What to do if a nail breaks – yours or an extension?

First of all, the nail plate needs to be treated with an antiseptic and secured with a bandage so that it does not become even more injured. There is no need to cut anything at this stage, especially if you want to restore the aesthetic appearance of the nail.

First aid

The course of action for a broken nail will differ depending on the nature of the breakage. If it is bleeding, cracked to the meat, at the root, halfway, then the first thing you should do is disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. It is important to do it right:

Stop the bleeding. Press a bandage or clean cloth onto the bleeding area and hold for 10 minutes. In this case, it is recommended to lie on your back and raise your arm up. If the bleeding has not stopped after 15 minutes, you should seek medical help.
Clean the wound if it is dirty. Place your hand under running cold water. If necessary, use a soft washcloth and soap. Do not rub the damaged area, otherwise the bleeding will resume.
Treat the wound with an antiseptic. You can use chlorhexidine (does not sting), hydrogen peroxide or another.
In case of serious damage, it is correct to cut off the broken part of the plate and file the edges. Then you should apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound (Neosporin, Levomekol, Polysporin).
Gently bandage your finger. Wrap the bandage several times to create a cap, then criss-cross the bandage and tie.Make sure that the bandage is not too tight, but does not fall off.
Apply ice poured into a plastic bag to the sore spot 3-4 times a day. Keep it on for 15–20 minutes. This will help relieve pain and swelling.
Change the bandage daily and treat the injury site with an antiseptic or antibacterial ointment.

If an extended nail or your own breaks, but somewhere on the side, it will be enough to seal it with a band-aid or tape for the first time. The sticker will protect the plate from further injury and allow you to calmly choose a method for correcting the aesthetic defect.

You can start repairing the nail plate only after the wound has healed. If there is blood, dirt, or pus under the nail, it will have to be pierced or removed altogether.

If the nail under the gel polish breaks, the coating is removed and the wound is treated.

What will happen next to the nail?

Gradually, the broken area will grow back. On average, a nail renews itself in 6–12 months. Problems can only arise when the plate breaks at the root or falls off completely. Then there is a possibility of damage to the nail base (bed) - you need to consult a podiatrist.

In other cases, it is recommended to think about strengthening the plate. The best option is biogel coating. You can apply shellac on top of the nail. The artificial coating will protect the delicate skin under the nail from injury and infection.

Nails break for various reasons: injury, blow, improperly performed manicure, too long nail. If the problem has become permanent, most likely the body lacks nutrients. Soft nail plates indicate a lack of calcium, while peeling ones indicate a lack of sulfur.

Aesthetics

If the skin under your nail is not damaged or only the extended nail is broken, repairing the breakage will not be difficult. Of course, it is best to contact a manicurist who will do the job professionally. But you can try to do the repairs at home yourself. It is better to remove the decorative coating and then reapply it.

5 ways to fix it yourself:

Using clear nail polish and a tea bag. The easiest and most affordable way to remove a crack on the side or in the middle of a nail. You need to cut off a small piece of a tea bag, drop transparent varnish onto the broken area and apply the cut material (using tweezers). A clear varnish should also be applied on top. After 15–20 minutes, when the varnish has dried well, the nail must be sanded with a file or buff.
Using glue. A half-broken or even completely broken nail can be repaired with special glue. Regular “Moment” is not recommended for use due to the toxic substances it contains. Special nail glue is applied to the crack, and acrylic powder is sprinkled on top or a piece of tea bag, linen, or cotton is applied. After drying, the repair area is polished. If a piece of nail breaks off, first soak it in hot water and then glue it back to its original place.
Using gel polish. A broken nail is very easy to fix if you have a UV lamp at home. To begin with, the coating is removed, the nail is degreased and a base is applied. Then it is immediately sprinkled with acrylic powder, paying special attention to the cracks, and placed under a lamp. Next, the nail plate is lightly polished. The base is applied again as a second layer for reliable strengthening. The third layer is decorative.
With the help of tips. If the nail is broken at the root, the ideal solution may be to use an overlay plate. You need to degrease the nail, drip the glue included with the tips. Then you should press the false nail for 10-15 seconds. After the glue has completely dried, you can give it any shape and apply a decorative pattern.
Special repair kit. Few people know that cosmetic stores sell ready-made kits for repairing broken nails. They consist of glue, a brush, a piece of non-woven material, other necessary items, and, of course, detailed instructions.

To make the nail plate grow faster, it is useful to use oils containing active oxygen O2 (for example, P-Shine squalane oil). They treat the entire nail, including the cuticle.

Nail breaks are divided into simple and complex. In the first case, you can try to repair the house using special glue, clear varnish or other available means. With an open wound, it is better not to take risks and, after providing first aid, trust a specialist. Remember that health is more important than aesthetics!