16 chic short nail designs for the perfect low-maintenance manicure

Searching for short nail designs? You're in the right place. Spotted all over our social media feeds (and on the hands of countless celebrities), short nails have become the length of choice in-salon. And we can understand why. Practical and chic, this length is far easier to upkeep than the longer alternative.

“Our customers are currently leaning more towards natural beauty trends,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of London nail salon Townhouse, who’s noticed a rise in demand for short nail designs. “Paired with bold colours or nail art, this length can look incredible.”

They’re also extremely versatile. While acrylic nail extensions and coffin nails may give you more room to play with, short nail designs can still showcase intricate nail art, a classic French mani and various finishes liked glazed donut nails and velvet nails.

"Dark reds and blacks look very chic on short nails, but natural pinks and nudes also look beautiful," says Juanita. "We love delicate, negative space nail art and colour pops for designs on short nails, too.” Essentially, anything goes. Ready to go swap out your longer length for short nails?

Bubblegum nudes

When going short nails, you can't go wrong with nude hues. Katy Perry opted for a pastel pink-ish nude that perfectly complements her complexion.

Flower Power

Tiny flowers are a great way to add colour to a natural short nail. Ideal for a spring to summer time mani. Play with colours for a little something extra.

Party Nails

The best part about sprinkler party nails is that if they chip, no one will know, and, you will still look together. Ideal for party or festival season, specially if you're going gel free.

Cherry Blossom

Add adorable cherry nail art to amp up a flat colour. Who says short nails have to be boring?

Chrome Shorties

Chrome French tips are edgy and alternative. If you make them uneven and 3D then you can add extra dimension and character, without going full out. It's quiet, yet full of character.

Pink Glaze

How can you go wrong with a glaze. Make it with a lilac, pink-ish hue and you got yourself an explosion of glossy candy floss for nails.

Rainbow A La French

Have fun with French tip nails by adding a different colour or alternate colour between fingers. If you stick to the same colour family, you can get a nice rainbow gradient.

3D Galaxy Nails

3D nails are all the hype, mix it with galaxy like hues and you got yourself the coolest and trippiest nail art.

Kaleidoscope Crocodile Skin

Crocodile skin nail art might sound a bit… different, but look how cute they look. Disclaimer: No animals where harmed in the making of this fabulous design.

Metal Mirror

Why carry a portable mirror when you can use your nails? These metallic chrome nails are basically mirrors at your finger tips and can make short nails pretty, pretty cool.

Mosaic Nails

Unlike how Kim Kardashian feels about her sister Kourtney, we think that abstract nails are really interesting to look at. Add in a mosaic style design and we're mesmerised.

Micro French

Micro french tips are just razor thin french tips. Since these are there to elongate the nails, it makes more sense to balance the nail length with the actual tips. If in doubt, start thin and build up.

Glazed Donut

You can't go wrong with the nail trend of the year. The good news is that it works on short nails just as well as it does with any other nail shape.

Pastel Sunflowers

Two words. Too cute.

Lipgloss Nails

Tap into the lipgloss nail trend with a super sheer blush pink shade.

Tuxedo French

Dress up a classic French manicure with a tuxedo (aka a stripe of inky black polish).

Micro love hearts

Perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond, ask your nail artist to paint dinky love hearts onto a sheer base.

Abstract Swirls

Get creative with swirly abstract details, as spotted here.

Daisy Details

Not just for spring, add some joy to your nail look with cute daisy details.