Yes, you can repair a broken nail— a nail technician just demonstrated how to do it for me.

      Is there anything more exasperating than *clutching pearls* over a broken nail? As someone with weak, delicate, and bendable nails, this is almost a weekly frustration for me. It's incredibly disheartening when you're trying to grow or strengthen your nails only to be setback by breakages, despite using top-notch nail care products and polishes. After enduring so many broken nails, I wanted to learn how to repair a broken nail once and for all. Thankfully, it is possible to salvage your manicure when faced with a broken nail. To gather expert advice, I consulted Ella Vivii, the resident manicurist at 180 Health Club, for insights on how to mend a broken nail.

      What Causes a Nail to Break?

      According to Vivii, "Typically, it’s usually our fault for using our nails as tools and engaging in activities we shouldn't." This includes opening packages with our nails or failing to wear gloves while doing household tasks. If your lifestyle involves heavy use of your hands, you're likely to experience more breakages. Additionally, if you frequently get salon manicures, your nails may be at a higher risk of breaking as they grow out. "An unbalanced manicure could also contribute to breakage, which is why regular appointments are important," Vivii explains. She also points out that brittle, unmoistened nails are more likely to break, especially during the winter months when our nails are more exposed to harsh conditions. Investing in quality cuticle oil or nail growth serum can help prevent breakages.

      How to Fix a Broken Nail

      1. **Protect**: At the first sign of a break, it's important to protect your nail to prevent further damage. "Depending on the extent of the damage, I always advise my clients to apply a bandage for protection and schedule a quick fix, or wait until their next appointment," Vivii suggests.



      2. **File**: If you're managing your natural nails, a nail file is your best option for smoothing the rough edges and preventing further snagging. "Using a nail file can definitely help prevent catching, or simply use a bandage," Vivii recommends. Clear nail bandages, like Finga-Nails Split Nail Saver Patches (£7), can also temporarily mend a broken nail. Alternatively, silk wraps or even a small piece of a teabag can be used to cover a crack in the nail and sealed with a top coat for a temporary fix.

      3. **Visit the salon**: If your nails have enhancements like acrylics, gels, or BIAB, it's best to visit the salon for proper repair. Your nail technician will be able to assess the situation and make the best decision for your nail's safety. "Typically, a gel manicure can be repaired with silks or can be rebuilt using hard gel or builder gel, depending on the damage and length," Vivii explains. In some instances, the enhancement may need to be completely removed. "The repair method will vary based on the technique used," she adds. "If an acrylic is lifting off the natural nail, it definitely needs to be removed to heal, whereas a minor snag can often be easily repaired."

      How Long Does It Take for a Broken Nail to Grow Out?

      The time it takes for a nail to grow back largely depends on the severity of the break and your usual nail length, according to Vivii. "It really varies; a worst-case scenario could take up to six months," she states. However, smaller breaks typically grow back much quicker, generally within a couple of weeks to 1-2 months.

      Aftercare for a Broken Nail

      To aid in the repair, strengthening, and growth of your nails, consider incorporating some nail care products into your routine in between salon visits. Vivii suggests, "Use cuticle oil twice daily. Keep it with your skincare or on your desk as a reminder. I personally love CND RescueRxx (£14) as a daily keratin treatment."

      Here are a few of our recommended nail strengtheners, cuticle oils, and nail growth serums to help your nails grow long and strong again.

      **Shop Nail Care:**

      - **OPI**: Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum

      - **CND**: Rescuerxx Daily Keratin Treatment

       Vivii endorses this CND Rescuerxx Daily Keratin Treatment for hydrating and repairing brittle nails.

      - **Finga-Nails**: Instant Split Nail Saver Patches

       These self-adhesive patches are great for a quick fix to temporarily mend a broken nail before your salon visit.

      - **OPI**: Nature Strong Glow Up Nail & Cuticle Oil

       Daily use of cuticle oil (ideally morning and night) can significantly enhance nail strength and support growth.

      - **DIOR**: Base Vernis Nail Polish

      - **The Edge Nail**: Silk Nail Strip

       Silk wraps can help bridge the gap in