So You Broke a Nail? Here's Exactly How to Fix It

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    So You Broke a Nail? Here's Exactly How to Fix It

  • <p>Start by using nail clippers to cut the broken nail if possible, getting it as close to the tip of the finger or toe as you can. We recommend the <span>Tweezerman Stainless Steel Nail Clippers</span> ($11).</p>
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    Step 1: Clip the Chip (If You Can)

    Start by using nail clippers to cut the broken nail if possible, getting it as close to the tip of the finger or toe as you can. We recommend the Tweezerman Stainless Steel Nail Clippers ($11).

  • <p>Next, use a nail file to gently file any snags, staying away from the split itself. The <span>Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator Buffer Nail File</span> ($12) has two sides: one with a softer grit and one that's rougher. (We recommend the soft side.)</p>
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    Step 2: File Away

    Next, use a nail file to gently file any snags, staying away from the split itself. The Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator Buffer Nail File ($12) has two sides: one with a softer grit and one that's rougher. (We recommend the soft side.)

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  • <p>Trim the tea bag or coffee filter with scissors - like the <span>Acrylic Gold Craft Scissors</span> ($13) - to the size of a small patch that can cover the break in the nail. </p>
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    Step 3: Prep Your Cover-Up

    Trim the tea bag or coffee filter with scissors - like the Acrylic Gold Craft Scissors ($13) - to the size of a small patch that can cover the break in the nail.

  • <p>Paint the broken nail with a coat of clear polish, like this quick-drying <span>Always Transparent</span> ($9) polish from Essie. Don't wait to let it dry.</p>
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    Step 4: Swipe on a Clear Base

    Paint the broken nail with a coat of clear polish, like this quick-drying Always Transparent ($9) polish from Essie. Don't wait to let it dry.

  • <p>While the polish is still tacky, gently place the trimmed tea bag or <span>coffee filter</span> ($6) over the broken part of the nail. Cover the nail with one or two more coats of clear polish.</p>
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    Step 5: Apply the Coffee Filter or Tea Bag

    While the polish is still tacky, gently place the trimmed tea bag or coffee filter ($6) over the broken part of the nail. Cover the nail with one or two more coats of clear polish.

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  • <p>To cover the tea bag, use a colored nail polish. Any opaque, dark shade will do, but you can't go wrong with Essie's <span>Angora Cardi Glossy Shine Finish Nail Polish</span> ($9).</p>
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    Step 6 (Optional): Add Color

    To cover the tea bag, use a colored nail polish. Any opaque, dark shade will do, but you can't go wrong with Essie's Angora Cardi Glossy Shine Finish Nail Polish ($9).

<p>Start by using nail clippers to cut the broken nail if possible, getting it as close to the tip of the finger or toe as you can. We recommend the <span>Tweezerman Stainless Steel Nail Clippers</span> ($11).</p>
<p>Next, use a nail file to gently file any snags, staying away from the split itself. The <span>Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator Buffer Nail File</span> ($12) has two sides: one with a softer grit and one that's rougher. (We recommend the soft side.)</p>
<p>Trim the tea bag or coffee filter with scissors - like the <span>Acrylic Gold Craft Scissors</span> ($13) - to the size of a small patch that can cover the break in the nail. </p>
<p>Paint the broken nail with a coat of clear polish, like this quick-drying <span>Always Transparent</span> ($9) polish from Essie. Don't wait to let it dry.</p>
<p>While the polish is still tacky, gently place the trimmed tea bag or <span>coffee filter</span> ($6) over the broken part of the nail. Cover the nail with one or two more coats of clear polish.</p>
<p>To cover the tea bag, use a colored nail polish. Any opaque, dark shade will do, but you can't go wrong with Essie's <span>Angora Cardi Glossy Shine Finish Nail Polish</span> ($9).</p>
Annie Tomlin

There are much worse things in life than breaking a nail, but a bad split can be painful. Plus, in some cases, there's no way to remove the broken part without exposing your nail bed. Fortunately, there's a pretty simple way to repair your nail - it just takes a few tricks. Since our enamel can't heal itself, your best bet is to keep the split nail from snagging while it grows out. If you don't want to walk around with a bandage, try doing this to keep the broken nail as intact as possible.

What You'll Need:

  • Clear nail polish

  • Nail clippers

  • Nail file

  • Scissors

  • One tea bag emptied of the tea or a coffee filter

  • Colored nail polish (optional)

Once you've gathered all your tools, keep reading ahead for a handy, step-by-step guide to ensuring your broken nail won't see any more damage.

- Additional reporting by Allison Ingrum

Related: I Stopped Paying For Manicures After I Learned How to Use These Simple Nail Tools

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