Can I Get Acrylic Nails on a Broken Nail? Good Advice [2024]

Have you ever looked down at your beautifully manicured hands, only to notice a broken nail? It’s a common setback, and it happens at the most inconvenient times.

If you’re facing a cracked or broken nail, you might be wondering “Can I get acrylic nails on a broken nail?” The good news is – yes you can.

Key Takeaways:

• Repair Before Beauty: Before applying acrylics, address any rough edges or broken parts of your nail to prevent further damage.
• Professional vs. DIY: While minor breaks can often be managed at home with the right tools, severe breaks may require the expertise of a professional nail technician.
• Maintenance Is Crucial: After applying acrylics, regular maintenance is essential to keep your nails healthy and strong.

In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about dealing with broken nails and acrylics. From quick fixes to professional repair jobs, I’m here to ease your worries and help keep your nails looking their best.

The Impact of a Broken Nail

Encountering a broken nail can be more than just a cosmetic inconvenience; it’s a common issue that can impact nail health and the appearance of your hands. Nail breaks can be caused by weak nails, accidents, or lack of proper care. This minor break can escalate, potentially leading to further damage or even nail infections if not addressed promptly.

But, Can I get acrylic nails on a broken nail?

The good news is, with proper technique and care, it’s not only possible but can also be a protective measure for your damaged nail. The key is ensuring the broken nail is treated carefully to avoid further damage and infection.

It’s a good idea to examine the nail plate, and the rest of the nail. The first step is to address any sharp edges or rough surfaces. Using a nail file, gently smooth out the broken pieces to prevent snagging, which could worsen the break. For minor cracks, a temporary fix like a small piece of a tea bag can be applied with a coat of nail glue, serving as a bridge over the crack and providing a smooth surface for the acrylic.

Applying acrylics on a cracked nail or a nail with a minor break requires precise preparation. The surface of your natural nail must be clean and slightly buffed for the acrylic to adhere properly.

If you get regular manicures, a professional nail technician might use a fiberglass patch or silk wraps under the acrylic layer to reinforce the damaged area, ensuring the repair blends seamlessly with the rest of your nails.

While acrylic nails offer a temporary fix and can protect the broken nail as it heals, proper aftercare is crucial. Maintaining hydration with essential oils, regular polish changes, and avoiding further trauma will ensure your natural nail remains healthy under the acrylic.

Remember, if the nail is severely damaged or there’s an open wound, it’s best to seek medical treatment first to prevent infection before considering any form of nail enhancement. Please see this article from Allure for more information on the “can I get acrylic nails on a broken nail?” question.

How to Safely Apply Acrylic Nails on a Broken Nail

Applying acrylic nails over a broken nail can be a safe and effective way to provide a protective layer to aid in the healing process. You must make sure it is done safely is crucial to prevent further damage or potential nail infections.

The process should start with thorough preparation. Clean the nail and surrounding skin with soapy water to eliminate any bacteria. If the nail is broken, gently use a nail file to smooth out rough edges, taking care not to exacerbate the break. A block buffer can then be used to prepare the surface of the nail, ensuring the acrylic adheres properly.

Applying a base coat is the next step, followed by carefully placing a small amount of acrylic powder onto the nail bed using a small brush. It’s essential to avoid the cuticle and surrounding skin to prevent irritation or infection. For broken nails, reinforcing the damaged area with a base layer of acrylic powder can help create a new, strong foundation for the rest of the acrylic nail.

Related: Liquid Gel Nails vs Gel Polish: What’s The Difference?

Top Manicure and Pedicure Benefits

Using cuticle oil regularly after the acrylic application is crucial for maintaining the health of your natural nails and the skin around them. This step helps in preventing brittle nails and ensures the nail bed remains hydrated.

When it comes to repairs, a professional nail technician should ideally perform acrylic nail repair on broken acrylic nails to ensure precision and to minimize the risk of further damage. They can apply the acrylic in such a way that it binds the broken pieces together, providing a seamless and durable repair.

Remember, while acrylics offer a beautiful and long-lasting solution for longer nails, the health of your natural nails should always come first. Regular check-ins with your nail technician for maintenance and addressing any issues promptly is the best way to ensure the longevity of both your natural and artificial nails.

Aftercare and Maintenance

The longevity of your acrylic nails largely depends on the aftercare and maintenance routine you follow. First and foremost, care of your nails should be a priority. Regular use of a top coat can protect the nail color and the acrylic’s top layer, ensuring your manicure remains glossy and chip-free.

Applying cuticle oil daily is essential for nurturing the nail bed and promoting the growth of strong, healthy new nails. This not only prevents dryness and brittleness but also supports the adhesion of the acrylic to the natural nail, minimizing the risk of lifting or breakage.

Scheduling regular appointments with your nail technician is also vital for maintaining the integrity of your acrylic nails. They can check for any signs of lifting or nail infection, perform necessary repairs on broken acrylic nails, and apply a fresh coat of polish to keep your nails looking their best. Remember, the best way to prevent issues is by addressing them in the first place, ensuring your artificial nails remain beautiful and durable for weeks to come.

Conclusion: Can I get acrylic nails on a broken nail?

Dealing with a broken acrylic nail isn’t fun, but it’s not a big problem if you know what to do. Keeping your nails strong and healthy is key. You can fix a broken nail by using a new acrylic nail or trying other solutions like gel polish for a strong fix. Remember, taking care of your nails regularly is super important. This means using oils to keep them healthy, getting them checked and fixed at your nail salon, and using the right products to prevent breaks.

The best way to avoid nail problems is to take good care of your nails from the start. Simple steps can keep your nails looking great and feeling strong. So, make sure to book your next appointment and follow these tips for awesome nails.

Did you find this “Can I get acrylic nails on a broken nail” post helpful?

Please read this post on using base coat as a primer for acrylic nails.

Or check out this post – “Can you paint over dip nails?”