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Make the most of every millimeter.
The Gist
- Short nails make for a low-maintenance manicure choice, which can be especially appealing for anyone with a stacked summer social calendar.
- While you can absolutely go minimal with your design, you can also have fun with short nails. Ahead, an InStyle writer shares 13 ideas to inspire your next manicure appointment.
Between beach days, weekend getaways, and long hours spent outdoors, a streamlined beauty routine becomes especially appealing during July's hottest stretch. If you're spending more time in the sun, opting for shorter nails can be a practical choice (a broken nail during a tennis match? No thanks). But a shorter manicure doesn't have to mean playing it safe. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with vibrant colors, playful textures, and eye-catching designs that make a statement without the extra length.
Your mini nail look doesn't have to come short on style. "Some designs that are trending are jelly color over velvet cat eye, matted summer colors with 3D dew drops, sheer cotton candy pink with opal and glaze, and gradient colors," says Evelyn Lim, chief educator at MiniLuxe's Paintbox studio.
Meet Our Expert
- Evelyn Lim, chief educator at MiniLuxe's Paintbox studio
Ahead, explore 13 stylish nail looks that prove short nails can be just as impactful as their longer counterparts.
01 of 13
Mellow Yellow
Whether you have a free edge or working with a barely-there nail bed, bright colors are a surefire way to make a statement. You can play with different tones (including butter yellow), color-blocking, and negative space.
02 of 13
Strawberry Jam
You deserve a sweet treat for your fingertips, so why not indulge in this whimsical take on strawberry fruit decals? The jelly texture makes this look all the more delectable.
03 of 13
So Hypnotic
With Pucci having its moment this summer, now's the perfect time to take a page from the label's styling playbook and experiment with abstract swirls. When it comes to color, the brighter, the better.
04 of 13
Summer Night Blues
"Squavol is a popular shape this season," says Lim. "[They are] shorter, suited for [a] more active lifestyle with rounded corners for a modern shape." This look is finished off with a cool summer blue, reminiscent of the seas and skies.
05 of 13
South Beach Stripes
Elicit the distinctive pink motifs of South Beach, Miami with this short and cute design. These candy-like nails truly look good enough to eat.
06 of 13
Milk Bath
Imagine spending a day picking gorgeous, fresh summer flowers, and then going home to your cottage and pressing them to keep forever. Borrow that aesthetic for your next nail adventure with this pressed flower set on a milky base.
07 of 13
Neon Flowers
For those that want florals but are more into dance clubs then scrapbook clubs, these neons are for you.
08 of 13
Fairy Garden
If you're anything like me, then your summer bucket list involves creating a fairy garden in your backyard with any cute trinkets you might have lying around. Bring that hobby to your nail set as well with designs so cute that the Smurfs will want to set up shop on your fingers.
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Marbles in the Park
For those looking to get extra creative this summer, try a marble nail design on for size.
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Butterfly Effects
If you wnat to show off your summer colors, but still want to keep it cool and casual, try these cute butterfly designs. Small enough to fit on short nails, these little insects can be done in any bright or muted color you desire.
11 of 13
Flamingo Friends
Manifest a summer by the Las Vegas poolside with these fun designs. Add polka dots, sparkles and chrome powder to each nail for some extra pizzazz.
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Dots and Spots
Lim said that this season is all about gradients, and we are here for it. This short and sweet design is an eye-catcher.
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Disco Disco
In honor of those having a Mamma Mia summer, bring back the disco era with these mirror ball nails, complete with silver shimmer and sparkle.
Read the original article on InStyle
