Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (2024)

HomeAcrylic NailsAre My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails

My nails are not naturally short but I have a nasty habit of biting them. Now Pinterest is making me crazy with those stunning acrylic nails and I want them badly. So, I visited a professional nail salon with one desperate question, ‘are my nails too short for acrylics?’

The good news is that even short nails can enjoy the benefits of acrylics. With the right manicurist, you can dress up your short nails with some stunning acrylic overlays.Here, I will discuss, all that you have to know about acrylics on short/bitten nails to make sure you get your nails done according to your style and choice.

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (1)

Content:

  • Can you get acrylics with short nails?
  • How short or long can your nails be to get acrylics?
  • Applying nail tips to short nails
  • Acrylic Overlay for Short Nails
  • How Acrylic Overlay is done on Short Bitten Nails?
  • Acrylics on bitten nails – are they Good for Biters?
  • Is it Better to Have Long or Short Nails for Acrylics?
  • Summary
  • FAQ

Can you get acrylics with short nails?

Yes, you can get acrylics with short nails. Acrylic manicure is the best option for those who have small nail beds or a nasty habit of biting nails.

Short Bitten Nails Can Enjoy Acrylic Because…

The acrylic overlay is done on natural nails having a healthy nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area hence it does not matter how short or long your nails are. As long as your nail bed is not affected by the bitting, brittleness, or any other health issues, your short nails can enjoy acrylic.

Here is an example of short nails with a healthy nail bed.

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (2)

Usually bitters bit the freed edge and the smile line of the nails; the nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle remain safe.

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (3)

It is also the case for brittle, fragile nails as shown in the above image. But some brittle nails have peeled nail beds that need care and time to grow back and then you can enjoy acrylic overlay on your short nails.

Read: Best Acrylic Nail Kits At-home for Beginners

Can they put acrylics on Short & Bitten nails?

If you have really short nails genetically or you have an unhealthy habit of biting nails, you still can have an acrylic manicure.

Here is an example of bitten and fragile nails. The smile line and free edge are gone because of biting. But the short nails still have a healthy cuticle, nail bed, and sidewalls. So, these nails can get acrylic manicures easily. If your nails have all of them, you can get acrylics too.

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (4)

But acrylic overlay would be the best option for small bitten nails like these if you want a long-lasting manicure. As for acrylic or any other fake tips you need a wider nail bed like this one. For small nail beds, the problem is that the tip may peel off soon as usually, the nail bed becomes unable to hold the weight of the fake tips.

How short or long can your nails be to get acrylics?

When you have naturally short nails but want to experience the magic of nail manicures, you may often wonder if your nails are too short for sporting acrylics.

So, how short or long do your nails need to be to get acrylics?

In the case of an acrylic overlay, there is no minimum length of the natural nail required to get the manicure. Since the application does not involve the attachment of any artificial tip on the natural nails, even shorter nails can flaunt acrylics. You just need to ensure that the acrylic is applied to your nails properly to avoid peeling off.

Applying Nail Tips to Short Nails

Can you put tips on bitten nails? This is the biggest question for nail biters.

Yes, you can apply nail tips on short-bitten nails but it is not recommended. Rather go for acrylic overlay. Acrylic or any other tip application requires your nails to have a wide healthy nail bed, cuticle area, and sidewalls. Small nail beds cannot bear the weight of fake tips for long as a result even if you get tips on extremely short bitten nails, it will not last long. Moreover, it will be bad for your natural nails. Overlay on the other hand is the process of gradually building layers of acrylic and finally achieving a long and beautiful nail. Clearly, it is a much more healthy, safe, and practical choice for nail biters than tips.

Read: Best Nail Extensions for Short Bitten Nails

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (5)

Acrylic Overlay for Short Nails…

The application of acrylic involves combining powder and liquid. Your manicurist will apply the mixture to the entire nail bed and also file your nails to smoothen out any rough edges. Moreover, you can opt for nail art to decorate the acrylic and make it look even more stunning.

Acrylics have the power to transform your boring nails instantly. They also make your nails look healthier, longer, and thicker. It is safe to say that with the numerous design options available, almost everyone can try out acrylics.

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (6)

Most people who have a habit of biting their nails or cannot grow their nails naturally are afraid of trying out acrylics. If you are a beginner, getting acrylics can be extremely overwhelming. So let’s look at some of the common concerns regarding acrylics and short nails.

Also, if you don’t want to pay the hefty salon fees for doing and maintaining acrylic nails, you can check out this article on beginner-friendly at-home acrylic kits. To beautify short bitten nails an acrylic kit is a must-have.

How Acrylic Overlay is done on Short Bitten Nails?

Acrylic Overlay on short nails is an easy process but a little time-consuming. On your nails, the technician will add an acrylic bead to achieve your desired length as nail extensions are not useful for short nails.

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (7)

Some nail technicians can also use a pinching tool to give your nails the perfect C-curve. This can make even bitten nails appear slimmer and more shapely. Pinching also enhances the durability of your acrylic overlay.

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (8)

If you are keen on adding length to your short bitten nails, opting for forms is a good idea. The forms are usually composed of thin metal and disposable paper. Most salons prefer using universal nail forms instead of square or oval forms.

It is possible to cut and shape universal nail forms to a square or an oval shape as per your liking. The form fits perfectly under the natural nail. The acrylic mixture rests on top of the form.

READ: How to extend nails without acrylics?

You can remove the form once the acrylic overlay hardens. You can also get the nails filed and buffed to achieve the desired length or shape of the nails. The acrylics provide an extremely natural look to your nails.

If you engage in a lot of manual labor, it is best to avoid excessively long acrylics. Let your manicurist help you decide the length that looks good but is also easy to maintain. Remember that acrylics on short bitten nails may require frequent refills or repairs.

Acrylics On Bitten Nails – Are they Good for Biters?

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (9)

✔️Acrylics are good for bitters because first, it is not cheap

Even a mid-range salon can set you back by USD 50 on average. After that comes the maintenance cost. Also sitting in a nail salon for long hours to get beautiful acrylic for flaunting is an effortful job. You certainly don’t want to bite that off.

✔️Secondly, acrylic nails are tough and awful to taste

The shape and taste of acrylics can be an effective deterrent for the biters. They are quite thick and strong compared to natural nails. So biters may find it difficult to bite acrylic nails easily.

The overlays also taste extremely bitter. You should always remember that acrylic overlay is a chemical product. You may end up ingesting harmful chemicals like formaldehyde if you chew on your acrylic nails.

✔️Precaution:

However, never settle for a cheap acrylic treatment in an effort to save money. You may end up with skin infections as most discount salons do not maintain high hygiene standards. Some of these salons also use methyl methacrylate (known as MMA) as a bonding agent for acrylics that can result in irritation in your nose, throat, and respiratory tract.

Read: 10 Tips Before Paying For Acrylic Nails

✔️In a nutshell,

Whenever you have a strong urge to bite your acrylics, think about the damage you will cause to the appearance of your nails, how terrible will it taste inside your mouth, and the potential health risks, and financial burden. This should do the trick and help you break the habit.

Is it Better to Have Long or Short Nails for Acrylics?

Since acrylics do not involve the application of separate tips, the natural length of your nail does not matter. Those with extremely short nails can still get acrylic overlays. In fact, if you have a shorter nail bed, it is easier to fix a form and overlay to give you the desired length.

Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (10)

But if you are asking what length is preferable for acrylic? Short or long? The answer would be a nail with a healthy nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area. The free edge or smile line is not an essential part of getting an acrylic overlay.

For acrylic extension, a little bit of free edge is crucial to make the acrylic extension durable. In the case of an acrylic overlay, long natural nails are helpful for the acrylic manicure to be long-lasting. But keep in mind if you have long natural nails but they are not healthy then the length will not suffice for acrylic application.

It is important to remember that acrylic is merely a chemical compound applied to natural nails to add length and make them stronger. Many shy away from acrylics thinking that they don’t have the ideal nail length for the application. However, acrylics work regardless of the size or sharpness of your natural nail.

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Having said that, you should have some natural nails available so that the nail technician can apply the acrylic mixture. That’s why it is vital to pick the right manicurist who has experience in adding acrylics to shorter nails. You don’t want to end up with a damaged nail bed or a nasty nail infection.

Most experts advise against extremely long acrylic overlays, especially if you are new to the world of nail extensions. Longer nails require more maintenance. They are also more prone to cracks.

Always start with shorter acrylics. In case you are opting for nail art, shorter acrylics can also ensure that they last longer. Once you get used to acrylics on your nails, you can opt for refills as they start growing.And eventually have long acrylic nails.

Just like your natural nail, the acrylic will also grow. You may even notice nail growth around your acrylic. You can get rid of natural nail growth at home or make sure to visit a salon as soon as you can and get your acrylics trimmed.

Summary: Are my Nails too Short for Acrylics?

The acrylic overlay can be done on short, bitten, fragile nails, given you have a healthy nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area.Acrylic is also good for nail bitters as they are strong, bitter to taste, and not cheap. Additionally, for fragile nail owners, an acrylic overlay can give them stunning transformations.

As you cannot add false nails on short nails, the overlay needs to be done with extreme precision otherwise the overlay may not be durable for a long period. That is why I will suggest you always do your acrylic from a well-known and expert manicurist. This is how you ensure value for the money you are investing and stunning nails for weeks.

FAQ

Can you put acrylic nails on very short nails?

Yes, you can. The acrylic overlay is done on natural nails having a healthy nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area hence it does not matter how short or long your nails are. As long as your nail bed is not affected by the bitting, brittleness, or any other health issues, your short nails can enjoy acrylic.

Can nail biters get acrylics?

Yes, nail biters can get acrylics. The acrylic overlay can be done on bitten nails given you have a healthy nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area.Acrylic is also good for nail bitters as they are strong, bitter to taste, and not cheap. Additionally, for fragile nail owners, an acrylic overlay can give them stunning transformations.

Do your nails have to be a certain length to get fake nails?

There is no minimum or a certain length of the natural nail required to get fake nails. You can always get an acrylic overlay on your short nails which will increase the length and enhance the appearance. As for fake tips, you need a healthy nail bed, else the tips will come off soon. The best choice would be to go for overlay than tips for short nails. For medium length, you can avail any option.

What kind of manicure should I get if I bite my nails?

An acrylic manicure would be the best option if you bite your nails. One, they are stunning, and secondly, the shape and taste of acrylics can be an effective deterrent for the biters. They are quite thick and strong compared to natural nails. So biters may find it difficult to bite acrylic nails easily.

Can you put tips on bitten nails?

You can put tips on bitten nails given you have a healthy nail bed, sidewalls, and cuticle area. If not, then the tip would come off soon. Go for acrylic overlay if you have bitten nails for a long-lasting manicure.

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Are My Nails too Short for Acrylics? Overlay on Short Bitten Nails - Prep My Nails (2024)

FAQs

Can you get acrylic nails on short bitten nails? ›

However bitten your nails are they can be done providing the surrounding skin is not swollen and the skin unbroken. Sculptured acrylic nails would generally work best as this method can create an illusion that the portions of the nail is not of a nail biter.

Can your nails be too short to get acrylics? ›

The truth is you can get acrylic nails even when your natural nails are short. If, however, your natural nails are damaged or diseased, you must postpone the idea of getting a nail art with acrylic nails till your nails are healthy again.

Can I do an acrylic overlay on short nails? ›

Overlays can be applied to both short and long nails, allowing almost anyone to benefit from the application.

What type of fake nails are best for nail biters? ›

While Kandalec notes that she loves using both gel and acrylic to create extensions, gel extensions are a great option for nails prone to breaking: Since gel is more flexible, it's less likely to lift or break.

What is best for short bitten nails? ›

The best option to treat your nails with regular manicure treatment specifically designed for nail biters to finish your manicure with either gel coulors or shellac polish to ensure a longer lasting manicure. Manicures will help and using Nail Tiques will help them grow stronger so you will be less likely to bite.

Should I get fake nails if I bite my nails? ›

One potential solution? Fake nails, which act as something of a protective shield while helping your real nails grow and strengthen. Even better for those who habitually bite their nails, applying fake nails can act as a deterrent to eventually break the practice entirely.

What happens if your nails are too short? ›

When people cut their nails too short, the skin on the sides can cover the corners of the nail. This causes the nail to grow back into the skin. Nails that are ripped instead of cut or cut in a rounded shape also tend to become ingrown because they don't have clear corners.

How short is too short for nails? ›

“You do want a nail to extend past your finger pad,” says dermatologist and author Dr. Rajani Katta.

How to do acrylic overlay on natural nails? ›

Pick up the acrylic powder: Dip the brush into the acrylic powder, making sure to pick up a small, even bead. Gently tap the brush to remove any excess powder. Apply the acrylic mixture: Starting from the cuticle area, gently press the acrylic mixture onto the natural nail plate.

Is gel overlay better than acrylic overlay? ›

Gel overlays may not be as long lasting, but they are much stronger, more flexible, and odour-free. The only drawback of gel overlay nails is that they require a UV or LED lamp to cure and are hence more expensive than acrylic overlays.

Is acrylic overlay better than dip? ›

It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for the most durable option possible, acrylic nails are the way to go. However, if you're looking for an option that is easier to remove, dip nails may be a better choice. Gel nails are a good middle ground between the two.

What is the difference between acrylic overlay and extension? ›

Overlays are similar to extensions but they rather than using a plastic plate to extend the nails, a gel is applied directly to the natural nail and is shaped by hand before being buffed to create a glossy effect. Overlays create strength and length to nails.

What shape is best for short fake nails? ›

Round Nails

Best For: Short nails and achieving a very natural look.

How to repair nails after years of biting? ›

How to Repair Damaged Nails
  1. Keep Your Nails Short and Shaped. Nail-biting causes your nails to grow in a weird shape. ...
  2. Apply Cuticle Oil. Years of nail-biting will dry out and damage your cuticle as well. ...
  3. Take More Veggies and Fruits and Don't Forget Nutritional Supplements.
Feb 5, 2020

Do bitten nails grow faster? ›

Similarly, biting your nails might increase the rate of nail growth. While it's not clear exactly how this occurs, researchers theorize that the physical manipulation of a nail through biting stimulates the growth plate of each finger to be more metabolically active, leading to speedier nail formation.

How long does it take for short bitten nails to grow? ›

Provided the nail bed is undamaged, your nails should recover even after years of biting. It may take a few months for nails to heal, depending on the level of damage done by biting. Nail care products help to hydrate and strengthen your nails, which leads to healthy new growth!

Can I get gel nails if my nails are short? ›

Don't afraid to get gel nail polish in color that you love if you think it won't fit short nails. Also nail art on short nails may look very nice. Try to avoid ombre nails or complicated nail art like flowers designs.

Are my nails too short for gel nails? ›

It's also helpful to have some length before getting extensions. “I would not recommend gel extensions for beginners who have extremely bitten nails or super short nails because you do need some nail bed to hold the extensions or they have no support and fall off quickly,” explains Nguyen.

Can I get my nails done if I have a cut on my finger? ›

Before you go for your appointment, make sure you don't have any open wounds on your hands if you're getting a manicure or cuts or rashes on your legs if you're planning to get a pedicure.

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