Long nails often steal all the attention when it comes to nail art. But just because you choose to keep your nails short, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them. Remember, nail designs aren’t solely reserved for ultra-long tips; while short nails usually get the short end of the stick, certain nail art designs shine through on shorter tips.
Think tortoiseshell nail art, pops of neon, reverse French manicure, and some gilded glamour. Essentially, since shorter nails offer a smaller canvas, minimalistic designs tend to be more balanced and proportioned. To help make your tips the talk of the town, here’s a roundup of simple nail art designs for short nails. Bookmark this blog for inspiration galore!
1. MINIMALLY FLORAL
Regardless of the size of the nails, floral patterns are always a safe bet. This short nail art idea combines simplicity with contemporary design elements. All you need to do is coat your nails with transparent lacquer (this will add a layer of gloss), then paint little flowers on some of the nails. You can add minimal lines or French tips to the other nails. This nail art design is minimal and quirky at the same time.
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2. MONOCHROME PALETTE
It’s a truth as old as time that you can never go wrong with a monochrome palette, especially if you have unusually short nails and can’t try any experimental designs. Simply paint your nails with soft pink or nude, and add some swirly or geometrical black elements. This nail art idea is especially suitable for small nails that have less surface area and cannot accommodate complicated designs.
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3. CLOUDY AND CUTE
If you’re looking for a happy aesthetic, then this nail art design for short nails is just perfect. Just give your nails a transparent base coat or a bright pastel hue and then paint little white clouds on it. The best part? This design is incredibly versatile and can go with any and every outfit. If you have the right brush for it, you can try creating it at home and experimenting with various pastel colours as well.
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4. GOLDEN FRENCH MANICURE
A French manicure has a way of making anyone’s nails look effortlessly elegant. This modified golden French manicure is the perfect nail art for small nails as it makes them look elongated. The gold also gives your look a festive touch. If the bold metallic shade is not for you, give the design a try with silver instead.
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5. STARRY NIGHT
One of the easiest nail art designs for short nails, this one’s all about channelling some celestial energy into your look. Start by applying a rich, deep shade of blue or black. Then paint little stars at the centre of each nail. Painting the stars can be challenging, so you can use nail stickers if you’re not confident about your painting skills.
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6. DAINTY DOTS
Another popular nail art design for small nails, this one is the simplest of all and won’t take you more than a few minutes. Ideally, pick a nail polish colour that’s darker than the colour you’ve picked for the polka dots. You can opt for brighter colours like green, orange, and red. Remember to coat your nails with a transparent lacquer first.
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7. CHECKERS
One of the trendiest nail art designs for short nails, this one plays on the traditional checkered pattern. Start by painting your nails in your choice of base. Use a thin brush to paint checks with a contrasting colour. Who would have thought that having attractive, trendy-looking nails could be this easy, right?
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8. GALAXY NAILS
For a truly ethereal look, paint your nails with a galaxy or a spatial illusion. The deep richness of the galaxy blue or space black should be complemented by a few stars or holographic elements that add the necessary contrast and complete the heavenly look. You can use sequins or metallic nail paint for the same.
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9. LOVESTRUCK
Who doesn’t love a li’l heart action? Opt for a clear base and, using a nail brush, paint a tiny heart on the corner of each nail. Feel free to paint two or more hearts on each nail; however, since shorter tips offer a limited canvas, more than one heart may cramp up the design. Perfect for Valentine's, date night, or any other special occasion!
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10. SPICE IT UP
Turn up the heat with this minimalist, albeit striking design featuring a chilly on each nail. On a white or nude base, paint a tiny chilly using a nail brush. If you don’t wish to draw a chilly on all nails, you could limit it to one or two nails and paint the remaining nails red. All things spicy FTW!
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11. SPARKLE & SHINE
Add a li’l sparkle to your life with this subtle nail art design that screams cute. Over a neutral base coat, paint a star in the colour of your choice. You can choose between a big star or opt for a mix of big and small stars, depending on the available area.
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Parting Thoughts
If you’re a nail art enthusiast, the length of your nails has no bearing. However, since shorter tips allow limited room for play, intricate designs may end up looking too cluttered and overwhelming. Hence, opt for minimalist nail art designs in solid colours that’ll enhance the natural shape and colour of your nails. From an upgraded French manicure to flattering florals – the sky’s the limit! Lastly, indulge in bi-weekly nail care sessions for optimal nail health and hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I do nail art at home?
To do nail art at home, you will require nail polish, a base coat, a top coat, a nail brush, a nail cutter, and a nail file. Begin by trimming and filing your nails to get the desired shape. Apply the base coat, and once it has dried, use a nail brush to paint over the nail. Finish up with a top coat.
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What are some manicure essentials for an at-home spa session?
To enjoy a skin-soothing manicure at home, keep the following items handy:
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How long does at-home nail art last?
Nail art done at home can last for up to two weeks if maintained properly with a fresh layer of top coat every other day. Before going in for nail art, indulge in nail care to maintain basic nail hygiene.
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Can nail art be done on natural nails?
The primary purpose of nail art is to enhance the natural shape and colour of your nails. Instead of choosing bold and busy designs, opt for delicate patterns and subdued hues that will shine the spotlight on your natural nails.
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Can I do nail art on fake nails?
Painting over press-on nails is a quick and convenient alternative to doing nail art on your natural nails. Plus, it’s a great way to try out unique nail art designs sans committing to a manicure or acrylics that cannot be removed.
