23 Trendy Short Nail Ideas: French Tips, Summer Colors and More

Short nails are making a significant comeback, proving that you don’t need long nails to make a stylish statement. Whether you’re a busy professional or simply prefer the low-maintenance appeal of short nails, there are plenty of trendy and chic options to explore. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting shorties nails ideas for 2024, featuring detailed descriptions and practical tips for achieving each look at home.

Leopard Print and Coral Accent

These nails feature a fun combination of leopard print and coral accents, creating a bold and playful look. The mix of animal prints with solid coral and pink stripes adds an eye-catching and trendy touch to your shorties nails.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
• Coral nail polish (e.g., OPI Cajun Shrimp)
• Black nail polish for leopard spots
• Thin nail art brush
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with nude pink polish.
3. Use a thin brush to add coral stripes and leopard spots.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Dreamy Pastel Swirls

These pastel nails feature swirling designs in shades of purple, blue, and green, creating a dreamy and ethereal look. The abstract patterns and soft colors make these nails perfect for spring and summer.

Consumables Needed:

• Pastel purple nail polish (e.g., Essie Lilacism)
• Pastel blue nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Breezy Blue)
• Pastel green nail polish (e.g., OPI That’s Hula-rious!)
• Thin nail art brush
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with pastel colors.
3. Use a thin brush to create swirling designs with different pastel shades.
4. Finish with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Holographic Purple Shine

These nails feature a stunning holographic purple polish, creating a mesmerizing and bling effect. The vibrant purple shade and holographic finish make these nails perfect for making a statement.

Consumables Needed:

• Holographic purple nail polish (e.g., ILNP Mega (X))
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint nails with two coats of holographic purple polish.
3. Finish with a top coat to enhance the shine.

Neon French Tips

This design features neon French tips in various colors, creating a fun and vibrant look. The mix of bright summer colors against a nude base is perfect for a playful and trendy manicure.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
• Neon nail polishes (e.g., China Glaze Celtic Sun, Essie Pink About It)
• Thin nail art brush
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint nails with nude polish.
3. Use a thin brush to add neon tips to each nail.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Colorful Animal Print

These nails feature a colorful animal print design with bright neon spots against a nude base. The mix of solid color neon accents and animal prints creates a fun and bold look.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
• Neon nail polishes (e.g., China Glaze Pool Party, Essie Lime Time)
• Thin nail art brush
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint nails with nude polish.
3. Use a thin brush to add colorful animal print spots on each nail.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design.

Delicate Yellow French Tips

This elegant nail design features a modern twist on the classic French manicure with delicate yellow tips and a beautiful floral accent nail. The combination of nude pink and yellow creates a fresh and sophisticated look, perfect for spring and summer.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
• Yellow nail polish for tips (e.g., Essie Sunny Business)
• Floral nail art stickers or embellishments
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of nude pink polish.
3. Use a thin brush to paint yellow tips on each nail.
4. Apply floral stickers or embellishments to the accent nail.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect the design.

Vibrant Yellow with Playful Accents

These vibrant yellow nails are a true showstopper, featuring playful accent designs with animal prints and colorful patterns. The bold color and detailed artwork make these nails perfect for someone who loves to stand out.

Consumables Needed:

• Bright yellow nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Happy Go Lucky)
• Nail art pens or brushes for detailed designs
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Start with a base coat on all nails.
2. Apply two coats of yellow polish.
3. Use nail art pens to create detailed accent designs on selected nails.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the artwork.

Mint Green Delight

Soft and soothing, these mint green nails with delicate floral accents are a perfect example of spring elegance. The combination of nude pink and mint green is perfect for spring, offering a subtle yet stylish appearance.

Consumables Needed:

• Mint green nail polish (e.g., Essie Mint Candy Apple)
• White nail polish for floral design
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of mint green polish.
3. Use a thin brush to add white floral accents to the ring finger.
4. Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Blush Pink with Holographic Sparkle

These nails are a dreamy combination of blush pink and holographic glitter, perfect for a birthday or any special occasion. The solid color base is elevated by the sparkling accents, making them eye-catching and glamorous.

Consumables Needed:

• Blush pink nail polish (e.g., Zoya Rue)
• Holographic glitter polish
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint your nails with blush pink polish.
3. Add a layer of holographic glitter polish on accent nails.
4. Finish with a top coat.

Multi-Colored French Tips

A modern take on the French manicure, these nails feature multi-colored tips against a nude base. The solid color tips in vibrant hues make this design playful and perfect for any season.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
• Various colored polishes for the tips
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat.
2. Paint your nails with nude polish.
3. Use a thin brush to add colorful tips.
4. Seal with a top coat.

Abstract Waves in Blue and Orange

These nails feature an abstract wave design in blue and orange, creating a bold and artistic look. The vibrant color combination stands out beautifully against the nude base, making this design perfect for those who love a unique and eye-catching style.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
• Blue nail polish (e.g., OPI My Pal Joey)
• Orange nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Orange Zest)
• Nail art brushes
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of nude polish.
3. Use a thin brush to create abstract wave designs with blue and orange polish on each nail.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect and seal the design.

Bold Leopard Print with Matte White

This chic nail design combines bold pink leopard print with a matte white finish, creating a striking contrast. The playful Hello Kitty inspired leopard spots add a touch of fun and personality to the otherwise sleek and modern look.

Consumables Needed:

• Matte white nail polish (e.g., Zoya Purity with matte top coat)
• Pink nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Pink Voltage)
• Nail art brush for leopard print
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of matte white polish.
3. Use a nail art brush to create pink leopard spots on accent nails.
4. Finish with a matte top coat to seal the design.

Bright Yellow with Animal Print Accent

These nails are a vibrant and cheerful combination of bright yellow and black-and-white animal print accents. The solid color yellow nails are perfect for summer, while the animal print adds a trendy and stylish touch.

Consumables Needed:

• Bright yellow nail polish (e.g., Essie Hay There)
• Black and white nail polish for animal print (e.g., Sally Hansen Hard As Nails in Black Out and White On)
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of yellow polish.
3. Use a thin brush to create black and white animal print on accent nails.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect the design.

Floral and Blinged-Out Elegance

These nails are a stunning mix of pink and mint green with floral and rhinestone accents. The bling and intricate flower designs make this manicure perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of glamour to your look.

Consumables Needed:

• Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Mod About You)
• Mint green nail polish (e.g., Essie Mint Candy Apple)
• Rhinestones and floral nail art stickers
• Nail glue
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with a combination of pink and mint green polish.
3. Use nail glue to apply rhinestones and floral stickers to accent nails.
4. Finish with a top coat to secure the embellishments.

Rainbow French Tips

A fun and colorful twist on the classic French manicure, these nails feature rainbow-colored tips. This playful and vibrant design is perfect for summer and adds a cheerful pop of color to your look.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
• Various rainbow-colored nail polishes (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Cherry Fast, Orange Zest, Go for Gold, Lickety Split Lime, Set Sail, and Pink Blink)
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with nude polish.
3. Use a thin brush to add colorful tips in a rainbow pattern.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design.

Pink and Peach Gradient Nails

These nails feature a delightful gradient from peach to pink, with some accent nails showcasing a combination of both colors. The summer colors make this design perfect for sunny days, offering a fresh and vibrant look.

Consumables Needed:

• Peach nail polish (e.g., Essie Peach Side Babe)
• Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Pink Flamenco)
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint some nails with peach polish and others with pink.
3. For accent nails, use a sponge to create a gradient effect with both colors.
4. Finish with a top coat to blend the colors and protect the design.

Shimmery Yellow with Cherry Accents

These nails are a sweet and playful combination of shimmery yellow polish with cute cherry accents. The soft yellow solid color with a hint of glitter is perfect for a fresh and fun look.

Consumables Needed:

• Shimmery yellow nail polish (e.g., Zoya Daisy)
• Red and green nail polish for cherry designs
• Nail art brush
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of shimmery yellow polish.
3. Use a thin brush to draw small cherries on accent nails with red and green polish.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Mint Green Simplicity

These nails are all about simplicity and elegance with a solid mint green color. The fresh, cool tone of the mint green is perfect for any season, adding a touch of sophistication to your look.

Consumables Needed:

• Mint green nail polish (e.g., Essie Mint Candy Apple)
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of mint green polish.
3. Finish with a top coat to add shine and durability.

Classic Red French Tips

This design offers a sophisticated twist on the classic French manicure with deep red tips. The solid color red tips against a nude base create a striking and elegant look, perfect for any occasion.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
• Red nail polish for tips (e.g., Essie Bordeaux)
• Nail tape or guides
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with two coats of nude polish.
3. Use nail tape to create clean red tips.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect the design.

Matte French Tips

These nails feature a matte version of the classic French manicure. The matte finish gives a modern and chic twist to the traditional look, making it perfect for any stylish individual.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude matte nail polish (e.g., Zoya Matte Velvet in Dovima)
• White matte nail polish for tips
• Nail tape or guides
• Base coat
• Matte top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint the nails with nude matte polish.
3. Use nail tape to create clean white tips.
4. Finish with a matte top coat to complete the look.

Pink French with Glitter Accents

These nails feature a pink French tip with glitter accents and tiny white flowers, adding a delicate and feminine touch to the classic design.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
• Pink glitter nail polish
• White nail polish for flowers
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint nails with nude pink polish.
3. Use a thin brush to add pink glitter tips.
4. Add tiny white flowers with a detail brush.
5. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Deep Purple Shine

These nails feature a rich, purple shade with a glossy finish, making them perfect for an elegant and sophisticated look.

Consumables Needed:

• Purple nail polish (e.g., OPI Do You Have this Color in Stock-holm?)
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint nails with two coats of purple polish.
3. Finish with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Neon and Zebra Combo

This bold design combines neon green, pink, and zebra stripes for a fun and eye-catching look. Perfect for summer, these nails are sure to turn heads.

Consumables Needed:

• Neon green nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Celtic Sun)
• Pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Pink About It)
• Black nail polish for zebra stripes
• Base coat
• Top coat

Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat to all nails.
2. Paint nails with neon green and pink polishes.
3. Use a thin brush to add zebra stripes with black polish.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design.