Short and Stylish: Explore 30+ Best Nail Art and Design Ideas for Chic Short Nails

When it comes to nail styles, there are so many ways you can express yourself. You can go bold and daring with your fingers or keep things classic. But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance look that is still fashionable, consider this short nails are having a moment right now. The latest trend in nail art is one that will mean your hands look good without having to spend hours at the saloon. In fact there’s no need to leave the house!

To give you some inspiration about what to apply for your short nails to look amazing, we have rounded up some of the best short nail ideas for you! If you’re ready, let’s get started.

1. Zebra Design on Short Nails

Zebra nail art is a design that uses black and white stripes to create a zebra-like pattern on the nails. Your short nails will be taken to a different level with zebra accent nails.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj2QhmNMsfj/

Zebra nail art is a design that uses black and white stripes to create a zebra-like pattern on the nails. Your short nails will be taken to a different level with zebra accent nails.

2. Short Red Nails

Short red nails are a great way to add some color to your outfit without being too loud. We think that they can be great for work or a night out, depending on the color you choose.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj9jH2dMp2e/

Short red nails are a great way to add some color to your outfit without being too loud. We think that they can be great for work or a night out, depending on the color you choose.

3. Sweet Designs on Short Nails

Why don't you apply different and sweet nail art to your each nail? A smiley face and heart smileys are ready to cheer you up while a fire and checkered nail art give an extra beauty to the nails.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjyROhhPh1W/

Why don’t you apply different and sweet nail art to your each nail? A smiley face and heart smileys are ready to cheer you up while a fire and checkered nail art give an extra beauty to the nails.

4. Classy Short Nails

With brown nude nails, you won't look boring or too subtle. Brown is a color that can go with almost anything, and it's an excellent choice for fall and winter because it can look chic while still being warm enough for the colder months.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj5UzfgMjOm/

With brown nude nails, you won’t look boring or too subtle. Brown is a color that can go with almost anything, and it’s an excellent choice for fall and winter because it can look chic while still being warm enough for the colder months.

5. Loden Green Short Nails

Loden green nails are a combination of the color grey and green. They're a lighter shade than dark green, but they have a tinge of gray to them. To make them shinier, all you need to do is to add some golden stones on top them.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjyDZZyqTT7/

Loden green nails are a combination of the color grey and green. They’re a lighter shade than dark green, but they have a tinge of gray to them. To make them shinier, all you need to do is to add some golden stones on top them.

6. Shimmering Short Blue Nails 

Blue glitter nails are a great way to add a little bit of sparkle to your look. They're perfect for holiday parties, or anytime you want to feel a little extra glam and they look amazing on your short nails.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjTfnJYuidn/

Blue glitter nails are a great way to add a little bit of sparkle to your look. They’re perfect for holiday parties, or anytime you want to feel a little extra glam and they look amazing on your short nails.

7. Dot Nails Short Nails

Dots nails are when you put little dots on your nail. They're really fun, and they make your nails look really cute!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj-Tr8TrFV-/

Dots nails are when you put little dots on your nail. They’re really fun, and they make your nails look really cute!

8. Stunning Short Nails

Turquoise nails look gorgeous on anyone! Whether you're trying to match your favorite outfit or just want a change from the norm, they're sure to make you feel like a queen.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj-MmLEMtNY/

Turquoise nails look gorgeous on anyone! Whether you’re trying to match your favorite outfit or just want a change from the norm, they’re sure to make you feel like a queen.

9.  Spooky Designs on Short Nails

The best thing about Halloween is getting to try out some awesome and creative Halloween nails. Let's scare your friends with spider webs and ghosts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjyEJ2CsbzV/

The best thing about Halloween is getting to try out some awesome and creative Halloween nails. Let’s scare your friends with spider webs and ghosts.

10. Short Gel Nails

Red and pink nails are colors that are very popular in the nail art world. These colors give off warm and positive energy. Let's mix them on your short nails with glitters!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjvhp_9sPT2/

Red and pink nails are colors that are very popular in the nail art world. These colors give off warm and positive energy. Let’s mix them on your short nails with glitters!

 11. Silvery Short Nails

Silvery glittered nails are a great way to add some sparkle to your look. They're a great way to spice up your everyday manicure, or even just to add some bling for a special occasion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj9DTUBM8HS/

Silvery glittered nails are a great way to add some sparkle to your look. They’re a great way to spice up your everyday manicure, or even just to add some bling for a special occasion.

12. Galaxy Design on Short Nails

Galaxy design nails are a unique nail art style that mimics the stars in a galaxy. It's a very popular look right now, so if you're looking for some new ideas and inspiration, this is one of the best nail designs, so let's go and get it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjvyu7RM15c/

Galaxy design nails are a unique nail art style that mimics the stars in a galaxy. It’s a very popular look right now, so if you’re looking for some new ideas and inspiration, this is one of the best nail designs, so let’s go and get it.

13. Neon Green Short Nails

Neon nails are great if you want a bright accent nail or if you just really love bright colors. Green neon polish means you're so fun and energetic. If you are a person who loves the color of nature, give it a shot.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj4z6QbBAQN/

Neon nails are great if you want a bright accent nail or if you just really love bright colors. Green neon polish means you’re so fun and energetic. If you are a person who loves the color of nature, give it a shot.

14. Bat Designs on Short Nails

Bat nails are a great way to add a little something extra to your manicure. They can be done in a number of different ways, from just painting bat wings on nude matte manicure.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjYXOXqMtQr/

Bat nails are a great way to add a little something extra to your manicure. They can be done in a number of different ways, from just painting bat wings on nude matte manicure.

15. Pumpkin Design on Short Nails

If you want to have fun with your nails, pumpkin nail art is amazing for you! Having pumpkin nails is an easy way to get into the Halloween spirit. To spice up your look, you should consider applying it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjXrXxqOnqJ/

If you want to have fun with your nails, pumpkin nail art is amazing for you! Having pumpkin nails is an easy way to get into the Halloween spirit. To spice up your look, you should consider applying it.

16. Vivid Short Nails

Abstract nail design is great way to express yourself through your nails. All you need to do is apply a bright turquoise nail polish and a colorful abstract nail design to your accent nails.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjVFKgAr_s0/

Abstract nail design is great way to express yourself through your nails. All you need to do is apply a bright turquoise nail polish and a colorful abstract nail design to your accent nails.

17. Navy Blue Short Nails

Navy blue glitters are a type of glitter that's very dark and almost looks like it has a hint of black in it. It's a really popular color for people who want to add a little bit of color without going overboard.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjdtUGsujBF/

Navy blue glitters are a type of glitter that’s very dark and almost looks like it has a hint of black in it. It’s a really popular color for people who want to add a little bit of color without going overboard.

18. Breakfast Nail Art on Short Nails

Who doesn't love breakfast? And who wouldn't want to wear a magical little piece of it on their fingers? Paint your nails with honey, bread and orange jam.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjovi5FrO-T/

Who doesn’t love breakfast? And who wouldn’t want to wear a magical little piece of it on their fingers? Paint your nails with honey, bread and orange jam.

19. Colorful Short Nails

Are you ready to shine with colorful nail polishes on your short manicure? The colors of brown, dark yellow, pastel blue and pink are especially great for fall. Plus, golden glitters take these nails to a different level.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj8tMTZKry9/

Are you ready to shine with colorful nail polishes on your short manicure? The colors of brown, dark yellow, pastel blue and pink are especially great for fall. Plus, golden glitters take these nails to a different level.

20. Colorful Gem Designs on Short Nails

Gem nail art is a type of nail art that uses gems as the main component. In the one above, and metallic silver nail polish is applied and then colorful and big gemstones are added on top of them. If you are going to have a party or a special location, this is the one you should get.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj3SBA4JlHY/

Gem nail art is a type of nail art that uses gems as the main component. In the one above, and metallic silver nail polish is applied and then colorful and big gemstones are added on top of them. If you are going to have a party or a special location, this is the one you should get.

21. Short Yellow Nails

Wanna have cool short nails? Then, yellow nails designs are definitely for you. If you're looking for a nail color that goes well with everyday wear, go for this color.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjoHu1eOKtL/

Wanna have cool short nails? Then, yellow nails designs are definitely for you. If you’re looking for a nail color that goes well with everyday wear, go for this color.

22. Short Orange Nails

Orange nails are the new black! Those who want to say
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj9O6qHMyFZ/

Orange nails are the new black! Those who want to say “I’m here and I’m ready to have fun!”. To give it an extra beauty, you can mix orange with burgundy. Swirl nail art and glitters will make you look amazing!

23. Short Purple Nails

Purple nails are a fun way to express your creativity and individuality. They can be used to create a whole new look or as an accent nail, depending on your mood and how much time you want to spend on your nails!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjHyBQusjqR/

Purple nails are a fun way to express your creativity and individuality. They can be used to create a whole new look or as an accent nail, depending on your mood and how much time you want to spend on your nails!

24. Shimmer Short Nails

Shimmer nails are a type of nail polish that has a high-gloss finish and reflects light. Colorful shimmers will give the look of crystals on the nails. You can use them for any occasion, whether it's a wedding or just to go out with your friends!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj8AJaJMI9E/

Shimmer nails are a type of nail polish that has a high-gloss finish and reflects light. Colorful shimmers will give the look of crystals on the nails. You can use them for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding or just to go out with your friends!

25. Short Metallic Green Nails

If you're looking for something that's subtle, but still noticeable, then green metallic nails are the way to go. They're also very durable, so you can rock them for weeks without worrying about chipping or cracking.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj0WoULuPZq/

If you’re looking for something that’s subtle, but still noticeable, then green metallic nails are the way to go. They’re also very durable, so you can rock them for weeks without worrying about chipping or cracking.

26. Stunning Short Blue Nails

Blue glittered nails are always there for you to shine bright like a diamond. To take these nails to a different level, applying a floral nail art for accent nails sounds amazing, doesn't it?
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch_fSvEDlre/

Blue glittered nails are always there for you to shine bright like a diamond. To take these nails to a different level, applying a floral nail art for accent nails sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

27. Evil Eye Design on Short Nails

Evil eye nail art is a style of nail art that has been around for a while, but has recently gone viral. This is a traditional symbol that protects the wearer from harm. So, let's decorate your nails to protect yourself!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci0EqP-u3VY/

Evil eye nail art is a style of nail art that has been around for a while, but has recently gone viral. This is a traditional symbol that protects the wearer from harm. So, let’s decorate your nails to protect yourself!

28. Pink and Purple Short Nails

Pink and purple colors are the perfect combination of feminine and edgy. Pink is a soft, gentle color that's been popular for years. It's just as pretty on your nails as it is in the sky! Purple is a bit more daring than pink, but it can still work for anyone who wants to make a statement.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj-rOOTrqp1/

Pink and purple colors are the perfect combination of feminine and edgy. Pink is a soft, gentle color that’s been popular for years. It’s just as pretty on your nails as it is in the sky! Purple is a bit more daring than pink, but it can still work for anyone who wants to make a statement.

29. Doodles on Short Nails

Doodle nail art is exactly what it sounds like: nail art that is based on doodles. It can be as simple as a little doodle on one nail, or it can be a full-on masterpiece that takes all of your nails!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjvH5L1vZLa/

Doodle nail art is exactly what it sounds like: nail art that is based on doodles. It can be as simple as a little doodle on one nail, or it can be a full-on masterpiece that takes all of your nails!

30. Dark Orange Short Nails

Dark orange nails are a bright, bold way to make a statement. They're perfect if you're looking to add some excitement to your life and show that you don't need to be shy in order to make an impact. Also, some glitters on top of them are amazing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj964uPsGcn/

Dark orange nails are a bright, bold way to make a statement. They’re perfect if you’re looking to add some excitement to your life and show that you don’t need to be shy in order to make an impact. Also, some glitters on top of them are amazing.

31. Holographic Short Nails

Hologram nail art is a technique that creates the appearance of a hologram using nail polish and a special top coat. Your short nails will shine with them.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjoCH80uHSx/

Hologram nail art is a technique that creates the appearance of a hologram using nail polish and a special top coat. Your short nails will shine with them.

32. Nude Matte Short Nails

Nude matte nails are a great way to achieve a natural, polished look. The color is not too bright or dark and has a very natural tone. It's the perfect color for any occasion!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkFsMm-M7mX/

Nude matte nails are a great way to achieve a natural, polished look. The color is not too bright or dark and has a very natural tone. It’s the perfect color for any occasion!

Short nails are really cute! We think you should definitely do it if you like the look. Even if it’s just for a couple weeks, who knows? Maybe you’ll like it and keep it up!

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