Fingernails enhance the beauty of our hands and often help us feel good about how we look. However sometimes they break, which can be painful and unsightly. While you can’t always prevent broken nails, there are some things you can do to help while it grows out.
1. Trim the broken nail:
If your nail has broken and the tear is small, you can trim the nail to the point where the breakage occurred. This will prevent further damage and allow the nail to grow back in a healthy way.
2. File the nail:
After trimming your nail, use a good nail file to smooth the edges of the broken nail. Glass nail files are best because they help prevent splitting. These are the nail files I purchased on Amazon. Filing the nail will prevent it from catching on clothing or other objects and causing more damage.
3. Use nail glue:
If the tear is more significant or too close to the nail bed to file, you can use nail glue to repair it. Apply to the torn area and hold the nail together for a few seconds until the glue dries. Click here to see the nail glue I purchased on Amazon. It’s similar to crazy glue but it’s much easier and less messy to apply because it comes in a bottle with a brush just like liquid nail polish. You can repeat this process until the crack has grown out or the nail is long enough to be filed. I use this all of the time and as often as is necessary.
4. Use a tea bag:
If you don’t have nail glue, you can use a tea bag to repair the nail. If you’ve not heard of this technique, it may seem a bit strange but I’ve tried it and it works! Cut a small piece of paper (enough to generously cover the break) from an unused tea bag, apply a thin layer of glue on the torn area of your nail, and place the tea bag paper over it. Hold the paper in place until it dries. Then file or buff the area to smooth out any rough edges.
5. Apply nail strengthener:
After repairing the nail, apply a good nail strengthener to prevent further breakage. This will help to protect your nails and keep them healthy. In fact, I use nail strengthener all of the time whether or not I have a broken nail.
6. Keep your nails clean and moisturized:
To promote healthy nail growth, keep your nails clean and moisturized. Use a moisturizing hand lotion regularly and avoid using harsh chemicals on your nails.
Breaking a fingernail can be painful and unsightly, but it’s not the end of the world. With the above tips, you can repair your broken nail and promote healthy nail growth.
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