The trend of super status, short, square nails is back. Made fresh by the options of adornment. From tropical-inspired colours to more than one shade, the looks are endless. Editor Trudi Brewer shares some nail inspiration from some of her favourite nail artists, who are also keen on this well-groomed, practical nail length.
Images @RitaRemark @JulieK and @Imarninails
The Trend
A popular trend is easy to wear, perhaps another reason a shorter nail look is on its way back. You also may have noticed shorter nails are coming back with celebrities Kim K and Rihanna jumping on the short, square nails bandwagon. But Kandalec believes this is one trend not driven by celebs. “I see this more as women wanting a little less maintenance until the holiday season, where they'll amp it up again,” she says. Beyond being low-maintenance, the perks mean you don't need a manicurist to achieve the look, and everyday tasks are much easier.” As with all trends, there will come a moment when people want to go against the trend and do a full 180 degrees from it,” says Julie Kandalec, NYC-based celebrity manicurist. “I think long nails will stick around for the long haul, with short nails in a little pocket.” According to Rita Remark, NY-based manicurist and Essie Global Lead Educator, “Whenever trends lean heavily to one side, they are almost always met with a counter-trend shortly afterwards,” she says. “Longer, dramatic nails have been the trend for a few years, so shorter, more utilitarian lengths feel edgier.”
Get the look
The shape is everything with this trend. Remark says you must determine the most complimentary short, square shape to suit your hands to wear short nails well. “There isn't the best way—there's only the most flattering way,” Remark says. “The only shape I wouldn’t recommend on short nails, especially if you have short nail beds, is round. This can make the nails look like a circle.” If you have very wide nail plates, try a soft square and curve the nails inward at the sides while keeping a flat tip. If your nails are more narrow, keep the edges slightly sharper. Trim your nails straight across with a straight-edge nail clipper. “This saves time on filing and gives you an instant square shape,” Remark says. “Next, refine the tip with a file, filing straight across the tip and on a curved angle along the corners to smooth away any sharp edges. Working in the centre of the nail, gently file the tip as square as desired,” she says. Her top tip: If you tilt the nail file downwards as you file, the edge will be more rounded or for a perfectly square nail, hold the file at a 90-degree angle as you file.”
The Perks
Despite celebrities Kim Kardashian and Rihanna jumping on the short, square nail bandwagon, Kandalec believes this is one trend not driven by celebs. “I see this more with mums just wanting a little less maintenance until the holiday season, where they'll amp it up again,” she says. The perks of having short nails over length are enticing. “Shorter nails are easier to maintain and easier to wear,” Remark says. “You don't need a manicurist to achieve the look, and everyday tasks are much easier.”
The DIY colour
The colour options for summer are endless, from tropical-inspired pastels to a pop of hot pink or wear a different shade on each nail. This is the season to amp up the colour and makes short, chic nails your best accessory.
OPI Play The Palette Nail Lacquer, Pixel Dust, $21. Max Factor Miracle Pure Nail Polish, 232 Tahitian Sunset, $20. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish, Sunbrella, $18. essie Nail Enamel, Swoon In The Lagoon, $19.
A DIY two-step mani that promises to cure weak, brittle nails.