Be careful to not apply too much pressure while you’re buffing, or you’ll damage your nail.
Silk wraps, which you can buy online or at beauty supply stores, are thin, flexible, become practically invisible once you apply the sealant on top and are best for strong nails. Fiberglass wraps, which you can also buy online and at beauty supply stores, are also very natural looking but are better for thin, weak nails. Linen wraps, which include fabrics and tea bags, offer a lot of strength and typically last just as long as silk and fiberglass. They are thicker and more opaque, though, so they require more filing to blend and smooth into the nail.
Alternatively, you can use nail glue instead of a base coat.
Do your best to buff in the direction of the break as much as you can.
Using a top coat will make your fingernail polish last longer, which is helpful in making the patch last longer. Using a lot of nail polish remover, whether it’s acetone or non-acetone, at one time or using it frequently will shift or remove the patch. Nail glue, if that’s what you choose to use, will hold up better to non-acetone nail polish removers, even when used frequently. It won’t fare so well with an acetone remover, though you can minimize damage by using it sparingly.
A note on acetone nail polish remover: In general, acetone removers should not be used on natural nails because it will dry them out, causing them to break more easily. They also shouldn’t be used on acrylics or other types of artificial nails.
You need to hold it long enough to help it stick but not so long that you’ll sever the bond that’s forming when you try to remove the cuticle stick or toothpick. These glues generally won’t last through numerous acetone nail polish removals, so reapplication will be necessary if you use acetone.
Pay close attention to the edges, making sure they’re flush with your skin, too. This will help prevent the break from tearing, and it will make the break less noticeable.
Afterward, wash your hands well with soap and warm water.
If, however, the tear went the full length but is still jagged in places, such as in the corners, carefully use either the emery board or buffer to gently even out and smooth the nail so it’s more uniform. Additionally, if the break was deep into your nail bed and bled a great deal, don’t remove the nail but instead apply pressure to stop the bleeding and see a doctor.
Make sure you keep your finger as clean as possible during this time, washing frequently with an antibacterial soap like Dial. If it becomes extremely dirty, wash it with soap and warm water as soon as you can and dry it with a clean cloth. Monitor your fingernail as it heals. If, after the 7th day of soaking it in salt water, there are signs of infection, such as pus, redness, heat around the nail and swelling, see a physician. If you want to have long, healthy nails, avoid putting stress on your nails that can lead to breakage. [17] X Research source Avoid damaging your nails. You may feel tempted to rip the gel polish off instead of properly soaking it. But picking it off removes some of the top layers of your nails, which weakens them. [18] X Research source You can use nail care products like Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil. It helps hydrate cuticles and nails, which helps strengthen them and repair any damage. [19] X Research source
