How Can You Fix A Broken Nail At Home

Written by , BA Hons Indrani Karmakar BA Hons Experience: 2.5 years
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There’s nothing more frustrating than experiencing a broken nail, especially when you want to keep your nails looking beautiful and well-maintained. But fear not, we are here to help you tackle the issue from the comfort of your home. Whether you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken your nail, we’ve got you covered with various DIY solutions to restore your nails to their former glory. Get ready to embrace beautifully repaired nails with confidence and style! Read on!

Preparatory Steps For Fixing A Broken N
Image: Shutterstock

Before diving into the methods to fix your broken nail, it’s essential to properly prepare the nail for repair. Follow these simple steps to ensure best results:

Step 1: Ensure The Nail Is Plain

Make sure your broken nail is free from any base coat or polish. A clean and bare surface is ideal for an effective repair.

Step 2: Cleanse Your Hands

Wash your hands with soap to remove any dirt or debris from the affected nail. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

Step 3: Disinfect The Nail

To maintain a germ-free environment, use rubbing alcohol to disinfect the broken nail thoroughly. This step also helps eliminate any excess oils that may hinder proper adhesion.

With these steps completed, you’re now ready to explore the different ways to fix your broken nail, choosing the method that suits the materials you have available. Let’s proceed with confidence and get your nails back to looking flawless in no time!

1. Paper

Paper
Image: Shutterstock

What you’ll need:

  • A sheet of paper
  • Scissors
  • Clear nail polish

Step 1: Prepare The Paper

Take a sheet of paper and cut out a small piece that matches the shape and size of your broken nail. This piece will act as a temporary patch to repair the nail.

Step 2: Apply Clear Nail Polish

Using clear nail polish, apply a thin layer to the broken nail. The clear polish acts as a bonding agent for the paper patch.

Step 3: Place The Paper Patch

While the clear nail polish is still wet, carefully place the cut-out paper piece over the broken area of your nail. Gently press it down to ensure proper adhesion.

Step 4: Seal With Another Layer Of Polish

To secure the paper patch in place, apply another layer of clear nail polish over the top. This will help protect the patch and keep it securely attached to the nail.

Step 5: Conceal With Colored Nail Polish

Once the clear nail polish has dried, you can apply colored nail polish over the entire nail to hide the paper patch. Choose a shade that matches your desired look, ensuring the paper remains discreet and unnoticeable.

2. Tea Bag

Tea Bag
Image: Shutterstock

What you’ll need:

  • A tea bag
  • Scissors
  • Nail glue
  • Nail file

Step 1: Prepare The Tea Bag

Begin by taking a tea bag and cutting it open to empty the tea leaves. Cut a strip from the tea bag that is large enough to cover the entire broken area of your nail.

Step 2: Apply Nail Glue

Coat your entire nail with nail glue. Ensure that the glue is evenly spread over the nail’s surface.

Step 3: Attach The Tea Bag To Strip

Immediately after applying the nail glue, carefully place the tea bag to strip on your nail. Gently smooth it down using your hands or a nail file to ensure it adheres securely to the nail. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 4: Add Another Glue Layer

Apply another layer of nail glue over the tea bag patch, covering the entire surface of the nail. This second layer of glue will reinforce the repair and provide added durability.

Step 5: Smooth And Beautify

Once the second layer of glue is dry, use a nail file to gently smooth out the surface of your nail. File until the repaired area looks natural and seamless. Afterward, apply a base coat and your desired nail color as usual to complete the look.

3. Tape

Tape
Image: Shutterstock

What you’ll need:

  • Clear tape (Scotch tape or gift-wrapping tape)
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers

Step 1: Cut The Tape

Begin by cutting out a piece of clear tape that is large enough to cover the broken area of your nail.

Step 2: Attach The Tape

Using tweezers, carefully place the cut-out tape piece on your nail to cover the entire broken area. Gently press it down to ensure it adheres firmly to the nail. With this easy tape method, you can provide temporary protection to your broken nail until you’re ready to implement a more permanent solution.

4. Baking Soda

Baking Soda
Image: Shutterstock

What you’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • Nail glue
  • A toothpick
  • Nail file

Step 1: Apply Nail Glue

Begin by placing some nail glue on the broken part of your nail. Use a toothpick to spread the glue evenly all over the cut, ensuring it penetrates inside the broken area as well.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Next, dip the glued part of your nail into some baking soda, focusing on the area with the applied glue. Afterward, remove the nail from the baking soda, wiping away any excess.

Step 3: Smooth And Strengthen

Use a nail file to gently smooth the fixed area, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the rest of your nail. Repeat the application of glue and baking soda as needed until your nail looks natural and strengthened.

Whether you choose the tape method for quick protection or the baking soda method for added strength, both techniques offer efficient and simple ways to mend your broken nail at home. Embrace these DIY solutions for beautifully repaired nails until you’re prepared for a more permanent nail fix. So, what is your favorite method to fix your nails? Let us know in the comments section!

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Indrani Karmakar

Indrani KarmakarSenior Social Writer

Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduating in Political Science from Calcutta University, she took a detour into the world of creativity and discovered her knack for social writing, advertising, designing, and...read full bio

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