
How to Fix a Broken Nail — and Grow 'Em Back Stronger
- Cut the teabag. Make sure you cut it close to the length and width of the break in your nail.
- Add a little glue. Add a drop of glue on an orange wood stick, then dab it over the break.
- Use tweezers to apply the teabag. Place the teabag piece over the break, then let it dry.
- Buff it out. Using a buffer or nail file, lightly smooth out the surface of your nail.
- Push back your cuticles. Once your broken nail is buffed to smoothness, do the same with the rest of your nails. ...
- Cover with base coat, then apply color. Once your nails are buffed to smoothness, apply a base coat. ...
How to fix a broken nail with nail polish?
Part 2 Part 2 of 2: Repairing Your Split Nail
- Apply a clear base coat. Paint a thin layer of a clear nail polish as a base coat. ...
- Place the teabag on your nail. When the clear base coat is still wet, carefully place the rectangle piece of tea bag onto your nail to cover the split ...
- Wait for the polish to dry. ...
- Apply another layer of clear nail polish. ...
- Remove the excess teabag. ...
How do you treat a torn off toenail?
To treat a torn toenail at home, cut off any unattached part of the nail, and file it smooth so you don’t catch it on your socks or furniture. Additionally, apply direct pressure to any area that’s bleeding with a cloth or gauze pad.
How to look after your nails naturally?
Steps
- Keep a good diet. This will help you with many other things, not just your nails. ...
- When applying lotion to your hands make sure to rub some into and around your nails.
- Keep your nails even. ...
- Gently tap your nails on a hard surface such as a table. ...
- Use as little nail polish remover as possible, and never use a polish remover with acetone in it.
How to repair damaged nails, According to experts?
“The best way to repair damaged nails, no matter the cause, is to give them a break from nail polish,” Soon tells Bustle. “Although a longer break is needed for gels and acrylics, your nails still need a break even from regular nail polish.” While on your nail polish vacation, be sure to keep your cuticles moisturized.

Can a ripped nail repair itself?
After a nail separates from the nail bed for whatever reason, it will not reattach. A new nail will have to grow back in its place. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back.
How long does it take for a half ripped nail to heal?
Taking good care of your wound at home will help it heal quickly and reduce your chance of infection. The wound should heal within a few weeks. If completely removed, fingernails may take 6 months to grow back. Toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back.
Can a broken nail mend back together?
Mend with glue According to Yankee, the best quick fix is to use a nail glue. "Lightly buff the surface of the nail and apply a coat or two of a fast-drying, thin viscosity glue, like Nail Bliss by Dashing Diva Brush-on Glue ($5), to hold your nail together until you can get to a salon," she says.
How do you fix a broken nail without nail glue?
2:3511:39How To Fix A Broken Nail Without Glue - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I like to just focus on this area first because if I were to apply gel. Over my whole nail. AndMoreAnd I like to just focus on this area first because if I were to apply gel. Over my whole nail. And try to do this patch at the same time I find that sometimes.
Should I cover an exposed nail bed?
Protect any exposed part of the nail bed for 7 to 10 days until this skin hardens and isn't sensitive anymore. Coat the area with antibiotic ointment and top with a nonstick bandage. Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet.
Can you super glue a broken nail?
I recommend using super glue for a broken nail instead of “nail glue” because there's no need to buy something special. Super glue works perfectly well and contains the same main ingredient as nail glue. Cut your tea bag to the size of the nail bed that's broken.
How does a tea bag fix a broken nail?
How to Fix a Broken Nail — and Grow 'Em Back StrongerStep 1: Cut the teabag. ... Step 2: Add a little glue. ... Step 3: Use tweezers to apply the teabag. ... Step 4: Buff it out. ... Step 5: Push back your cuticles. ... Step 6: Cover with base coat, then apply color.
How do you wrap a split nail?
Expert Tips and Tricks for Repairing Split Nails with Wraps1) Clean and prep the nail to ensure it's free of dust and debris. ... 2) Trim the silk wrap to fit the area. ... 3) Dab resin over the wrap until it blends seamlessly into the nail.4) Buff the nail with a 180-grit file to create an even surface.More items...•
Can clear nail polish be used as nail glue?
You can use double sided tape or clear nail polish. The nail polish should be wet once you apply the fake nail.
What do you do if your nail breaks in half?
Step 1: Clip the broken nail as close to the fingertip as you can. Step 2: Using a glass or crystal file, gently file any snags, but be sure to avoid the split itself. Step 3: Trim a tea bag or paper coffee filter to the size of a small patch that can cover the break in the nail.
How do you make homemade nail glue?
To make nail glue, start by combining 1 cup of PVA glue and about half of a standard-sized bottle of nail polish in a bowl. Use a cotton swab stick to stir the mixture, since you can also use it for applying the glue afterwards.
What do you do when your half your nail rips off?
Trim off the detached part of a large tear, or leave the nail alone.Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe.If you trim off the detached nail, you will have less worry about the nail catching and tearing.More items...
How long does a chipped nail take to heal?
It's treated by removing the nail that's already grown and treating or removing the scar so new nail can grow properly. If all or part of your nail is removed, it will grow back. It takes approximately a week for a fingernail to start growing back and three to six months for it to totally grow back.
How long do nails grow in a week?
about 0.7 mm“Fingernails tend to grow about 0.7 mm or about 0.03 inches per week,” she says, adding that toenails take about 2-3 times longer to grow.
How do I know if my nail bed is damaged?
If you have a deep cut in your nail bed, you should see a doctor, especially if it doesn't stop bleeding. Subungual hematomas that cover more than a quarter of your nail also need medical treatment. If your finger is very swollen or painful, or if you think it's fractured, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.
How long does it take for a torn nail to heal?
On average, fingernails grow at a rate of 0.1 millimeters every day — though oddly, they grow faster in the summer during warm weather. Toenails gr...
Should I cover an exposed nail bed?
If the nail came off because of an injury, the exposed nail bed should be kept dry and bandaged while waiting for a new nail to start growing to re...
What causes a nail to crack?
A split nail can be caused by too much moisture, picking or biting, or an injury or infection. It can also be indicative of bigger issues such as p...
Why is the side of my nail throbbing?
There are two potential reasons why the side of your nail is throbbing. Acute paronychia is an infection around the nail margin causing throbbing p...
Does a fingernail grow back?
If your nail plate is completely separated from your nail bed, there's no way to reattach it — you just have to wait for a new nail to grow in. If...
How to heal a torn nail?
The best way to treat a torn nail is to give it time to grow back. You can help make sure it grows back safely, and you can also take steps at home to reduce pain and discomfort as it grows.
How to fix a torn nail plate?
As with a torn nail, you can tape the nail in place while you wait for the new nail to grow, trimming it as needed . You may also want to consider having the separated nail removed completely and bandaging the exposed nail bed while you wait. A physician can help you determine the best solution for you. If your nail tears or separates because of an infection, then you need to see a doctor to treat it. Keeping the area around your nails dry can help prevent an infection from developing [sources: Aetna InteliHealth, Mayo Clinic, Rouzier ].
What happens when your nail separates?
When your nail tears or separates, the nail matrix grows the new nail [source: Mayo Clinic ]. The ways you can tear your nail plate are endless, but the most common way people tear their nails is by trimming them incorrectly -- they cut their nails at the wrong angle, leaving a tear or hangnail [source: Bruno ].
What does it mean when your nails are half white?
White nails may indicate liver disease, whereas nails that are half-white and half-pink may be a sign of kidney disease. Yellow nails may betray the emergence of lung disease or diabetes, red nails may signal heart disease, and dark lines on your nail beds may indicate melanoma.
Why does my nail throb?
There are two potential reasons why the side of your nail is throbbing. Acute paronychia is an infection around the nail margin causing throbbing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, and pus. A hangnail is another potential reason that the side of your nail is throbbing.
Why do my nails turn yellow?
Nail psoriasis typically affects only people with psoriasis of the skin, and it weakens nails and can cause beds to turn white, red or yellow.
How long does it take for a torn nail to grow back?
Treating torn or separated nails can be frustrating. Your nails grow at a rate of about 0.004 inches (0.1 millimeters) per day -- it can take as long as six months for a nail to completely grow back [source: Mayo Clinic ].
How to treat a torn toenail?
To treat a torn toenail at home, cut off any unattached part of the nail, and file it smooth so you don’t catch it on your socks or furniture. Additionally, apply direct pressure to any area that’s bleeding with a cloth or gauze pad. Then, clean the wounded area with warm soapy water, and remove any dirt and dried blood. Next, apply an antibiotic ointment to your toe to guard against infection. Finally, wrap your toe in a bandage, and change it daily to keep it clean. To learn more from our Medical co-author, including when to seek medical attention for a torn toenail, read on!
How to take off a toenail?
1. Deal with the nail that’s left. Some nail avulsions are minor, leaving most of the nail attached, whereas others can take off an entire toenail. After your injury, properly care for the portion of the nail that’s left over to get your healing off on the right foot. Whatever is still attached, leave it attached.
Why is my toenail turning black and blue?
Sometimes, a crushing injury to a toenail (like having a heavy object dropped on your toenail) can cause a subungual hematoma – bleeding underneath the nail. This creates a little pocket of blood under the nail, which can be uncomfortable because of the pressure.
Why do you have to drill a hole in your toe to drain blood?
This procedure shouldn’t hurt, and draining the blood will make your toe feel better because it relieves the pressure.
What does it mean when your toe is infected?
No matter how well you take care of your injury, you might still get an infection. If your toe is infected you might see red streaks running up your toe, foot, or leg. You might get a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher. Pus – thick, white or colored drainage from the injury – is another sign of infection.
Can you cut a toenail to grow back?
If you can see visible damage to your tissue around your nail, like any tears, see your doctor. If the nail bed or nail matrix are very damaged, your nail might not grow back or might look different – but some problems are fixable. Do not attempt to cut your torn toenail yourself if doing so would cause you to bleed.
Can a toenail be a tear?
A torn nail injury, or nail avulsion, includes a tear in the nail away from the nail bed or losing the entire nail.
How to fix a crack in a nail?
Step 1: After wiping the crack clean with nail polish remover, gently buff the nail with a file. Your goal here is to make the nail as smooth and clean as possible (no excess oil, polish, or snags). Step 2: Very gently, use nail glue to mend the crack. Once it's totally dry, paint a layer of clear gel polish over the nail.
How to make a nail crack?
Step 1: Cut the top off of a tea bag and make a square roughly the size of the crack. Step 2: Smooth a layer of nail glue over the crack (a brush-on formula is easiest here), and while it's still wet, place the tea bag square on top. Step 3: Once it's dry, paint one more layer of nail glue and you're good to go.
How to prevent nail breakage?
And of course, to avoid broken nails in the future, Yankees advises all her clients to moisturize daily with cuticle oil and keep their hands protected from the elements. “Fingernails are constantly exposed to harsh hand soaps, chemicals and water,” she says. “ Keeping them moisturized and polished is the best solution to avoiding breakage. ”
Who is the celebrity nail artist who works with Priyanka Chopra?
Ahead, I rounded up everything I've learned about fixing and smoothing cracked, jagged nails in the comfort of your home, including all the tips and tools from an ~actual~ expert: Pattie Yankee, celebrity nail artist who works with Priyanka Chopra, Allison Williams, and Hailee Steinfeld. Keep reading for some ridiculously good nails.
Can you fix a broken nail?
Alright, you may not want to hear this, but there isn't a truly permanent fix for a broken nail. “No matter how good the repair, a difficult and deep crack or break will always seem to sneak its way back through the repair,” says Yankee. “If the break is in a convenient spot to allow it to be cut down, it might be easiest to just cut it and trim the rest of your nails to match ."
How to fix a torn nail?
Before you can fix the nail, you need to make sure that your hands are clean and free of oils. Use warm water and soap to wash your hands or feet. Dry well with a clean towel. Wash and dry carefully to avoid accidentally snagging the torn nail and making matters worse.
How to repair a damaged nail?
Apply a top coat over the entire nail. Apply a layer of top coat or nail strengthener to the damaged nail in order to balance it out and provide an added, final layer of protection.
What glue to use for nail polish?
If you do not have nail glue, use super glue. In general, a glue containing cyanoacrylate will form the strongest bond.
What to do if nail has no adhesive?
If the material has not gotten any adhesive on it yet, you may need to apply a small dot of glue or mending liquid to make it stick to the underside of the nail.
What to do if you don't have nail mending paper?
The material should ideally be large enough to cover the entire nail with enough excess. 3. Attach the mending material.
How to get rid of excess nail glue?
4. Wrap the material over the top of the nail. Pinch your tweezers over the material at the top of the nail, folding it down and under so that it sticks to the underside of your nail.
How to cut tape without cutting off scissor blades?
To make it easier to cut the tape without having to peel the tape off the scissor blades, use small nail scissors or sewing scissors. If you’re using larger scissors, trim the tape using the tip of the blades.
How to fix a broken nail?
While it’s still wet, press the piece of tea bag (or filter) onto your nail. Use your tweezers or an orange stick to smooth it out, making sure the broken part of your nail is securely in place. Wait for it to dry.
How to cover a break in a nail?
Empty the tea bag of its leaves, and using your scissors, cut a piece from it to cover not just the break , but the entire width and length of your nail (for added strength and durability).
Why do my toenails break?
If it’s just your fingernails that are giving you ’tude but your toenails are fine, your broken nails are likely because of an external cause, Dr. Madan adds. But if both are affected, or if the problem persists for more than 3 to 6 months, it’s worth checking in with your dermatologist for a consult. Beyond making changes to strengthen your nails ...
How to get rid of tea bag on nail?
Trim away the excess tea bag or filter that’s hanging over the edge of your nail with your soft nail file—file in one direction, using long and swift (but gentle) strokes. Gently buff the top of your nail so that the paper is blended completely into your nail.
Why aren't my nails playing nice?
First, a quick primer on why your nails aren’t playing nice: “Nails can get weak and break easily for a number of different reasons,” says Robin Evans, MD, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
What does it mean when your nails are weak?
“They can be a sign of iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud’s Syndrome (a condition caused by circulation problems).”
Can aging cause dry nails?
For example, nails are made of keratin, and our body produces less of it as we age—so yes, aging can play a role. Constantly exposing your nails to the elements can dry them out, too. So avoid over-washing your hands, dunking them in cleaning products, or using acetone-based polish removers.
How to fix a broken fingernail?
1 The Tea Bag Method. Step 1: Clip the broken nail as close to the fingertip as you can . Step 2: Using a glass or crystal file, gently file any snags, but be sure to avoid the split itself. Step 3: Trim a tea bag or paper coffee filter to the size of a small patch that can cover the break in the nail. Step 4: Paint the broken nail ...
What do you need to fix a broken nail?
For this quick fix, you'll need: hydrogen peroxide, nail glue, baking soda, a toothpick, a towel, and a nail file. Who new a trip to the corner store would be just what the manicurist ordered?
How to fix a crack in dip powder?
This process involves applying nail glue over the spot where the nail is broken, before prepping the area for the dip powder. Next, you'll add two to three layers of base that covers the entire nail plate. Then, you'll finish off with seal protect to harden the area, before finalizing the nail with the desired polish.
Who is the doctor for broken nails?
First thing first: It’s important to take proper care to prevent infection and treat the wound. That’s where we come in! We reached out to Dr. Dana Stern, a dermatologist specializing in nail care, to discuss what exactly you should be doing to care for your broken nails.
Is nail glue a acrylate?
Dr. Stern, MD, is not a fan of nail glue as most contain acrylates. “Acrylates are chemicals that commonly cause irritant and allergic dermatitis,” explains Dr. Stern. Acrylates are common culprits of these skin reactions, so much so they were named Contact Allergen of the year in 2012 by The American Contact Dermatitis Society. Who knew there was such a thing?
How to fix a crack in a nail?
Cut a Tea Bag. Once your nail is filed, Dunne says to cut a small piece of tea bag (make sure it's clean and no tea particles are attached) to lay over the entire crack—and, yes, it’s totally fine if it takes up the surface of the nail. After cutting your cloth, put it to the side until step four.
How to prevent a broken nail from breaking?
You now know how to fix a broken nail, but how do you prevent them from breaking in the first place? Keep your nails dry by wearing gloves when cleaning or washing dishes, moisturize your nails and cuticles every day, and avoid harsh nail products by using acetone-free nail polish remover.
Why do my nails split?
Nails that split down the middle can be caused by frequent handwashing or overuse of nail polish remover resulting in dry, brittle nails that crack. 5 Occasionally, nail splitting can also be caused by a medical condition, including thyroid issues or anemia, so talk to your doctor if this condition persists.
How to put a nail back together?
Now that your nail is buffed and filed to perfection, it’s time to put your nail back together. “Apply a layer of clear polish and use a toothpick or tweezers to apply the tea bag to the nail while the clear polish is still wet,” Dunne instructs. Once dry, buff out any rough patches before moving on to the next step.
Why is my nail bed purple?
You may notice your nail bed turning black or purple after an injury, especially if you smashed your finger or caught your nail on something and it ripped. If it is just a small bruised spot, it will go away as it heals and does not require medical attention. If it is a larger area and causes painful throbbing, you may have a subungual hematoma and your doctor may need to place a small hole and drain it to relieve the pressure and allow it to heal. 2
What happens if you rip a nail off?
If this happens, watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling and pain, and see your doctor if this does occur. 1. If you caught your nail on something and actually ripped it off, unfortunately it won't reattach—but it will eventually grow back.
How long does it take for a nail to grow back after a rip?
If it has separated from the nail bed completely, it will take around six months to grow back out. 1 You likely do not need medical attention for this unless you have increasing pain and/or swelling as this could indicate an infection.
