Can You Put Acrylic Nails On Very Short Nails? The Surprising Answer (2024)

Can You Put Acrylic Nails On Very Short Nails? The Surprising Answer (1)

There isn’t a much better form of self-care than getting your nails done. It is one of the most underrated pre-holiday and event activities, and it is by far the most enjoyable.

When you get your nails done professionally, there is very little that you have to do yourself. Simply decide on the style of acrylics that you want, then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy while your nail tech gets to work.

There are lots of different reasons why you might choose to get your nails done. You might simply want a coat of acrylic to make your nails prettier, you might want acrylic extensions to make your nails appear longer, or you might want to have acrylic nails to help improve the quality of your own nails.

But no matter the reason, you might find the idea of having acrylic nails done very intimidating. Especially if you have very short nails. There are all sorts of rumors regarding whether, or not, you can get acrylic nails when you have very short nails, so it is understandable that you might be wary.

In this quick guide, we’ll be taking a look at whether, or not, you can put acrylic nails on very short nails, and lots more.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

First, let’s establish exactly what we mean when we say ‘acrylic nails’. Acrylic nails is a term that is mainly used to refer to artificial nails. They are also sometimes referred to as false nails, fake nails, fashion nails, and lots more.

Generally speaking, all of these different names refer to nail extensions that are applied to the nails to extend them, and give them lots of space for a nail tech to create patterns and designs.

Can You Put Acrylic Nails On Very Short Nails? The Surprising Answer (2)

Acrylic nails are made using a mixture of liquid monomer and powder to create a blob which is then applied to your nails. The extension is first glued to your natural nails using nail glue, and then the ‘blob’ mixture is added to the nail, and spread across the extension to create a level surface.

Lots of people choose to have acrylic nails over gel nails because it gives you a lot more freedom. With acrylic nails, you can completely transform the length and shape of your nails, and this is why they are so popular. Especially among those who have a big event coming up in their lives.

Do Your Nails Have To Be Long To Get Acrylics?

For some unknown reason, there is a common misconception that you have to have long nails to be able to get acrylics.

Who knows where this idea has come from, but the simple fact is that it isn’t true. You do not have to have long nails to be able to have acrylics. In fact, most nail techs will prefer you to have average length nails when you have acrylic nails applied.

In a lot of cases, your natural nails will be filed down by your nail tech if they are too long. If you have long nails, then most nail technicians will suggest that you have gels applied rather than acrylics.

Gels will complement your naturally long nails, and can make your nails look like they have extensions, when in fact it is just your natural nail.

When you have longer nails, then your nails will be more prone to breaking. This is the reason most nail technicians will file down long nails before adding extensions.

As anyone who has broken an extension will tell you, this is a very painful experience. This hurts even more if your actual nail is connected to more of the extension. So, most of the time, it is better to have shorter nails when you have acrylics done.

Can You Put Acrylic Nails On Very Short Nails?

Can You Put Acrylic Nails On Very Short Nails? The Surprising Answer (3)

Yes, you can put acrylic nails on very short nails. In fact, this is encouraged more than having acrylic nails applied to long nails. The main purpose of acrylic nails is to extend the length of your natural nails and change their shape. This is more achievable if you have shorter nails to begin with.

Despite this, there are a lot of rumors that you cannot have acrylics applied if you have very short nails. This isn’t the case, but there are some situations where acrylic nails are discouraged. It is likely these situations that have led to people believing that you cannot have acrylic nails applied to short nails.

It is perfectly okay to apply acrylic nails to very short nails, but it is not okay to apply acrylic nails to diseased or damaged nails.

If you have diseased or damaged nails, then your nail tech will likely recommend that you delay getting your nails done until the disease has been treated, or the damage has healed. But as long as your nails are healthy, then having short nails will not affect your ability to have acrylics fitted.

Are Acrylic Nails Good For Biters?

One of the other reasons why people have their nails professionally decorated is to stop them biting them. Nail-biting is a habit that a lot of people have, and it can be a very difficult habit to break, no matter how hard you try. So are acrylic nails a way to prevent you from biting your nails?

As a last resort, acrylic nails are a great way to prevent you from biting your nails. The application of the acrylic will make your nails a lot thicker, and the density will make it difficult to bite them. They aren’t the cheapest option to prevent you from biting your nails, but in most cases they are highly effective.

So, if you are at the end of your tether with breaking this habit, it might be a good idea to try out acrylic nails.

Summary

In short, yes, you absolutely can put acrylic nails on very short nails. In fact, this is more encouraged than the application of acrylic nails to very long nails. Generally speaking, as long as your nails are not damaged or diseased, you will be able to apply acrylic nails to them.

Can You Put Acrylic Nails On Very Short Nails? The Surprising Answer (2024)

FAQs

Can you get acrylic nails on really short nails? ›

The truth is you can get acrylic nails even when your natural nails are short. If, however, your natural nails are damaged or diseased, you must postpone the idea of getting a nail art with acrylic nails till your nails are healthy again. Yes, you can have short acrylic nails.

Can you put fake nails on very short bitten nails? ›

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.

How long do your nails have to be to get acrylics? ›

“Acrylics adhere better if you have even just a couple of millimeters of natural nail growth. You'll want to grow out your nails even just a tiny bit prior to your appointment.” There are tips that you should follow at home to help your nails last longer.

What is the best nail application for short nails? ›

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.

What are the fake nails for short bitten nails? ›

Individually sculpted gel nail extensions are the answer. They make your nails inaccessible to bite. They are beautiful, super comfortable to wear, can be designed to a length that you feel most comfortable with, and while they are on, your nails have time to recover.

How long do acrylics last on short nails? ›

Acrylics last between six to eight weeks. You will need to refill them every two to three weeks depending on how fast your nails grow. You can also refill your acrylic nails as they begin to grow out to keep the appearance of the nails for longer.

How do you make fake nails stay on short nails? ›

Use strong-hold, long-lasting nail glue instead of adhesive stickers. While adhesive strips can be useful for keeping fake nails on for a short period of time, a professional grade liquid nail glue will help keep your press-ons in place for weeks.

How do you fix your nails after years of biting? ›

Use a nail hardener or strengthener to help improve the health of your nails. These products can help your nails become stronger and more resistant to breaking. Try applying a nourishing cuticle oil or cream to your nails and cuticles. This can help moisturize and repair damaged nail beds.

Can you do gel nails on really short nails? ›

Don't afraid to get gel nail polish in color that you love if you think it won't fit short nails. Also nail art on short nails may look very nice. Try to avoid ombre nails or complicated nail art like flowers designs.

What are the cons of acrylic nails? ›

One of the biggest disadvantages of acrylic nails is that they can damage your natural nails. Acrylic nails are applied with a strong adhesive, which can cause your natural nails to become weak and brittle. Additionally, the acrylic itself can be harsh on your nails, causing them to become dry and damaged.

Are gel nails better than acrylic? ›

If durability and dramatic length are key, acrylics are the way to go. They're tougher and can be sculpted into long, elaborate designs. However, if you crave a more natural look and prioritize nail health, then a gel manicure might be better.

What are the best fake nails for short stubby 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. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.

How do you make super short nails look good? ›

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.

What Colour is best for very short nails? ›

Nude and pastel colors are a great choice for short nails, as they actively make them look longer.

Can nails be too short for gel? ›

It's also helpful to have some length before getting extensions. “I would not recommend gel extensions for beginners who have extremely bitten nails or super short nails because you do need some nail bed to hold the extensions or they have no support and fall off quickly,” explains Nguyen.

Should I trim my nails before getting acrylics? ›

You want your nails to be short since your acrylic tips will be attached to them and if you try to attach them to long nails, your natural nail could snap off, causing your acrylic to as well. Buff nails: After clipping, file your nails so that they're even and don't have any snags.

What is the smallest acrylic nail size? ›

  • Extra Small: 15mm, 13mm, 15mm, 14mm, 12mm.
  • Small: 16mm, 14mm, 15mm, 14mm, 12mm.
  • Medium: 18mm, 15mm, 17mm, 16mm, 13mm.
  • Large: 19mm, 17mm, 18mm, 16mm, 14mm.
  • Extra Large: 19mm, 17mm, 18mm, 16mm, 15mm.

Can you put gel nails on very short nails? ›

First off, gel polish adheres just fine to your natural nails, regardless of their length. The key is in the preparation of the nail surface: a little buffing, cleaning, and a base coat to begin. The gel polish then follows, and it'll stick around like that one friend at a party who just won't leave.

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