This post shows you 26 short summer nails you’ll want to recreate!
Summer means it’s time to throw those cozy thick socks and heavy jackets in the back of the closet.
Not to mention the cold day blues.
This means you’ll be flaunting your nails, along with your latest summer outfits.
But wait, does that mean you need to have long nails?
Not at all! Your nails don’t need to be what acrylic dreams are made of.
They can be short and still fab.
So, in this post, we’ll be showing you nail inspos for all our short nail queens out there.
Pops of color, vibrant swirls, and of course, minimalist ideas as well.
Here are 26 short summer nails to recreate.
1. Colorful Gradient Nails
Credit: @_kotono._
With summer comes gorgeous gradient nails.
Imagine nails in colors that emulate the fiery sunset or the ocean waves…
What’s more, gradient nails don’t need long nails to look stunning.
2. Short and Glossy
Credit: @creu_shop
If you want to make a unique splash this summer, here’s a nail set you’ll love: pale pink glossy nails.
It’s the epitome of “cool girl” manicure and goes with just about anything you’ll wear.
Classy and short, why not?
3. Powder Blue and a Star
Credit: @hellonails.es
Here’s a minimalist take on a set you’ll probably wear for 4th of July.
If you’re not into red and navy blue, but want to keep that summer-y 4th of July vibes, then here’s the mani for you!
And yes, minimalist manis are definitely 2024 nails! 😉
4. Animal Print
Credit: @safinailstudio
You don’t need long nails to wear animal print.
We found this and thought you should recreate this for your short nails this summer.
Summer safari trip, anyone?
5. Abstract Nails
Credit: @n_hysd
This one reminds me of those abstract paintings we see in exhibits.
So, let your short nails be the canvas and you, the artist, of course!
6. Blue Swirls
Credit: @bara.hoyle
I usually see this on long nails, but this set is perfect for short nails as you can see.
The shade of blue used here works well as a summer color – lovely and vibrant.
But it’s also muted enough for my short-nail queens who prefer not-so-loud nail art.
7. Coffee Vibes
Credit: @nailmaster_blog
I love this coffee-inspired nail set!
This would match your coffee date outfits.
These short nails are just as stylish and comfy as your cute outfit would be.
8. Ombre French Tips
Credit: @nailalamode
You can have classic French tips and you can have AWESOME French Tips!
I would definitely recreate this set as it’s unique and I’m all for the negative space nails as well.
If you’ve been looking for something unique, this is your best bet.
9. Pretty in Pink Pearl
Credit: @viktoriya.klimovich
Oh, these pink pearl nails are so dainty and sweet.
Glazed nails are a favorite among Hollywood’s young stars, namely Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Kourtney Kardashian.
So, hop on the trend and recreate these glazed beauties for summer!
10. Mismatched Flower Power
Credit: @nonnailartist
If you’re like me who has trouble deciding which nail art to go with, this mani’s for us. 😉
On one hand, cartoon daisies fill the nails.
On the other hand, she did the basic nail polish in bold, dark colors.
11. Sage Green
Credit: @samantharudge.beauty
Summers usually call for vibrant colors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a cool and muted color like sage green.
It’s plain enough to go with almost anything you wear, and that’s the beauty of this nail set!
12. French Tips and Half Moons
Credit: @gelsbybry
There’s so many things going on at once with this mani.
You can see French tips, half moons, dainty florals, and negative space.
And yet, we can file this under “minimalist mani”.
This a perfect example of extra and minimalist at the same time.
13. Summer Flowers
Credit: @_by_shelley
Nothing screams summer more than daisies and sunflowers!
And instead of filling up the entire nail with these cute florals, she decided to go for a French tip vibe instead.
How cool is that?
14. Seaweed and Coral
Credit: @macokwsk
I’m talking about the colors, of course.
Seaweed green and coral are known to be summer colors, so why not combine them in your nail set?
The bold hues are so eye-catching, you’ll be the talk of the pool party. 😉
15. Glazed Nails
Credit: @lilli___nails
Here’s another pink nail inspo, ’cause we can’t have too many, can we?
Chrome nails are just as perfect for short nails as they are for long nails.
And I would definitely go for this set in between nail extensions.
16. Dainty Red Florals
Credit: @nailalamode
You don’t have to shy away from florals if you have short nails.
This minimalist design is the perfect summer nail art that’s not overwhelming at all.
They’re super easy to DIY as well, so you can recreate this at home or easily request at your next salon visit.
17. Playful Dots
Credit: @thehangedit
I love the fun vibes this nail set is giving off.
It’s a cute way to add personality to your nails, and the best part about this?
Of course, you can totally customize the colors if you’re not a huge fan of this palette here.
18. Chrome Nails
Credit: @beautyspace_charlotte
Looking for a bolder take on the glazed nails trend?
Chrome nails will take any nails from basic to BOLD.
This high gloss finish will definitely catch the sunlight, so just imagine flexing these beauties at a pool party.
19. Gradient Dots
Credit: @mani_concept_
If you love the dotted number but want something a little different, here’s a fun twist to the trend.
It’s like ombre, but in dots!
Start out with a dark color at base of your nails, then add a lighter shade of that same color to make this awesome set.
20. Contrasting Squiggles
Credit: @catnailsmanicure
This is such a cute mani to recreate!
The fun squiggles add a pop of personality and just behind the energetic squiggles you have the dripping paint effect in turquoise.
21. Birds of Paradise
Credit: @solovey_nail_art
This summer, you can have this bold and detailed nail set.
And with a super detailed nail art like this, it will surely be a convo starter.
22. Short Pink Beauties
Credit: @creu_shop
Don’t have much time to do your nails?
Just pick your favorite color, like this baby pink hue, and you’ll be done with a fresh set in no time at all.
23. Contrasting Half Moons
Credit: @sheida.bakhshi
This half moon mani is surely making waves (no pun intended!)
With this mani set, pick your summer colors for the base, then make sure that you pick a contrasting color for the half moons.
It’s unique and fun – definitely a must for short summer nails!
24. White Marble
Credit: @negbeautyy
You’ll love this nail set if you love the gradient nails trend.
Short nails are the perfect canvas for this super luxurious nail trend.
I love that she decided to forego the black and stuck to white only.
It’s fresh and classy, plus the swirls in the marble make your short nails appear longer too!
25. Dark Green Marble
Credit: @cristinaccalvo
Of course, if you’re not a fan of plain white, go for bolder colors like this dark green here.
These marble nails are the perfect laid-back mani for summer, but still gives off a sophisticated vibe.
If you want a bolder set, you can opt for gold swirls as well.
26. Neon Squiggles
Credit: @beautybychloemayboyce
And we’re ending this list with the most summer-y of all nail sets: neon squiggles!
I love that she decided to go with a nude base so the neon colors pop out even more.
And that concludes our list of the best summer designs for short nails.
I hope you were to draw inspiration from these beauties for your next mani.
This post showed you 26 short summer nails.
You may also like:
- 25 Short Nail Ideas And Designs That Look Amazing
- 26 Fabulous Summer Nail Ideas To Recreate In 2024
- 28 Spooktacular October Nails You Have To Try For Halloween
- 27 Stunning Lilac Nails Design Ideas You Can Slay
- 26 Turquoise Nails That Are Chic And Trendy
- 28 Green Christmas Nails To Get You In The Holiday Spirit
- 28 Insanely Cute Daisy Nails Designs You Will Obsess Over
Leave a Reply