short nails ... look pretty?

Question

I play the violin, and that requires short nails.

Because of my nail/finger structure, my nails have to be so short that there is no white on them, and the nails are ridiculously short (otherwise, they're too long for violin).

Do you have any tips on making short nails look pretty?
Don't suggest growing them, because I'm not going to.
I'm just asking if there are ways to make short nails pretty ... i.e. pain them a certain color, file them, etc.

Thanks!

Answer 1

File them into ovals or squovals that mirror your the white moons under your nails.

Buff them or use nail polish - a soft, sheer pink. ex) Essie's Sugar Daddy = excellent pink shade that makes your nails look finished & healthy.

For quick way to add sheen, use nail oil, Vaseline or plain lip balm.

You can also get a French manicure & simulate thin white tips to give the illusion of longer nails.

How to File & Buff Nails Video: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-file-and-buff-your-nails

French Manicure: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-give-yourself-a-french-manicure

Answer 2

Even if you have to have short nails , there is no reason that they can't look well manicured and pretty. I am a pediatric nurse and have to keep my nails short because new parents don't like to see a nurse with long nails handling their newborn. My manicurist does my nails like a french manicure and no matter how short they are, she can make it look like there is a white section, plus the clear gel she puts over the whole nail makes the whole nail three times as strong and they stay nice and shiny. Find a good manicurist and give it a try. You only have to have them filled in every 2-3 weeks and it isn't expensive to maintain. I pay $30 for the initial manicure with gel and then $18 plus a tip to keep them up. Keep them natural looking with just the gel french manicure and it is easier to keep up than with color or with a polished on french manicure, which will chip. Short nails are very pretty. Look in the magazines and see the movie stars. Short, well groomed nails are in!

Answer 3

My nails always seem to stay short. Not because I play an instrument that keeps them that way, but because they are so thin and break easily.

I give myself french manicures because I don't want to pay to get my nails done. I go back and forth between that and painting them either clear or even a very light tan.

When they are painted with a french tip it makes me feel pretty...lol. Having a french tip gives the illusion of longer nails because you can paint as far down your nail as you want. If you can't have nails you can always fake it.

You could also try cutting your nails straight across for a square look and then painting tips. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

EW..long nails are tacky in my opinion. You can have so much fun with short nails! Get over the french manicure, it reminds me of housewives in the 90s. Why not try a funky color if you are young? If you are older go for a great neutral color like the classic soft pinks and cremes. Or just try a great classic red. Make sure to top off with a top coat for protection especially since you play a guitar.

Answer 5

I think that a plain manicure would look nice. Colors could be too flashy- taking away from the elegance of the violin- especially for a concert. But a manicure looks like your nails are taken care of, gives a slight color, and you don't have to grow them. In fact, my nails are long and that's what I prefer for myself anyway.

Answer 6

I don't see what's wrong with that, as long as you're not biting them. Just keep them filed nicely and use that clear polish to make them shiney. A friend of mine told me she uses light or bright colors on her nails, because the dark ones make her nails look too short, but the lighter makes them look longer. You should try that.

Answer 7

Maybe try making them look like they have a french manicure. just do the very tips white and do a thin line...dont make it too thick or it will look fake. This may help give the illusion of having longer nails.

Answer 8

I prefer short clean freshly manicured nails than long fake ones for some reason. It just looks classier and more natural.

Answer 9

anybody's nails can look nice as long as u take good care of them..which mean keeping them clean, filing them, and yes you can always paint them in pretty colors or put a clear coat over them which is also nice.

Answer 10

I'm a guy, and privately, I don't like long nails. We know a lot of like very long, painted nails cause they're "so pretty", but I don't like them.