Short nail beds? You’re definitely not out of options. The Italian manicure is the latest nail technique going viral for making your nails look longer, slimmer, and straight-up better… without adding length. It’s not about nail art or bold designs—it’s all in how you apply the polish.
Across TikTok and IG, this trick is showing up on natural nails, almond tips, squovals—literally everything. And once you see it, you’ll understand why everyone with short nails is ditching their old routine and trying this instead.
What Is the Italian Manicure?
The Italian manicure is a simple switch-up in polish placement. Instead of coating the entire nail, you paint a vertical strip of color down the center, leaving a thin sliver of bare nail along both sides.
The result? Your nail beds look instantly more narrow and elongated—kind of like how middle parts make your face look more balanced. Same energy, different canvas.
It looks super minimal but makes a huge difference—especially for short or wide nails that usually get lost under full-coverage polish.
Where the Name Came From
The name Italian manicure didn’t come from a runway in Milan—it blew up on TikTok. Nail artist Alexandra Teleki (aka @thehotblendofficial) posted a step-by-step video explaining the technique, and the internet ran with it.
She first picked it up at a salon in Milan, and some pros refer to it as the “Mediterranean technique,” but let’s be honest—this trend got its passport stamped on social media. In her tutorial, Teleki breaks down how to paint the polish for that clean, narrow effect—and why it’s a game-changer for anyone with short or wide nail beds.
How to Do an Italian Manicure at Home
Step 1: prep your nails.
Shape with a fine file (square and squoval shapes work best), gently push back your cuticles, and clean nails with remover to remove oils.
Step 2: use a base coat.
Apply a base coat to protect your nails and help the color stick. Try:
- Essie Here to Stay
- OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Step 3: paint the center only.
With your brush held vertically, swipe a slim strip of polish down the middle of the nail. Stop just short of the sides and cuticle. Leave a 1–2mm bare margin on each side.
Step 4: clean the sides.
Use a small angled brush dipped in remover to tidy up and sharpen the edges. This step makes the whole look pop.
Step 5: top coat.
Seal it in with a glossy top coat. Go for:
- Seche Vite
- Essie Good to Go
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri 3-in-1 if you want one product to do it all
How to Ask for It at the Salon
You don’t need the perfect lingo—just ask your nail tech for a mani where the polish is placed down the middle of the nail, close to the cuticle, with a small gap left on the sides. Or better yet, show them a TikTok or screenshot. Most techs know the look by now, but a visual helps if you’re not great at descriptions.
Final Thoughts
The Italian manicure is the kind of trend we love—low-maintenance, beginner-friendly, and actually useful. It’s a small change with a big payoff, especially if you’ve ever looked at your short nails and wished they looked a little longer.
READ NEXT: All About the American Manicure Trend
Netosh Jones
Thursday 15th of May 2025
This is so interesting.