How to Fix a Cracked Fingernail in a Hurry

Maintain your manicure by fixing cracked nails.

If you've worked hard to maintain long nails, it can be vexing to have one crack or tear. Rather than trim the entire nail down and start growing it again, you may be able to save the nail by patching it up. You'll have to then wait for it to grow out past the cracked part before filing it and having it completely match the rest of your manicure. You likely have the necessary ingredients on hand to fix a cracked fingernail in a hurry.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Clear nail polish
• Bath or facial tissue
• Toothpicks
• Scissors (optional)
• Colored nail polish (optional)

1. Realign the cracked bit of fingernail. Press down any frayed bits.

2. Tear off a small piece of facial or bath tissue, just big enough to cover the crack.

3. Apply a thin layer of clear polish to the crack and surrounding area.

4. Apply the tissue to the crack and press it into the polish with a toothpick, pencil or one of your other nails. Blow on it to dry it a bit.

5. Apply another layer of clear polish over the whole nail, including the underside of the crack. Allow it to dry. The nail should be bonded back together, with the tissue serving as a patch.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have the time, you can cut the tissue neatly to fit your nail. You can also hide the patch job with a coat of colored polish.

• You can use this same method to help strengthen weak nails. Cut tissue to fit each of your nails. Apply clear polish, the tissue (pressing out any air bubbles) then another layer of polish.

• If the end of the nail is broken completely off, this may not work as well. If you use quick-set glue, then tissue, then polish, it is more likely to hold for a while.

References

• Linda Rose: How to Repair Broken Nails