Fake nails, whether acrylic, gel, or press-ons, can break or sustain damage. While they provide length and strength, they are not impervious to everyday impacts. Fortunately, many minor damages can be effectively repaired at home, extending the life of your manicure and avoiding immediate professional intervention. This guide offers practical solutions for common fake nail mishaps.
Assessing the Damage
Before any repair, examine the fake nail to understand the nature and severity of the damage. Breaks vary from superficial cracks or small chips to significant lifting or a complete snap. A minor chip might only need filing, while a crack across the nail’s stress point demands more reinforcement. The fake nail’s material (acrylic, gel) influences repair methods and longevity due to varying flexibilities or bonding characteristics.
Understanding the damage helps determine the most appropriate repair strategy. For instance, a clean break might be re-adhered, while a deep crack could require additional structural support. Addressing damage promptly prevents it from worsening, which might lead to further compromise of the artificial nail or even the underlying natural nail.
DIY Repair Methods
For minor cracks or chips, use nail glue and a buffer. Clean the affected area thoroughly to remove oils or debris that impede adhesion. Apply a small amount of specialized nail glue directly into the crack or chip, pressing the pieces together firmly for 10-15 seconds to bond. Once dry, gently buff the surface to smooth out any ridges or excess glue, ensuring the repair blends seamlessly.
When a fake nail lifts from the natural nail, re-adhere it properly to prevent moisture trapping and potential issues. Gently lift the detached portion and clean the exposed area underneath with isopropyl alcohol to dehydrate and sanitize it. Apply a few drops of nail glue under the lifted section, then press down firmly for 10-15 seconds, ensuring a secure bond and preventing air bubbles.
For a completely snapped but re-attachable nail, the “tea bag method” provides significant reinforcement. Cut a small piece from an unused tea bag to cover the break. After cleaning the nail, apply a layer of nail glue over the broken area, then carefully place the tea bag piece over the wet glue using tweezers, allowing it to saturate. Apply another layer of glue over the tea bag, ensuring it is fully encased, and let it dry completely. Once hardened, gently buff the area to smooth the surface and finish with a top coat for durability and shine.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
In some situations, replacing a broken fake nail is better than attempting a repair. If damage is extensive, such as multiple deep breaks, significant structural compromise, or the artificial nail is detaching, a home repair might not provide a lasting solution. Fixing severely damaged nails can worsen the problem or lead to a weaker, uneven finish.
Signs of infection around the nail, such as redness, swelling, pain, pus, or discoloration (green or yellow spots), indicate immediate removal. Gluing over an infection can trap bacteria or fungi, exacerbating the condition and causing further damage to the natural nail. Remove the artificial nail and seek professional medical advice if symptoms persist. If the underlying natural nail is severely damaged or repeatedly breaking, the artificial nail might be contributing, making replacement or a break from fake nails a healthier option.