Long nails may be all the rage right now with celebrities like Hailey Bieber always seen sporting them, but there’s definitely still space for short nails to have their moment. As stars like Sofia Richie Grainge can attest, short nails can be just as elegant and chic as their lengthier counterparts. If you work a lot with your hands, short nails present far more of a practical option than long talons, plus they work well with a more natural beauty look, if that’s your aesthetic.
Regardless of your nail length, maintaining strong, healthy nails will always enhance any design. “Cuticle oil will be your best friend, as it will keep your nails in a healthy condition which will in turn help to strengthen and maintain your desired nail length,” says nail artist Faye Louise Dennis, who recommends the Elim Cuticle MD, an antibacterial cuticle rescue with a blend of ten oils to keep the cuticles in peak condition.
With that in mind, here is Vogue’s guide to some of the best designs for short nails.
The micro French
While it’s not about trying to make your nail length look longer, anything that makes your nail bed appear elongated will only add to the elegance. “I always recommend designs that will elongate your natural nails to give the effect of longer nail beds,” says Dennis. “Opting for a micro French manicure over a thicker tip, or having some fun with a reverse French tip where the line kisses your cuticles is a great design to have some fun with colour.”
Lunula art
The lunula, the visible white half-moon area on every nail, can be a great feature to incorporate in shorter nail designs as it works on everyone. “Lunula nail art on short nails can be super complementary and doesn’t need length to be achievable,” says Dennis, who suggests incorporating either an outline of the lunula or a full colour block of the natural nail against a coloured lunula. “You can also experiment with reflective glitters or pastel shades,” she adds.
Lavender nails
Forget blueberry milk and butter, lavender is the latest pretty pastel set to adorn nails this summer. “Lavender nails are definitely having a moment,” says Dennis. “A subtle hint of a sheer, milky purple will be a huge hit this summer. My favourite shade is Fluttering Lavender by BioSculpture. This can be introduced either by a more classic French tip or if you are feeling more playful, some pastel florals.”
Micro art
One of the great things about having shorter nails is playing with delicate artwork that could otherwise get lost on longer lengths. Embrace the trend for microfine designs and opt for suitably summery motifs like wispy floral garlands and evil eyes. If you like your nail shape natural or even slightly squared off at the top, then there’s even more scope to use the free edge as part of your design.
Mix and match
There’s something about well prepped short nails that means they nearly always look chic, so you can get away with most things. Case in point: mixing and matching block colours with detailed designs. If you’re worried about it looking too chaotic, you needn’t be. Although there are no rules when it comes to what adorns your fingertips, the shorter length somehow grounds things, making it seem more considered and a little less haphazard. As for what to mix and match, take your pick. Use one colour to continue the theme throughout and incorporate designs using that shade, or opt for contrasting colours altogether.
