Sure, long nails are elegant, but they aren't exactly practical. And when we're spending our days out in nature—at the beach, sitting in the grass, lounging by a tree—there's nothing worse than dirt and gunk accumulating under those lengthy talons. That's why come summer, we often opt for shorter styles. But that doesn't mean we're stuck with simple single-color manicures. After all, short doesn't mean boring. Need proof? Scroll on for 12 of our favorite short nail designs to rock this June and beyond.
01 Neon Flowers
Looking for an easy manicure that will receive endless compliments? Use a dotting tool or decals to cover a short, neutral manicure with bright, neon flowers. It's like dopamine dressing for your fingers.
Looking for an easy manicure that will receive endless compliments? Use a dotting tool or decals to cover a short, neutral manicure with bright, neon flowers. It's like dopamine dressing for your fingers.
02 Lime Wire
Nail pros say that jelly finishes will be big this summer (and in June specifically), and our feeds have been flooded with fruity nail art. Combine the two for the ultimate of-the-moment mani.
03 Double French
If a basic French manicure feels overdone, take a new approach to an old classic and try a double French tip. It works on any length and allows you to play with color.
04 Sherbert Nails
These dreamy summer hues have us thinking about hot days at the beach and melting popsicles. And you'd never guess how easy the design is to DIY: Simply add a few drops of each color onto the edge of a makeup wedge, arrange them in a slightly overlapping fashion, and blot on the nail. Seriously, that's it.
05 Cherry on Top
A very cherry manicure like this one—complete with a subtle ombré nude base color—is equal parts on-trend, adorable, and delicious.
06 Lemon Squiggles
We love any nail art that's easy to recreate but still packs a punch, and this lemon squiggle design fits the bill perfectly. The key to nailing the negative space effect here is using a base color that is as close to your skin tone as possible. Once dry, lightly outline the swirls with a tiny detail brush, slowly building up the thickness until you get the desired effect.
07 Pink Skies
There's so much to love about this Sailor Moon-inspired mani: the stars, the glitter, the half-moon designs. While the illustrations require some nail art skills, you can easily capture the spirit of this manicure with a chunky glitter top coat over a shimmery base.
There's so much to love about this Sailor Moon-inspired mani: the stars, the glitter, the half-moon designs. While the illustrations require some nail art skills, you can easily capture the spirit of this manicure with a chunky glitter top coat over a shimmery base.
08 Melted Rainbow
09 Rainbow Ombré
Another low-lift but high-impact Pride manicure, all you need are rainbow polishes, makeup wedges, and a little patience to recreate this set. A glittery top coat adds a party-ready touch.
Another low-lift but high-impact Pride manicure, all you need are rainbow polishes, makeup wedges, and a little patience to recreate this set. A glittery top coat adds a party-ready touch.
10 Pastel Swirls
Girlie swirly summer? Say no more. These pastel swirls are too cute—and can easily be recreated with any six polish shades. Play up the femininity with pinks and purples, or go for something more subdued with nudes.
11 Emoji Nails
Who says emojis are just for iMessage? Layer your most used emojis on top of a bold glitter base for a manicure that looks as good IRL as it does via URL.
12 Blushing Aura
Bring the good vibes with a blushing aura manicure. The ombré-like halo effect imparts a dreamy vibe, while the starry decals set the mood perfectly.
Read also: Top 14 tropical manicure trends 2024