11 Short Nail Looks to Embrace This Spring

Short nails are officially living in their 2.0 era. From red carpets to Instagram, the beauty set seems to be fascinated with natural lengths. While it’s true that extensions have a main character quality, shorter manicures can be equally appealing—especially for spring. With the season of renewal on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to give your nails a break and sport a springy short manicure. Fortunately, there is no shortage of inspiration for every kind of nail enthusiast. Bold, punchy colors are a great way to embrace the shades of the season, while prints and designs can have a cool, enticing effect. Regardless of where your heart lies, you have plenty of options. Still, the list below is a great place to begin building your manicure mood board.

Short Nail Looks We’re Bookmarking for Spring

1 / 11

- Advertisement -

Baby French

Short nails don’t have the space for a traditional French tip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still sport the classic design. A baby Frenchie with a micro-fine strip of polish has the same classy effect as the OG design.

2 / 11

Cherry Glaze

Bing cherry shades are more favorable for spring than moody dark hues. Take a cue from this look and opt for a bright red polish with subtle iridescence, then finish with a good top coat for maximum shine.

3 / 11

Micro French Cuffs

It’s clear that this cool trend is going nowhere soon. While it works well on all nail lengths, a shorter set has a clean and sophisticated look. Plus, the silver shade is perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.

4 / 11

Hourglass Nails

This design may have originated on long stiletto and almond nails, but it’s just as stunning on a natural length. For a touch more glamour, place a small rhinestone at the base of the nail and opt for a bold, commanding nail color.

5 / 11

Lilac

Pastel shades are a given come spring. This creamy lilac manicure is a fresh take on the category and delivers a bold look thanks to its opaque and glossy finish.

6 / 11

Leopard Print

If you haven’t hopped on the animal print train yet, spring is the perfect time to do so. The trend embraces a variety of prints, but this leopard one is the perfect balance between nostalgia and modern nail art. Pairing it with short nails only amplifies the intricacies of the design.

7 / 11

Textured Design

You don’t need long nails to create a cool textured manicure. This set uses simple 3D shapes and clear trim to dress up nude nails, and the combination couldn’t be more stunning. Pro tip: Opt for a classic oval shape to emphasize the tactile elements.

8 / 11

Flower Garden

Ditsy floral patterns will always be a staple for spring, but why not go for something a little more chic? Enter this clean and minimal design. It uses pressed flowers to create a garden-like effect with a clear topcoat for just a touch of shine.

9 / 11

Cow Print

If you’ve been searching for an eccentric animal print to get into, it’s time to try cowhide. The eclectic pattern with hints of texture is a cool and refreshing way to embrace the animal print manicure trend and kick off spring.

10 / 11

Baby Pink

Sheer baby pink polishes never disappoint. They’re simple, clean and exude effortless style. Even better? You probably already have a few options on hand to choose from, making it ideal for a quick refresh.

11 / 11

Half Moons

More than an alluring design, half moons prove that there’s no wrong way to rock a French manicure. This crisp white style is contemporary and even easy to DIY.