As someone who has attempted to live the long-nail life and failed spectacularly (hello, accidental face scratches and unintentional weaponry), I’ve always wondered if the reverse is just as challenging. If someone who normally rocks mile-long talons suddenly goes short, do they feel like a baby deer learning to walk? Sabrina Carpenter, please weigh in.
The pint-sized pop powerhouse is currently globe-trotting on her Short n’ Sweet tour, and while her music is hitting all the right notes, her nails are suddenly following the same theme—short, sweet, and probably way easier for opening soda cans.
If you’ve been keeping up with Sabrina’s signature tour mug shots (a.k.a. those iconic photos of her gripping a city-branded coffee mug like it holds the secrets of the universe), you’d have noticed her usual long, elegant claws wrapped around each ceramic cup. But in a shocking twist, her latest Instagram Stories reveal a major nail transformation: ultra-short, ultra-sleek, and ultra-easy to text with.
Captured in a mirror selfie right after getting glammed up for her Paris concert, Carpenter’s new manicure is a pearly, pale pink masterpiece with a super glossy finish—giving off ‘French girl chic’ vibes without the hassle of a three-inch acrylic extension. (Somewhere, a typist is sighing in relief.)
This is a bit of a departure from her recent red-carpet nail choices. At the BRIT Awards and SNL‘s 50th Anniversary, she rocked sheer, rounded, extra-long nails, and at the Grammys, she leveled up with a similar style—only with added rhinestones because, well, Grammys.
But whether she’s flashing dagger-like tips or keeping things cute and compact, one thing’s for sure (besides her crystal-clear topcoat): Sabrina Carpenter could make any manicure look iconic. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here trying to type this with my tragically stubby nails.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared in Allure, where it was written by the legendary Marci Robin, a contributing editor at Allure and, quite possibly, a nail-polish whisperer. Seriously, if nail trends had a royal historian, it would be her. We simply couldn’t resist sharing her wisdom (and wit) here—because great nails and great humor deserve to be appreciated everywhere.
FAQs
Why did Sabrina Carpenter go short with her nails?
While she hasn’t officially confirmed it, it seems to be a nod to her Short n’ Sweet tour—because when you commit to a theme, you commit.
What color is her new manicure?
A soft, pearly pink with a high-gloss finish. Think ‘angelic’ but make it fashion.
Has she worn short nails before?
Sabrina usually leans toward longer styles, but clearly, she can switch it up and still look flawless.
Where can I get a similar nail look?
Ask your nail tech for a short, natural shape with a sheer pink polish (bonus points for a glossy topcoat). Or, if you’re a DIY queen, grab a bottle of Essie’s ‘Ballet Slippers’ and prepare for compliments.
Do shorter nails make everyday tasks easier?
Absolutely—unless you’re emotionally attached to the dramatic click-click of long nails on a phone screen.
