50 Stunning Short Nail Designs to Inspire Your Next Manicure

Love nail art, but have trouble finding awesome and new short nail designs? It may seem that long nails are having their moment in the spotlight, and that can be discouraging if you have shorter nails. Nail art isn’t just for our long-clawed sisters. Sometimes, having long nails isn’t feasible with the work you do. Or maybe, the long length just isn’t your thing. That shouldn’t mean you can’t have fun and get creative with nail art! By alternating different short nail designs, placement, and color selection, you too can do stunning nail art looks. Using glitter, nail stamps, and 3-D nail accents allow short nailed gals to join in on the trendy nail art fun. The following 55 nail designs have been curated specially with short nails in mind. Use these as inspiration for your next manicure or to create unique styles on your own!

55 Creative Nail Designs for Short Nails to Create Unique Styles

Throughout time, various cultural events and icons have popularized different manicure styles. Different nail lengths are often rotated, each having their time in the spotlight. Originally, manicures and fingernail maintenance had a purely hygienic intent. Short was the coveted length when manicures first gained popularity. Since short nails were easy to keep clean, they became a symbol of a wealthy life of leisure. It wasn’t until the 1920’s that short nail designs first stepped onto the scene. The extravagance and exuberance of the times led to the glamorization of drinking and smoking. Several advertisements portrayed beautiful women with short manicured rounded nails grazing their cigarette holders and cocktail glasses. A turning point in nail art history.

Short nails have always been demure and feminine. Though beautiful, they were traditionally seen with just a solid or sheer swipe of polish. These days, nail designs for short nails have come a looong way. Bright bold colors, mismatching patterns, and 3-D accessories glued on in pretty arrangements can be seen on nails all over. Nail art has truly taken such a creative and imaginative path. It is a way to personalize your manicure and through it, display your style and personality. Even though cute short nails may not give you the same canvas as a longer length might, they are just as fun and versatile! The following examples of nail art for short nails are proof that you can still participate in modern designs.