Nail Trends
Designscapes for Short Nails & Small Nail Beds
Quite often I have conversations with new clients and even a couple of friends about how they don't think they can rock nail art because their nail beds are short. I am quick to let them know that nail art can be for them too!

Hey all! Raven here again, and today I'm going to talk about a couple of fun, yet simple nail art looks you can do on clients with short nail beds, or small nails. Quite often I have conversations with new clients and even a couple of friends about how they don't think they can rock nail art because their nail beds are short. I am quick to let them know that nail art can be for them too! Keep in mind that the two looks I did can be done with any two contrasting, complimentary colors. Also, both looks were done using Infinite Shine Lacquer and my OPI Artist Series Design Brushes.
For the first look, I did polka dots. This look can be achieved with 2 or 3 dots, depending on the size of the client's nail bed.
1. Apply a coat of Infinite Shine Prime base coat to each nail.
2. Apply 2 coats of your base color using Infinite Shine Lacquer. I used Live.Love.Carnaval on the model.
3. Using the Artist Series Dotting Tool, start at the free edge of the nail, and make a large dot with your contrasting color. I used That's Hula-Rious. Then, create a medium-sized dot directly above the first, and for your third dot, a small one close to the cuticle.
4. Wait at least 2 minutes to allow the color to set, then apply a coat of Infinite Shine Gloss top coat. Allow 5 to 10 minutes to dry completely.
For the second look, I did an angled French tip, perfect for those smaller nails.
1. Apply a coat of Infinite Shine Prime base coat to each nail.
2. Apply 2 coats of your base color using Infinite Shine Lacquer. I used Dutch Tulips on the model.
3. Using the Artist Series Striper Brush, and your second color, I used Do You Lilac It, start at the side of the nail, about a quarter of an inch high, and draw an angled line across the nail to the opposite side. Go back with the color, and fill in the open space.
4. Wait at least 2 minutes to allow the color to set, then apply a coat of Infinite Shine Gloss top coat. Allow 5 to 10 minutes to dry completely.
I told you they were both easy! Again, these looks can be achieved with any combination of colors, either as bright or subdued as you like. You just let your imagination, and the client, of course, be your guide! Until next time......