It's no secret that long, healthy nails are a feat that sits atop many beauty wishlists. We'realways on the hunt for thebestnail-growth productsand expert practices for achieving extended talons, but that doesn't mean we don't love a goodshort-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 havinga 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
(Image credit: @heartzeena
)
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:
Nails Inc.
Naked in Neon Nail Polish Set
We love the neon shades in this polish set.
Reverse French
(Image credit: @thehangedit)
No matter how short your nails are, there'salways 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:
Avery
Hole Reinforcements
Thekey 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
(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails
)
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:
Makartt
Nail Art Liner Brush Set
These skinny paintbrushes will help you achieve the fine lines of your dreams. Each brush comes with a cap, so you won't have to worry about frayed bristles.
Clouds
(Image credit: @thehangedit)
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:
People of Color Beauty
Non-Toxic Nail Polish in New Attitude
The key to the perfect fluffy-cloud design is the perfect white nail polish. This one by People of Color Beauty (a black-owned brand we love) is10-freeand totally opaque. Cloudy days are on the horizon.
Simple Studs
(Image credit: @buffcs)
Looking for a bit of hardware to add to your manicure? Simple metal studs are the way to go.
Get the look:
Wokoto
Metal Nail Art Studs
This affordable collection comes with studs in all different shapes and finishes. The studded possibilities are endless.
Colorful Accents
(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)
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:
Olive and June
Blue Jeans Kit
If you're feeling this blue motif, this curated set has the most perfect assortment of colors to help you execute the look.
Outlines
(Image credit: @varnishlane)
This artful take on the classic French design looks beautiful on shorter nails. The negative-space effect is so cool.
Get the look:
Orly
Half Moon Guides
It's so easy to repurpose your classic French-manicure supplies to achieve this graphic look. Simply trace along the top and bottom of these curved polish guides and then connect the lines on either edge of the nail.
All Smiles
(Image credit: @thehangedit)
Smiley faces providethe 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:
Ciaté London
Stick-On Nail Stickers
Get perfect smileys every time with these easy-to-use nail stickers. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors to fit any mood.
Flower Power
(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)
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:
Conair
Styling Essentials Bobby Pins
The best thing about floral nail art is thatit's so simple to create. All you need to do isarrange little dots of polish in a flower formation. You can get the job done using the tiny ball at the end of a bobby pin.
Dots for Days
(Image credit: @evemeetswest)
Polka dots, anyone? We love the look of the full nail covered in these tiny circles—the smaller the better.
Get the look:
Coyaho
Dotting Tools
This set of dotting tools will help you create dots of any size for the perfect nail design.
Color Swatches
(Image credit: @nails_of_la)
Make a big impact on short nails by swatching contrasting colors. We love simplicity.
Get the look:
Deborah Lippmann
Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish
Nail polishes with wide, rounded applicator brushes are best for this easy design. Deborah Lippman's classic lacquers have the perfect brush bristles for this.
Polychromatic Schemes
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)
No matter the length of your nails, a coordinated multicolored look is always a good idea.
Get the look:
Essie
Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Saffr-On The Move
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
(Image credit: @evemeetswest)
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:
Orosa
Lights Set
This pretty polish set has all the low-keyhues you'll need for beautiful wavey designs.
Up next:7 Fall Nail Colors We're Already Obsessing Over Because Time Isn't Real
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