Three Tips for Applying Nail Wraps on Short Nails
by Jenna Rosenstein
Remember that scene in Mean Girls when Karen Smith looks down at her hands and proclaims "My nail beds suck!"? Well me too, Karen, me too. I was genetically cursed with short, stubby nails, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that manicurists have looked at my nails and laughed uncomfortably. But after much trial and error, I can say I've picked up a few tricks, including how to apply nail wraps to short nails without embarrassment. Read on:
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1. Choose your Pattern Wisely
Sure, a picture of your cat's face or an elaborate landscaped design is beautiful on a lengthy nail. But when you have less surface area to work with, you're probably going to have to chop off a good chunk of that sticker before you apply it on your nail. Better to pick a pattern that's small or repetitive, like polka dots or stripes. And if you must have a more elaborate design, make sure the bulk of the image will be down near your cuticle.
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2. Wrap Outside the Lines
The next step, of course, is actually applying the sticker. Most stickers come pre-sized for each of the five fingernails, but that doesn't mean you have to use them on the assigned nail (especially if they don't fit). Try the pinky sticker on your ring finger, and don't be afraid to cut the stickers to size with a small nail scissor.
3. Cut Before You File
Some sticker sets come with scissors while others recommend simply filing the excess away. Don't listen to them. Excessively filing already short nails will give you even shorter nails. Instead, trim the excess sticker as close as you can to your nail before gently filing the rough edges.
Do you have other nail art tips for short nails?
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