Anyone else noticed how long nails have become such a thing in the tarot community? Those stiletto nails are everywhere on TikTok and Instagram, they do photograph well with crystals and cards, I’ll give them that.
They seem like they’d get in the way. How do you shuffle properly or pick up individual cards with those things?
I think a lot of it is about creating a look for social media. Long decorative nails have basically become part of the tarot reader uniform online. Same with those elaborate altar setups you see everywhere, when plenty of people just read on their kitchen table. The pressure to look a certain way must be tough on newer readers. I see people asking if their nails are “too short” or if they need specific jewelry to be a “real” reader.
19 Likes
Deepen Your Tarot Practice Beyond the Cards
Finding meaningful tarot discussions and authentic guidance can be surprisingly difficult. Discover a space where your questions are welcomed and your intuitive growth is celebrated: Start Your Journey
I’ve been thinking about this too. Long nails might work like a barrier between you and whatever energy comes through during readings. Kind of like wearing gloves but for psychic stuff. Mine always feel like they help me keep some distance from the cards.
I just pulled some cards this morning, and I’ve already chipped my new gel manicure on the corner of my Thoth deck. These older decks have such thick cardstock that it’s tough on the nails. So now I’ve started using a coin or crystal point to separate the cards when I’m dealing. It helps protect my nails and keeps the cards from getting oily. Does anyone else worry about their nail art scratching up their vintage decks?
My mentor had this saying, ‘the cards speak through your spirit, not your sparkle.’
She worked the psychic fair circuit in the 80s. Back then, readers would wear fake nails just for photos, then pop them off to actually work. Nobody cared about the look until YouTube came along.
Most professionals kept their nails practical because, you know, you actually had to shuffle cards all day. She’d get a kick out of seeing today’s setups with all the crystals and candles everywhere.
Tarot is having a moment on social media right now.
Everyone’s posting these gorgeous card spreads with artistic decks. The focus has really shifted to how photogenic everything is. People care more about getting a good shot of their Celtic Cross spread than actually discussing what the cards mean. It’s all about creating content that looks good and gets engagement.
Never thought about nails affecting readings but now you mention it. I usually take my polish off before doing tarot anyway. The sparkly ones are too distracting when I’m trying to focus on the cards.
If you’re keeping long nails as a reader, just know it’s a lot of upkeep. Touch-ups become part of your routine. The hardest part for me was learning to shuffle without wrecking them. Started bringing a small manicure kit to readings after too many times catching a nail on something. Helps to have it on hand instead of dealing with it later.
I’ve seen this too. My grandmother got me into tarot and she never bothered with her nails beyond keeping them short. The fancy nail thing is definitely more common with online readers who film their spreads.
When I go to local shops or meetups, most people have pretty plain nails. Guess when you’re not posting content, there’s no pressure to have perfect hands.
Makes sense, people are watching your hands the whole time during readings anyway.
All the readers I knew had some kind of nail thing going on. Just part of their style I guess. Never worked for me, though. I tried longer nails and couldn’t function. Opening packages was a nightmare.
if you have long nails, try the bridge shuffle. you split the deck and let the cards fall together from the sides instead of doing a regular riffle. works pretty well and won’t mess up your nails or bend the cards
Something I discovered by accident - long nails are really useful for tarot readings.
When I’m pointing out symbols or details on the cards, my nails help draw the client’s attention to exactly what I’m talking about. It feels more natural than using a pen or something else to point with. The nail just becomes part of the gesture when I’m explaining the cards.
The nail art thing in tarot is getting out of hand. Everyone’s so focused on getting the perfect photo of their manicure with their cards.
I’ve been using the same RWS deck for years and honestly, I keep my nails short and plain. When you’re shuffling and handling cards all day, long nails just get in the way. The whole trend seems driven by Instagram and TikTok where everything has to look perfect for the camera.
So I found out there’s an entire nail shape market for tarot readers. Coffin and almond shapes about an inch long are apparently the go-to for flipping cards without looking ridiculous.
The long stiletto ones come with instructions for some diagonal pinch move to pick up cards. Sure, why not. Nail salons offering mercury retrograde discounts for readers is a thing now too. Most of us probably don’t even notice since we’re dealing with our decks half the time.
I feel you on the pressure. The salon by me has a tarot reader special now (shorter nails + mystical designs). $45 tho 
Been reading cards for about 20 years and I keep my nails super short. Like, basically nothing there. Way easier to shuffle this way. I can handle the deck better and don’t worry about damaging the cards.
When you’re doing readings all the time, you really notice the difference. The tactile connection feels stronger too without nails getting in the way. I can feel the texture of the cards better, which helps when I’m doing longer spreads.
Long nails and tarot cards don’t really mix well. Tried it once and kept dropping cards everywhere. Plus they make that weird clicking sound on the table. Short nails are way easier to deal with.
I think reading for ourselves should come first. When I pick decks with artwork and gold foiling that I really connect with, it definitely helps me feel closer to the cards. I like matching my reading cloth to the deck too, and sometimes I’ll grab crystals that fit what I’m asking about.
Different colored decks can change the whole vibe, like a pink deck feels softer and a purple one feels more mystical. Sometimes I just grab a pre-made spread or do a quick three-card pull when I don’t feel like doing anything complicated.
The main thing is just actually using the cards.