Nail Damage: How to Fix Damage to Fingernails from Trauma

How-to with Ask the Pro Stylist

Hello gorgeous! Today’s how-to with AsktheProStylist is a consequence of damage to my thumbnail. Being a cosmetologist and educator, I knew the potential outcome. I didn’t want to lose a fingernail as my father once had a nail-less finger. In childhood, it disgusted me. As such, I put my education to the test, hoping to fix my thumb. I am happy to report it is on the mend and growing, hence the current blog post to assist someone in need.

My Nail Trauma

About 6 months ago, in my haste to close the front door and keep the dog inside, my thumb chose to slip in between the heavy, fireproof door and the door jamb. The pain was instant and so was the bruising. Immediately, the nailbed was black and blue. Since I was going on vacation, I avoided a visit to the doctor. Additionally, during a scheduled manicure appointment, I ensured the technician avoided the thumb completely. Instead, my finger was fashioned with a Band-Aid.

Shortly thereafter, the bruising became black. But, the nail kept growing. I knew the nail wasn’t permanently damaged. There was still hope of not losing it.

Adding insult to injury, (literally), my dog bit my thumb with her little teeth, puncturing the damaged area. There was now a new hole in the blackness of the nailbed. However, I was still optimistic.

Types of Fingernail Damage

Seeing my father lose a nail, along with a few friends, to say I had concern would be an understatement. Nevertheless, as a cosmetologist and educator, my mind’s eye ran the chapter on nail diseases and disorders. I had an idea of what to watch for.

Many cosmetology students encounter the lessons on nail diseases and disorders with dread. I find the names fascinating. In addition, I reinforce the importance of this chapter when teaching. Pieces of the topic are inevitably included in the state board written exam.

There are too many disorders and/or diseases to list here, although my favorite is leukonychia. Simply because of the pronunciation. It means a white discoloration of the nail. Additionally, the average reader might become bored or disgusted and click off upon viewing an assortment of nail diseases.

My nail suffered common bruising or a subungual hematoma. I was fortunate the nail plate didn’t lift off the bed.

Seek Medical Attention

I am a cosmetologist, not a physician. Had the damage to my nail been worse, I would have gone to a doctor to assess. Thankfully, it was not, and I could address the damage on my own.

This post is not a substitute for medical care. If you experience pain and/or bleeding you must seek medical attention.

The Fix that Grew Back My Nail Swiftly

• Ice
• Cover
• Antibiotic Cream
• Moisturize Nail
• Remove yellow, brittle nail (trim and file)
• Strengthen with protein

Besides covering the bruise with a Band-Aid, I applied ice frequently. The bruising was more in the center of the nail. Once the pain subsided, I consistently rubbed an antibiotic cream on the drying nail, especially following the dog bite. As the nail grew, I filed the healthy nail to where it was meeting the yellowing, indicating where the damaged plate was leaving the nailbed. The nail began to crumble. (Hair and nails are not living tissue when not in the scalp or attached to the nail bed. Therefore haircuts, filing, and nail trims do not hurt).

Removal of the dry, brittle, yellow nail was important. I clipped, buffed, and filed it often if it didn’t pull or hurt the skin or the healthy nail. In addition to a daily application of antibiotic cream, I also moisturized the nail with Cuccio Cuticle Oil.

As soon as the healthy nail was viable, I began to apply Nailtiques Formula 2. It strengthens soft, peeling, and brittle nails. Even though it didn’t look appealing, I also polished my little nail stump. You can see in the page photo the nail has polish. It is messy and doesn’t look pretty, but its size has doubled since the injury.

Happy Styling!

Remember to seek medical attention if you injure your nail. When the damage is not too severe, I recommend the above steps and products to grow your nail. If you have a beauty question or product for review you would like to see here, please email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com. For laughs and some beauty advice, visit me on TikTok. I must give it more of my time. For advice on whether to become a cosmetologist, read my new book “The Future Professional’s Guide to Cosmetology: Is Beauty School for You?” available on Amazon.com. Until then, happy styling!

©Deirdre Haggerty 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part without the author’s prior written permission and consent.

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