Torn nails can cause pain and discomfort. When you have this problem, you should always be careful not to get the toenail torn into something and cause it to lengthen. This is the reason why torn nails must be repaired. Not only will this prevent the tear from getting longer, but you can also hide the appearance of the unflattering tear on your nails using paint.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparations for Fixing Nails
Step 1. Remove the coat of polish on the nails
Use a cotton ball that has been soaked in nail polish remover to remove any remaining layer of polish on your nails. Wipe this cotton ball from right to left until it touches all the edges of the nail.
Be careful not to get the cotton wool into the tear in the nail. If you're worried that the cotton wool will get caught, try wiping it in the direction of the tear in your fingernail
Step 2. Cut the top edge of the tea bag
Use scissors to cut the top edge of the unused tea bag. These teabags will be used to fix the nails. So, try to keep it intact. Meanwhile, throw the tea leaves inside in the trash.
Step 3. Cut the tea bag into the shape of the nail
You may have to cut the teabag into a rectangle to fit the shape of your nail just past the edge of the tear. For example, if the toenail is on the top edge, cut the teabag into half the size of the nail. If the tear is further down, cut the teabag longer until it reaches the area just before the cuticle.
- Make sure that both sides of the teabag reach both sides of your nails.
- Once the teabags have been placed on your nails, you can leave the rest hanging on your fingertips. You can remove this layer later.
Part 2 of 2: Repairing Torn Nails
Step 1. Apply a clear base nail polish
Apply a light coat of clear nail polish as a base coat. Make sure you reach the torn part of the nail. This clear nail polish acts as a glue that holds the teabag in position.
Step 2. Place the teabag on the nail
While the clear nail polish is still wet, apply a rectangular sheet of teabags to the surface of the nail. Gently smooth the surface of the tea bag with your finger or a cuticle stick so that there are no air bubbles underneath. Let the nail polish dry for about 5 minutes.
Step 3. Wait for the nail polish to dry
Wait for the base coat to dry. Then cut off the remaining teabags hanging from your fingertips.
You can leave a few teabags dangling at the tips of your nails. Flatten this section with a file when your nails are stronger
Step 4. Apply another coat of clear nail polish
Once the teabag is firmly attached to your nails, apply another coat of clear nail polish. Make sure to apply the nail polish to the top of the teabag. Allow this coat of nail polish to dry for 5-10 minutes.
At this point, the teabag should appear transparent
Step 5. Remove excess teabags
Once the clear coat of polish has dried, rub the file in one direction to remove excess teabags on the tips of the nails.
The file will even out any remaining paper particles on the tips of the nails
Step 6. Apply another coat of clear nail polish
To lock it all in, apply another thin coat of clear nail polish. This time, make sure to apply the polish all the way to the tip of the nail, where the rest of the tea bag was just brushed off. Allow this coat of nail polish to dry for at least 10 minutes. Don't let your nail polish fall apart after sticking a tea bag in and applying 3 coats of nail polish.
Applying the polish along the top of the nail will help prevent the teabags from peeling and tearing
Step 7. Paint the nails as usual
After the last coat of nail polish has dried, continue painting your nails as usual. Try not to apply a thick layer of torn nails as you have already applied three coats of polish so it will take longer for them to dry completely.