How to Manicure Short Nails

Co-authored by Marta Nagorska

Last Updated: October 16, 2022

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

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]
X
Expert Source

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.} Try to give them a rounded shape, rather than filing straight across.
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.

Advertisement
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
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]
X
Expert Source

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.}
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]
X
Expert Source

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.}
- 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Painting Your Nails

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 darker 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
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]
X
Expert Source

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.} 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
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
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
Finish off with a top coat. Use a clear top coat to seal the color.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.} Make sure to swipe the brush along the top of the nails, as this will prevent the polish from chipping.
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
Finished.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Fun Manicure Ideas

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
Do strawberry nails. This cute, fruity look involves painting a strawberry design on each nail.
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
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
Do splatter paint nails. Splatter paint nails are a great way to highlight your adventurous side, using several colors on each nail.
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.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
Question

How can I stop biting my nails?

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.