What are the best nail designs for short nails? Nail artists say to keep things simple. They recommend neutral shades with the design focused near the cuticle. But those aren't the only options! We've got ten of the best nail ideas for short nails right here.
Top 10 Nail Ideas for Short Nails
Dots
Dots are a simple design that's quick to do. Think of it as a fun twist on a French manicure. You can do the dots with any color palette, making them easy to customize for any holiday or special occasion.
The most straightforward way to get the tiny dots you need for short nails is to use line art gel. Gel polish lasts three times as long as regular nail polish or lacquer. It resists chipping, peeling, and fading, so it's ideal for designs on the tips. Moreover, our line art gel comes with an ultra-thin nail art brush in the bottle, so you don't need extra tools.
However, you will need base and top coats if you're doing a gel manicure. Here are our top picks used by the pros:
LDS Gel Base & Top
Get a salon-worthy finish at home when you use these essential products. The base coat creates the perfect surface for gel polish to adhere to the natural nail. It also protects the nail from damage.
Then, the Diamond Top Gel makes colors even more vibrant while preventing scratches and chips. It doesn’t need to be wiped after it’s cured. A single coat protects your nails for 21 days or more.
Checkered French Tips
Here’s another example of what you can do with line art gel. Instead of finishing the tip in one color, turn your nails into a conversation starter with two alternating shades. Black and white provide the ideal contrast, but feel free to use any pairs you like. To avoid the colors mixing, cure between applications.
Water Marbled Nails
Have you tried water-marbling nails yet? You'll need a white base and two or three bright nail lacquer shades instead of gel polish. After the white coat dries, it’s time to drop colored polish into warm water and swirl the shades for a unique effect. Then dip in your fingertips and scoop up the swirls onto your nails.
LDS Healthy Nail Lacquer
There’s no need to harm your nails with chemicals anymore. This nail polish is 9-free with no formaldehyde, phthalates, camphor, or petrochemical solvents. What’s more, it’s vegan and was never tested on animals.
Choose from over 170 shades that last a week or more on your nails. Then seal the deal with a fast-drying glossy top coat for a gel-like finish. The quick-dry top coat ensures that the gorgeous swirls of color don't smudge. Plus, the polish lasts a few days longer without chipping or peeling.
Glazed Donut Nails
Don't forget to pick up chrome nail powder if you love the pearly gleam of glazed donut nails. It's what you need for the soft, shiny finish that resembles a sugar glaze. This sweet style looks elegant on short nails. Use light and neutral shades if you want your nails to seem longer. Dark colors may make your fingers look shorter and wider.
Chrome Nails
Of course, you’ll also need chrome powder for chrome nails! The sleek, polished finish puts a mirror shine on your fingertips. It can give the illusion of longer nails.
Did you know that the base coat affects the final result? Chrome powder looks different depending on the color of the polish underneath. It may only be a trick of the light, but can you see how the index finger is darker than the others? This is similar to how it would look on a black base coat versus a neutral or white base.
Daisies
Delicate little flowers look so pretty on a neutral base! If you're not skilled in hand-painting delicate flowers on neutral nail polish, don't fret! You can still achieve the look with adorable nail stickers.
Stickers and nail decals come in a wide variety of styles and are easy to apply. All you need is a top coat to protect them.
Then, give your fingertips a professional finish by applying cuticle oil. Not only does it nourish the nails and help them grow, but it also makes it easier to manage cuticles in the future. If you have short nails, you don’t have a lot of real estate and need to keep cuticles pushed back and neat.
Vertical Stripes and Rainbows
Like Mama used to say, horizontal stripes make you look rounder, and vertical stripes make you look taller. Use vertical stripes if you have short nails and want them to seem longer. Even better, use thin, colorful lines like this nail design, and you can enjoy a rainbow of colors on your nails.
Matte Black
Matte black nails have been trending for a while. It's a straightforward look to create, and there are so many ways to personalize it. We love this design with a swipe of colorful, chunky glitter for contrast. What's more, the square tips are a retro 90s look, and that's trendy, too!
How do you get a matte finish when almost every polish has a glossy finish? Easy – use a matte top coat.
Stars
You don't need acrylics for this encapsulated nail design. Instead, multiple coats of a glossy top coat will create a glass-like finish over the top of the brilliant little star stickers.
Elegant
This look can be replicated with the suitable jelly gel polish and a glittery Aurora top coat. Then all you need is gold embossing gel and a charm or rhinestone for the accent.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen all these designs for short nails, which one will you try first? We’re excited for you to find a look that suits your style and makes your nails look fabulous!
While you’re here, please use our many deals to stock up on all the nail supplies you need. Also, we hope you enjoy seeing our new arrivals. They’ll show you what’s trending in the nail world. Remember, we offer free shipping on orders over $100!