Chic and Easy Short French Nails Tutorial

Alexandra Beth
by Alexandra Beth

Creating a flawless French manicure on short nails is simple with the right approach. Follow along to learn how to create your very own chic short French nails at home. Let’s get started.

Tools and materials: 

  • UV gloves
  • Nail scraper
  • Cordless e-file
  • Cuticle remover
  • Cuticle nippers
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Nail buffer
  • Nail primer
  • Saviland SS Pro Tip X Kit (or similar)
  • Top coat
  • Cuticle oil

1. Prepare your workspace

Start by setting up your workspace with all your tools within reach. When working with UV lights, it's essential to protect your skin, especially when doing a French manicure on short nails. 


Wearing UV gloves is highly recommended. I recently got a new pair that came with a pamphlet explaining why UV protection is crucial — definitely a must-have for anyone serious about their nail care.

UV gloves

2. Prep your nails

Proper nail preparation is key to achieving a neat and long-lasting French manicure on short nails. Use a nail scraper to gently push back your cuticles, revealing any dead skin on the nail plate. 


Next, use a cordless e-file with a gentle bit to remove the dead skin around the cuticles. The e-file is soft enough not to hurt your skin but effective in preparing your nails for the next steps.


This method, often used in Russian manicures, is a bit controversial but works wonders for creating a flawless base for your short French nails.

Prepping the nails

3. Trim your cuticles

After lifting the dead skin, apply a bit of cuticle remover, which I like to call cuticle milk, to soften the cuticles. Once softened, they can be easily trimmed with a pair of quality cuticle nippers. 


While some people choose not to trim their cuticles, I find that it helps create a cleaner look, especially when doing a French mani on short nails.

Trimming the cuticles

4. Clean and buff your nails

Once your cuticles are trimmed, clean your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or residue. This step ensures that the products adhere better to your nails. 


Gently buff your nails to smooth the surface and prepare them for the manicure. Applying a nail primer at this stage will enhance the longevity of your French manicure short nails.

Buffing the nails

5. Apply the short French tip nails

Now, it's time to apply the short French tip nails using the Saviland SS Pro Tip X Kit (or any similar kit).


This kit includes everything you need, from a UV light to extension gels, to create beautiful short French nails. Unlike traditional methods, this kit uses UV light and extension gel instead of glue.

Applying extension gel to the nails

Apply a thin layer of extension gel to your natural nails. Position the press-on nails over the gel and press them down gently. Cure each nail under the UV light to secure them in place.

Curing the nails

6. Build the nails

Once the press-on nails are secure, use the same extension gel to build a thicker layer over the nails. 


This step helps transform the press-on nails from looking like temporary solutions to appearing as if they were professionally done with shellac. 


This technique is crucial for achieving that polished look often associated with French nails short.


Apply the builder gel evenly over the nails to achieve the desired thickness. Cure the nails under the UV light.

Adding a clear top to the nails and curing

7. Apply the top coat

Finish your French manicure short nails by applying a top coat over the builder gel. This will seal the design and eliminate any stickiness from the gel.


After curing the top coat, your nails will have a stunning, glossy finish that complements your short French tip nails.


8. Apply cuticle oil

The final step in your French mani on short nails is to apply cuticle oil. This step nourishes the skin around your nails, keeping it healthy and adding a finishing touch to your manicure. 


While cuticle oil doesn’t hydrate the nails themselves, it’s essential for maintaining the overall appearance of your French nails short.

Applying cuticle oil

Short French nails 

Creating perfect short French nails is all about preparation and using the right tools. The Saviland SS Pro Tip X Kit is ideal for achieving a beautiful French manicure on short nails, even for those new to nail art.


Once you've used all the press-on nails in the kit, you'll still have the UV light and other tools to continue creating gorgeous short French tip nails for months to come.

Short French nails

Short French nails

I hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide on how to achieve the perfect French manicure for short nails. Share your thoughts in the comments down below. See you next time!


Next, learn The Benefits of Shaving Your Face and How to Do It at home.

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