13 Doable Nail-Art Ideas Perfect for Short Nails
It's no secret that long, healthy nails are a feat that sits atop many beauty wishlists. We're always on the hunt for the best nail-growth products and expert practices for achieving extended talons, but that doesn't mean we don't love a good short-nail moment from time to time. After all, there are few things more liberating than the carefree attitude that comes along with freshly chopped nails. Opening cans and picking up coins are just a couple of simple pleasures that become infinitely easier.
Though keeping your claws cropped means having a little less real estate to use for nail art, there are still tons of short-nail designs that will satisfy even the most adventurous aficionados. Ahead, we've rounded up 13 decorative ideas to try on short nails, along with all the supplies you'll need to get the job done at home.
Abstract Art
Incorporate all your favorite colors and designs into one easy composition. Add as many or as few elements as your nail length will allow.
Get the look:
Reverse French
No matter how short your nails are, there's always enough space to create a reverse French-manicure design. This spin on the classic nail-art style is modern and oh so chic.
Get the look:
The key to getting this design right might already be in your desk drawer. These hole reinforcers are perfect for creating that crescent-moon shape at the base of your nail. Simply stick it on slightly above the cuticle and fill in any nail space between the sticker and your skin with nail polish.
Fine Lines
Fine, curved lines are an easy nail look that brings in an ultra-cool design element without being too flashy. The best part? You can paint your lines in any color you want.
Get the look:
Clouds
Can you imagine a dreamier nail design than fluffy clusters of cumulus clouds? You can even make them work on super-short nails.
Get the look:
Simple Studs
Looking for a bit of hardware to add to your manicure? Simple metal studs are the way to go.
Get the look:
Colorful Accents
Sometimes all you need is a little accent here or there to create a full-out design moment. This nail-framing look is perfect for shorter lengths since the details are so small.
Get the look:
Outlines
This artful take on the classic French design looks beautiful on shorter nails. The negative-space effect is so cool.
Get the look:
All Smiles
Smiley faces provide the whimsical nail art we all need right now. (Just ask Harry Styles!) No matter how long or short your nails are, you've surely got enough nail real estate to accommodate this happy little design.
Get the look:
Flower Power
Flowers are the nail-art staple that never goes out of style. Just adjust the sizing to fit your particular nail-length needs.
Get the look:
Dots for Days
Polka dots, anyone? We love the look of the full nail covered in these tiny circles—the smaller the better.
Get the look:
Color Swatches
Make a big impact on short nails by swatching contrasting colors. We love simplicity.
Get the look:
Polychromatic Schemes
No matter the length of your nails, a coordinated multicolored look is always a good idea.
Get the look:
Expert nail artist Betina Goldstein shared the exact hues she used from the Expressie line by Essie in a recent Instagram post, so you can re-create the exact look at home.
Wavey Lines
We love this vibrating design. Grab your favorite muted colors and a solid nail-art brush, and you're good to go.
Get the look:
This pretty polish set has all the low-key hues you'll need for beautiful wavey designs.
Up next: 7 Fall Nail Colors We're Already Obsessing Over Because Time Isn't Real
Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previouslyBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's associate beauty editor after spending many years working at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.
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