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What to Do When Your Nail Breaks or Comes Completely Off!


Let’s face it: life happens. You’re going about your day, feeling fabulous with your fresh set of nails, and BAM—a nail breaks, starts lifting, or worst of all, comes completely off. It’s one of those "Why me?!" moments that can put a damper on your mood. But don’t stress—we’ve all been there, and I’m here to help you navigate these nail emergencies like a pro.


Whether it’s a painful break, lifting, or a nail that’s gone MIA, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you should do and how to keep your nail health in check.

What to do when your nail breaks or comes off
What to Do When Your Nails Hit a Rough Patch (Literally)

First, A Quick Nail Science Lesson

Your nail growth starts in the matrix, the hidden part of your nail located beneath the cuticle. This is where your nail is formed and where growth begins. If your matrix is damaged, it can affect how your nail grows—or if it grows at all. That’s why taking care of your nails is so important, especially after an injury.


Signs your matrix might be damaged:

  • Persistent pain, discoloration, or irregular growth patterns.

  • If your nail doesn’t seem to be growing back normally after several months, it’s time to consult a doctor.


How long does it take for a nail to grow back?

  • Fingernails: About 4-6 months to fully grow out.

  • Toenails: Can take 9-12 months.


Now that we’ve got the science out of the way, let’s dive into what to do when things go sideways with your nails.


A. Nail Breaks and Hurts the Nail Bed

We’ve all experienced that moment—a snag, a snap, and suddenly, you’re wincing in pain. If your nail breaks and hurts your nail bed (especially if there’s bleeding), here’s what to do:


  1. Clean It Up - Wash the area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Pat dry gently.

  2. Cut The Nail Down - If your nail extension is loose or hurts each time you bang it against something, cut it down. I know this is not aesthetically pleasing, however, it will reduce the pain and help prevent any further lifting until you are able to soak off the nail.

  3. Protect It - Use a bandage or a piece of medical tape to cover the nail and protect it from further damage.

  4. Reduce Pain - Apply a cold compress if it’s throbbing, and take over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.

  5. Skip the DIY Fix - Please resist the urge to superglue your nail or slap on a product from your drawer—it can cause more harm than good. Let’s fix it properly during your appointment!


B. Your Nail Starts to Lift

Nail lifting (aka onycholysis) is one of those sneaky issues that can go from mild to messy if not handled right. Lifting often happens due to trauma, over-filing, allergic reaction, or even old product that needs to be soaked off. Here’s your game plan:


  1. Keep It Dry - Moisture can lead to infections, so avoid soaking the nail unnecessarily.

  2. Clip Loose Edges - If part of the nail is lifting, gently trim the loose edge or cut the nail down with sanitized nail scissors to prevent further tearing or pain.

  3. Book an Appointment ASAP - Your nail tech can properly assess the damage, clean the area, and secure your nail to minimize further lifting.


C. Your Nail Came Completely Off

Losing a nail is the big one, and yes, it’s as dramatic as it sounds. It might happen from an accident, or a chronic issue like fungus. Here’s how to handle it like a champ:


  1. Stop the Bleeding - Apply pressure with a clean gauze or cloth to stop any bleeding.

  2. Disinfect - Gently clean the area with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection.

  3. Protect Your Nail Bed - Cover it with a sterile bandage or non-stick pad to shield the sensitive skin underneath.

  4. Let It Breathe - While it’s healing, avoid tight shoes, harsh chemicals, or anything that could irritate the area.

  5. Time to Regrow - Be patient! It’s going to take a while, but we can help you with protective overlays or temporary enhancements once it’s safe to do so.


Aftercare Tips for All Situations

Once the initial drama is over, here’s how to keep your nails on the path to recovery:


  • Moisturize: Keep the skin around your nails hydrated with a good cuticle oil or cream.

  • Go Gentle: Skip aggressive manicures for a bit and let your nails recover naturally.

  • Follow Up: Schedule a check-in appointment so we can assess the health of your nails and recommend the best next steps.


Why Come to Us?

Here’s the deal: not all nail techs approach nail care with the same level of precision and care. At Untouched Seduction, we take the time to prioritize your nail health and aesthetics. Whether you’re dealing with a break, lifting, or a full-blown missing nail, we’ve got the tools, products, and expertise to help your nails bounce back beautifully.


Plus, we don’t just fix problems—we make sure your nails look flawless while keeping their health in mind. From protective overlays to enhancements that let your natural nails grow underneath, we're here to get you back to loving your hands and feet.


Book Your Repair Today

Don’t let a nail mishap keep you down! Whether it’s a quick fix or a full nail rehab, we're here to help. Book your appointment today and let’s get your nails back to their best self.





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