13 Nail Art Designs for Short Nails
You might think that short nails don't offer enough canvas space for the elaborate nail art designs of your dreams, but while scrolling through Instagram this weekend, we found plenty of options. In fact, some of our favorite painted looks were made for manicures of the shorter variety. They may not be the iconic, bedazzled long nails of Symone D. Sanders, but there are definitely options.
We chatted with Essie celebrity manicurist Steph Stone and celebrity nail artist Eun Kyung Park (owner of the famed Unistella nail salon) about their favorite easy designs for those wearing short nails this season. “To me, short nails are fun to do nail art on because the effect is subtle and complimentary," says Steph. “Long nails will always be a statement, but you can still have fun playing up the polish.” You can easily DIY each of the below designs at home, but we asked Steph and Eunkyung to share their expert tips as well.
From shimmer ombré and delicate painted flowers; to wire letter insets and graffiti designs, these are the 13 best nail art trends for short nails. Prepare to be inspired.
Courtesy of Steph Stone1/13Clouds
Often, some of Steph’s favorite looks are born of a single request. For this sky-inspired mani, Steph shares, “A friend of mine requested this manicure and it quickly became one of my favorites. There’s something about the cotton candy sky and the clouds that’s so soothing to look at.”
Courtesy of Steph Stone2/13Metallic Stars
Steph has created this celestial design on a number of different colors of nails as a base, all turning out equally out-of-this-world. Understated, but with a twist, you’ll be able to do anything with this next-level design without feeling like you’re making too much of a statement. Steph suggests, “Play up a sheer polish mani by adding one or two stars to each nail. The look is so subtle, but it’s hard not to stare at them when they’re on your nails!”
Courtesy of Steph Stone3/13Abstract Flowers
Steph created these jaw-dropping nails to match her floral Dr. Martens. While they seem super intricate, Steph promises that the process is simpler than it seems. "[It's] essentially just a bunch of blobbing," she explains. “Paint the floral on accent nails if you don’t want to overwhelm yourself with the pattern.”
Courtesy of Steph Stone4/13Gradient Shades
Whether it’s varying shades of the same color, or a full-blown rainbow at your fingertips, consider painting each one of your nails a different color for a memorable mani. “This is a look I believe is pulled off best on short nails,” says Steph. “Go all-out with a rainbow manicure or keep it in the same color family for an oddly satisfying ombré color palette.”
Courtesy of Steph Stone5/13Cream-to-Shimmer Ombré
Steph created this look on Debby Ryan less than a month ago and the results are gorgeous. In a minty green hue, it’s the perfect introduction to summer and you definitely don’t need long nails to make this one work. Steph explained, “I painted her nails with two coats of Empower-Mint from the Essie summer 2018 collection and then used a makeup sponge to apply At Sea Level from the Seaglass Shimmers collection, starting mid-nail with the heaviest at the tip to create the gradient effect.”
Courtesy of Steph Stone6/13Modern Moon
A moon mani doesn’t have to just be a French manicure alternative. In fact, it can be done with brighter hues to make quite a statement. Steph created the look on Lili Reinhart recently, sharing that she “requested a modern twist on the moon manicure for her vacation in Cuixmala.” She went on to add, “I love this look because it’s classic, and the color combination she picked using Chanel polish is perfect for summer.”
Courtesy of Eun Kyung Park7/13Glitter Outlines
Eunkyung likens this style to jewelry. “I don’t need a ring when I have these nails,” she says. Recreate the look with a glitter polish and a toothpick (or tiny brush), dabbing carefully to create your outlines.
Courtesy of Eun Kyung Park8/13Blank Canvas
Sometimes, it’s the simplest styles that look the best, as Eunkyung is a huge fan of the full-color nail. "This is the reason why I got into shorter nail designs,” she says. She suggests trying the look with a matte polish for a cool effect.
Courtesy of Eun Kyung Park9/13Graffiti
For a little extra flair, consider a little brightly colored graffiti on each nail. It’s a one-and-done job, too. “I just draw graffiti without the base gel,” explains Eunkyung.
Courtesy of Eun Kyung Park10/13Cuticle Stones
While you might have more real estate to play with when you have longer nails, Eunkyung loves the look on short nails, too. For this style, she adds glue-on crystals in varying sizes.
Courtesy of Eun Kyung Park11/13Wire Lettering
If you’re up for a challenge, go for the tiniest of lettering on some of your nails. It is something that Eunkyung has dubbed “wire lettering,” due to the fact that she actually lacquers on pre-made wire decals between layers of gel. “I usually do it on thumbs because they’re a little bigger than the others,” she says of the style.
Courtesy of Eun Kyung Park12/13Minimal Cutouts
With a nod to modern art and graphic shapes, black nail polish becomes an actual work of art. “It also has a chic style," Eunkyung says of the graphic design. Make sure you have a steady hand when attempting this one, and if you happen to mess up, just make the shapes bigger.
Courtesy of Olive & June13/13Colorful Stickers
And, if you’re looking for something easier that delivers just as much impact, take a cue from Olive & June. The brand recently launched the a few of our favorite sticker sheets, featuring rainbows, hearts, and other colorful accents. To apply, simply stick on your nails (we like to keep them at the base of our nail beds) and set with clear topcoat. An eye-catching style has never been easier.
