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.

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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.

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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?

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✔️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.

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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 put acrylics on very 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 you put acrylic overlay on short nails? ›

An acrylic overlay creates an acrylic layer that goes over yournatural nails. The process adheres to covering the existing nail to enhance it. Overlays can be applied to both short and long nails, allowing almost anyone to benefit from the application.

Are my nails 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.

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.

Are acrylic nails good for nail biters? ›

Acrylic nails are a perfect way to prevent nail biting because they are much more durable and hard to chew or bite compared to your natural nails. Acrylic nails can look like your real nails. If you have a nail technician with a lot of experience, it is possible to have more natural-looking Acrylic nails.

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.

Is overlay good for short nails? ›

Nail extensions and overlays are a good way to add strength and length to your natural nails. If you have a tendency to bite your nails this can also be a solution; let's be honest, acrylic doesn't taste very nice!

Do you need long nails for overlay? ›

These are simply thicker versions of standard gel designed to give a little extra support to very flexible natural nails, again, these are most suitable for short to medium length nails, they will soak off but they do take a little longer to remove.

Can you add length with acrylic overlay? ›

Acrylic overlay is a revolutionary technique that not only adds strength to your natural nails but also allows you to achieve the length and shape you've always desired.

Can you add length to acrylic nails? ›

If you want extra length, the nail technician may glue a “tip” to the end of your nail bed, and apply acrylic gel over the top. Another technique for adding length is to use a “form”, which is like a little piece of card that the technician builds the nail tip around, and which is removed after the formula has set.

How long should your nails be under acrylics? ›

After eight weeks, it's time to take them off and do a new set. Recommend that your clients book their appointments in advance, so they never miss a fill and regularly get a fresh set of enhancements.

What is the best length for acrylic nails? ›

You don't need long acrylics to achieve a gorgeous manicure, though. If you're going for a more subtle look or a classy nude nail, you'll want to keep them shorter. This puts your acrylics closer to your natural nail length, keeping things simple and sophisticated.

How do you fix your nails after years of biting? ›

Use a nail hardener or strengthener to help improve the health of your nails. These products can help your nails become stronger and more resistant to breaking. Try applying a nourishing cuticle oil or cream to your nails and cuticles. This can help moisturize and repair damaged nail beds.

What does biting nails indicate? ›

Nail biting usually occurs as a result of boredom or working on difficult problems rather than anxiety. Nail biter do not bite their nail when they are engaged in social interactions, or when they are reprimanded for the behavior.

Do bitten nails grow faster? ›

Onychophagia, or the chronic habit of biting your nails, has actually been associated with a faster growth rate. This may be because biting causes trauma to the nail, stimulating circulation in the nail bed.

How do you fix a badly bitten nail? ›

Try applying a nourishing cuticle oil or cream to your nails and cuticles. This can help moisturize and repair damaged nail beds. Massage your nails and cuticles regularly to increase blood flow and stimulate nail growth.

What happens if I bite my nails too short? ›

Biting your fingernails or cutting your fingernails too short can give the appearance of a shorter nail bed. This is due to little or no whiteness at the tip. Fungal infections. Your nail bed can also appear shorter if you develop a nail fungal infection.

What happens if you bite your fingernails too short? ›

Your fingernails may never grow back the same. Biting your nails down too far isn't just a bad look that lasts a couple of days, it can lead to permanent damage. Onycholysis, the separation of the fingernail from its nail bed, is a common nail disorder.

Can nail extensions be done on very short 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.

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