whether it is a deep tear or just the tip, there are several methods to fix a broken nail and have it as good as new in no time. Listed below are a few tips on how to fix a broken nail.
The best way to take care of broken nails is to avoid breaking them or splitting in the first place. Eating a good, nutritious diet not only benefits your health, but it will also improve the quality and durability of your nail beds and the nails themselves. Nail fungus can also significantly weaken your nails; therefore, you should treat nail fungus as soon as possible.
How to Fix a Broken Nail at Home
With some simple tools, you can fix your broken nails at home. You will need a top coat nail polish, nail file, super glue and one paper tea bag.
- The first step is to cut the tea bag across the top and empty out the contents of the bag. Then, cut one strip from the tea bag long enough to cover the broken nail and set aside.
- The next step is to get your nail ready by filing down any uneven surface until it is smooth. Lightly buff the area where the nail is broken until it no longer feels rough or uneven.
- The third step starts by applying a thin layer of the super glue on to the strip of tea bag or directly on the area of the broken nail. Lay the strip of paper across the broken nail and press down firmly to adhere the paper to the glue. Once you have done that, apply a second layer of glue on top of the paper. After the second coat has had time to dry completely, add a third layer of glue for extra hold and added protection of the broken nail.
After the third layer of glue is dry, trim any excess paper with a small pair of scissors. Now, you can buff the glued repaired area until it is smooth and coat your nail with a top coat of nail polish. There are many top coats made specifically to help nourish and strengthen nails.
Silk Wrap Method
Fixing a broken nail with a silk wrap is almost identical to the tea bag method. Many people prefer silk wrap instead of a tea bag. Silk wraps or fiberglass manicure sheets are what most salons use to fix broken nails, if you were to go in to have it repaired.
You can use the same method above right in your own home and not have to wait for a professional to do it and risk having your nail break completely while waiting to be seen. All you have to do is substitute the tea bag for a silk wrap or fiberglass sheet that can be readily found in most beauty supply stores and use nail glue instead of super glue. Follow the same steps in the same order as you would with the tea bags and you will have a repaired nail quickly and easily.
Fix Broken Toenails
While you can use the above methods to fix a broken toenail, you will want to care for them in a slightly different manner. Toenails are made from keratin, a hard material that protects the soft tissue found underneath the nail. However, toenail fungus is a very common problem and causes toenails to become weakened and break or split more easily than healthy nails. Laser treatments are just as effective on toenail fungus and can prevent painful splits, cracks and breaks.
Trauma-Related Toe Damages
If your toenail break is a result of trauma such as dropping something heavy or stubbing your toe against a hard object, you will want to examine the injury closely before you try to do any repairs. If there is bleeding present, apply slight pressure with a sterile bandage.
You should not attempt to repair the nail until the injury has healed. If the bleeding has not stopped within ten minutes or the blood is trapped beneath the nail and causing extreme discomfort or pain, go to the emergency room.
Fixing a broken nail can be quick and easy, depending on the nature of the break, but remember prevention is key. If you have toenail fungus, visit a clinic such as Clear Toes Clinic which specializes in treating toenail fungus using a simple laser procedure.
