I'm not known for having long nails. Sure, I love how they look, but I can only live with them for a couple of days before theybegin tobother me. Simple things like doing the dishes, putting on a compression sports bra,andgrabbing change off the grocery store counter become difficult. That's why I inevitably reach for the nail clippers after only a few days. To me, the aesthetic just can't make up for impracticality.
I resigned myself to my short-nail fate a long time ago, but it wasn't until recently that I started appreciating it. I noticed celebs like Selena Gomez, Sofia Richie, Olivia Rodrigo, and Kendall Jennerwere sporting shorter nails and—get this—making them look cool. It made me realize that short nails can be just as much of a vibe as long nails, and I started buying the nail colors to prove it. Ahead, see the seven colors I can't stop wearing on my short nails.
Olive Green
Olive green is a unique and impactful color, but it looks even more unique and impactful on short nails. At least, I think so. It'salso a good go-between for people who want to experiment with color but don't want to commit to something too bold or vibrant. Oh, and did I mention it'spretty much the perfect fall manicure color?
Shop the Shade
Essie
Nail Polish in Meet Me at Midnight
J.Hannah
Nail Polish in Artichoke
OPI
Nail Laquer in Olive for Green
Sheer Nudes
Nude nail colors are a given for any manicure—regardless of length, shape, or style. However, make it a sheer nude, and it becomes particularly perfect for short nails. There's just something about it that screams "quiet luxury." Plus,it can lengthen the appearance of the fingers for long, elegant-looking hands. I don't know about you, but I could use that.
Wine-colored reds and purpleslook so elegant on short nails. They do on long nails, too, but in my experience, they canunintentionally veerintoMorticia Addams territory. There's nothing wrong with that (she's iconic!), but sometimes, I want something less intense for everyday life.
Shop the Shade
Essie
Nail Polish in Full Blast
Dior
Vernis in 047 Nuit 1947
Jinsoon
Nail Polish in Audacity
Sage Green
There's something inherently calming about sage green. It reminds me of green tea and spa days, so Ireach for it whenever I feel like I could use some peace and quiet.Honestly, it's probably one of the colors I wear the most. I don't know what that says about me, but it's true.
Shop the Shade
Chanel
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in 131 Cavalier Seul
This is my go-to summer nail color for short nails, and it has been for years.Trust me—if you paint your short nails with a shock of turquoise blue, you'll receive compliment after compliment after compliment. Personally, I like tolayer a super-glossy topcoat overthe color for an elevated, grown-up finish.
I've always thought dark colors look best on short nails, and I'm not alone. Take it fromRita Remark, celebrity nail artist and Essie's global lead educator. "Deeper hues tend to look a little witchy and talon-like on long nails but super chic on shorter nails,"she says. Jin Soon Choi, nail expert and founder ofJinSoon, agrees: "I personally like dark colors on short nails for an editorial look."
Deep shades of blue are one of my favorite dark colors to wear. They're more unexpected than merlot or traditional black, yet they're classic and sophisticated. It's a winning combination.
Shop the Shade
Hermès
Les Mains Hermes Nail Enamel in 96 Bleu Encr
Essie
Nail Polish in Step Out of Line
Chanel
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Fugueuse
Black
Remember that Morticia Addams vibe I was talking about earlier? That applies to black nail polish too. While I love black nail polish and will defend it until my last breath, Iprefer allocatingit to shorter nails. In the words of Choi, it looks more editorial on short nails, especially if you elevate it with a lustrous topcoat to seal in the color and prevent chips.
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.
Perfect for short-nail enthusiasts, pastel hues are synonymous with springtime and are an ideal choice for short nails. Soft shades like Creme de Lavande, Pistachio, a soft mint green, or Bleu Ciel, a baby blue can instantly brighten up your look and add a touch of whimsy to your nails.
Certain colors and shades can create the illusion of longer nails. For example, light and neutral colors like beige, nude, pale pink, and light gray can make your nails appear longer. On the other hand, darker colors like black, navy blue, and dark red can make your nails look shorter.
Oval. Similar in shape to almond nails but with a rounder nail tip, oval nails are great for medium length nails and are ideal for both short and wide nail beds. The shape is great for smaller hands as it elongates the nails to give an illusion of longer fingers.
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.
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.
Really short nails look better with lighter more neutral colors on them. So stay sheer with polish and always make sure all of your nails are neatly filed and your cuticles are trimmed.
A timeless tone of beige or nude goes well with both formal and casual ensembles. It has a refined and tidy appearance that complements any color scheme. Beige or nude nails look elegant and classic, offering them a flexible option for any setting.
According to Baek, when deciding on nail polish shades, cooler tones like greens and blues tend to look best on the feet, while warmer tones like peach and pink work on hands.
Nail polish popularity ebbs and flows with the tides of trends, but the most enduring shades are the classics: red, nude, pale pink, sheer white, and opaque white.
"An oval-shaped nail helps fingers look longer and, in turn, makes hands look younger," she explains. Another grooming tip from the pro: pay attention to your cuticles and use regular cuticle oil to prevent dry skin. "Be sure to keep your fingers well-manicured," she says.
Round nails are a good choice for people with short fingers or wider nail beds, as they can make the fingers look longer and more slender. They are also a good choice for people who have thin, weak nails, as they are less likely to break than other nail shapes.
“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.”
Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379
Phone: +2678139151039
Job: International Administration Supervisor
Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports
Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
