22 Short Nail Designs That Make a Statement
Who says long nails should have all the fun?
We're not sure who decided that long nails were the purveyors of intricate nail art. Those of us with short nails love a good nail design too—even if we have slightly less surface area to work with. So the next time you want to switch things up from your favorite nail color, try one of these chic short nail designs courtesy of celebrity nail artists.
Half-Moons
Nail pro Elle created this neutral look for Blake Lively, who, yes, is a fellow short-nail fan.
Mermaid Sparkle
Swiping a chunky glitter down the center of the nail adds a beachy vibe.
Milk Bath Nails
This major trend is just as gorg on short nails as it is on longer tips.
Frosted Tips
A sheer base and complementary sparkles at the ends gives the illusion of both longer nails and fingers.
Fruit Salad
You can do more detailed nail art too, like these cute strawberries and lemons, alternated with French tips.
On the Half Shell
Looking for a new take on the mermaidcore trend? Turn your nails into little iridescent clamshells.
May the Force Be With You
Billie Lourd paid homage to her mom Carrie Fisher with her Star Wars mani, complete with a Princess Leia portrait.
Abstract Brushstrokes
Copy the artsy look seen on models at the fall/winter '23 Vivienne Westwood show.
Wild Side
Zebra print is always a fun option, and there are nail stickers that can help you get the look in minutes.
Dip Dye
For a fresh take on the French mani, try the moody black ombré vibe Jin Soon Choi created for models including Chloe Sevigny at the Proenza Schouler fall/winter 2023 show.
Touch of Shimmer
These sparkly tips are the ultimate barely there design for brides and beyond.
Clean Swoops
If you always go for a French mani, try switching it up with a sleek swoop.
Rainbow Stripes
Different colors on each nail is still A Thing, so why not change it up with two-tone nail art?
Just Some Stickers
Truly no skill required: This look on Alana Haim was created using Inked by Dani nail stickers.
Diagonal Lines
Go for two polar-opposite colors for optimal impact.
Colorful Swoops
Once you've graduated from neutral swoops, you can go for multiple polish colors in the same color family.
Airbrush Auras
A dreamy airbrush nail looks just as cool on shorter nails as it does on Megan Thee Stallion's long lipstick-shaped tips.
Silhouettes
This look proves that a smaller canvas doesn't mean you can't do intricate looks, like artistic faces.
All the Butterflies
Suki Waterhouse's 2023 Met Gala nails featured different butterflies on each nail—none longer than the length of her fingers.
Unexpected Cow Print
Cow print has been trending for the last year or two, in part because it's so easy to recreate. Try it in a fun shade, like deep green.
