What is not to love about short nails? Apart from being extremely practical and convenient, they make your hands look neat and elegant. Besides, as a rule of thumb, a short mani is stronger and sturdier than a long one, so it usually lasts longer. We can name a thousand more reasons why you should get a short mani, but the most convincing one is the way it looks. So, we have picked out the most breath taking short nail ideas below for your inspo.

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Red Short Nails

Short red nails are a classic that will arguably never go out of style. They look appropriate in any situation and suit your every attire. Plus, there are so many red shades out there that you will be able to rock a new manicure style every time you redo your nails with a red polish. On top of that, a red mani is very festive and dressy, so it comes as no surprise that it is often preferred for short Christmas nails.

White Cat Design on Red Nails

Glittery Red Short Nails

Red Short Nails Designs

Red Short Nails

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Short Ombre Manicure

Quite often, women who choose short nail designs shy away from an ombre mani, as they consider that it is impossible to create a perfect transition on them. If this is the case for you, we have good news. Short ombre nails are as gorgeous as long ones! You just need to know how to perform the design properly. So that the fading turns out smooth and soft, do not use very contrasting colors. It will also be easier for you to pull off the nail look if you go for a transparent rather than opaque color.

Pink and Blue Ombre Nails with Glitz

Short Ombre Manicure

Short Ombre Manicure Ideas

Matte Short Ombre Manicure

French Manicure For Short Acrylic Nails

If someone has ever told you that you cannot wear French tip nails short, we are here to prove them wrong. Classy short French nails are elegance at its finest. They feature a thin white line on the tips and a nude or natural base. Yet, if you want to add a colorful touch to short French tip nails, feel free to do so. You are welcome to use any color you like, from light pastel to deep off black. It can also be multicolored with a different shade on every nail. Just make sure it looks striking against the rest of the nail to create the much needed contrast.

Short Nails with Blue Tips

French Manicure For Short Nails

colorful short almond nails

Cute Designs For Short Nails - Unusual French Manicure

Unusual French Manicure

Designs For Short Nails - Unusual French Manicure

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Manicure with Glitter Accents

Some nail designs for short manicure may not just work due to lack of space. And that is when glitter accents come into play. They are also a surefire way out whenever you need to quickly upgrade your manicure without making much effort. What else makes glitter one of the best short nails ideas is that it comes in a myriad of shapes, colors and finishes. As such, it will be pretty easy to match your nail style to the outfit, occasion or simply mood.

Short Nude Nails with Stripes

Short Nails with Glitter Accents

Short Nails And Easy Glitter Accents

Perfect Short Nails with Glitter Accents

Plaid Short Nail Designs

A plaid pattern is one of the most popular options for short fall nails and no wonder. It is relatively easy to get and does not call for much space. Color wise, it all depends on your preferences and the ambiance the mani should suit. If you are leaning toward a rather unified look, opt for different shades of the same color or generally softer and more muted hues. To create more contrast with your plaid short nails design, go with complementary colors.

Black Plaid Short Nails

Blue Nail Designs For Short Nails

Plaid Short Nail Ideas

Fall Short Nails

Stylish And Unique Plaid Nail Art

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Gentle Geometry For Your Short Nails

If you need some inspo on trendy nail designs for short nails, you are sure to find it here. The geometric pattern looks incredibly captivating on short acrylic nails, as it instantly adds interest to them. It can be just anything, from plain lines to unusual shapes. And do not be afraid to experiment, trying various geometric manicure styles and combining them with other short nails designs. It is all up to you and the skill level of your nail tech to decide how to adorn your mani.

Nude Nails with Simple Geometry Design

Geometry For Your Short Nails

Gentle Geometry For Your Short Nails

Colorful Geometry For Your Short Nails

Hearts Nail Designs For Short Shape

Hearts are those cute nail designs for short acrylic nails that cannot leave anyone indifferent. They give your manicure a very girlie feel no matter whether it is a tiny sketch or full scale nail art. While this is obviously a perfect idea for Valentine’s Day, you are welcome to adorn your cute short nails with hearts any day of the year. And do not limit your choice to a specific color, such as red. Just like with the size, there are no restrictions for the color of heart nail art on a short mani.

Little Red Hearts Nails Design

Short Nails with Cute Hearts

heart nail designs for short nails

Simple Short Nails

Short Nails with Flowers

Embellishing your short cute nails with flowers is always a good idea. There is hardly anyone who would not find this nail style adorable regardless of the type of flowers you choose. Besides, they bring a warm feel to your manicure even if it is freezing cold outside. This is the type of flowers that will not wither in a few days and they do not require watering. And once you feel bored with them, you can switch up the design for something else without regret.

Green Nails with Small Daisies

Cute Short Nail Ideas

trendy short cute nails

Short Nails with Cute Hearts or Flowers

Short Nails with Cute Flowers

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Dark Short Nails To Try

There is something really attractive in short black nails. They look very sexy and bold. However, if you feel like you cannot handle such intense boldness, opt for any other dark nail color, like burgundy, eggplant, chocolate, emerald and suchlike. While these shades go well for any nail shape, they look especially flattering on squared short nails. And for those who still find this mani style overly dramatic, there is always an alternative in the form of low key accents.

Green and Black Animal Print Manicure

short nails designs

Brown Nail Designs For Short Nails

Dark Short Nails for You

Dark Short Nails You Definitely Need To Try

Abstract Short Acrylic Nails

If you have short natural nails and cannot come up with a suitable design for them, abstract nail art is your failproof option. Its main advantage is that it always works out. Even if the final result is not exactly what it was intended, it does not really matter – no one is going to know that unless you tell them. But why would you do that? So, just keep that in mind – whenever you do not know what style to choose for your mani, get an abstract design.

Abstract Nude Short Nails

Stylish Ideas For Short Acrylic Nails

Abstract Ideas For Short Acrylic Nails

Pastel Short Nail Art Ideas

Do you prefer short nude nails but wish to add a colorful hint to them? A pastel manicure is your best bet. It is also very reserved and tasteful but in no way dull or plain. Yet, if you decide to adorn your mani with glitter accents or nail design, you can rest assured that it will not turn out tacky or kitschy. It is also a very popular choice for short summer nails, as pastel shades look so refreshing during hot weather.

Blue Paltel Short Nails

Floral Short Nail Ideas

green short cute nails

short blue nails

Pastel Nail Art Ideas To Wear Every Season

Lovely Nail Art Ideas To Wear Every Season

With short nails, your mani is guaranteed to get a lot of compliments. This is especially true if you choose one of the stunning ideas that we have put together for you in our guide. It is time that your nails look their best.

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FAQs

Why short nails are better?

Your hair is not the only one that requires being cut regularly to grow healthy and strong but your nails are as well. When you have long nails, it is more likely to damage or break them because they can get stuck in something. Short nails do not have such an issue, so they are a better option if you like to do a lot of stuff with your hands.

What looks good on short nails?

Pastel and nude nails colors look very flattering on a short manicure, as they visually elongate it. Besides, your fingers appear more slender, as the nails seemingly extend them. Opt for lighter shades that differ from your skin a shade or two.

What are short fake nails called?

There are several variations of fake nails with acrylics and a gel manicure being the most popular. They can be performed on any length and a short mani is no exception. You just do not get your nails extended but strengthened only.

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