A broken nail can almost always be saved if you do not pull at it. First, file the edge so it does not catch, protect it with a plaster or a coat of base and book an appointment: at the salon we repair it with gel in 15 min for €5.00, and you can carry on with your manicure without cutting the others. Here is what to do in the moment, how we fix it and how to stop it happening again.
What to do the moment it breaks
Three steps, in this order, and none of them is pulling.
- Do not tear off the piece, even if it is hanging. If it is attached by a corner, it can be saved.
- File the edge with a soft file, in one direction only, just enough so it does not catch on clothing.
- Protect it. A plaster if the break reaches the skin; if not, a coat of base or clear polish to seal it until your appointment.
If the break bleeds or hurts a lot, wash with soap and water, press with a clean gauze and, if it does not stop within a few minutes, go to a health centre before you come to us.
Types of break and what to do with each
| Break | What it looks like | What to do at home | What we do at the salon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side crack | A split from the edge inwards, nail still whole | Clear base on top, do not bend it | Gel repair and reinforcement |
| Break at the free edge | The tip snaps, above the skin | File the edge and seal | Gel repair or even up the length, as you prefer |
| Break below the edge | Reaches the pink area and hurts | Plaster, do not touch it | Gel repair that protects while it grows |
| Peeling in layers | The nail splits into sheets | Moisturise and do not file the surface | Gentle buff, strengthening base and gel polish to seal |
| Broken gel or acrylic nail | The extension breaks or lifts | File the edge, do not rip it off | Repair or replacement of that nail |
How we repair a broken nail
We repair it with builder gel: the area is cleaned, a thin layer is applied to bond the crack or rebuild the tip, it is cured under the lamp, the shape is filed and matched to the others. It is invisible under polish and protects the natural nail while it grows; once the repaired piece reaches the edge, it is trimmed off and that is that.
The broken nail repair takes 15 min and costs €5.00. It can be done on its own or as part of your manicure, and applies equally to a natural nail with gel polish and to a gel or acrylic nail.
Do not cut the others
The reflex to cut the other nine down to the length of the broken one is unnecessary: with a repair, the broken nail gets its length back and nobody notices the difference. If you would rather go shorter, do it at the salon, with the shape done properly, not at home with scissors.
Why nails break
Almost always for one of these reasons, and all of them can be corrected:
- A dehydrated nail. The first cause: without oil, the nail turns rigid and snaps. A drop of cuticle oil every night transforms the nail within a month.
- Peeling off gel polish. It takes the top layers with it and leaves the nail thin and flaky. Here is how to remove gel polish without damage.
- Water and detergents without gloves.
- Using nails as tools: opening cans, scratching, typing with the nail.
- A square shape with sharp corners, which catch. Almond or rounded square breaks less.
- Too much length for the thickness of your nail.
How to stop it happening again
- Cuticle oil every night, over the polish too.
- Gel polish as reinforcement: applied properly, it protects the natural nail and lets it grow. We explain how long gel polish lasts.
- If your nail is very thin, a strengthening base for two or three cycles, or a gel overlay without extension.
- A rounded shape and a length you can maintain.
- Gloves for washing up and cleaning.
- Remove gel polish at the salon, never by peeling.
If it has just broken, book an appointment and in the meantime file, seal and do not pull. Come in the same day or the next and the nail is saved.
Frequently asked questions
Can a broken nail be repaired?
Almost always, yes. We repair it with builder gel, which bonds the crack or rebuilds the tip and protects the nail while it grows. It takes 15 min and costs €5.00.
What do I do if a nail breaks and I cannot get to the salon today?
File the edge so it does not catch, seal the crack with a coat of base or clear polish, or a plaster if it reaches the skin, and do not pull at the piece. It will hold for a day or two until your appointment.
Do I have to cut the other nails if one breaks?
No. With a repair the broken nail gets its length back and looks the same as the others under polish. Cutting the remaining nine is a reflex you do not need.
How much does a broken nail repair cost?
€5.00 per nail, in 15 min. It can be done on its own or added to your manicure, and applies to natural, gel or acrylic nails.
Why do my nails break so much?
Usually because of dehydration, peeling off gel polish, water and detergents without gloves or a shape with sharp corners. Cuticle oil every night, gloves and a rounded shape solve most cases.