While there is unapologetically appealing to having long manicured nails, short nails are far more convenient during the summer filled with activities that require the use of hands like driving, cooking, cycling and volleying as they are easier to manage. Like my friend Lisa always says, short nails are far more practical when there’s a lot of hands-on work to do and only tipped nails get in the way. It is also quite common to misunderstand short nails for lackluster and mundane fingers devoid of nail art however, nail polish and stickers work well on short nails too due to the versatility they offer.
So, do not be surprised to know that it’s easier to create vibrant designs with just a little creativity and the right inspiration as long nails are starkly brighter, funner, and trendier. Mazz Hanna and laura malarkey are prop-free glamour magicians, who have styled jawdropping elegant nails for short and long fingers.
Mark your calendars for the next manicure session because I already have the 25 suggestions that include bold and playful designs tailored for the summer sun that are bound to inspire you.
Pink and Orange Gradient
The shimmery pink and orange combination brings to mind the memories of the season’s bright colors like beautiful sunsets, sorbet ice cream and cocktails. To recreate it, paint half of your nails in pink with the other half in orange. Pink and orange have amazing association with summer. For the middle nail, use a small brush to create an orange and pink divide. Remember to chrome powder at the end.
A Candy Manicure
Why settle for one color when you can choose ten? Reminiscent of bright colored candy, this multicolored manicure ranges from pink, purple, orange, green, and blue. The assortment of colors manages to look coordinated because they have the same brightness and opacity level.
Pastel Jelly Squiggle Nails
Are bold summer colors your vibe? Recreate this jelly mani inspired by summer’s vibrant shades. Nguyen created this look by applying jelly polish to the entire nail and adding a white squiggle from cuticle to tip.
Lemonade Stand
Nails inspired by lemons are quintessentially summer, whether they remind you of childhood lemonade stands or a trip to the Amalfi coast. This stunning look showcases pale nude as the base color, baby blue for the French tips and accent nails, alongside 3D lemon designs, and sweet summer florals.
Picnic Manicure
Picnics are absolutely one of my favorite summer activities, and their beauty is a great source of inspiration. This look features picnic blanket inspired gingham French tips, alongside gingham fruit accents.
Delicate Flowers
For those looking to add some flair to a basic neutral short manicure, adding florals can be a great idea. This relaxing manicure contains flowers of all types on a light green canvas. It surely boosts the brightness of any attire.
Flower French Tips
Try small summer nails with bold pale pink polish and floral decals that also function as french tips. Explore the wide range of accent colors like yellow, pink, and purple.
Pastel Color Block French Tips
Can’t make up your mind with one or two colors? Go ahead and incorporate all your favorites with this color-block French mani. “Swipe down both sides of your French in one straight stroke, using a different color every time,” Malarkey explains.
Bold Blue
You don’t have to use complicated details in any design for it to be catchy; this periwinkle color is stunning all by itself.
Pastel Skittle Mismatch Nails
Summer is the best time for jelly nail art. If you like softer colors, try to recreate this look by nailling Hollywood’s hang Nguyen. “Hang is an innovator when it comes to making DIY nail art simple, so many of her looks can be recreated with tools you have at home,” says Hanna. “The eyes for the smiley face can be recreated using a toothpick.”
Pink Swirl Floral Nails
This hot pink floral nail design is one of our favorites, since hot pink is a must have summer color. For Hanna, the easyness of this look was astounding. “Hang created this look using only the brush from the bottle and a Q-tip.” The step is simple: paint on the wavy swirls randomly and then create flowers on each nail in a different shade of pink using a Q-tip.
Shades of Blue Heart Nails
In case you were looking for a warmer wanicure, Nguyen has you covered with this shade of blue monochrome set. “Cool toned manicure options like pastel blue, royal blue or navy blue are perfect for summer as they provide soothing and refreshing visuals which are ideal during hot months,” Hanna explains. As for the heart nail art? That can be made very easily with a dotting tool.
Pink and Orange Daisy Nails
Now it’s time for an easy and quick summer mani. To start, apply a clear glitter polish and put a clear coat. After that, use a dotting tool to make white daisies with orange and pink centers. “Florals are the perfect nail trend for the transition from late spring to early summer,” says Hanna. “It’s popular every year for a good reason.”
Rhinestone Tips
You can easily elevate any manicure, clear or solid, with rhinestones. “For this look, Nguyen made it using shattered colorful shells and holographic foil pieces,” Hanna said. You could create something similar with the Belleboost Crystal Nail Art Rhinestones Kit. “The tool she is using to pick up the nail art pieces is called a rhinestone picker; they are very handy for 3D embellishments.”
Blue Blobs
The blue shades and abstract prints make these (somewhat) short nails look like the top view of a swimming pool. Can you get more summer than that? We get the feeling that looking at these nails is enough to make anyone want to dive in.
Pearl
Pearly white chrome manicure is particularly well paired with tanned glowing skin in summer, but is timeless. This season makes a lot of sense if you’re in your bridal era.
Rainbow Sherbet
Scoop of rainbow sherbet ice cream? Nope, just this brilliant combination of orange, peach, and mint colors in diffused design. It’s quintessentially summer, especially on short nails, and looks absolutely delicious. Use the clean side of a makeup sponge and your favorite shades of nail polish to recreate the look.
Cherry Apple Red Swirls
Malarkey suggests, “pick the brightest red you have and get prepared for that red nail theory madness,” and the bright red nail polish is not going anywhere this summer.
Beach Nails
And what screams summery more than a beach-themed manicure? An aquamarine wash with color white stab complemented with multi-color starfish over a pale pink base coat.
Blue Tide Nail
For fans of seasonal nails, this would be perfect to replicate the Malarkey creation. “Polish about half of the nail with an oceany blue polish and while that is still wet, carefully place thin diagonal white wavy lines across the middle going down and at the edge of blue to represent the crest foam of the wave,” she explains.
Negative Space Blue Check Wave Mani
How stunning is the Negative Space Blue Check Wave Mani? Even with the detail involved, it is best recreated at a salon and if blue isn’t your jam, pink or green shades would be just as stunning, too.
Blue and White Short Floral Nails
Embracing the floral vibe? You’ll love this blue daisy manicure! To nail those outlined flowers, start by using a large dotting tool dipped in white polish to create the base daisy shape. Then, take a smaller dotting tool with blue polish to add details. We recommend the Lights Lacquer Dotting Tool Kit for a perfect finish!
Blue and Pink Snakeskin Nails
Snakeskin nails are all the rage, and we were instantly captivated by this stunning matte neon green version. To get this eye-catching look at your next nail appointment, just show them this picture!
Tie-Dye Nails
Tie-dye is the perfect way to unleash your creativity this summer, and it can inspire a fun and vibrant look for your short summer manicure. As Malarkey suggests, you can create this effect by painting three lines closely together and, while the polish is still wet, gently drag a nail art brush or a toothpick dipped in polish remover through the lines in alternating directions. If you’d prefer a professional touch, consider booking an appointment with your nail technician to achieve this trendy style.
