Nail trends (and shapes) may come and go, but there are a handful of styles that will always endure. Case in point: short nail designs. Longer almond tips may be having a major moment currently, and before that, ballerina and stiletto nail shapes led trends, but shorty nails are a forever favourite that not only look stylish and effortless, but are also one of the most practical and wearable ways to keep your mani looking immaculate.
In fact, the perennial shape has seen a resurgence in popularity, according to top celebrity nail artist, Michelle Humphrey, whose A list clients include Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa and Simone Ashley. Not only will it remain a classic, it’s set to take over as a headliner shape of 2025. “Shorter nail lengths were one of the most significant changes for 2024, and will move into 2025,” Michelle explained when GLAMOUR tapped her up for the 2025 nail trends to know. “Clients’ are opting for natural nail lengths and shapes and long nails seem to be on the backburner,” she added.
It’s not just celebs who are making a shift, salons are seeing the same trend. “Our customers are currently leaning more towards natural beauty trends,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of global nail salon Townhouse. “Paired with bold colours or nail art, this length can look incredible.”
“Dark reds and blacks look very chic on short nails, but natural pinks and nudes also look beautiful,” explains Juanita. “We love delicate, negative space nail art and colour pops for designs on short nails, too.”
And, while acrylic nail extensions and coffin nails may give you more room to play, short nail designs have a casual and timeless feel about them that you can’t get with longer, flashier shapes, and while more compact, they still offer plenty of opportunities to showcase intricate nail art – like French manis, glazed donut nails and dinky artwork.
Here’s some short nail designs to take to your next nail appointment…
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Silver chrome flames
Sometimes the best things come in small packages and this compact but perfectly executed flame chrome mani is just one example.
