If you’re like Gwyneth Paltrow and feel self-conscious about having small hands with short fingers, don’t worry—there are smart manicure solutions for you. Have you heard about those types of manicures that create a trompe-l’oeil effect? In other words, they play a clever visual trick on the observer’s eyes.

Here are some explanations and tips from OPI expert Roxana Bența:
“The most suitable colors for women with shorter fingers are nude, neutral shades, and creams. However, let’s not shy away from the iconic OPI red. After that, we apply a full arsenal of tricks and steps to create the illusion of long, elegant fingers.” Roxana adds, “There aren’t a thousand miraculous solutions, but there are effective tricks we can use. We focus intensely on the nail shape to achieve a lengthening effect, and that often means changing its shape.”

Almond-Shaped Nails
Women with small hands and shorter fingers should opt for rounded or almond-shaped nails. This shape guarantees a noticeable elongating effect. Additionally, another crucial detail to consider is that long, square nails tend to snag on things more often and are therefore more prone to breaking.

Encourage Nail Growth
If you want to create the illusion of length, focus on the appearance of your nails. Stimulate their growth and ensure they are healthy. Push back your cuticles and expose as much of the nail bed as possible. Stick to natural products such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. Apply them daily, ideally multiple times a day.
“Massage the sides of the nails and the cuticle to nourish and strengthen them deeply,” advises the OPI expert.

Also, consider using Repair Mode with patented Ulti-Plex technology. This is the first serum designed to reconstruct natural nails. Unlike a simple strengthening treatment applied to the surface of the nail, Repair Mode penetrates quickly, repairing keratin by 99% and strengthening nails by up to four times in just six days.
The revolutionary Repair Mode is an essential step in nail restoration. Patented with Ulti-Plex technology, it mimics the natural protein structure of nails to repair them from within like no other product on the market today.

Nail Art Makes a Difference
When we talk about nail polish, we’re automatically talking about color—and nail art. When choosing nail polish shades, remember that there are no strict rules.
“We can play with nail art effects,” says Roxana Bența. “By using luminous colors, we can create the illusion of extended nails. For example, you can apply a base layer of white polish at the lower part of the nail, then layer another color over it. Why? This overlap creates the effect of elongating the nail.”

Accessorize Your Hands Wisely
Finally, stepping beyond the realm of manicures, jewelry choices can also enhance your hands’ appearance. Avoid oversized, heavy rings. Instead, opt for delicate and thin jewelry pieces.

With these tips, your hands are ready to take the spotlight.