The Benefits Of Having Short Nails

Long nails have been trending for years, with celebs like Khloé Kardashian and Billie Eilish always seen rocking acrylics on their digits. And, it's not just stars who love lengthy talons — fashionistas everywhere have been sporting nails of varying lengths, many even several inches long. We get the appeal of long nails. Having more real estate on your fingertips allows you more space for intricate nail designs that have become part of our accessories when choosing a fierce 'fit. However, they're not always practical, and there are many reasons folks should keep their nails on the short side.

"Short nails are in line with the current 'clean girl' aesthetic that's trending at the moment due to the time spent with our nails. They're chic, low maintenance, and more natural-looking than longer styles," beauty brand Ciaté London founder Charlotte Knight told TZR. Those who worry about having space for nail art don't have to worry. "I think people are finally realizing the size of the canvas does not matter. Short nails or long nails, you could still have beautiful trendy looks," manicurist Vanessa Sanchez McCullough added. Besides the aesthetics, there are many other benefits of having short nails which just might have you reaching for your clippers.

Long nails may look pretty, but the downside to them is that you never know what's lurking underneath. Biology professor Jeffrey Kaplan revealed to USA Today, "The longer the nail, the more surface area there is for microorganisms to adhere. Studies have found 32 different bacteria and 28 different fungi underneath fingernails." All those germs can find their way into your body through touching your face or putting your fingers in your mouth. What's more, you can get a nail infection which would lead to permanent damage to your nails.

As reported by ABC News, a study showed that nails grown past three millimeters of your fingertips host more bacteria and yeast than those that are cropped. Among the bad bacteria were strains that cause pneumonia and urinary tract infections. If you choose to keep your fingernails long, our tips for cleaning under your nails are using a cuticle stick or a brush. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap as well in order to get all those harmful germs out of your fingertips.

We all know nail salon visits cost a pretty penny, especially if you're getting acrylics or gel nail extensions. A full set of acrylics can cost up to $80, with the price depending on the length and design that you choose. Gel nail extensions are even more, with the average price costing around $125. Granted, falsies do last longer than regular manicures, but if you're replacing them every six to eight weeks, the salon sessions will make a pretty big dent in your wallet. One Reddit user spent $140 at the salon for acrylic nails with a French tip, and that was before the tip.

If you have short nails, you can still treat yourself to a manicure and it won't be nearly as expensive as extensions. The average cost of a basic manicure is about $20, which is a lot more affordable. Or, to save even more money, give yourself the perfect French tip manicure at home. There's always a good reason to treat yourself to some self-care.

Some lucky folk are able to grow their natural nails long, and while it's impressive, it can also come with issues. The longer the nail, the more prone it is to breakage and chipping. Since your hands are one of the body parts used the most on a daily basis, something simple such as typing on a keyboard or doing dishes can cause your nails to break. When you have one short nail while the rest of your nails are long, your hands can look wonky. And, while it can be an easy fix at the salon, keeping your nails short will prevent unnecessary stress on them.

According to the founder of the nail polish line Olive & June, the best way to keep nails from chipping is to have them short and filed in a rounded shape, per Makeup.com. "Think round, oval, squoval, or even almond. Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nail," the expert advised.

Let's face it, having long nails may be aesthetically pleasing, but we all have to admit that they're not practical. They can get snagged on your sweater while you're dressing or make it hard to text. Forget about putting on false lashes by yourself — the longer your nails, the more likely you'll poke yourself in the eye. Anything from putting on pantyhose to shampooing your hair will be impeded by long nails, and with our busy lives, we need one less thing to worry about on the daily.

If you play sports or a musical instrument, having short nails is a must. Piano Central Studios suggests keeping them clipped enough so that pianists can feel the keys with the pads of their fingers. Having long nails will affect the position of their wrists and hands, which will prevent better playing. Additionally, if you're playing basketball or love to go rock climbing, keeping your nails on the short side will definitely help with your hand's dexterity.

If you're constantly getting acrylics applied at the salon, it's time to give your nails a chance to heal. Dermatologist Amy Kassouf shared with the Cleveland Clinic that acrylics can affect the health of your natural nails, as well as cause an allergic reaction to the surrounding skin. The removal process has risks as well. "Taking acrylics off can damage or even remove the top plate of your nail. You can end up with very weak or brittle nails for about six months before the healthy nail grows enough to replace it," Kassouf warned.

While there are gentler options such as press-on nails and dip powder manicures, why not let your nails breathe and go au naturel for a bit? If your nails feel weak and brittle, or you see signs of peeling, you need a go polish-free. "If you are using products that contribute to damage, then taking regular breaks, or finding different products and supplementing with moisturizing and strengthening treatments, is recommended," dermatologist Hadley King told Refinery29. You don't have to go too long without polish, however. Founder of Glosslab, Rachel Apfel Glass, likes to take a week off from coloring her nails. During that time, be sure to moisturize your nails and use a serum such as OPI's Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum, which had our nails stronger than ever.