Emergency DIY for a split nail

Whether you’ve taken ages to grow your nails all the one length or not, a low split in the nail can be heart wrenching, particularly if it’s so low it will hurt if the rest of the nail comes off.  If you want to grow it a bit before cutting it off, or need it to look nice for a special occasion there is a little ‘at home trick’ you can do to prevent it from ripping.  First, remove nail polish if wearing it. 

Then take a tea bag, cut a small strip big enough to cover the split, make sure you only have one layer of the tea bag, sometimes they can be double layered. 

Place the strip over the split in the nail and paint a layer of clear nail polish (preferably base coat, if you don’t have base coat use whatever you have to hand) over the nail including the tea bag strip, moving the strip into position with an orange stick or your finger, pushing it down so it’s flat. 

Allow it to dry fully then lightly buff the tea bag so it’s a little smooth (it won’t fully smooth out as it’s not a professional silk wrap but you will be able to smooth it a little without it coming off)
Then apply two coats of your favourite colour followed by top coat.

For a more permanent fix, head to your local salon or call a Pampatherapist who will be able to place a silk wrap over the split nail, preventing it from breaking until the gel is removed.