This Hack Makes a French Manicure Look Incredible on Short Nails
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- French manicures are a classic nail design that look good on any nail length.
- Short nails can be particularly well-suited for gradient french-manicure nail art.
- Get some inspiration for your own short french nails ahead.
Thought you couldn't get a french manicure because you have short nails? Think again. Short nails don't often appear in the stunning nail art designs on Pinterest, but this doesn't mean they can't take the spotlight. Whether you're in the stage of growing your nails out or you just prefer shorter talons, turning a standard french mani into a soft gradient can look so much better 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.
To achieve this look, you'll first need to use a good-quality base coat like Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat ($9) and then apply a light pink or neutral color like Essie Skinny Dip ($9) as a base color. Once dry, take a makeup sponge and begin layering the pink and white, such as China Glaze Cabana Fever ($7), onto the sponge, overlapping a little. Sponge off the excess onto a piece of paper, and begin dabbing onto the nail. You'll need to build up a few layers until you get the gradient effect. Once completely dry, use a supershiny topcoat like Seche Vite Fast Dry Topcoat ($10), and there you have it! This manicure requires a lot of clean-up, so I'd suggest using a liquid latex tape ($9) designed for nail art to protect the cuticles.
Read on to see how other nail artists have created their own french manicure gradients to find inspiration for your DIY manicure.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Square Gradient
This simple french gradient is free of any additional nail art but still looks simple and clean thanks to the classic square nail shape.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Crystal Accents
Looking to make your short french manicure stand out? Add fun nail decals like these crystal gems.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Square Gradient
Another way to play up a french manicure on short nails is to find the shades of pink and white that work best for your skin tone. Deeper skin tones can use warmer pinks at the base of the nail like the color seen here.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Milky-White Nail Beds
Don't be afraid to go cool toned with a french manicure on your short nails. It adds an air of intentionality that people can't help but notice.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Gold Accents
There's nothing like an accent nail, and if you love glitter, we say go all out. Use your favorite shade of gold, silver, or even holographic glitter to make sure your nails can't be missed.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Nude Gradient
If pink or white gradients aren't your speed, you can always opt for a nude that will go well with your skin color.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Beige Gradient
With the beige nail coming back full force, why not incorporate the color into your french manicure to keep the look fresh and trendy?
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Shimmer Topcoat
Adding shimmer to a gradient french tip in the right way can make you manicure almost mimic a meteor shower. Make sure to opt for a subtle shimmer that won't take over the entire manicure.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Beige Gradient
Another cool-toned french-manicure option? The beige nail that leans more on the brown side.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Subtle Nail Art
The gradient doesn't have to be the only nail art included in your french manicure. If you want to keep the manicure minimal, opt for nail art in similar tones as the rest of your nails for a simple yet striking addition to the look.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Lace Nail Art
One of the best nail-art looks that complement a french gradient? Lace art. Play with different designs and positions for a manicure that is elegant and timeless.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Hidden Nail Art
Looking for even more subtle french-tip nail art? Add small crystals to the curves of your nail for a peekaboo effect.
French Manicure For Short Nails Idea: Crystal Nail Art
Another easy way to add to your french manicure? Play with the positioning of nail art. This horizontal crystal line adds visual interest while still being subtle enough not to take over the entire nail.