- Try aggressive filing across the entire surface and especially at the tip, followed by clear nail polish to smooth over the split so it can't catch on anything.
- At your salon, ask for an application of gel overlay, a nail-polish-on-crack painted over an existing, broken nail. It grows out with your own nail and doesn't damage the existing nail.
- Repair with superglue or nail glue.
- Repair with clear "hard as nails" polish over the nail.
- To prevent splits, avoid prolonged contact with water (doing dishes and taking long baths).
- Nail polish remover can encourage split fingernails. Use it no more often than every two weeks and avoid polish with acetone.
- Split fingernails generally aren't a sign of vitamin, mineral or nutritional deficiencies, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Wear rubber gloves when using chemicals or soap and water for extended periods.
- Use moisterizing lotion on your nails.
- Limit manicures and keep nails trimmed and tips rounded.
- For a big split, use 3M-brand Micropore paper tape to hold a split fingernail or toenail together while it heals. It's much better than a band-aid. Micropore is a latex-free, hypoallergenic paper tape, available in white or tan, that is flexible and breathable yet sticks well and leaves minimal adhesive residue upon removal.
Updated: April 12, 2009
