A split fingernail can be painful, inconvenient, and downright frustrating, especially if you're trying to keep your nails looking neat and polished. Whether your nail split from dryness, trauma, or frequent exposure to water, here are 3 temporary quick fixes you can do at home.
1. Tea Bag Patch
Cut a small piece of a tea bag to cover the split. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish over the broken nail. Place the tea bag strip over the split while the glue is still tacky, and seal with another coat. Once dry, gently buff the surface and finish with polish if desired. It’s an invisible bandage that holds everything in place while your nail grows out.
The Sainte Team tried this one and it was actually pretty effective for small cracks. If you have a slit in the middle of your nail, you may need a heavier duty option. See the next tip below.
2. Nail Glue Quick Fix
If you’re short on time, a dab of nail glue can temporarily bond the split together. Press the edges of the nail together for a few seconds while the glue sets. This quick fix works well in a pinch, especially if the tear is clean and hasn’t reached too far down the nail bed. We recommend using a vegan nail glue if possible, like this one from Sally’s.*
This is not an ad, but our founder, Beth, has been using Sally’s nail glue for several years. The packaging is great because it prevents clogs, the glue works well and it’s gentle in the removal process.
3. File Gently
This one works best for splits that are near the top of the nail. If possible, cut the fingernail to the length of the split. To prevent the split from worsening, use a fine grit emery board and gently file. File in one direction, never back and forth, until the split is gone. This reduces stress on the nail and keeps the edges smooth and less likely to snag.
For damaged nails, its important to be gentle and do not use metal or glass files. They are too abrasive and can make things worse. Only use an emory board.
These remedies are great temporary solutions, but strong, healthy nails are less likely to split in the first place. Using a cuticle oil daily, like Silhouette, Sainte Nèl’s overnight cuticle serum, is a simple routine that nourishes and strengthens nails over time.
Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know how they worked for you. Email us at hello@saintenel.com with your thoughts!