Less is More: The Comeback of Going Short with Hair and Nails

BY Pilar Lauria

November 23, 2023

If you’re an active TikTok user, you’ve likely noticed a trend of girls impulsively cutting their long hair short, often influenced by media. Now, natural short nails are resurfacing as a new trend. Could this signal the decline of nail extensions? Challenging the long-standing preference for long hair and extravagant nails, contemporary fashion is embracing authenticity and practicality, suggesting that less can indeed be more.

At the year’s start, Hailey Bieber’s debut of her bob cut hinted at this emerging trend. Yet, it wasn’t until October that the style went viral on TikTok. Inspired by autumn and the practicality of short hair, girls worldwide adopted the bob cut, showcasing their transformations on the platform, significantly impacting viewers.

As the holiday season approaches, influencers like Livia Nunes are removing their nail extensions and embracing natural short nails, describing it as a “relief.” Viral videos highlight the practicality and elegance of short nails, showcasing the ease of doing things that are more challenging with extensions.

@livianunesmarques

Pov: alivio de unha curta

♬ Cute Girl – EXJUNE

Additionally, nail art inspiration videos demonstrate that eye-catching nails aren’t exclusive to extensions.

This style not only challenges but redefines conventional beauty standards that equate beauty with elaborate, time-consuming routines. In a time-starved world, the appeal of simplicity is a powerful statement. The allure lies not just in aesthetics, but in the freedom of shedding high-maintenance beauty rituals.

As TikTok catalyzes these trends, one wonders if we’re experiencing a transformative moment in beauty standards, promoting discreet elegance. This evolving narrative indicates a cultural shift towards individuality, authenticity, and practicality in personal style. As we navigate this changing aesthetic landscape, the popularity of short hair and nails prompts reflection on the future of beauty standards and the significant influence of social media on our perceptions of beauty.