how to fix breaking nails at home

how to fix broken nails: key takeaways

 ● damaged, breaking nails can happen for a number of reasons, including: injuries, harsh chemicals, nail enhancements, and handwashing.
 ● if you notice a broken nail, then there are a few ways you can fix it at home, including using essie’s break fix liquid nail patch to reseal the broken nail.
 ● you can also use essie’s hard to resist nail strengthener to reinforce weak and broken nails and prevent further cracks.
 ● to keep nails safe from breaking in future, try to keep them short, trim them properly, and use a base coat (like essie’s all in one) before applying nail polish.
 ● for more nail care products, browse our full nail care collection.

why do nails break?

damaged nails come in many forms. if you notice a breaking nail, then there’s countless reasons why it might’ve happened.

internal causes like infections, skin conditions and nutritional deficiencies are more common than you think, but aren’t always easy to link to nail health. if you’re wondering ‘why do my fingernails keep breaking’, then external factors are usually the more obvious culprits. common reasons behind nail breaks, include:

 ● injuries/trauma (including nail biting).
 ● unprotected use of harsh chemicals.
 ● repeated application of nail enhancements like gel nails.
 ● frequent handwashing.

all of these factors can cause weaker, more brittle nails that are more likely to crack and break. but, as annoying as they can be, breaking nails aren’t the end of the world! read on to discover our best tips on how to fix and stop nails breaking in the first place.

how to fix broken nails at home

just like your hair and skin, nails are constantly renewing themselves, which means they have the power to heal and grow in healthier and stronger! here are some of our favourite tips and tricks on how to fix a nail break.

essie’s break fix liquid nail patch

maybe we’re biased, but if you spot a breaking nail, the first thing you should reach for is essie’s break fix liquid nail patch. apply a thin later of break fix over your nail crack, concentrating on the area between the crack. then, using tweezers, press the broken nail together to help it bond as the formula dries.

after it’s dried, apply another coat to improve strength even more, and watch as your cracked, weak nail starts to look happy and healthy again!

use nail strengthening products

noticed a breaking nail?

another go-to step when learning how to fix broken nails at home is to use a nail strengthening treatment. nail strengtheners, like essie’s hard to resist nail strengthener, use nail-bonding technology to create a protective barrier over the nail and improve your nail's health.

moisturise your nails

in order to stay flexible and healthy, our nails and cuticles need constant moisture. twice a day, replenish natural oils that get washed away by massaging in a few drops of our apricot cuticle oil into your cuticle. this helps your nails stay happy and healthy and can reduce breaks in the long term.

switch to a nourishing nail polish remover

if you’re using an old school nail polish remover, it might be time to upgrade.

while it’s technically not a nail break fix, switching to a gentler nail polish remover that contains nourishing ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, or glycerin, can help keep your nails hydrated and protected, potentially helping breaks heal and reducing them in future.

try a strengthening nail polish

a simple answer to the question of how to fix a split nail at home is using a strengthening nail polish. swapping out your usual polish for a protective one, like essie’s crunch time, can lead to stronger nails in just 1 week, with 60% less peeling and 35% less breakage.

how to stop nails breaking

if you find yourself wondering ‘why are my fingernails splitting and peeling’, then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. there’s no guaranteed way to stop your nails from ever splitting, but there are a few ways you can adjust your nail routines to make cracks, splits, and breaks less likely, including:

 ● trim your nails properly: when taking care of your nails, make sure you’re filing and trimming them properly. use files with a fine grit, and don’t trim your nails all the way down to keep them as healthy as possible.
 ● keep nails short: one of the simplest ways to stop breaking nails is to keep them short. longer nails are more prone to getting caught on things and becoming weaker, so if you’re prone to nail breaks then it may be time to try a shorter style!
 ● avoid water and chemicals: if you’ve had lots of nail breaks in the past, then try your best to avoid excess water or any harsh chemicals. if you have a manual job or do lots of manual tasks at home, try wearing gloves to keep your nails protected.
 ● apply a base coat: using a strengthening base coat, like essie’s all in one, helps to strengthen your nail pre-polish and contribute to a glossier finish!

keep your nails strong with essie

so, now you know how to fix breaking nails, you can spend less time worrying about cracks, and more time concentrating on your next nail colour! with essie’s break fix and nail-strengthening products on your side, you can make breaking nails a thing of the past!

discover everything you need to fix your nails with essie