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How to glue, tape, and mend nails so they stay long and strong
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Broken nails. Don’t you just hate them? They can have your long, beautiful manicure ruined in a split second. But what if we told you there was a way to fix them? Broken nails don’t have to be your manicure’s chopping block! From permanent to temporary solutions, we’ve got the best and easiest ways you can fix a broken nail just about anywhere.
Things You Should Know
- Glue a small strip of a tea bag or nail silk wrap to your nail to seamlessly patch a break or tear.
- Wrap a piece of clear tape around your broken nail for a quick fix when you’re out and about.
- Use press-on nails to cover up a broken nail without sacrificing your manicure.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionI have a cracked toenail but no damage on the nail bed. Is it ok to apply nail gel over it until it grows out?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.Use the glue only on the nail not between skin and the nail to avoid infection. Keep your nail and toe clean with daily washings with soap and water. Additionally, soak your feet in salt water, pat dry and apply petroleum jelly, cover with non-adhesive bandage for overnight to speed up nail growth. You can also take vitamin B complex to promote healthy cell growth and aid in nail repair.
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Tips
- Prevent your nails from breaking and help them grow stronger by practicing good nail hygiene and applying a nail hardener. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to sourceThanks
- Avoid using your nails as tools, like opening containers or soda cans, to keep them from breaking. Accidents happen, but the less you do with your nails, the happier they’ll be! [10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to sourceThanks
- These remedies can work for fixing a split toenail too, but a toenail may require extra special attention.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/healthy-nail-tips
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/healthy-nail-tips
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/your-nails.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE50XTpCN78
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/nail-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE50XTpCN78
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/pedicures/gel-manicures
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/healthy-nail-tips
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/pedicures/gel-manicures
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you need to quickly fix a broken nail, cut a small piece of clear tape so it’s just big enough to cover the tear. Lay the tape over the tear in the nail and press it down firmly so it adheres, then trim away any excess tape. If you have nail glue, you can create a longer-term solution by gluing down a small piece of a tea bag or coffee filter over the tear. Once the glue dries, apply a clear coat of nail polish over the entire nail, including the patch. If you need to repair a detached nail, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "This article was so simple and helpful that I can't believe I didn't think of these solutions before! The tape method (applied firmly, wrapped around the front and back of the nail, and filing it down flush to the nail) was a super helpful quick fix to help keep the nail temporarily intact until full repair is attainable. I never got my hands on any nail repair fiber or tea bag paper, but I found that using fibers from a piece of cotton (pad or ball) worked amazingly well in the same way!" ..." more
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"This article was so simple and helpful that I can't believe I didn't think of these solutions before! The tape method (applied firmly, wrapped around the front and back of the nail, and filing it down flush to the nail) was a super helpful quick fix to help keep the nail temporarily intact until full repair is attainable. I never got my hands on any nail repair fiber or tea bag paper, but I found that using fibers from a piece of cotton (pad or ball) worked amazingly well in the same way!"
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"I have a crack right at the base from the nail bed/ natural nail. This is where I always get them. I don't want acrylic on my nails, I normally cut them all short. Tea bag or even a piece of thin cloth works! Thank you."
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"The simple numbered directions with pictures is great! Most times when you visually see something, it makes following the directions much much easier. Methods work great, thanks so much."
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"Had a long nail that cracked way down in the nail bed. I used the tea bag and super glue method and was amazed how well it worked. Very simple to do."
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"I used a teabag and just some nail polish, not superglue. Some people in the questions said that you can use nail polish. My nail is good so far."
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