Acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to achieve beautiful, long-lasting nails, but unfortunately, accidents can happen. One of the most common issues that people encounter when wearing acrylic nails is a broken or chipped nail. Not only can a broken nail be uncomfortable, but it can also be painful and even cause bleeding in some cases.
If you find yourself with a broken nail under acrylic, it’s essential to take action quickly to minimize any discomfort and prevent further damage. In this post, we’ll go over some tips for managing a broken nail under acrylic, including how to deal with bleeding and discomfort.
- Stop the Bleeding
The first step in managing a broken nail under acrylic is to stop any bleeding. If you’ve broken your nail, there may be some bleeding from the nail bed, which can be painful and make it difficult to work with the nail. To stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the affected area with a clean, dry cloth or tissue. Keep the pressure on for a few minutes until the bleeding stops.
- Remove the Acrylic
Once the bleeding has stopped, you’ll need to remove the acrylic from the broken nail. You can do this by soaking the affected nail in acetone for about 10-15 minutes. Acetone will help dissolve the acrylic and make it easier to remove.
To soak your nails in acetone, you’ll need a small bowl and some cotton balls. Pour enough acetone into the bowl to cover your nails, and then soak your fingers for 10-15 minutes. After this time, use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently scrape away the acrylic. Be careful not to damage the natural nail underneath.
- Trim the Broken Nail
Once you’ve removed the acrylic, you’ll need to trim the broken nail. Use a pair of sharp nail clippers to trim the nail down as close to the nail bed as possible. Be gentle and careful, as you don’t want to cause any more damage or pain.
- Apply Antiseptic
After trimming the nail, you’ll need to clean and disinfect the affected area. Use an antiseptic solution like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean the nail bed and surrounding skin. This will help prevent infection and promote healing.
- Apply a Bandage
Once you’ve cleaned the affected area, apply a bandage or a small piece of gauze to protect the broken nail and prevent any further damage. You can use medical tape or a band-aid to secure the bandage in place.
- Avoid Further Damage
While your broken nail is healing, it’s essential to avoid any further damage or trauma to the nail. This means avoiding activities that can put stress on the nail, such as typing or playing sports. If you need to use your hands, wear gloves to protect the broken nail.
- Moisturize
Moisturizing your nails and hands is essential for promoting healing and preventing further damage. Use a rich hand cream or cuticle oil to keep your nails and skin moisturized and hydrated. This will help prevent cracking and peeling, which can be painful and slow down the healing process.
- Wait for the Nail to Heal
Finally, you’ll need to wait for the broken nail to heal before applying acrylic or any other type of nail enhancement. Depending on the severity of the break, it can take several weeks for the nail to fully heal. During this time, be patient and gentle with your nails, and avoid any activities that can cause further damage.
In Conclusion
A broken nail under acrylic can be painful and uncomfortable, but by following these tips, you can manage the situation and promote healing. Remember to stop the bleeding, remove the acrylic, trim the broken nail, apply antiseptic, and protect the nail with a bandage. Avoid further damage to the nail and keep your hands and nails moisturized to promote healing. With time and patience, your broken nail will heal, and you can enjoy beautiful, healthy nails once again.