46 Nail Art Ideas For Short Nails - Beauty Bay Edited (2024)

By Ashleigh Bamber | 5th March 2023

If you hadn’t noticed, short nails are officially in. Definitely more practical, quicker to paint and often preferred than the longer alternative, short nails can be equally (if not more) chic, … Sure, we have less nail space to play with but when has that ever stopped us?

It’s time to stop working against the short nail stereotypes (boring and stubby) and embrace the neat, cute and practical vibes they are serving.

Still not convinced to go to the short side and need some inspiration? Keep scrolling to see our favourite short nail designs, that prove you don’t need long nails to have a super-cute, on-trend manicure.

@bambinailss

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There’s nothing we love more than a chic, dark manicure on short nails. Thanks for the inspo @bambinailss.

@bambinailss

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We are obsessing over this star set from @bambinailss. Showing our nail tech RN.

@bambinailss

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Make the most of the space you have and simply fill it all like @bambinailss! This abstract flower design is one of our faves.

@_beautybungalow

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Switch out your French tip and go floral like @_beautybungalow. Short nails have never looked so cute.

@becky___lit

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Sweeten up your short mani with some lil’ hearts like @becky___lit. So cute.

@byjaex

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Introducing the perfect design for short nails… @byjaex, you have nailed it.

@ellzabethm

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This pastel, colour blocking mani by @ellzabethm is a vibe, and looks to die for on this short set.

@glamby_jacqueline

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Pink is always a good choice. Thanks for the inspo @glamby_jacqueline.

@jessjnailsandbeauty

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Keep your next mani dark and classic like @jessjnailsandbeauty, we’re obsessed with this set.

@jxckhxrperart

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There’s no doubt that short nails make the perfect canvas for a mix n match detail set. @jxckhxrperart understood the assignment with this one…

@kirstnailartist

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We are living for this super cute, hot pink set from @kirstnailartist.

@nails_byanniebey

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Short, sweet, and so up our street. This abstract dot set from @nails_byanniebey is a big yes from us.

@nailsatluce

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Pink and red is a colour combo we’re always down for. This mix n match set from @nailsatluce is ticking all of our boxes.

@sophiescutenails

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Simple but such a vibe, this set from @sophiescutenails is giving us major mani envy.

@sophiescutenails

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We are beyond obsessed with this neon, wavy French tip design by @sophiescutenails. Screenshotting RN!

@_alwbeauty

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We’re kicking things off with this negative space design from @_alwbeauty. It’s funky and bright and a vibe for short nails.

@_alwbeauty

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@_alwbeauty has nailed this super dainty floral design, guaranteed to brighten any dull day.

@_laurensnails_

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You know we love abstract designs, so let us introduce @_laurensnails_. This negative space, blue tonal look, with a pop of orange is so up our street.

@aishasarts

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Pastel+ glitter+ short nails= the ultimate combo. @aishasarts we’re obsessed.

@aishasarts

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Serving retro floral is this set from @aishasarts. We love.

@bambinailss

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French tips have always been a go-to style, even for the shortest of nails. We love this classic set from @bambinailss.

@by_hannahwilson

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We just love this yin and yang set from @by_hannahwilson. It’s understated but never boring and suits short nails so well.

@by_hannahwilson

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We love to mix n match, this marble hot pink design from @by_hannahwilson is showing us how it’s done.

@charsgelnails_

You can never go wrong with a simple block colour on short nails, like this stunning green polish. @charsgelnails_ this is painted perfection.

@gonailsusa

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Although summer is nearly over (cry), we just can’t stay away from the tropical vibes of this set by @gonailsusa. This proves you don’t need long nails for a funky manicure.

@jen.the.nail.lady

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You’re going to want to screenshot this green quartz set from @jen.the.nail.lady. Consider us inspired.

@jessicaleenails

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Wow, cutting our nails ASAP! This super simple baby pink set from @jessicaleenails is so clean and timeless. We. Are. Obsessed.

@lkbeauty_9

If you want something super clean but super sweet, look no further than this set from @lkbeauty_9. This dainty daisy look is never going out of style.

@lkbeauty_9

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We are living for this mermaid shimmer set from @lkbeauty_9. With an application as neat as this, we’re ready to never go back to long nails.

@maisies_manicures

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If you can’t settle on one design, opt for something like this. @maisies_manicures has nailed this super cute marble combo.

@maisies_manicures

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You can never go wrong with a clean simple set. It’s timeless, its classic and we are obsessed. Congrats @maisies_manicures.

@mua_hannahtaylor

This set from @mua_hannahtaylor is right on our wavelength. Mixing primary colours and wavy lines is a vibe we want to be on.

@nailenvy.xo

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Can you tell we love negative space? What can we say, it looks so good on short nails and with an application like @nailenvy.xo’s, it’s hard to resist.

@nailsandlashesbylilly

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@nailsandlashesbylilly has nailed this chrome and navy squiggles set. Screenshotting ASAP.

@nailsbyjennaturner

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Serving super sweet, why can’t valentine’s day be every day vibes, is this set from @nailsbyjennaturner. We love this colour combo.

@no.24houseofbeauty

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Putting a literal spin on French tips is this cuff design from @no.24houseofbeauty. If you don’t have enough free edge (the nail at the edge of your fingers) then why not place the colour in the opposite direction? It’s genius.

@ramua__

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If you want to add a little something without going over the top, choose a design like this one from @ramua__. These little accent hearts are adorable and will enhance any simple mani.

@sophie.walsh.nails

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Bling up a plain mani with glitter cuffs like @sophie.walsh.nails. It just makes sense.

@sophiekathleenmua

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French tips tend to elongate super short nails, and this ombre tip design from @sophiekathleenmua is doing just that. We’re obsessed.

@teiganwillbeauty

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Here to brighten your day is this gorgeous set from @teiganwillbeauty. Orange and pink will always be a vibe.

@thebotanic.studios

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@thebotanic.studios is giving us all the minimalist inspo with this orange and pink line design. BRB just cutting out nails.

@thenailroommanchester

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Putting an original spin on a classic French tip is @thenailroommanchester. It’s so clean and we so need it.

@thenailroommanchester

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This design is never going out of style, thank goodness. French tips can be done in any colour of the rainbow, literally. Thanks for the inspo @thenailroommanchester.

@yaygrls

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This one is for the fun funky gals. @yaygrls, you have smashed this pick n mix look. Long nails who?

@thehotblend

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Make waves with a set like this one from @thehotblend. Blue and gold is a colour combo we need to try.

WE LOVE:

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FYI: This article was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

46 Nail Art Ideas For Short Nails - Beauty Bay Edited (2024)

FAQs

What nail art looks good on short nails? ›

Lunula nail art on short nails can be super complementary and doesn't need length to be achievable,” says Dennis, who suggests incorporating either an outline of the lunula or a full color block of the natural nail against a colored lunula. “You can also experiment with reflective glitters or pastel shades,” she adds.

What colors look good on short nails? ›

For short nails, metallic shades like silver, gold, and rose gold can create a stunning effect that catches the light and adds instant glamour to your fingertips. We like Le Metallique Chrome Powder for a high glam, high shine finish, or Golden Glow, a shimmering rich metallic gold for the most fabulous mood.

What nail art is trending right now? ›

Pop Art Nails

The pop-art nail trend is inspired by the 1950s Pop Art movement and comic books. They can be done on any nail shape or length, and they're completely customizable depending on what you're looking for.

What is the most attractive nail shape for short nails? ›

If you have short nails, you may want to choose a round or oval shape to help elongate your fingers. If you have wide nail beds, you may want to choose a round or squoval shape to help make them look narrower.

What color makes short nails look longer? ›

Certain colors and shades can create the illusion of longer nails. For example, light and neutral colors like beige, nude, pale pink, and light gray can make your nails appear longer. On the other hand, darker colors like black, navy blue, and dark red can make your nails look shorter.

What is the rich girl nail trend? ›

Bachik, who works with Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and Hailee Steinfeld, to name just a few of his A-list clients, dubbed it the "rich girl" manicure after he created the look on Lopez. This particular manicure featured extensions in a soft, tapered-square shape painted with a creamy beige polish.

What is the current nail trend in 2024? ›

Think slim neon French tips on neutral nails and the crisp freshness of the Baby Boomer manicure, which makes its triumphant return in 2024. Press-on nails are also becoming more prevalent—great news for lazy nail-art lovers or last-minute manicures that can be done en route to your destination.

What are the 5 basic nail designs? ›

Most clients lean toward one of five basic nail shapes: square, round, oval, squoval, or pointed.

Do short nails look better light or dark? ›

Darker polish highlights the actual length of your nail, so to make nails look longer, lighter shades are always best, says Sarah Gibson Tuttle, CEO & Founder of Olive & June.

What are the fake nail options for short nails? ›

Oval and squoval shapes are also great options for short fingers, as they won't make your hands look overdone; squoval nails are a great daytime look. However, if you're looking for something stylish and bold, go for the stiletto shape.

Are short nails more classy? ›

Short nails have been making a statement in the world of nail art and fashion, proving that you don't need long talons to look chic and sophisticated. With short nails, you can easily achieve a clean and minimalist look that is perfect for any occasion.

Can nail art be done on short nails? ›

While short nails nail art can be tricky, that doesn't mean it isn't possible. Varying from marble nails to French manicures with a bit of a twist, the possibilities of simple short nail designsare endless. So don't the length of your nails stop you from having a little bit of fun with them.

What nail shape is ideal for shorter nails? ›

Round nail- ideal for shorter nails, the nail is allowed to grow out straight at the sides for approximately 1.5 mm and then the tip is filed into a rounded shape. This is a strong shape which is great for those who keep their nails short.

Can you wear fake nails with short nails? ›

Artificial nails can lengthen short nails, making your fingers look long and slender. They can also be hard on your nails. To get acrylic nails (a type of artificial nail) to stick, the surface of your natural nails must be filed until they feel rough. This thins your natural nails, making them weaker.

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