How to Manicure Short Nails

Believe it or not, scientists claim that your personality is revealed with the length of your nails. If you have short nails, you may be nervous, slightly critical and particularly hard on yourself. Regardless of your personality, your short nails don't have to be something to criticize. A few tips can teach you how to keep your short nails perfectly manicured.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish remover
• Gentle soap
• Emery board
• Vitamin E oil
• Cuticle cream
• Soft-bristled brush
• Pumice stone
• Nail buffer
• Clear polish

Instructions

1. Remove any nail polish from your nails before beginning and then thoroughly wash your hands with a gentle soap. Use an emery board to file your nails, smoothing any rough edges and getting the shape you desire. Make sure that you file in one direction against the nail to keep your nails from breaking. For short nails, a thick emery board with a foam center is best, as you can more easily work between the nail and your skin without scratching the delicate tissue under the nail.

2. Begin your manicure by massaging vitamin E oil into the nails themselves, helping to strengthen weak, short nails. For the cuticles, use cuticle cream, massage into the tissue as well. The cuticle cream contains special ingredients made to soften the skin without harming the nail. Allow the oil and cream to set for 2 or 3 minutes.

3. Soak your nails in clean, warm water for 5 minutes and then use a small, soft-bristled brush to gently remove dead skin from your cuticles. Avoid cutting your cuticles, as they are there to help prevent bacteria from infecting the nail. Use a pumice stone gently on nails and surrounding skin to remove any stains or dead skin cells.

4. Wash your hands once again, paying special attention to the underside of the nails where creams and oils may linger and then dry your hands. Use a natural buffer to remove any ridges in the nails and to create a healthy shine on the surface of the nail.

5. Apply a coat of clear nail polish to your short nails to help protect them and strengthen the nail for better growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Short nails can be just as beautiful as long nails if you manicure them regularly and avoid biting.