The manicure that visually elongates the nail the most
Laura SollaJanuary 31, 2026
Exactly a year ago, at this very time, the lunula of my nail, the white crescent-shaped part, took up almost a third of its total surface. In practice, those few extra millimetres turned seemingly simple gestures like opening a can of soda or typing an entire sentence on my phone keyboard without mistakes into real small feats of strength, good thing I do not wear contact lenses. In short, the current trend of turning toward shorter, more natural and low-maintenance nails came at exactly the right moment for me.
Because the fact is that new directions in the beauty industry are increasingly placing the emphasis on comfort and on making everyday life easier, without giving up on self-care. Ana Martín, a professional makeup artist and expert in rejuvenation techniques, sums up current trends like this: “I always say that elegance lies in the finish. Just as I insist on good blending and avoiding overloading the skin when it comes to the face, I also recommend steering clear of excessive decoration on the nails. A short nail, square in shape with softly rounded edges, a squoval, and impeccably applied polish looks far more sophisticated than any cluttered design.” And that is precisely where the manicure we are talking about today comes into play: short nails with a micro French manicure.
Pogledajte ovu objavu na Instagramu.
Pogledajte ovu objavu na Instagramu.
Pogledajte ovu objavu na Instagramu.
According to the expert, “in 2026 we are witnessing a return to aesthetic reasonableness. Just as we strive for radiant, fresh-looking skin in makeup, that same sense of naturalness should be carried over to the hands.” A quick look at Pinterest is enough to confirm her words: simple, almost imperceptible manicures, the so-called nonicures, coexist with minimalist nail art, nude shades and perennial winter classics such as burgundy, brown and wine tones. They are, of course, joined by the timeless French manicure in its countless reinterpretations. The latest, and my personal favourite, is the micro French, whose charm lies in reducing the signature white tip to a minimum: the thinner, the better.
Harriet Westmoreland, a renowned manicurist, has previously highlighted the advantages of this type of manicure: “They are extremely flattering because you can tailor them to yourself and visually elongate the nail. My clients never stop at just one appointment; they always come back.” Perhaps that is why celebrities like Margot Robbie have chosen it as their go-to for recent red carpet appearances and photocalls, or maybe it also explains why even the most ardent advocates of XL nails are starting to change their minds. Either way, all signs point to short nails being here to stay, with the micro French manicure proving to be the perfect option for showcasing them at their best.
Everything you need for a micro French manicure at home:
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