A split or tear in the nail plate or free edge can be temporarily repaired. The nail mending technique that you will learn in this section could be used with mending material such as paper, silk or linen.
- Step 1. Lightly file the split or chipped part of the nail with the fine side of the file. This will help the mending material adhere to the nail.
- Step 2. Tear a piece of mending material, large enough to cover the damaged portion of the nail and to tuck under the free edge. If using tissue the edges must be feathered.
- Step 3. Saturate mending material with adhesive.
- Step 4. Place material over the damaged portion of the nail using a tweezer.
- Step 5.Tuck the overlap under the free edge using an orange wood stick.
- Step 6. Use the orange wood stick, dipped in polish remover, to smooth the material.
- Step 7. If there is a deep tear, reinforce with a second patch.
- Step 8. If using silk or linen, lightly file the entire nail with a fine file.
- Step 9. Dry patch thoroughly and apply a base coat.
