How To Fix Cracked Acrylic Nail?

Are your acrylic nails looking a little worse for wear? Have you discovered a crack in your acrylics? Cracked acrylic nails are common, but you might be wondering, how to fix cracked acrylic nail? I’m going to share some helpful tips on how to fix cracked acrylic nails quickly and easily from the comfort of your own home.

Identifying a Cracked Acrylic Nail

Symptoms of a Damaged Nail

Have you just discovered a crack in your acrylic nail? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

First, let’s recognize the symptoms of a damaged acrylic nail. Signs of a cracked acrylic nail can include:

• A visible horizontal or vertical line in the acrylic
• Lifting of the acrylic at the edges
• Pain or discomfort around the nail
• Unevenness or bumps in the nail surface

By being aware of these symptoms, we can easily spot a cracked acrylic nail and take action to fix it.

Causes of Breaking an Acrylic Nail

Now, let’s dive into some common causes of breaking an acrylic nail:

1. Trauma or impact: Accidentally hitting your nail against a hard surface or getting it caught in something can cause it to crack.
2. Improper application: If the nail technician didn’t apply the acrylic properly or used low-quality products, the nail could be more prone to breaking.
3. Natural nail growth: As our natural nails grow, they can put pressure on the acrylic, leading to cracks.
4. Maintenance neglect: Skipping touch-up appointments or not taking care of our nails can weaken them and cause cracks.
5. Overexposure to water: Continuous exposure to moisture can cause the acrylic to lift and eventually crack.

How to Fix a Cracked Acrylic Nail at Home

Using Nail Glue for Temporary Repair

We’ve all been there: you look down at your nails and notice a crack! But don’t worry, we can help you fix it temporarily with nail glue.

First, dry your nails thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion. Then, gently apply the nail glue over the crack, pressing the cracked pieces together for a few seconds.

This should hold the cracked acrylic nail together until you can get a professional repair.

Tea Bag Method

For a more reliable fix, try the tea bag method. Here’s how:

1. Clean and dry the cracked acrylic nail.
2. Cut a small piece of tea bag to cover the crack.
3. Apply nail glue to the cracked area, then place the tea bag piece over the crack.
4. Press down for a few seconds to allow the glue to bond with the tea bag.
5. Apply another layer of nail glue over the tea bag.
6. Wait for the glue to dry completely.

This method provides a stronger seal to hold the crack together, and with a quick filing and a coat of polish, your nail will be good as new.

Silk Wrap Method

For a more professional fix at home, try the silk wrap method:

1. Clean and dry the cracked acrylic nail.
2. Cut a small piece of silk wrap to cover the crack.
3. Apply nail glue to the back of the silk wrap piece.
4. Place the silk wrap directly over the crack, smoothing it out as much as possible.
5. Press the silk wrap into place, ensuring a secure bond with the acrylic nail.
6. Apply a layer of nail glue over the silk wrap.

Once the glue is dry, you can file and polish your nail to blend the repair seamlessly. This method should leave your cracked acrylic nail looking as good as new.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Broken Acrylic Nails

Maintain Nail Length and Shape

One of the key factors in avoiding broken acrylic nails is maintaining the proper nail length and shape. We recommend keeping the nails at a moderate length to reduce the chances of breakage.

Regularly filing our nails and maintaining a consistent shape, such as oval or square, can also help in minimizing the stress on the acrylic nails. Both natural nails and acrylic nails can benefit from this practice.

Proper Nail Care Routine

Incorporating a proper nail care routine is essential for preserving the health and appearance of our acrylic nails. Here are some steps that we can take in maintaining our acrylic nails:

• Nail polish: Apply a base coat before using nail polish, as it helps protect the natural nail from stains and discoloration. Finish the manicure with a top coat to add shine and longevity to our polish.
• Nail dip powder: Nail dip powder can provide additional strength to the acrylic nails and help them last longer. We can also use it on our natural nails to protect them.
• Nail technician: Regular visits to a licensed nail technician can ensure that our acrylic nails are properly maintained, which in turn, can prevent any cracks and breaks.
• Nail bed care: Keeping our nail beds clean and moisturized can prevent infections or damage that may weaken the acrylic nails.
• Gel nail polish: Opting for gel nail polish instead of regular polish can improve the durability and longevity of the acrylic nails. It adheres better to the surface and provides a thicker, more protective layer.

Acrylic Nail Reinforcements

Lastly, we can opt for acrylic nail reinforcements to provide added strength and protection to our acrylic nails. Some options include:

• Applying a coat of nail polish: Adding an extra coat of nail polish can increase the thickness and stability of our acrylic nails, reducing the chances of cracks or breaks.
• Gel overlays: A gel overlay applied by a nail technician can help reinforce the acrylic nails, providing an extra layer of strength and durability.
• Nail strengthening products: Using nail strengthening products on the natural nails beneath the acrylic can help improve their resilience, making them less prone to breaking and cracking.

When to Seek Professional Help

Signs of Severely Damaged Nails

Sometimes, attempting to fix a broken acrylic nail at home can cause more harm than good. We want to make sure you know the signs of a severely damaged nail that requires professional assistance:

• Excruciating pain when handling the broken nail
• The entire nail has lifted, creating a gap at the base
• Deep cracks running across the entire nail, compromising the structure

In these situations, we recommend seeking a nail technician’s help to avoid damaging your natural nails further.

Consulting a Nail Technician

A professional nail technician or nail artist is well-versed in dealing with broken acrylic nails and their corresponding repair techniques.

They will assess the damage, determine the best course of action, and provide appropriate guidance for the most effective repair solution.

More importantly, they have access to the necessary tools and quality products to ensure your nails get the proper care they need.

Options for Repairing Fake Nails

When it comes to fixing acrylic nails, there are many methods that professionals use, to tackle the issue of broken or cracked nails. We’ve listed some of the options for repairing fake nails below:

• Nail Filing: They’ll use a thin file to carefully smoothen the damaged area, approaching the natural nail without harming it.
• Acrylic Fill: With a small to a medium-dry ball of acrylic, nail technicians carefully fill the crack, followed by shaping and refining the nail surface.
• Gel Patch: For a broken nail with gel, professionals may opt for a gel patch to strengthen and secure the nail surface. This technique involves applying a layer of gel over the entire nail, followed by dipping it into the acrylic powder.

Can I Fix a Broken Nail with Gel?

Yes, you can fix a broken nail with gel. First, you will need to remove the acrylic back to the length of your other nails. Then, you can shape and file the acrylic to match the shape of your natural nail.

Apply a thin coat of nail polish onto the nail plate, followed by a layer of gel nail polish and cure it under a UV lamp. Repeat with another layer of gel nail polish and cure. Finally, you can finish with another coat of nail polish.

What Is the Best Way to Fix a Broken Natural Nail?

If you have a broken natural nail, you can trim it down and shape it using a nail file. You can also use a nail tip or artificial nail to cover up the broken area until it grows out. Be sure to use acetone to remove any nail polish or residue before gluing on any artificial nails.

Can I Fix a Broken Nail without Using Nail Glue?

Yes, you can use a toothpick, silk wrap, teabag, and even a coat of nail polish to fix a broken nail. However, using nail glue is the most effective way to ensure the repair lasts longer.

 

Is It Possible to Repair a Broken Nail with Nail Dip Powder?

Yes, you can repair a broken nail with nail dip powder, but it is recommended to visit a professional to ensure the repair is done correctly and to prevent further damage to your nail.

What Should I Do if My Acrylic Nail Is Broken Near the Nail Bed?

If your acrylic nail is broken near the nail bed, it is recommended to visit a professional nail technician for repair. Attempting to fix it yourself may cause further damage to your natural nail.

Can I Remove My Acrylic Nail to Fix a Crack?

Yes, you can remove your acrylic nail to fix a crack. Use acetone to remove the acrylic and buff your nail to get to the natural nail. Then, you can use the previously mentioned methods to fix the crack.

Summary

As you can see, there are many effective methods for how to fix a cracked acrylic nail.

Whether it’s adding a few layers of nail polish or enlisting the help of a professional nail technician, we can all get our broken acrylic nails back into tip-top shape.

So don’t forget to follow the preventive measures listed above to reduce the chances of your acrylic nails cracking in the first place.

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