5 Tips for "Nubbins"

It's happened to everyone. You're finally happy with your nail length and they peel, crack, or break. Some people choose to trim/file that one nail down or patch it. I prefer my nails to all be the same length so they all get chopped/filed. I recently returned to "nubbins" as many like to call them. Moving and cleaning was very stressful on my nails and I've spent the better part of the month avoiding showing you my shorties. Here they are...

Here are 5 helpful tips when you have no tips:)

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Take care of those shorties! Many times when I have to make the cut it is because my nails got dried out and broke. Moisturizing your nails, cuticles, and hands makes your hands and nails look healthy no matter their length. It will also help to prevent further breakage on your already short nails.

Some of my favorites: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Cuticle Oil, Barielle Nail Strengthening Cream and Professional Protective Hand Cream

 2. File your edge. Yes this one sounds counter intuitive but having smooth tips prevents them from cracking and catching on things. I also find it helpful to shape my nails while they're short. It prevents them from weakening after shaping when they're long.

My favorite crystal files: ULTA  and Cult Nails (which seems to have been lost in the move:-\)

3. Treat yourself well. Use a base coat or nail treatment that will strengthen, moisturize, or stimulate your nail growth. I always think that this is the perfect excuse to try something new.

My go-to treatments: Barielle Nail Rebuilding Protein, Nail Tek III Protection Plus

4. Wear flattering colors. Just because you have short nails does not mean that you need to avoid a manicure. I find the most flattering colors on my short nails to be metallics, nudes, and pastels. Metallic polishes create an optical illusion of an elongated nail bed, nudes camouflage your nails and make your fingers seem longer and leaner, and pastels add a slight pop of color without overwhelming your nails. I find that dark colors make my nails look obscenely small and saturated brights overwhelm my nails making them look wider not longer. To remedy this if you MUST wear darks or brights, make sure they have shimmer!

My most worn "nubbins" polishes: Sally Hansen Gilty Party, L'Oreal Sweet Nothings, Zoya Jules, Revlon Grey Suede, Barielle Lilac Jelly Bean and Banana Drop


5. Give yourself a hand massage. Relax. In the grand scheme of things short nails are not that big of a deal (despite how bad it may feel). A hand massage will relax you and increase your circulation in your hands. Also it's a perfect excuse to get a mani/pedi or go to a spa with a friend. If money or time are tight then massage your own hands (helpful video here).

Although my nails are never very long, super short nails are not my favorite on my short nail beds. These tips help me enjoy having shorter nails. What do you do and wear when your nails are short?