"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.
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."
Acrylic nails or gel overlays can be an excellent option for you, as they provide a protective barrier that makes it more difficult for you to continue biting your nails. Plus, investing time and money into getting your nails done may motivate you to keep them looking nice and resist the urge to bite them.
Anyone can get a gel manicure, whether you have natural nails (long or short) or want to get tips glued on first. Stacked up against a regular manicure, gels last longer, feel stronger and stay shiny.
Dip powder is harder and more durable than gel. As such, it's a great option for those with weak nails or people who do a lot of labor with their hands. No UV lamp.
Which is Better? Gel and acrylic nails have similar results. They can lengthen short nails, strengthen nails, and make your fingers look longer and more slender.
Acrylic manicure is the go-to style for people with short nails. It adds more length to your natural nails and can last as long as three weeks. To create an acrylic nail, your manicurist uses powder polymer and a liquid monomer that forms a hard acrylic layer that resembles your natural nails.
It is possible to get acrylics on short nails, although it may be better to have long nails to achieve the desired look you might want. If your nails are too short to apply regular acrylics, nail extensions or artificial tips can be used to make short nails for acrylics work.
However bitten your nails are they can be done providing the surrounding skin is not swollen and the skin unbroken. Sculptured acrylic nails would generally work best as this method can create an illusion that the portions of the nail is not of a nail biter.
Enter the structured gel manicure, which is specifically designed to stand the test of time and strengthen your nails, per Sunday Beauty. Even those who aren't chronic nail biters can benefit from this type of manicure, which can last more than a month when cared for properly.
Rounded. Rounded nails are the ideal shape for people that want to maintain the natural nail look but want more length. Thin longer fingers look amazing with this shape. This shape is perfect for those that bite their nails and those that want to start growing their natural nails.
There are many fake nail options for bitten nails, but both experts agree that acrylic nails and full-cover gel tips are good choices for nail biters. The right one for you will depend on whether you want to focus on growing your natural nails or creating a long-lasting manicure that adheres well to bitten nails.
If you have a continuous struggle with weak nails, you may want to consider gel polishes made specifically to strengthen the nails. Strengthening polishes are the best nail growth polishes for those with weak nails as they provide a hard coating for your nails to protect them as they grow.
If you want to wear artificial nails for more than a few weeks, you'll need touch-ups every 2 to 3 weeks to fill in the gaps that appear as your nails grow. Frequent touch-ups can seriously damage your natural nails. In short, artificial nails can leave your nails thin, brittle, and parched.
Short nails can look pretty cute, so give them a helping hand there with adorable or funky designs. Colorful candy prints, shiny stones and little stars will all help your nails look cute as heck. Stripes are a winning choice of pattern when it comes to short nails.
If you have nails that are barely longer than your fingertips, it's actually recommended for you to apply dip powder on short natural nails and NOT use fake nail tips while you grow them out. This will protect your short nails, prevent them from breaking, and help them gain strength.
Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone. 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.
Gel nails must also be filled in every two to three weeks to maintain their appearance. During a fill-in, the technician will remove the grown-out portion of the natural nails and add a new layer of gel to the nails.
As mentioned above, gel nails are a healthier alternative for the nail than acrylic. They are less likely to cause damage to the natural nail or nail bed. Gel nails also feel more natural and less rigid than acrylic, so if you accidentally hit them against something they are less likely to snap!
Gel polish lasts between 2-3 weeks at the minimum, while regular polish is lucky to go a week without chipping. With light wear, your gel nails last at least twice as long as a normal polish, but realistically they get you four to six times a standard manicure mileage.
A basic manicure, with the right polishes, is the healthiest for your nails. When we say the 'right polishes' we mean the best nail growth polish or breathable nail polish. The harsh chemicals in many polishes often degrade our nails. Using an organic polish that contains vitamins, is the best way to avoid damage.
You Can Apply Dip to Any Nail Length
If you have short nails, your manicurist can even add tip extensions to create more length, then apply the dip powder on top. You won't be able to tell that part of the nail is fake. Your nail tech can preserve the tip when it's time to get a fill or start from scratch.