Can You Put an Acrylic Nail on a Missing Fingernail?

Losing a fingernail can be excruciating and leave you feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your nails. The temptation to enhance or cover up the missing nail with acrylics may arise, but is it a viable solution?

Can you put an acrylic nail on a missing fingernail?

Yes, you can put an acrylic nail on a missing fingernail as long as you have enough of a nail to build an acrylic nail on top of it. Although it is possible, it is not highly advised to do so.

In this post, I’ll be sharing whether you can put an acrylic nail on a missing fingernail, if it’s right to do so and how you should cover a missing fingernail.

Can you put an acrylic nail on a missing fingernail?

Yes, you can put an acrylic nail on a missing fingernail, as long as enough nail is left to build off. This means that if your nail is broken low down on your nail bed, but there is still a little bit left, then it could be worked with; however, if there is no nail and the underneath of your nail is completely exposed, then you wouldn’t be able to get acrylic over it.

Although it is possible, you’ll need to find a nail technician willing to do it. It isn’t an easy thing to do, and it is applied slightly differently than it would be to a normal, so you’ll need to find a nail technician who is willing to do it and has a reputable reputation. Putting acrylic on a missing fingernail is a difficult job, so you’ll need to get it done by someone who has the experience you trust to do it.

Should you put an acrylic nail on a missing fingernail?

Even though it is possible, it doesn’t mean it should be done. It is strongly advised that if your nail breaks, you should leave it to heal naturally and avoid using acrylic.

Putting acrylic on an exposed fingernail puts you at an increased risk of infections and other nail problems that could lead to serious damage in the long run. It can take around 3 to six months for a fingernail to grow back to a healthy state; even though this may seem like a long time, if you risk putting acrylic over it, it could take twice the amount of time to heal.

How do you put an acrylic nail on a missing fingernail?

If you want to get an acrylic nail on a missing fingernail, then it is done slightly differently from what it would be if your nail were a normal length. Nail technicians are most likely to use nail forms to create a natural-looking nail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to put acrylic on a missing fingernail:

Preparing the nail

Cleaning the nail and making sure it is properly prepped is crucial for a missing fingernail; this will help minimise the risk of infections and other nail damage. You should start by washing your hands and nails with warm water and soap.

It is best to use a gentle soap, preferably a fragrance-free one, to prevent any irritation to the nail. Then wipe the nail with acetone to ensure there’s nothing on the nail. This will also remove any natural oils to help the acrylic adhere better.

Applying the acrylic

Place the nail form around the nails, make sure it is secure and in the correct place. Once you are happy with the form, start applying the acrylic to the nail and form. Sculpt it into the desired shape and length; once you are happy with it, leave it for a minute to allow the acrylic to set and harden.

Shaping the nail

Once the acrylic has hardened, you’ll need to shape the nail. With a nail buffer, buff the nail to make sure there isn’t any acrylic residue and you have a smooth finish. Then, gently file the edges with a nail file to get a clean, smooth shape; this also helps define the desired shape.

Finishing touches

Now your acrylic nail is ready; all you need to do now is paint it. Apply two coats of your chosen polish, and then apply a layer of topcoat to finish. Finally, apply cuticle oil to your cuticles, as it’s still important to take care of your nail even when you’ve got acrylics.

Here’s a video to help guide you:

How should you cover up a missing fingernail?

If you have a missing fingernail, the best thing you could do is cover it up and let it heal naturally. You should cover it with a bandage made from a breathable fabric. This prevents anything from getting to it and allows it to breathe and get the ventilation it needs.

There is no need to put any creams or ointments on the nail; it should just be left alone to heal as it needs to, as adding anything to it could interfere with it and make it worse. A bandage will protect your exposed nail bed and prevent further damage or infections; that’s why it is highly advised to use one.