A broken nail can be a frustrating beauty dilemma, mainly when you’ve just achieved that perfect, manicured look. Luckily, there’s no need to rush to the salon every time your nail chips or cracks. You can fix a broken nail right at home with the right tools and techniques.
Whether dealing with minor breaks or more severe damage, these easy DIY hacks will have your nails looking great in no time. This article will explore 5 effective ways to fix a broken nail and offer tips to prevent future breaks.
Understanding Nail Breakage
Nails can break for various reasons, such as dryness, injury, or simple tasks like typing. More severe breaks that affect the nail bed may need medical attention, but for minor cases, you can repair the damage at home with simple tools like glue, gel strips, or even a tea bag.
5 Best Ways to Fix a Broken Nail at Home
1. Fix a Broken Nail with Glue
Using nail glue is one of the quickest and easiest ways to fix a broken nail. It works best for minor cracks and breaks, especially if you need a fast solution before an important event.
How to do it:
- Begin by washing your nails and making sure they are clean and not oily.
- Apply a small amount of nail glue to the broken area.
- Press the fractured part of the nail against the other side and hold it in place until it dries.
- After the glue is completely dry, carefully file the nail to make it smooth.
Pros: Quick & easy, perfect for minor breaks.
Cons: Not suitable for severe breaks & the glue can sometimes be visible.
2. Fix a Broken Nail with Gel Strips
Gel strips can help repair a broken nail. They attach to your nail and keep it safe while it gets better, preventing further harm.
How to do it:
- Wash and dry your nails completely.
- Cut the gel strip to the required size and apply it over the broken part of the nail.
- Smooth it out with a blow dryer to ensure it adheres properly.
Pros: Quick and straightforward, offers strong protection.
Cons: The gel strip is visible, making it less discreet.
3. Fix a Broken Nail with a Tea Bag
The tea bag method is a well-known hack for fixing broken nails, particularly for more severe breaks. It provides a temporary yet effective solution while waiting for your nails to grow.
How to do it:
- Put a tea bag in warm water, take it out & press out the extra water.
- Cut the tea bag to the size of the broken area.
- Put on a base coat on your nail, then put the piece of tea bag over the break.
- Once it’s dry, add another layer of base coat to seal it.
Pros: Big or serious cracks, affordable & works well.
Cons: The tea bag needs careful placement & can feel fragile.
4. Fix a Broken Nail with Dip Powder
Dip powder is another fantastic way to fix a broken nail. It’s a great option if you don’t want to use glue and prefer a more durable solution.
How to do it:
- Clean and dry your nails.
- Dip the broken nail into the dip powder and set it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Apply a top coat and let it dry.
Pros: Long-lasting, provides strong protection.
Cons: Time-consuming and may only work for some types of breaks.
5. Use an Artificial Nail
If you’re dealing with a significant break, an artificial nail can be a temporary but effective fix. This method is good for temporary fixes, like for events.
How to do it:
- Put glue on the fake nail and then place it on top of the nail that is broken.
- File it down to match the length of your natural nails.
- Apply a top coat to blend the artificial nail with your natural one.
Pros: Great for severe breaks, provides full coverage.
Cons: Temporary fixes and artificial nails can sometimes cause damage if improperly applied or removed.
How to Prevent Your Nails from Breaking
To prevent nails from breaking, make sure to take good care of them & adjust your daily routine. Here are some tips to help keep your nails strong & healthy:
1. Keep Nails Clean and Dry
Dirty or wet nails are prone to breakage. Always dry your nails thoroughly after washing your hands or doing household chores. Moisturizing your nails regularly will also help maintain their strength.
2. Trim and File Regularly
Trimming & filing your nails regularly can help avoid tearing or splitting. Use a fine nail file to make edges smooth and keep your nails looking their natural shape.
3. Avoid Using Nails as Tools
Using your nails to open cans, scratch surfaces, or pry objects can easily lead to breaks. Instead, use appropriate tools to keep your nails safe.
4. Wear Gloves
Wear gloves while doing household chores to protect your nails from harsh chemicals, detergents, and cleaning products. This will help prevent dryness and breakage.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
What you eat affects your nails. Eat healthy foods with lots of vitamins & minerals, like biotin, to make your nails stronger.
Conclusion:
Fixing a broken nail at home is easier than you might think, and with the right tools, you can restore your nails in no time. Whether you opt for glue, gel strips, or the tea bag method, plenty of options are available to keep your nails looking fabulous.
Along with these easy DIY fixes, a few healthy habits can help prevent future nail damage and keep them looking strong and beautiful.
