3 Ways to Manicure Short Nails - wikiHow (2024)

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methods

1Preparing Your Nails

2Painting Your Nails

3Using Fun Manicure Ideas

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Co-authored byMarta Nagorska

Last Updated: April 30, 2024

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It's really easy to manicure short nails -- they usually require less time and effort than long nails and can look very cute, while still being practical for typing and other tasks where long nails are an inconvenience. Start with Step 1 below for instructions on how to achieve the perfect manicure for short nails.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Nails

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  1. 1

    File your nails. Even though your nails are short, you still need to file them to give them an even shape and a smooth finish.[1] Try to give them a rounded shape, rather than filing straight across.

  2. 2

    Moisturize. Apply a rich hand cream, then apply cuticle oil to the cuticles and all around the edges of your nails. Give the moisturizer and the oil a few minutes to sink in.

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  3. 3

    Soak your hands. Soak your hands in warm soapy water for five minutes-- this will help your nails to absorb the cuticle oil.

    • Soak one hand at a time if you want the other one free to drink your coffee or flip through a magazine!
  4. 4

    Dry and buff your nails. Take your hands out of the water and pat dry with a clean towel. Buff your nails using a nail buffer -- this will ensure that they are completely dry, which will help the polish to stick better.[2]

  5. 5

    Push back your cuticles. Use a cuticle stick to push back your cuticles. This will make your nails appear longer and your manicure look neater.[3]

    • You should never cut your cuticles -- they are necessary to protect your nails from infection.
    • You can also use the cuticle stick to clean out any dirt from around and under your nails.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Painting Your Nails

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  1. 1

    Choose a color. Any color can look good on short nails, but the color you choose will depend on the look you are trying to achieve.

    • If you have fair skin try painting your nails dark reds and purples, as the contrast will make your nails more striking. Bright pinks and oranges look fantastic with dark skin tones.
    • However, if you want to make your short nails appear longer, you should stick to pale nude tones. Choose a nude that is one shade lighter than your natural skin tone.
  2. 2

    Apply a base coat. Before you apply the color, apply a clear base coat. This will help your manicure to look smoother and last longer.[4] It will also stop the colored polish from staining your nails.

    • There are many types of base coats available -- some will even strengthen your nails, while others will fill in any bumps or ridges.
  3. 3

    Apply the color. Once the base coat is dry, paint your nails your desired color. Keep the first coat nice and thin -- this will help it to dry faster and prevent smudging.

    • The best technique for painting your nails is to apply a dot of paint to the bottom center of each nail, make one stroke down the center of the nail, all the way to the tip, then two more strokes on either side of the middle one.
    • Another tip to make short nails appear longer is to avoid painting all the way to the edge of the nail on both sides -- leave a slight gap instead. This will make your nails appear thinner and longer.
    • Don't worry too much if you get polish on your fingers, you can clean it up afterwards.
  4. 4

    Wait for the nails to dry, then apply a second coat. Once the first coat of polish is dry, apply a second one using the same technique. This will really help to bring out the color.

  5. 5

    Finish off with a top coat. Use a clear top coat to seal the color.[5] Make sure to swipe the brush along the top of the nails, as this will prevent the polish from chipping.

  6. 6

    Clean up. Use a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover to carefully clean up any excess polish from around the edges of your nails and on your fingertips.

  7. 7

    Finished.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Fun Manicure Ideas

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  1. 1

    Do ombre nails. Ombre nails involve using two colors on each nail, the lighter color blending into the darker one. This creates a very cool effect, which can look great on short nails.

  2. 2

    Do strawberry nails. This cute, fruity look involves painting a strawberry design on each nail.

  3. 3

    Do nail art. Nail art involves drawing small shapes, like flowers, hearts and stars onto your nails. It requires a steady hand and some patience, but is actually easier than you might think.

  4. 4

    Do glittery nails. Instead of just using nail polish, you can use a clear base coat and some colored glitter to create a fun, sparkly effect.

  5. 5

    Do splatter paint nails. Splatter paint nails are a great way to highlight your adventurous side, using several colors on each nail.

  6. 6

    Try some other ideas. The sky's the limit when it comes to getting creative with your manicure -- so consider trying some other ideas like taco nails, fish nails, bumblebee nails, tuxedo nails, galaxy nails, dip dyed nails, cheetah print nails and comic strip nails.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    How can I make my short nails look good?

    Marta Nagorska
    Nail Artist

    Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.

    Marta Nagorska

    Nail Artist

    Expert Answer

    Push back your cuticles before you start applying polish to help your nails look longer and prevent polish from getting on your skin.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question

    How can I make my manicure last longer?

    Marta Nagorska
    Nail Artist

    Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.

    Marta Nagorska

    Nail Artist

    Expert Answer

    Before you paint your nails, apply a base coat and let it dry. Then, use a top coat once your nail polish dries. This will give your manicure some hold.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • Question

    How can I stop biting my nails?

    3 Ways to Manicure Short Nails - wikiHow (28)

    Community Answer

    Try putting some bad-tasting nail polish on them. Alternatively, you could also get a beautiful manicure; you might be reluctant to ruin all that pretty work and stop biting your nails. Read How to Stop Biting Your Nails for more helpful tips and ideas.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Tips

      • See what color suits your skin tone.

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      • If you choose to do a design, don't go overboard.

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      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

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      Warnings

      • Don't bite your nails! It will ruin your manicure.

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      Things You'll Need

      • Bowl
      • Hand cream
      • Nail polish
      • Clear nail polish
      • Nail strengthener
      • Cuticle sticks
      • Nail buffer

      You Might Also Like

      How toGive Yourself a ManicureHow toDo a French Manicure
      How toPerform a Male ManicureHow toGive Someone a ManicureHow toRepair Nails After a Gel ManicureHow toDo a Dip Powder ManicureHow toUse Manicure ToolsHow toRemove Nail Tips

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      References

      1. Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.
      2. Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.
      3. Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.
      4. Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.
      5. Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.
      6. http://www.oprah.com/style/Home-Manicure-How-to-Do-Your-Own-Nails/9
      7. http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/27-nail-hacks-for-the-perfect-diy-manicure
      8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_xHNT1YKUI

      About This Article

      3 Ways to Manicure Short Nails - wikiHow (33)

      Co-authored by:

      Marta Nagorska

      Nail Artist

      This article was co-authored by Marta Nagorska. Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition. This article has been viewed 122,982 times.

      1 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 22

      Updated: April 30, 2024

      Views:122,982

      Categories: Manicure

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      3 Ways to Manicure Short Nails - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      3 Ways to Manicure Short Nails - wikiHow? ›

      Even though your nails are short, you still need to file them to give them an even shape and a smooth finish. Try to give them a rounded shape, rather than filing straight across. Moisturize. Apply a rich hand cream, then apply cuticle oil to the cuticles and all around the edges of your nails.

      Can a manicure be done on short nails? ›

      You can do pretty much any nail design, style, or color you want. There is one exception to this, and that is the French manicure. It's not impossible to do on short nails, but it is made for longer nails.

      What is the best manicure for short natural nails? ›

      “I always recommend designs that will elongate your natural nails to give the effect of longer nail beds,” says Dennis. “Opting for a micro French manicure over a thicker tip, or having some fun with a reverse French tip where the line kisses your cuticles is a great design to have some fun with colour.”

      How do you look good with short nails? ›

      A micro French manicure is a great look on short nails because you can keep the line super fine. For added interest, you can double up and make a French with two lines.

      How to manicure very short nails? ›

      Even though your nails are short, you still need to file them to give them an even shape and a smooth finish. Try to give them a rounded shape, rather than filing straight across. Moisturize. Apply a rich hand cream, then apply cuticle oil to the cuticles and all around the edges of your nails.

      Can I get my nails done if they are super short? ›

      Various options are available to design your nails in a chic yet minimalistic way with acrylic nails. Some people think that your natural nails have to be a certain length to get acrylic nails. The truth is you can get acrylic nails even when your natural nails are short.

      What nail color looks best on short nails? ›

      Nude and pastel colors are a great choice for short nails, as they actively make them look longer. Because they visually appear like they're continuing your finger line, they make your fingers look thinner and slimmer. For best results, use a color that's a shade lighter than your skin tone.

      What is the most attractive nail shape for short nails? ›

      Round: Round nails have a soft, rounded edge. This shape is best for people with short nails or wide nail beds, as it can help to elongate the fingers and make them look more slender.

      Can I get a gel manicure with short nails? ›

      "Gel manicures on short nails have become so popular because it's one of the fastest manicures to get, and the easiest to maintain," says Sarah Gibson Tuttle. She notes that a classic round shape is a solid option because of its practicality.

      What is the most attractive nail length? ›

      Nails grown barely past your fingertips are the ideal length, says Fisher. They look feminine but won't stop you from, say, unzipping him or sexting. See what else guys really notice about your looks.

      What is the Italian manicure technique? ›

      What Is an Italian Manicure? According to Hang Nguyen, it is a manicure hack for creating narrow nail beds by applying polish to the center of your nail bed, leaving a little bit of space on the sides and near the cuticle for an elongated look.

      What nail style is best for short fingers? ›

      If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles.

      Can nails be too short for French manicure? ›

      "Nail length can be short or long," says Julie. "The important thing is that the base color — usually milky white or pink — has enough coverage to hide the natural smile line, where the pink nail bed and white free edge meet."

      Does French look good on short nails? ›

      The french manicure gradient works well on shorter nails as there isn't a sharp white edge that shows where the nail bed ends and the nail tip begins. It gives the illusion that the nail tips are longer as the white tip gradient fades.

      How do you shape your nails when they are short? ›

      1. Step 1 Shorten the nails with a file. ...
      2. Step 2 Start shaping round by positioning the file perpendicular. ...
      3. Step 3 Take a “client's view of the nails. ...
      4. Step 4 Finalize the round shape with your emery board.

      Can I get a manicure on bitten nails? ›

      However bitten your nails are they can be done providing the surrounding skin is not swollen and the skin unbroken.

      What kind of nails should I get if I have short nails? ›

      For short nails, an almond or oval-shaped nail help make them appear longer. This shape is especially helpful when you want to add length without having to use long extensions.

      Can nails be too short for gel? ›

      The only prerequisite is that your nails can't be bitten to the quick. "For a gel extension, your nail needs to have a little length, not a ton, but just a bit," says Davis. "If your nails are too short, there isn't anything for the extension to stick to."

      What is the best manicure for bitten nails? ›

      The best option to treat your nails with regular manicure treatment specifically designed for nail biters to finish your manicure with either gel coulors or shellac polish to ensure a longer lasting manicure. Manicures will help and using Nail Tiques will help them grow stronger so you will be less likely to bite.

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