DIY Nail Repair

We’ve all been there, getting our nails back into shape, get them filed down and before we can get them painted, we break a nail. Grr! How frustrating is that?!

If you’re lucky, the nail is just splintered and didn’t break clean off. If it just splintered, keep reading to learn how I repair my nail. If it’s a clean break, I just file it down completely. L

Items needed:

• Tissue paper (white preferably, all I have is a white with bronze stars- if using any color other than white, note that it may stain your nails)
• Nail Glue
• Scissors
• Nail ridge remover
• Nail File

Steps:
First, cut the tissue paper roughly to cover the entire nail bed minus a little on each side to allow for wiggle room.

Apply nail glue to the entire nail (like you’re painting the nail)

Immediately apply the tissue paper.

 

Using the edge of your nail file, try to smooth as much as possible out. Don’t be heavy handed on this step as the glue leeches through the paper and can easily get everywhere. Let dry completely. Trim off the excess tissue paper. 



Add another layer of nail glue and allow to dry completely. (I started playing with the two new nail colors I bought: Sally Hansen Mint Sorbet and Sinful Pink.

Once, it’s dry, use a block nail ridge remover/smoother to even everything out. Don’t be heavy handed on this either. Light strokes will remove paper that has air pockets underneath.

Once that’s done, apply one more layer of nail glue, allow to dry, and then buff smooth.

Note:

Since I knew I was going to be using a light colored nail polish, I didn’t want the bronze part showing through so I just applied one coat of white. You can see exactly how it’s not perfect and that’s okay. (When I used a dark color like Essie No More Film, I didn’t have to use a coat of white.)



Follow up with your normal nail polish.

Disclaimer: I’m not a nail tech, I’m only showing this because it has worked for me. If you aren’t  sure, go to a nail salon and they can either do acrylic or a fake nail, etc. Do not proceed if you are not comfortable working with nail glue, tissue paper and/or thinking outside the box.

Hope this helps!

Hugs,

A.