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We love long nails as much as the next person, but when it comes to long days spent having fun in the summer sun, short nails often make more sense. After all, tying anklets, buckling sandals, hanging volleyballs, and doing just about anything practical outside is much easier with less length at the ends.
Of course, some confuse short nails with boring nails because there isn’t as much space for nail art. In reality, short nails can be bright, fun and stylish. To prove it, we chatted with a few nail artists to determine the best short summer nail ideas to copy in the months to come. Check them out below.
Nails unsuitable for pastel skittles
@thehangedit
Jelly nail art is always a good idea for summer. If you prefer more muted shades, try recreating this pastel look from Nailing Hollywood nail artist Hang Nguyen. “Hang is an innovator when it comes to simplifying DIY nail art, so many of her looks can be recreated with the tools you have at home,” says Mazz Hanna, manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. “The eyes of the smiley face can be recreated using a toothpick.”
Short Pastel Jelly Squiggle Summer Nails
@thehangedit
Love the idea of a jelly manicure for summer, but want to lean into the vibrant shades of the season? Recreate this Nguyen look. She created it with a coat of colorful jelly polish on each nail, with a white squiggle from cuticle to tip.
Short Coral Ombre Summer Nails
@lauradidmynails
Coral (or peach) is one of the most popular colors for summer 2024. Bring it to the forefront on your nails with an ombre application. “Use a makeup sponge to create the ombre fade and add gold stars for a touch of sparkle,” says Hollywood Nailing Artist Laura Malarkey, who created this look.
Rhinestone Tips
@thehangedit
Rhinestones are an easy way to jazz up any manicure, whether it’s light or solid colored. According to Hanna, Nguyen created this look using “broken pieces of colorful seashells and pieces of holographic foil.” You can create a similar look using the Belleboost Crystal Nail Art Rhinestone Kit ($10). “The tool she uses to pick up nail art pieces is a rhinestone picker ($9); they are very useful for looks that use 3D embellishments,” adds Hanna.
Tie-dye nails
@lauradidmynails
Tie-dye is one of summer’s most creative hobbies, making it a solid source of inspiration for your short summer manicure. “Paint three lines directly next to each other and, while the polish is still wet, drag a nail art brush or toothpick dipped in polish remover directly across the three lines in alternating directions,” explains Malarkey.
French Tips for Pastel Color Blocks
@lauradidmynails
Can’t choose one or two colors? Use all your favorites in a color-block French manicure. “Swipe both sides of your French in one straight stroke, using a different color each time,” says Malarkey.
Pink Swirl Floral Nails
@thehangedit
Hot pink is one of the hottest colors of summer, so this short pink floral manicure is a must-have in our book. “Hang created this look using just the bottle brush and a cotton swab,” reveals Hanna. “First, paint wavy swirls randomly using the brush from your polish bottle, then, using a cotton swab, create flowers on each nail in a different shade of pink. ”
Blue heart nail shades
@thehangedit
For a short, monochrome summer look, opt for shades of blue, like Nguyen did here. “Cool-toned manicures, such as pastel blue, royal blue and navy blue, are perfect for summer because they bring a feeling of calm and cool and have a visually refreshing effect, ideal during the hot summer months. “summer,” says Hanna. As for heart nail art? It is easy to DIY with a dotting tool.
Pastel Neon Abstract Short Summer Nails
@lauradidmynails
“Get creative with shapes and make each nail a little different; the result is unique and abstract (and super simple),” says Malarkey.
Negative Space Blue Check Wave Mani
@thehangedit
Speaking of blue, how stunning is this negative space blue tile wave manicure? Considering the details, it is best recreated in a living room.
Pink and orange daisy nails
@thehangedit
Here we have a super simple short summer manicure. Start with a clear glitter base, then use a dotting tool to create white daisies with pink and orange centers. “Florals are the perfect trend for transitioning from late spring to early summer,” says Hanna. “It’s popular every year for good reason.”
Nude Smiley Nails
@lauradidmynails
An easy way to spruce up a short, neutral manicure is to use smiley face nail art. “Use a dotting tool or toothpick to create the circles, eyes, and smile lines,” says Malarkey.
Short Blue and White Floral Nails
@thehangedit
Staying true to the floral trend, check out this blue daisy manicure. The easiest way to recreate the flowers described is to etch a daisy with a large dotting tool dipped in white varnish, then cover it with a smaller dotting tool dipped in blue. Our suggestion? Use the Lights Lacquer Dotting Tool Kit ($13).
Metallic Rainbow Triangle Nails
@lauradidmynails
Disco nails have been all the rage in 2024, often being applied in bursts of silver or solid color. However, this take uses all the colors of the rainbow. “This one takes a little more time but the result is really cool,” says Malarkey. “Place individual glitter shapes in wet polish using a placement tool or toothpick, in neat rows (or in a circular pattern). Make sure to apply a few coats of top coat on top to even it out and seal it.
Marguerite Marine Nails
@thehangedit
A short and easy summer manicure? A solid navy blue base topped with vibrant white daisies.
Cherry Apple Red Swirl Nails
@lauradidmynails
Red nail polish is a classic all year round but especially for summer. “Choose the brightest red you have and get ready for this red nail theory madness,” says Malarkey.
Blue Tide Nails
@lauradidmynails
If you’re a fan of seasonal nail art, consider copying this beach design from Malarkey. “Paint about half the nail with ocean blue polish, then while it’s still wet, gently lay thin wavy lines of white polish diagonally down the nail and at the edge of the blue, to create the foam at the crest of the wave,” she orders.
Short Blue and Pink Snakeskin Summer Nails
@nails_by__bridgett
Snakeskin nails continue to flood our feeds, so it’s no surprise that this version in summery shades of pink and blue stopped us in our tracks. Bring this photo to your next appointment to recreate the look perfectly.
Negative space nature nails
@thehangedit
Want all the adventures in nature that await you this summer? Pay homage to this notion on your nails. Leaf and ladybug nail art will do the trick.
Shimmery Pink and Orange Gradient Nails
@nails_by__bridgett
We love the spicy side of this shimmering pink and orange ombré. To recreate it, start with a creamy pink and orange gradient base and top it off with chrome powder and a top coat.
Mismatched Pink and Orange Nails
@nails_by__bridgett
Speaking of pink and orange, here’s an adorable mismatched manicure that we’d happily wear all summer long. Checkers, flowers, whirlwinds: what more could you ask for?
Pretty in Pink Skittle Mani
@nails_by__bridgett
Finally, we have this pink Skittle manicure. If you have just one favorite color, apply a different shade to each nail for a fun gradient effect.
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