Do you settle for less when it comes to finding the right size of clothing or footwear for yourself? You don’t, right? Then why go for a ‘one size fits all’ belief when it comes to your nails? Just as we are no longer a generation that would fit into stereotypes, be it clothes or men, the same should be your belief system about your nails.
Don’t try to fit yourself into the fashion trends when it comes to nail lengths. You will either end up with shabby-looking short nails or will always be uncomfortable with extra-long, impractical nails stabbing yourself everywhere! Both approaches aren’t a good idea.
It’s high time you guide yourself on how to choose the perfect nail length for you for every look, design, and occasion. And we are here to help you with just that.
Different Nail Lengths
When deciding on the right nail length for yourself, consider a vast selection of different nail lengths for you to choose from:
1) Short Nails
Short nails are shorter in length. They are usually in the range of 12mm to 15mm as per the size of the natural fingernails. This length is considered the most natural as many women prefer to keep their real nails filed down to this length. This length can be your safest bet if you have petite hands and shorter nail beds.
When you opt for short nails, you are opting for comfort and practicality. Short nail lengths are low-maintenance and more suitable for daily chores and activities. Short nails are not prone to breaking easily in simple wear and tear. They offer a clean, classic, and polished look.
2) Medium Nails
Medium length nails generally range from 14mm to 16mm with varying tip sizes for all five fingernails. They serve the dual purpose of performance with style. They have the practicality of short nails and the look and feel of long nails. This is the perfect length for you if you have shorter and chubbier fingers with wider nail beds.
Medium nails scream classy, lively, and sophisticated! You can opt for this length when you want to make more of a statement with your nails but also want the feasibility of the length for your routine. They are comfortable enough for your everyday activities, yet glamorous enough for your special occasions.
3) Long Nails
If you want bold nails that are impossible to ignore, you can choose to have long length nails. The length generally ranges from 15mm to 18mm according to the size of your fingers and thumbs. Choose to have these long nails if you have longer fingers and slimmer hands as it will accentuate the look.
If you want to express your confident and risk-taking personality with your nails, you can choose to experiment with long nails. This shape will be your best bet if you want to try bold and dramatic manicures. They are trendy and allow for plenty of colors, designs, and patterns. Your nail art will flaunt the best with long nails.
4) Extra Long Nails
The extra long length does to your nails what red lipstick to your lips and a 6-inch stiletto heel does to your outfit. In short, it makes you look sassy and sexy! Especially if you pair them upith coffin or stiletto shapes, you are going to turn heads wherever you go. The usual length ranges from 20mm to 25mm to give you that drama and make you look daring and flashy.
When talking about carrying them, these are not practical at all. But you can style them gracefully if you have the confidence too. These are more popular with fake nail enhancements like acrylics or gels or even press-on nails.
Apart from these most popular nail lengths, there are a few other possibilities made with different combinations of these. This includes petite or extra-short nails, medium-short nails, short-medium nails, medium-long nails, long-medium nails, XXL nails, 3XL nails, and whatnot. You can experiment with these as per your taste and style.
If you don’t want to ruin your natural nails with all this trial-and-error, you may opt for salon nail enhancements and ask for a different length every time. The smartest choice, however, would be to try press-on nails to be on a safe and cost-effective side. Finding the perfect fit for press-ons for yourself doesn’t have to be hard if you measure your nails accurately before ordering them.
Long Nails vs. Short Nails: Pros and Cons
The age-old debate of long nails vs. short nails may have left you wondering which style to choose. Let’s break it down for you:
Long Nails
Pros
● Celebrity favorite. From Kylie Jenner to Rihana, most fashion influencers set trends with their long nails.
● Nail art possibilities are endless. You can choose anything from intricate patterns to 3D designs.
● Most nail shapes can be flaunted. From coffins to stilettos to almonds, every shape looks elegant.
Cons
● Impractical. There are more problems with long nails than you’d think, which becomes annoying in daily activities.
● They are high maintenance and require regular upkeep in the nail salons.
● They are prone to chipping, breaking, or even popping off.
Short Nails
Pros
● Practicality is the key. They offer comfort in style without affecting the daily routine or chores.
● They are cost-effective and timeless. They offer a classic and elegant look at a lot lower price.
● It’s a strong and low-maintenance length that can be maintained with your DIY manicures. They don’t break or chip easily.
Cons
● There is limited room for experimenting. The space is shorter to allow for design possibilities.
● They look shabby with short fingers and chubby hands.
● They regrow quickly and need to be maintained well for a neat look.
What to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Nail Length for Yourself
When choosing the length for your manicure or nail art, you should keep certain things in mind so you don’t end up with an incorrect nail length for any particular occasion or even for your daily wear. Let’s understand.
The Nail Shape
The length of your nails has a lot to do with your nail shape. Certain shapes don’t look flaunting with certain lengths and all hands are different. For example, extra-short stilettos or coffins will look as funny and shabby as extra-long ovals or squares. So you need to consider all the things parallelly to make a perfect choice.
For making the right choice, you may refer to the above nail length chart. It is a reference unit for you to choose the correct length and shape for yourself as per the size of your nail bed and the structure of your hands and fingers.
Routine and Comfort
It is no secret that long nails can be uncomfortable in your daily routine, no matter the length. They can come in the way of everything you do – type on a keyboard, use your smartphone, scratch yourself, perform your daily household chores, take a swim or a beach vacation, or even eat! And, the longer the length of your nails, the more annoying it becomes for you to carry out your routine effortlessly.
So, one of the most important things to consider when choosing the length of your nails is the kinds of fine motor skills you use every day at work and around your house and how your nails are going to interfere with it. Now make a choice accordingly. Though it is luring to get bold and sexy long nails, if it isn’t practical for you, avoid it altogether so you don’t feel sick of them.
You may experiment with your looks every once in a while by using press-on nails of different shapes and lengths for special occasions. But for your natural nails, stick to short or medium lengths for maximum comfort.
The Final Look
Determine your goal and the reason you are planning to get your nails done. If you want a routine manicure that would last with zero maintenance, it is best to opt for shorter lengths in classy colors to get a more subtle and neat look. This will make your manicure look professionally done with all things sophisticated.
Contrarily, if you are experimenting with your look for a special occasion like your bestie’s bachelorette or your prom night, you may choose to go for something bold and glamorous for a one-off event. This will give you an elongated look with more room for creativity when it comes to intricate art and nail designs.
Wrap-Up
Choosing the perfect nail length for every occasion can enhance your overall look and complement your style. Whether you prefer short, medium, or long nails, there are various factors to consider, including your lifestyle, personal preferences, and the event or occasion. Short nails are practical for everyday activities and low maintenance, while medium-length nails offer versatility and a stylish look. Long nails can make a statement and are perfect for special occasions. Whatever you choose, proper nail care is essential to maintain healthy nails and prevent breakage. Experimenting with different nail lengths can be a fun way to express your style and change your look!
