Short nail designs have been having a moment for the past few years, and it doesn’t seem like they’re going anywhere.
If you’re noticing more and more people with short nails, it’s because they’re just so darn versatile. You can style them any which way and they always look chic. The only problem? Knowing what short nail designs to try can be tricky. And we get it, trust us. We’ve all been there, staring at our stubby little fingers feeling like they just won’t ever be able to reach the level of ~*extra*~ that we see on Instagram.
But fear not! If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to help with 11 of the coolest short nail designs that you can try in 2022. From minimalist designs to playful patterns, we’ve got something for everyone.
10 Trendy Short Nail Designs to Try in 2022
Glitter accent nail
These classic one-color nails get an upgrade with the use of a trendy glitter accent nail! The key to this look is to use a small amount of glitter so that it looks intentional. The nude color keeps your nails looking natural and elegant, while the gold detail gives them just enough glamour. This look is perfect for any occasion!
For this design, paint your nails with a base coat of your favorite color. Next, apply a thin layer of glitter to one nail. Allow the polish to dry completely before adding a top coat.
Daisy nails
These summer nails are perfect for anyone who loves flowers! The daisy design is simple and sweet, and it can be done with any color combination. We recommend using a light color for the base and a brighter color for the daisy centers. You can also add some green leaves if you want to get really creative!
To create this look, start by painting your nails with a light-colored polish. Once the polish is dry, use a dotting tool to create small circles for the daisy centers. Then, use a toothpick or a thin brush to add the petals around the daisy. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish.
Lemonade nails
These bright lemonade nails are super fun and perfect for summer! The key to this look is to use a yellow polish that is opaque enough to cover the entire nail. We also recommend using a white polish for the lemon slices so that they really stand out. Or, you can add the lemon designs on top of a nail with clear polish for a more subtle look.
Paint your nails with two coats of yellow polish. Allow the polish to dry completely before adding the lemon slices. To create the slices, use a dotting tool or a toothpick to make small triangles on the nails. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish.
Related read: A guide to the different types of manicures
Romantic hearts
Love is in the air with these romantic heart nails! This design is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion. You can use any color combination that you like, but we recommend using a light pink polish for the base and a darker pink for the hearts.
To create this look, start by painting your nails with a light pink polish. Once the polish is dry, use a dotting tool or a toothpick to create small hearts on the nails. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish.
Green & beige swirl
We are living for this beige and forest green color combination, and the swirl design makes it even more beautiful! This look is perfect for any season and any occasion. The beige and green colors are perfect for Fall and Winter, but you can also use brighter colors for a Spring or Summer look.
To create this design, paint your nails with two coats of beige polish. Allow the polish to dry completely before adding the green swirls. To create the swirls, use a toothpick or a dotting tool to make small circles on the nails. Then, use a thin brush to draw lines through the circles. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish.
Related read: 9 stunning wedding nail ideas for every bride
Black & pink hearts
These black and pink heart nails are the perfect way to show your feminine side. The hearts are simple and elegant, and they can be done with any color combination. We recommend using a black polish for the base and a bright pink for the hearts. Or, you can do the opposite! You can also add some white stars or other designs if you want to get really creative!
For this look, paint your nails with a black base polish color, leaving your ring fingernails unpainted. You can paint your ring fingers with a light pink or nude polish, or just go over them with a coat of clear polish. Once the polish is dry, use a dotting tool or a toothpick to create small hearts on the ring fingers. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish.
Tropical mint
These mint and white nails with leaf designs are perfect for summer! The tropical leaf design is super simple and can be done with any color combination. We recommend using a mint green polish for the base and a white polish for the leaves. Or, you can use a white polish for the base and a mint green polish for the leaves. It’s up to you!
To create this look, start by painting your nails with a mint green polish. Once the polish is dry, use a dotting tool or a toothpick to create small leaves on the nails. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish.
White flowers
This subtle and romantic white flower nail design is perfect for any occasion. You can use any color combination that you like, but we recommend using a white polish for the flowers and a nude polish for the background. This look is super easy to do and only requires a few simple steps.
To create this look, start by painting your nails with two coats of nude polish. Once the polish is dry, use a dotting tool or a toothpick to create small flowers on the nails. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish.
Related read: 14 Bright summer nails to try this year
Smiley nails
We can’t help but smile when we see these happy and bright nails! This design is perfect for any season and any occasion. You can use any color combination that you like, but we recommend using a nude or clear polish for the base and a bright yellow polish for the smiley faces. This smiley short nail design is super easy to do and only requires a few simple steps.
To create this look, start by painting your nails with two coats of nude or clear polish. Once the polish is dry, use a dotting tool or a toothpick to create small smiley faces on the nails. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish – and there you go!
Reverse French tip
A new twist on the French tip nail design, this reverse French tip is perfect for those who want something a little different. It’s just like the traditional French design, but the tip design is painted at the base of the nail instead of the top. You can use any color combination that you like, but we recommend using a bright-coloured polish for the tips and a nude or light pink polish for the base.
To create this look, start by painting your nails with two coats of nude or light pink polish. Once the polish is dry, use a striping brush or a toothpick to create the tip design at the base of the nails. Finish off the look with a top coat of clear polish – and you’re done!
Some of many short nail designs
These are just a few ideas for short nail designs. If you can’t decide which one to try first, why not experiment with different colors and designs until you find something that you love? There’s no right or wrong way to do it – just have fun!
Ready to get your own short nail designs?
Need help painting your nails? Call on a Wecasa beauty professional today – we’d be happy to help!
Wecasa at-home nail techs can come to your place and give you the perfect manicure or pedicure, at the date and time that conveniences you most! Whether you want gel nail extensions, a classic manicure, or short nail designs done – we can do it all!
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