A Generation Z woman’s take on nail length has gone viral, sparking a debate about beauty standards, confidence, and individuality.
Ashley Shim (@ashleyy.shim), 26, shared her thoughts in a TikTok video that quickly gained traction, amassing over 117,000 likes and more than 2 million views. Shim’s message? Women who wear short nails exude confidence—and they know it.
“I’ve had short nails my whole life—and for the longest time, I felt like, if you didn’t have long nails, you weren’t ‘cool enough’ or ‘in style.’ But, over time, I realized that confidence doesn’t come from the length of your nails. Short nails feel authentic to me, and they are COOL,” Shim told Newsweek.
She also addressed how social media often amplifies a narrow standard of beauty, where long, ornate nail designs dominate.
“It’s easy to feel like that’s the normal standard—that everyone should have long nails. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a time in my life when I wanted those same long, trendy designs,” Shim said. “I’ll still catch myself admiring the cool patterns and tiny animations and think, ‘Ugh, I want that.’ But then I remind myself: that’s just not me. And that’s OK.”
Shim said that the video was meant to create connection, especially with people who feel like short nails are part of their identity.
She added: “It’s about embracing what feels true to you … It’s about owning it, not hiding it.”
Shim said she was surprised by how far the message reached. “I honestly didn’t expect it.” People from various professions chimed in with their own experiences. “Some play instruments, work in health care, are massage therapists—and it was just so cool seeing all these women proudly owning what works for them,” Shim said.
Expert Insight: Short Nails Are a Smart Choice
David Johnson, cofounder and board-certified dermatologist at RedliteX, told Newsweek that short nails have real advantages—not only aesthetic, but also health-related.
“Being a dermatologist who sees skin and nail issues on a daily basis, I understand, and I concur,” Johnson said.
Long nails can be the source of an array of conditions such as infection, cracks, and irritation.
Some customers have even suffered with onycholysis, a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed, as well as with paronychia, infection of the area surrounding the nail, and the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus beneath the nail.
“These issues are all simpler to prevent with short, clean nails,” Johnson added.
Shorter nails are safer, stronger and less prone to breaking. They are also more practical and hygienic.
“Short nails are not simply a fad; rather, they’re a savvy, strong choice,” Johnson concluded.
Nail Tech Weighs In
Lila Dray, a nail technician at Red Market Salon, echoed this sentiment in a statement to Newsweek.
“Short nails are absolutely a power move,” Dray said. “They’re timeless, practical, and often chosen by some of the most-successful, confident women I work with.”
Dray added: “I see my clients who are most confident not needing to hide behind the trendy styles of long nails. Opting for short nails shows that efficiency and self-assurance are priorities—it’s less about following trends and more about owning your style with purpose.”
TikTok Reacts
TikTok users had a lot to say, with comments ranging from praise to critique.
“Long fake nails are the patriarchy making sure you can’t do anything efficiently,” one user posted.
“The real baddies are the ones with short nails and unpainted haha,” commented Lori.
“Shorter nails are more hygienic, safer, and easier to maintain. It’s pragmatism,” added another user.
“Long nails are really uncomfy for a creative life,” wrote Lucy Belmonte.
“Absolutely true. I never understood long nails. They’re so unhygienic,” a viewer agreed.
Others pointed to the demands of daily life. “As someone who bakes, works in an ER and takes violin lessons, this is probably the most annoying social standard,” one TikTok user wrote.
Not everyone agreed, though. “It’s always the girls with short nails trying to justify and hype them, you don’t see girls with long nails comparing and judging,” posted Niki.
“Ok ty [thank you] for this BUT as someone who has short nails out of comfort & convenience I literally see every girl with long nails as a baddie,” added Brit.
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