Q&A for How to Manicure Short Nails

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Question

How can I make my short nails look good?

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.

Marta Nagorska

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Push back your cuticles before you start applying polish to help your nails look longer and prevent polish from getting on your skin.

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Question

How can I make my manicure last longer?

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.

Marta Nagorska

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Before you paint your nails, apply a base coat and let it dry. Then, use a top coat once your nail polish dries. This will give your manicure some hold.

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Question

How can I stop biting my nails?

Community Answer

Try putting some bad-tasting nail polish on them. Alternatively, you could also get a beautiful manicure; you might be reluctant to ruin all that pretty work and stop biting your nails. Read How to Stop Biting Your Nails for more helpful tips and ideas.

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Question

Is it necessary to use cuticle oil?

Community Answer

Cuticle oil is used to moisturize the cuticle, skin, and nail area. It can protect the cuticle and nail against damage and improve the health and appearance of the cuticles and nails. Of course it's optional, but if you want healthy nails and cuticles, it's a good idea.

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Question

Can I use a top coat as a base coat or vice versa?

Community Answer

Yes, that will work. You really don't need to buy two separate coats.

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Question

What happens if you cut all your cuticles?

Community Answer

You can make your cuticles bleed and leave them open to infection if you cut too deeply. Use a cuticle pusher instead.

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Question

I don't bite my nails but I pick at them with my fingers. How can I stop?

Community Answer

Try a stress ball or twiddle cube. Anything to distract you from your fingernails.

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Question

Can I use paint on my nails?

Community Answer

You should use nail polish on your nails rather than paint.

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Question

How can I remove the dark stripes that naturally exist on my nails, and stop biting my nails as well?

Community Answer

You can buy a special polish to paint on your nails. This will strengthen them, but also taste horrible, therefore discouraging you from biting them.

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Question

How can I do ombre nails?

Community Answer

You'll need the following: * Peel off base coat (simple peel or latex barrier) * 2 or more colors, preferably similar tones such as pink and purple or orange and yellow * Top and base coat (optional, but preferred) * Makeup sponge 1) Add a base coat to your nail. 2) Paint a layer of peel-off around your nail and on your cuticle. Try not to get it on the nail bed, as it will mess up the manicure, but cover all the areas you don't want to get polish. 3) Add horizontal stripes of polish across that slightly overlap. 4) Sponge polish onto nail to create ombre. 5) Let dry, then peel off the latex and add a top coat.

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Question

How do I stop my nails from bending when they're long?

Community Answer

Use jojoba oil 3-6 times a day, moisturize often and file in one direction. Don't do things that could break your nails. Wear nail polish to add an extra layer of protection.

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Question

How do I do nails myself because my nails really big?

Community Answer

You can (if you're right handed and vice versa) take the hand you don't write with and then use the hand you do write with to paint your nails. If your nails are too big, then cut them. And then the follow the steps above and you're done!

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