How to Repair Broken Nails: Professional Solutions for Nail Technicians
Every nail technician will face the same scenario, week in and week out. Despite your perfect prep and flawless application, sometimes accidents just happen, resulting in a broken nail. Whether it's a client catching their nail on a car door or snagging it during a workout, these nail repair techniques are a vital part of your service menu.
With the right techniques and products, you can transform these setbacks into opportunities to showcase your expertise.
We've curated a comprehensive guide to professional nail repair techniques using BIAB™ gel, ProForm™, GelPot and other TGB broken nail solutions.
Professional Assessment
Before proceeding with your repair, you need to evaluate the damage to determine the best nail repair treatment:
- Break location and severity.
- Natural nail integrity.
- Client's lifestyle requirements.
- Current service type (gel extensions, BIAB™ nails, or natural).
Emergency Repair Techniques
Method 1: BIAB™ Builder Gel Patch / Tea Bag Trick
Perfect for breaks below the nail apex:
- Prep the nail and wipe with TGB Acetone — our pure acetone formula.
- Apply a thin BIAB™ builder gel layer — don't cure yet.
- Before curing, cut a small piece of a tea bag to cover the broken area, place the tea bag over the broken area. Use tweezers to press down and make sure there are no air bubbles and then cure for 99 seconds on Low Heat Mode using the TGB Light The Way Nail Lamp.
- Refine the shape and wipe with a Lint-Free Wipe soaked in TGB Acetone to remove any dust and debris.
- Apply a bead of BIAB™ to create the apex and cure before applying the chosen TGB Gel colour or TGB Top Coat.
Method 2: Extension Reinforcement
Ideal for severe breaks requiring gel nail extensions:
- Prep the nail and wipe with TGB Acetone — our pure acetone formula.
- Apply nail tips or forms.
- Apply the required base coat and cure on Low Heat Mode for 99 seconds.
- Build apex structure using TGB GelPot or ProForm™.
- Refine if needed.
- Finish with TGB gel polish and a top coat.
Prevention Strategies
Proper BIAB™ Maintenance
To keep your BIAB™ nails in top condition, it's essential to care for them daily. Remind clients to:
- Apply Cuticle Essence regularly to keep the nails and surrounding skin hydrated.
- Avoid using nails as tools to open or scrape things, which can cause lifting or damage.
- Wear gloves during household tasks like cleaning or gardening to protect their nails from chemicals and abrasives.
How Long BIAB™ Nails Last
BIAB™ nails are designed to last up to 4+ weeks, depending on the client's natural nail growth and daily habits. Reinforce that longevity depends on proper care and maintenance.
Book Regular Infill Appointments
For best results, encourage clients to book infill appointments every 3–4 weeks. This ensures their nails stay strong, prevents lifting, and maintains the structure and apex needed for durability. Regular appointments also allow you to assess nail health and make any necessary adjustments to their routine.
Professional Product Requirements
Essential nail tech supplies:
- The GelBottle BIAB™
- Nail tips/Nail Forms
- TGB Acetone (pure acetone)
- UV/LED lamp — TGB Light The Way Nail Lamp
- The GelBottle Rubber Base/ Hema-Free Bond Base
Advanced Nail Tech Training
Perfect your techniques at TGB Academy with our wide range of ABT and Guild-accredited nail courses. There's a nail technician course for every skill level and every business goal, including flexible online workshops that allow you to learn on your terms. Book our BIAB™ (Builder Gel) Course and master the art of our iconic Builder In A Bottle™, the original builder gel. Or why not book the Natural Nails Beginner Package: Gel Polish & BIAB™ if you're ready to start your nail tech career?
Client Guidance
When to Seek Repairs
Knowing when to book a repair appointment can save your nails from further damage:
- Visible Cracks or Chips: These can worsen over time and compromise the structural integrity of your nail or overlay.
- Peeling or Lifting Products: Address lifting immediately to prevent water, bacteria, or debris from becoming trapped and leading to infection.
- Pain or Discomfort: If your nail feels sore or looks inflamed, consult a professional to assess and repair the damage.
Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and appearance of your nail enhancements:
- BIAB™ Nails: Book infill appointments every 2–4 weeks, depending on the rate of natural nail growth and client preferences.
- Extensions: Plan to rebalance or refill every 2–4 weeks to maintain strength and shape.
Product Recommendations
The right products can enhance nail health and durability:
- Cuticle Oil: Use a high-quality oil like TGB's Cuticle Essence daily for hydration and nourishment.
- Strengthening Base Coats: If you prefer natural nails, consider a clear or sheer BIAB™ overlay or a strengthening base like Rubber Base before applying gel polish.
- Top Coats: Opt for durable top coats like TGB's Extreme Shine or Rubber Top 2.0 to protect against daily wear and tear.
- Hand Cream: Pair cuticle oil with a nourishing hand cream, like the H2O Cream™ from our TGB SPA™ range, to keep skin around the nails soft and hydrated. Also available in a retail-ready 12-piece pack.
Unlock more professional guidance on advising aftercare for your clients here.
Business Growth Opportunities
BIAB™ Manicure Menu
- Highlight BIAB™ as a versatile product not only for overlays but also for repairing and strengthening damaged nails.
- Offer a specific service like "BIAB™ Nail Repair" for clients dealing with cracks, splits, or peeling nails.
- Provide add-on options for minor repairs during regular BIAB™ infill appointments.
Gel Nail Extensions Offerings
- Include repair services for extensions, such as rebalancing or fixing breaks using GelPot or ProForm™.
- Offer emergency fixes for broken tips or lifting between regular appointments.
Emergency Care Options
- Create a dedicated service for urgent repairs, available outside regular appointment times.
- Offer same-day or next-day appointments to cater to unexpected breaks or issues.
- Position this service as a premium offering for clients who need quick and professional care.
Marketing Your Repair Expertise
Add to Beauty Salon Business Plan
- Integrate repair services into your core offerings, emphasising your expertise in nail health and enhancement longevity.
- Use repair-focused services to differentiate your business from competitors and attract a loyal client base.
- Highlight your repair services in marketing materials, salon menus, and online booking platforms.
Offer Emergency Appointments
- Develop a streamlined system for handling emergency repair bookings, such as designated time slots.
- Use emergency services as an opportunity to introduce new clients to your salon and other services.
- Charge a premium for out-of-hours or rush repairs, reflecting the convenience provided.
Stock Professional Nail Supplies
- Ensure your salon is equipped with high-quality products for repairs, including BIAB™, GelPot, ProForm™, and strengthening bases.
- Stock products and tools like nail forms, files, and precision brushes to perform efficient and flawless repairs.
- Offer retail options like cuticle oils and nail-strengthening treatments to clients for at-home care.
Create Repair Policies
- Outline clear policies for repair services, such as pricing, timeframes, and guarantees.
- Specify what constitutes an emergency repair and the charges associated with it.
- Educate clients on the benefits of regular maintenance to avoid frequent repairs, building trust and transparency.
Business Opportunities
- Market repair services as a key differentiator to attract a broader clientele, including those dissatisfied with previous technicians.
- Leverage repair expertise to collaborate with local spas, salons, or beauty professionals who may refer clients for your specialised services that they don't offer.
- Use social media to showcase before-and-after repair transformations, highlighting your skills and the quality of your work.
Remember: successful repairs require both technical skill and proper product selection. Consider advanced nail tech courses to master these techniques and grow your business.