QUESTION: A few weeks ago, I bumped my middle toe hard, and my toenail partially came loose. It doesn't hurt, but I'm unsure what to do with this very loose nail. Should I remove it completely, cut it as short as possible, or just put a band-aid on it for the coming months?
ANSWER: Bumping a toe and partially detaching the toenail is a common injury, but it's often not taken seriously enough. It's unsightly in open shoes or during sports, and it feels annoying—or even painful—since the nail bed loses its protection.
DIY gluing is the worst option; store-bought glues aren't designed for natural nails and can cause more harm. Trimming partially might work short-term but risks snagging, leading to further loosening.
My recommendation: Visit a professional pedicurist skilled in nail styling. They can apply a safe gel or acrylic layer, allowing the nail to regrow undisturbed. While wearing it, massage your cuticles daily with cuticle oil to support healthy growth.
Anja Happé, Director and Technical Advisor, O.P.I. Netherlands
