Can You Get Acrylics on Short Nails? The Surprising Truth! - nailhow (2024)

Can you get acrylics on short nails?

Are you cursed with short nails? Or do you prefer to keep them short? If so, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s possible to get acrylics on short nails.

Luckily, the answer is a resounding yes!

In this post, we’ll answer all your burning questions about acrylics on short nails.

So, is it possible to apply them to nails that have been bitten or damaged? Are extensions a good idea? Can you even use tips? How is acrylic applied when your nails are short?

Let’s dive into the world of acrylics for short nails and find out!

Can you get acrylics on short nails?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to get acrylics on short nails.

In fact, the length of your natural nails isn’t the most important factor when it comes to getting acrylics.

What really matters is the health of your nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area.

If your natural nails are healthy in these areas and not affected by biting, brittleness, or other health issues, then there’s no reason why your short nails can’t enjoy the benefits of acrylics.

One of the great things about acrylic nails is that they can be applied to nails of almost any length, including very short nails.

In fact, acrylics can be a great option for people who struggle to grow their natural nails.

Even nail-biters!

If you’re trying to grow out your nails, add some strength, or improve the overall appearance.

Don’t let your shorties put you off!

Can you get acrylics on really short and bitten nails?

Yes. If you have really short nails due to genetics or biting, you can still get an acrylic manicure.

As long as your nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle are healthy.

When it comes to bitten nails, it’s common for the free edge and smile line of the nail to be damaged.

However, the nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area may remain safe and healthy, which means you can still get acrylics.

For short, bitten nails, an acrylic overlay is usually the best option.

An overlay is when the acrylic is applied to your natural nails only, without using tips or extending the length.

An overlay can provide extra strength and durability to the natural nail.

It does so without adding length or weight that the nail bed may not be able to support.

This is especially important for those with small nail beds.

Because the nail bed may not be able to hold the weight of fake tips.

This causes them to peel off prematurely.

If your nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area are healthy, you can still enjoy the benefits of an acrylic manicure.

Even if you have really short or bitten nails.

Just be sure to consult with a professional nail technician.

They can evaluate the health of your nails and make recommendations for the best course of action.

With the right care and attention, you can achieve beautiful and long-lasting nails that you’ll be proud to show off.

Can you put tips on short and bitten nails?

Yes, it is possible to put tips on short and bitten nails.

In fact, using tips can be a great way to add length and structure to damaged or very short nails.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that applying tips to bitten nails can be more challenging.

Since there may be less surface area for the tips to adhere to.

Additionally, applying tips to bitten nails can be painful and could cause damage to the nail bed.

Here’s a great video that shows you exactly how to apply a tip to a short bitten nail:

In some cases, an alternative approach, such as an acrylic overlay, may be a better option.

Especially for short or bitten nails.

An overlay involves applying a layer of acrylic over the entire nail.

This can add strength and durability without adding length.

An acrylic overlay can be a good option for those who want to strengthen their natural nails.

Or avoid the discomfort and potential damage that can come with applying tips to very short or bitten nails.

Can you get acrylics on damaged nails?

Are your nails are badly damaged from biting, over filing, chemical exposure, illness, or lack of nutrition?

Then you may worry that acrylics are not an option for you.

However, it’s important to know that even very badly damaged nails can be transformed with acrylics.

Acrylics can provide a protective layer that helps promote healing and prevent further damage, while also giving your nails a beautiful, polished look.

If you have badly damaged nails and are interested in getting acrylics, it’s essential to consult with a professional nail technician who has experience working with damaged nails.

A good nail technician will evaluate the health of your nails and make recommendations for the best course of action.

They can also provide customized care and attention throughout the application process.

Depending on the type and extent of the damage, your nail technician may recommend special treatments or products to help restore your nails to health.

They may also suggest an overlay or dip nails since dip nails are lighter and will cause less pressure.

Your nail technician may also suggest taking a break from acrylics if they notice any signs of irritation or damage.

Here’s a useful video that shows a shocking transformation with acrylic on a set of very short and badly damaged nails:

As you can see, acrylics can be used to transform even the most badly damaged nails into beautiful ones!

Should you cut your natural nails before getting acrylics?

Whether or not to cut your natural nails before getting acrylics is a common question.

However, there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to the length of your natural nails before an acrylic appointment.

It’s better to let the nail technician decide the length of your natural nails.

Because they can assess the health of your nails and recommend the best approach based on your individual needs.

Most nail technicians will shorten your natural nails to some degree during the acrylic application process.

But having a bit of a free edge can be helpful for certain types of nails.

Additionally, having some length can help you get used to the added weight and length of acrylics before committing to a longer length.

It’s worth noting that the length of your natural nails before an acrylic appointment typically doesn’t affect the cost of the service.

Ultimately, the decision to cut your natural nails before an appointment is up to you.

You don’t need to cut them and if you want an overlay you definitely shouldn’t.

It’s generally a good idea to let the nail technician decide the best approach based on their expertise and your unique nail health.

Is It Better To Have Long Or Short Nails For Acrylics?

When it comes to acrylics, the length of your natural nails is not as important as their health.

Since acrylics involve applying a chemical mixture to natural nails to add length and durability, the natural length of your nails doesn’t matter much.

Even those with extremely short nails can still get acrylic overlays.

For acrylic extensions, a little bit of free edge is essential to ensure the extension is durable.

However, for an acrylic overlay, long natural nails are helpful for ensuring the manicure lasts longer.

That said, if your natural nails are long but not healthy, the nails may not support the weight of the acrylic.

When it comes to the ideal length for acrylics, most experts advise against extremely long acrylic overlays, especially if you are new to the world of nail extensions.

Longer nails require more maintenance and are more prone to cracks.

It’s generally a good idea to start with shorter acrylics and work your way up to longer ones as you get used to the maintenance and care involved.

In summary, while the natural length of your nails is not essential for acrylics, it’s crucial to have healthy nails for a successful application.

The right length for acrylics ultimately depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and the condition of your natural nails.

Working with a skilled manicurist and starting with shorter acrylics can help ensure a long-lasting and beautiful acrylic manicure.

How Do You Apply Acrylic On Short Nails?

If you want to do your own acrylic nails at home, here’s a step-by-step guide for applying acrylic on short nails.

1. Begin by preparing the natural nails.

File and shape them to the desired length and shape.

Then wipe them down with a lint-free wipe soaked in Isopropyl alcohol.

This helps to remove any oils or debris from the nail bed.

2. Apply a base coat or acid-free primer to the natural nails.

This helps the acrylic adhere to the nails and promotes longevity.

3. Place forms or tips onto the nails (if doing extensions)

If you want your nails medium or long, you’ll need to apply either forms or tips.

Forms are paper or foil templates that are attached to the nails to help guide the shape and length of the extension.

Tips are plastic extensions that are glued onto the natural nails to add length.

4. Make your bead.

Dip the brush into the acrylic mixture and wipe off the excess on the side of the dappen dish.

With gentle pressure, lightly press the brush into the acrylic to form a small bead.

The bead should be just the right size to cover the entire nail bed in one application.

5. Apply the bead of acrylic mixture to the nail.

Start at the base and work your way up to the tip.

Use the brush to shape and smooth the bead as needed, making sure to cover the entire nail bed.

6. Apply more beads (if needed)

If necessary, add additional beads to the nail to create the desired thickness and shape.

Make sure to work quickly to avoid the acrylic mixture drying before it is fully applied.

7. Let it dry

This takes around 10 minutes.

The nail should be hard and you should hear a tapping sound when you strike the nail, which means it’s dry.

8. File and shape the acrylic nails.

Once they are fully dry, file and shape the nails as needed to create a smooth, even finish.

You can use a manual file or an e-file for this.

9. Apply polish and topcoat

You can use regular polish or gel polish on your finished nails.

Apply 2 coats of color and a top coat to seal and add shine.

It’s worth noting that the key to forming a perfect bead is in the consistency of the acrylic mixture and the technique used to apply it.

It takes practice and patience to master this skill, so it’s important to practice.

Follow these steps and you can transform your short nails into true things of beauty!

Can you get acrylics without tips?

Yes, you can get acrylic nails without tips, and it’s called an overlay.

In fact, overlays are a popular option for those who want to add strength and durability to their natural nails without adding length.

However, if you do want to add length to your natural nails, forms can be used instead of tips to create extensions.

Forms are paper or foil templates that are placed underneath the natural nails to guide the shape and length of the extension.

The acrylic mixture is then applied over the form, and once the acrylic has cured, the form is removed, leaving behind a beautiful, natural-looking extension.

Both overlays and extensions using forms are great options for those who want to add strength, durability, and beauty to their natural nails, without the added length of tips.

Are acrylic nails good for nail biters?

Acrylic nails can be a good option for nail biters who want to break the habit and improve the appearance of their nails.

Here are a few reasons why:

Added length:

Acrylic extensions can add length to short, bitten nails, making them less tempting to bite.

Added strength:

Acrylics are durable and can help protect the natural nails from further damage, which can be particularly helpful for those who bite their nails down to the quick.

Texture:

The texture of acrylic nails can feel different from natural nails, which can be helpful in breaking the habit of biting.

That said, it’s important to keep in mind that acrylic nails require regular maintenance and proper care to prevent damage or infection.

If you are a nail biter, it’s essential to work with a skilled and experienced nail technician who can assess the health of your nails and provide customized care and attention throughout the application and maintenance process.

It’s also important to address the underlying causes of nail-biting, such as stress or anxiety, to prevent the habit from resurfacing.

Summary and key takeaways:

In conclusion, getting acrylic nails on short, bitten, or damaged nails is possible with the right care and expertise.

If your natural nails have a healthy nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area, it does not matter how short or damaged they are.

Acrylic overlays and extensions using forms are great options for those who want to add strength, durability, and beauty to their natural nails.

When it comes to the ideal length for acrylics, the answer is it depends.

The free edge or smile line is not an essential part of getting an acrylic overlay.

While longer natural nails are helpful for ensuring the manicure lasts longer, it’s important to have healthy nails for a successful application.

More important than length is to have a nail with a healthy nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area.

It’s important to work with a skilled and experienced nail technician who can assess the health of your nails and provide customized care and attention throughout the application and maintenance process.

With proper care and maintenance, acrylic nails can provide a long-lasting and beautiful manicure.

Finally, it’s worth noting that it’s essential to address the underlying causes of nail biting, such as stress or anxiety, to prevent the habit from resurfacing.

With the right care, attention, and commitment to breaking the habit, acrylic nails can be a great option for those who want to improve the appearance and health of their nails.