Manicure repairs are pretty inevitable if you live a lifestyle that requires doing most day-to-day activities, so knowing how to fix a broken nail is a handy skillset to have in your back pocket. Anyone who's suffered a tear will know how frustrating it can be, especially if your nail breaks low. Not only can it ruin the look of your entire manicure, but it can also be pretty painful when it catches on fabrics and your hair. But, we're about to put you onto a couple of ways to correct the problem easily (including an epic yet simple hack that can help you fix a chipped nail using items already in your kitchen cupboards).
How to stop nails from breaking in the first place
We hit up Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of international nail salon, Townhouse, to share her expert advice for treating and even completely fixing a broken nail. The first thing to note, however, if how to avoid breaking your nails in the first place. “I have three top tips that significantly reduce the chances of breakages,” says Juanita.
“Chemicals in household cleaning products can weaken nails and make them more prone to breaking. Always make sure to wear gloves when doing any cleaning or washing up to protect your nails, and to prevent dry hands,” says Juanita
“Do not use your nail as a tool. Instead use scissors to open a package or a spoon to prise open a can of soft drink," she adds.
"Always apply a hand cream and cuticle oil daily to keep the nails healthy and nourished,” recommends Juanita.
How to fix a broken nail
If, despite your best efforts, your nail still breaks, don't worry, we have a couple of methods that will help fix the problem.
Top manicurist Iram Shelton shared how the pros get broken nails back on track. In a video shared to her Instagram, she shared the following steps.
Step 1. File any existing gel polish to break the seal and allow nail polish remover to penetrate. Or simply remove gel polish with an acetone-soaked cotton pad if you have regular nail polish on.
Step 2. Remove any existing gel polish softly by letting it marinate in an acetone-soaked cotton pad, wrapped in foil.
Step 3. Use an orange-wood stick or product remover tool to gently lift the polish from your nail.
Step 4. Gently buff the bare area to smooth the split down and ensure it isn't raised and doesn't catch
Step 5. Clip the nails down to a shorter length and file to soften edges (a shorter nail will place less pressure on the tear).
Step 6. Remove any dust or grime and sanitise the area with an alcohol spray
Step 7. Take a silk wrap (available on Amazon) and cut it to the size you need. Place it over the tear, then set it in place with some nail adhesive.
Step 8. Buff the area again to ensure it looks and feels as smooth as possible. It should be pretty invisible, but you can apply nail polish on top to disguise it further if you wish.
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Don't have silk wrap to hand? Another tip the pros use is the fabric from a tea bag to reinforce the damaged nail. Yes, you read that right, a tea bag. Any brand works, all you need is the mesh paper that the tea is packaged in. “You will need a tea bag, nail glue, tweezers and a nail file or buffer,” says Juanita. We saw the hack used by top celebrity nail artist, Betina Goldstein, whose clients include Margot Robbie and Zoe Kravitz. Here's the steps she used…
Step 1: Gently buff the split so it’s flush with your nail and no sharp edges are sticking out.
Step 2: Cut a small piece of tea bag big enough to cover the area around the split.
Step 3: Apply nail glue to nail, putting a bit extra on the split.
Step 4: Apply the piece of tea bag (tweezers are recommended).
Step 5: Saturate the piece with more nail glue, using a tool to set in place making sure the split is completely covered. I like to wrap it around the split.
Step 6: Let the nail glue completely dry. It should be hard to the touch. Do not start buffing if it is still wet.
Step 7: Gently buff over the glue, smoothing out the roughness and the edges, so it blends with your nail bed. Do not over buff over the split.
Step 8: Dust and apply base coat, nail hardener or coat of polish (or all of the above). I like to use a coat of gel no wipe top coat to ensure it stays in place [although this requires curing so is more appropriate for pros].
Step 9: Repeat this until your nail grows out the split to desired length and you can safely cut the affected area.
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How to fix broken acrylic or gel nails
Unfortunately, a broken artificial nail is harder to remedy than a natural one and Juanita would always suggest cutting the nail down to avoid further damage. “However, if you do not want to cut the nail down and depending on the extent of the break, nail glue can be used to fix temporarily – but remember if doing this the nail will still be weak and could easily break further.” Your call.
