a nail protector and method for use includes a cover portion dimensioned to fit over a human nail to form a gap with the human nail , and a ridge formed on an underside of the cover portion and configured to contact skin adjacent to the nail without contact with the nail . a lateral wall is connected to the cover portion to create a partial enclosure for receiving a human digit without passing over the nail . a stabilizer is coupled to the lateral wall and is spaced about from and opposite from the ridge and extends in an opposite longitudinal direction from a distal end of the cover portion .