If you’ve got short nails like me, finding inspo for your next manicure can be tough because the majority of trending nail designs focus on long nails. So I decided to do a solid for all the short nail girlies out there and spent hours scouring through nail artists’ IGs—all to create this list of the 18 best designs for short nails.
Whether you’re taking a break from gel acrylics or you’re simply a short-nail devotee through and through, I’ve got you covered with all the best manicure ideas, including new takes on jelly nails and pastel nails. And just because the canvas is smaller doesn’t mean the nail art can’t be just as stunning—it’s all about choosing the right nail art to complement your length! Keep scrolling for the best short nail designs of 2025 to show your manicurist at your next salon visit.
1. 3D Nails
Proof that short nails can hop on the 3D nail trend. This multi-pattern set is sooo cute, and I especially love the sculptural bubbles.
2. Snakeskin Nails
Of all the animal print trends out there, snakeskin nails hold a special place in my heart. A sheer base coat with any monochrome shade is so easy to execute and pull off.
3. Soft Ombré Nails
Since you’re working with less space, an ombré nail that goes from a light to a dark shade of the same color is ideal. It doesn’t look too drastic, and you’ll have just enough space to blend the two colors together.
4. Gemstone Nails
Next time I visit my nail tech, I *will* be asking for these gemstone nails. Who needs jewelry when you have these beauties adorning your nails?! I looove the metallic outline coupled with the colorful bejeweled center.
5. Plaid Nails
Isn’t this just the most gorgeous plaid manicure you’ve ever seen?! And you definitely don’t need long claws to pull off the design.
6. Double French Nails
Because two French strokes are better than one! And this double-line pattern actually gives the illusion of a longer nail.
7. Colorful Polka Dot Nails
These two-toned polka dots are everything, and I will be recreating them for my first summer mani come June. I love the mismatched vibe for a fun addition to my fingers.
8. Olive Nails
Olives don’t only belong in dirty martinis and charcuterie boards...they make the cutest decals on short nails too people.
9. Butter Yellow Nails
You can never go wrong with a soft yellow mani. Give it a try with two coats of Essie in Sunny Business or OPI in Bee-hind The Scenes.
10. Maroon Multi-Design Nails
This fun French/snakeskin/flower set would look so chic on any nail length.
11. Minimalist Nails
I love a simple manicure when I need a break from all the patterns, and a pinkish-nude shade looks especially sleek on a clean set of short nails. You can get the same finish with Essie in Ballet Slippers or Olive & June in CCT.
12. Mermaid Nails
Emblazon your nails with shells, stars, pearls, and all the mermaid-core things this summer.
13. Sheer Glitter Nails
You can never go wrong with an allover glitter nail look, and the super-fine specs make this mani look extra dazzling.
14. Bejeweled Nails
Adding some small jewels atop a plain coat is the perf way to amp up any manicure. Plus, these tiny decals are ideal for smaller nails.
15. Reverse French Nails
Don’t have much space on the tip of the nail to work with? No prob! These two-toned reverse French nails make the nails look a lot longer than they are, and you need minimal nail real estate to pull ’em off.
16. Sheer Heart Nails
No matter the nail length, a clear coat with a cutie lil heart design never fails.
17. Multi-Color Nails
This is probably one of the easiest manis to pull off—no professional skills necessary. Simply choose your fave color, get five variations of it, and deck out your nails in a gradual ombré.
18. Decal Nails
Two coats of a nude shade + nail stickers = the simplest yet chicest fingers out there.
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers any type of nail trend or nail color out there. She’s interviewed celebrity nail artists, and her entire Instagram Explore page is flooded with manicures (no joke). As a short nail girl, she’s had years of experience finding the best nail designs for her nail shape, and she spent hours researching the best trends and patterns for short nails for this story.
Jasmine Hyman
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
