Kayla Young
If you’re thinking about getting acrylics and your nails are on the short side, you’re probably wondering – how long do your natural nails need to be for acrylics?
The good news is that acrylics can be applied to short nails. However, if you have short nails and are looking to get acrylic extensions to increase the length of your nails, there are some things that you need to know.
In this article, I will go into the details of getting acrylics for short nails, and how long they have to be if you want to get acrylic extensions or tips.
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How Long Do Your Natural Nails Need To Be For Acrylics?
It does not matter how short your nails are to get acrylics, as long as your nails are healthy.
But if you’re looking to increase the length of your natural nail, then that’s a different story.
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Growing long fingernails is much harder for some than others. There are two ways that you can extend the length of your natural nail when getting acrylics:
1. Plastic Tips
Plastic tips are applied on top of the tip of your natural nail using a nail adhesive. It needs to be filed to remove the shine and achieve the correct shape and length. The acrylic is then applied over the nail enhancement and is filed and finished.
2. Acrylic Sculpture (forms)
A form is placed underneath the natural nail and acrylic is applied and formed into the desired shape and length. The forms are removed once the nail enhancement has been sculpted. Then the nail enhancement is filed and finished.
Both acrylic nail tips and form extensions can be applied to short nails, but you do need some growth beyond the nail bed for the extensions to attach to.
As in, if you have a nail that has been trimmed back, bitten or broken down to the quick, you need to wait until your nail grows a little before you are able to get extensions.
These acrylic nail tip extensions can be applied to short nails, but you do need some growth beyond the nail bed for the extensions to attach to.
As in, if you have a nail that has been trimmed back, bitten, or broken down to the quick, you need to wait until your nail grows a little before you are able to get extensions.
The nail quick is essentially the edge where your nail plate attaches to the nail bed. The part of the nail that grows beyond the quick is called the free ridge.
Acrylic extension tips are glued to the free ridge of the natural nail, then the acrylic paste is applied on top of the whole nail and tip extension.
Overlay forms are applied under the natural nail, then the acrylic paste is applied on top of the nail and form.
The paste is formed into a natural shape, blending the nail and the extension seamlessly. As the acrylic dries, the acrylic paste hardens. When it’s completely dry, the extensions are strong and durable.
And voilà – you have longer nails.
Because the acrylic tips and forms need something to hold onto without damaging the tissue around your nail, you do require a bit of nail growth (a.k.a. free ridge) beyond the nail bed.
If you have nails that are broken or chewed back to the quick, you will have to wait about a week until the nail grows a bit before you will be able to get acrylic tips applied. See our article on acrylic nail prep for more information.
If you still have doubts as to whether your nails are long enough for acrylic tips, the best thing to do is to consult with your local nail technician.
She will be able to advise you as to your options.
Do I Have To Get Long Acrylic Nails?
When a lot of people think about acrylic nails, images of 2-inch, coffin-shaped talons adorned with rhinestones and crazy nail art are what often come to mind. Although it’s a thing for some people, acrylics do not have to be long, ornamented, bejeweled, make you look like Morticia Adams, or prevent you from doing simple tasks like washing your dishes, using your phone, or washing your hair.
Think of acrylic nails as basically a really durable manicure. You can dress it up or down as much as you want.
Think of acrylic nails as basically a really durable manicure. You can dress it up or down as much as you want.
In fact, #shortacrylicnails are trending in a big way right now in nude shades and light pastel colors.
They don’t need to be flashy and they definitely don’t need to be long.
On the flip side, an acrylic manicure allows you to have a lot more creative freedom than with a standard manicure because of the ability to do airbrushing and nail art that’s not possible with a regular manicure.
Ombre acrylics, for example, are very popular right now.
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Can You Get Acrylic Nails If Your Nails Are Short?
The good news is that as long as the natural nail is not damaged and the surrounding skin is healthy, you can get acrylic nails on short nails.
The application of acrylic involves combining a polymer (powder) and a monomer (liquid) to form a paste.
The paste is applied to the nail and then shaped to create a perfectly manicured look that is super durable and will last for weeks. This is what’s called a natural acrylic overlay.
Your acrylic nails will be only as long as your natural nails.
Should I Cut My Nails For Acrylics?
Okay so here’s the thing… Have you ever been to a nail salon for acrylics, only to have a nail tech cut your long nails and then apply tips the same length as the nails she just cut? If so, maybe you need to change nail salons!
That said, if your natural nail is not healthy enough to just do a natural acrylic overlay (i.e. acrylic on the natural nail without an extension), the nail may have to be trimmed back and an extension applied.
But that should all be explained to you.
You do not have to cut your nails before getting acrylics.
Your nail tech will do any cutting, trimming, or filing that’s required. And a good nail technician will explain the process and why she is doing what she’s doing.
You, as the client, also have to step up and not only be able to explain what you want, but not be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS!
If you’re getting extensions and they pull out the plastic tips without asking you which kind of extensions you want, then ask why she didn’t offer you acrylic sculpture forms as an option.
If you sit down at the manicure station and you just want an acrylic overlay and your nail tech pulls out the nail clippers. Stop her and ask what she’s doing.
(word to the wise: tips are easier to do.)
You, as the client, also have to step up and not only be able to explain what you want, but not be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS!
At the end of the day, whatever happens at the nail salon, you are equally responsible for the outcome.
Do your homework when looking for a salon. Ask friends and check online reviews.
Can I Do Acrylics At Home?
If you’ve never had acrylics before, then don’t even think about doing your own the first time around. Let the professionals handle it.
If you have long mastered doing your nails at home with polish, and you’ve had salon acrylic manicures in the past, there are home acrylic kits you can get to do your own nails, like Morovan Acrylic Nail Kit .
Check out our guide on DIY Acrylic Nails for details on how to do it yourself.
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