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Chipped, split or broken nails are the worst. It’s a major shame when one nail breaks and you have to cut the rest as well… Or do you?
The teabag trick
Put away the clippers and try this trick. It’s one that’s been around for a while, so it must work, right? I put it to the test. And it passed.
The low-down: If you break a nail, apply a base coat across the break, then soak up any excess with a small square of dry teabag. It will fuse the nail together. Then apply colour and finish with a strengthening top coat. What I discovered: It works for a day or two, but it’s best to head to your manicurist for a more permanent fix.
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Want to give it a shot?
Exhibit A: My broken nail.
What you'll need
- A teabag - it acts as the glue.
- A base or top coat - the adhesive.
- A fine nail file - to smooth the teabag into the nail.
- A nail polish - to cover and seal.
- Scissors - to cut teabag – obvs!
What to do
Step 1: Dry the tears.
Step 2: Cut out a section from the teabag.
Step 3: Apply base coat to ensure the teabag sticks.
Step 4: Place teabag cutout on the nail, covering the crack.
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Step 5: Trim teabag to fit your nail.
Step 6: Smooth out the teabag, then add another teabag layer if required.
Step 7: Wait for your base coat to dry.
Step 8: Buff off the excess teabag and file the edges down.
Step 9: Paint the nail as you normally would. (Two to three coats is best.)
Step 10: Wait some more… Done.
This article was originally published on Women's Health SA
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