Raise your hand if you’ve apologised to your manicurist for your super-short nails. Why is it that do we do that? Long, elegant tips often get all the love, but short nails are just as chic in their own right and suitable for the season’s coolest nail art trends. Plus, they’ll never annoy you when you’re clicking away on your keyboard, trying to remove your contact lenses, or opening a can of La Croix.
According to the pros, the trick to making short nails feel more glamorous is to make them look purposeful by keeping them clean, smooth, and shaped. “The most important part of ensuring your nails look great at any length is taking good care of your hands,” Megan Richardson and Gretchen Tiernan, owners of L.A.-based Sand Spa, explain. “Short nails look best when your cuticles are pushed back and you can see your half moons.”
Anything other than groomed, short nails might not be in the cards for some people based on lifestyle, but they are far from limiting. As famed editorial nail artist Miss Pop tells us, “Nail art is not long-nail exclusive. If you’re a nail biter, just focus the attention not on the tip, but down to the cuticle.” You can even fake the look of more length by painting them in ways that give the illusion of a longer nail bed.
From maximalist designs to easy nail art for short nails, there are no limits to what you (or a talented nail tech) can create on even the smallest of canvases. Whether you’re after the chic, natural look, or just want to rest your nails between gel extensions, we’ve rounded up the coolest short nail manis to copy now, no long-term growth plan required.
Cuticle Dots
Let’s start with a short nail art classic. Tiny dots at the base of the nail, just above the cuticle help to make even the smallest of manis look longer. Check out this simple white dot design by London-based manicurist India Francesca Allen on Instagram for some inspiration, or even consider her fun heart version of the cuticle dot.
Metallics
Shimmery chrome nails are one of the biggest trends of the year, and they definitely make short nails pop. Take inspiration from this metallic design with a touch of 3D art from L.A.-based nail artist Kim Truong.
Outlines And Borders
If you have short nails, negative space is your best friend. “Wearing a solid colour or dark colour might make [nails] look smaller,” Pop says. Instead, she loves the idea of playing with space and covering the nail in a small-scale pattern. Solid colour nail outlines and patterned borders, such as in this stunning design from Barcelona-based nail artist Violetta K. on Instagram, are great examples of using negative space.
Abstract Shapes
Using abstract designs is a go-to for short nails, as you can use different thicknesses of lines and shapes to play with negative space, like in this colourful design by Warsaw-based nail artist Ewa Wójcik of @nailsknowhow on Instagram.
Micro Designs
What’s better suited for small nails than teeny tiny designs? Intricate micro designs, such as this adorable mushroom one from Miss Pop, are delicate and precise enough to transform small nails into beautifully detailed, seemingly big paint canvases.
Mismatched Colours
Another of the most popular nail art trends this season, mismatched manis work wonders on short nails, too. Take inspo from this uber-cool design from L.A.-based nail artist Kkoht Nails, which features a sky blue colour on one hand and magenta on the other.
Juicy 3D Nail Art
Just because you have short nails doesn’t mean you can’t take part in even the most experimental and sculptural nail art trends. Jelly-like 3D droplets and ‘amoeba nails’ won’t overwhelm small nails when done thoughtfully, since the designs appear dewy, rather than heavy. Take this fun, juicy mani from L.A.-based nail artist @1.800.nailme on Instagram for example.
Micro French
Instead of the thick tips of typical French manicures, the micro French mani is a razor thin take — and it’s taking over nail salons everywhere. You can go for a classic white tip, vibrant colours, or even a trendy foil design, such as this one by Evelyn Lim at Paintbox Nails in New York City.
Blooming Gel
Another trendy nail art technique perfect for small nails is the blooming gel manicure. “Blooming gel is simply a translucent gel formula similar to that of a base coat, which causes any colour added over the top to bloom,” Zahra Beedassy, creative nail expert and founder of London’s Plaster Salon, previously explained to Refinery29. Take some short nail inspo from this blooming gel example by South Korea-based nail artist @naildemonet on Instagram.
Gothic Designs
Who said short nails can only be dainty and cutesy? Go for a harder edged goth mani that plays with black as negative space, such as this cybergoth design with chrome and 3D gel accents by Fulham-based nail artist @j3nnailedit on Instagram.
Half-Moon Manicure
A modern classic design, half-moon nails are not only timeless, but also perfect for visually elongating short nails. Pop says that if you want to make your short nail beds look extra long, you can shift the perspective with art. “I do little mini moons, because tinier details do tend to make nails look larger,” Pop says. Use this cheerful yellow design by Warwickshire-based nail artist @gel.bymegan as inspiration for upcoming sunny days.
Lip Gloss Nails
Certain heavy designs and solid colours can weigh down short nails, but the super chic ‘lip gloss’ nail art trend will do the exact opposite. Lip Gloss nails, such as these beauties by Japan-based nail artist @yumco, feature a nude base polish colour, white chrome powder, and a thick top coat that makes the finish translucent and jelly-like — like, you know, lip gloss.
Vertical Lines
Some simple vertical line nail art spanning from your cuticles to the tip of your nails will do wonders to help elongate even the shortest of claws. Go for a single colour, a gradient, or a multicoloured line design like this playful one by New York City-based editorial nail artist Alicia Torello.
Jelly Ombré
As mentioned in some of the previous ideas, a dewy jelly design make even the boldest colours less heavy on a set of short nails. Plus, an ombré design makes things even fuzzier and less harsh. Just look at this fun and colourful mini manicure by Mary Grace Koh of Kkoht Nails.
Groovy Shapes
There are countless designs with swirly, groovy nail art that flatter manis on the shorter side. And once again, negative space is the hero here. Opt for thin squiggly lines or thicker funky designs like this playfully checkered one by New York City-based nail artist Amy Shaulis
Chrome Accents
Instead of going for a full metallic design, opt for some chrome accents, be it classic silver or colourful, on top of (you guessed it) negative space for a light and fresh look. Look to this futuristic pink and green chrome nail art by @j3nnailedit on Instagram as inspo.
Tile Nail Art
These intricate designs emulate mediterranean ceramic tiles, and since they are typically painted on a white or nude base, tile nails look great on short nails. Take this Spanish tile-inspired nail art from Violetta K. for example, which stuns on a mini mani.
Gemstone Nails
Made with 3D nail art techniques, chrome, and sometimes foil, gemstone nails are a trendy way to emulate minerals and crystals on your hands. Typically adorned with earthy and delicate jewel tones, gemstone nails won’t overwhelm short nails with their mixed designs, as long as lighter colours are sprinkled in there, too. Just look at these lovely gemstone nails by Mary Grace Koh of Kkoht Nails on a trimmed mani.
Two-Toned French
Another way to switch up the classic French manicure is to make it two-toned. Going with two colours instead of one solid strip can elevate the design of your short nails, while still keeping them delicate in a small space. Try this chic tuxedo colour combo by Amy Shaulis, or a pair of brighter colours for warm weather seasons.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
11 Fresh Nail Colours To Try This Summer