broken finger nail trick - Nail Problems Message Board

cantell · 07-11-2007, 10:14 AM

my fingernails have finally started growing and all are just about the same length..yesterday I was doing laundry and went to pick up the lid on the washer and for some reason the lid slamed and I had my thumb in the way..My thumb was spared but my thumb nail broke. Not off it sort of tore it from the side inward a few hair's. The problem was the break or crack was broke just enough to try to repair it because the break was down below my nail line. (dont know what thats called) just knew it would hurt if I tried to take it off.

ok heres the trick..I got a tea bag and cut off a small piece placed it on the break and applied a base coat of nail polish. It is working really good and you cant tell its a repair. the nail doest feel loose where the break is and doesnt hang on everything.

Marti · 07-12-2007, 06:10 AM

This is a very 'old' way to repair a small nail break or tear. It actually began in the 1920's and is called a 'Julianne' manicure. Nail technicians began using tea bag paper or perm end papers with instant nail glue to do a more permanent repair, and the end result of this was the invention of fiberglass or silk wraps.

cantell · 07-12-2007, 06:36 AM

Thanks marti, I had read this somewhere dont remember where but I managed to remember it and put it to test. ha! your futher information on the subject was very interesting thanks for posting it. I will take off the repair and get the superglue out (would that work)? and redo the teabag thingy just to be on the safe side that it doesnt tear more and cause bleeding / pain at the quick. I just remembered what that part of the finger nail is called..LOL

Thanks again you are a sweetheart!

Marti · 07-12-2007, 06:09 PM

You will need to go to a Sally Beauty Supply and get some Brush on glue or resin. Get a 240 grit buffer and a 3-way buffer along with a can of Hurry Up nail glue dryer. After you remove the tea bag/polish, use the 240 grit buffer to lightly remove just the surface shine from the nail. Try to be sure to buff only in the direction of the nail growth. Wash and dry your hands and nail really well - use your blow dryer if need be. Cleanse the nail plate with a lint free wipe that you have lightly wet with alcohol. This will work to temporarily dehydrate the nail plate. Apply the brush onglue just like you would nail polish, then set the tea bag paper into it immediately and then spray with the Hurry Up nail glue dryer. Be sure to hold the can 12" from the nail to avoid a heat spike. Trim the paper and file the sides and free edge to be sure they are smooth and even with the nail plate. Remove all nail dust - you can blow it off with your blow dryer. Apply a second coat of the brush on glue and dry with the spray. Bufff the surface lightly to be sure it is smooth, then buff to a high-shine with the 3-way buffer. First the black side, then the white side, then the gray side.

DeeDee123 · 09-18-2007, 05:51 AM

What do you do if the crack wont' go away? Both my thumb nails break on each side about half way down. I do everything I can to keep them from breaking off including trying to put false nails on to see if my nail will grown out but when I take the false nail off I have another break in the same place. Nothing seems to help. Can anyone tell me what I need to do. Thanks