20 Short Spring Nail Designs That We Can't Get Enough Of (2024)

Short digits offer more space than you think for gorgeous spring nail art.

"There are so many designs you can do with short nails," says Chillhouse nail artist Molly Romah. "You just have to customize a little to fit in short nails. If designs are bigger on longer nails, then for shorter nails, do smaller and thinner lines." The same goes for dots, flowers, animal prints, checkers, stars—you name it. Simply shrink the design, and it can work on shorter nails.

Downsizing nail art isn't always a simple feat, though; sometimes it requires a seriously steady hand to perfect. But that's what nail salons and professional manicurists are for.

So, rather than psyching yourself out of thinking you can rock nail art, keep reading to uncover 20 short spring nail ideas that are ideal for short nails.

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Milky Daisy Nails

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First up, these cute milky nails with daisy details. While they may look intricate at first glance, they're actually easy to DIY. Simply start with your sheer base, then use a dotting tool to create five white dots dragged together at the center. Top it off with a yellow dot, and you have yourself a picture-perfect daisy design.

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Two-Tone Blue Pattern Nails

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Can we take a minute to swoon over this two-toned blue design Romah perfected? Admittedly, this is one of those detailed short nail looks that will likely require the skill of a professional manicurist to recreate.

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Abstract Grass Nails

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Looking to honor the natural new beginnings of spring? Check out this abstract blue, green, and white nail look, which reminds us of grassy lawns, blue skies, and that quintessential fresh spring scent.

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Bedazzled Pink Aura Nails

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Aura nails remain a popular manicure request in 2024, and this fuchsia number is surprisingly easy to DIY. Start with a sheer, milky base, then use a sponge to dab the fuchsia polish of your choosing onto the center of each nail. Finish with a chrome gem (or forgo it if you wish).

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Vibrant Mix-n-Match Nails

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The start of spring feels fresh, exciting, and bursting with color as flowers bloom all around us. So, if you don't feel drawn to the customary pastel polishes of the season, don't feel like vivid nail colors and designs are out of the question. We're personally fangirling over this fun mix-n-match short square nail look Nailing Hollywood nail artist Hang Nguyen created.

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Bluebell Shorties

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How gorgeous is this bluebell nail polish? We love the high contrast it offers with the peaco*ck blue hue, negative space accents, and hint of glittery gold.

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Pastel Colorblock

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Here's another Nguyen masterpiece. The trick to recreating this dreamy pastel colorblock mani is perfecting the dividing lines. You can use nail tape to do so—just be sure not to remove it until the polish is dry, otherwise you risk peeling.

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Cobalt French Tips with Evil Eye Accents

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We love a cobalt French manicure, and this evil eye one is especially cute. To create smooth arches like these, do yourself a favor and forgo the nail art brush in favor of the Orlf Half Moon Guides ($6). They make French manicures a breeze.

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Magenta Lunar Aura Nails

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Know what's wild? This pretty short pink mani was created using eyeshadow encased in a top coat. See how nail artist Phoebe (of the popular nail account @phoebesummernails) did it by clicking on the photo above and watching the full video.

Pro Tip: To make your short nail designs look their absolute best, Phoebe recommends gently pushing your cuticles back to create a clean border for your nail art to shine within.

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Gold French Manicure

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Gold is a color that works for every season, including spring. To recreate this glimmering nail look, simply block off your tips with French manicure stencils and fill them in with the gold polish of your choice.

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Neon Aura Nails

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These lime green and white short nails are fresh and fun for spring. They're also incredibly easy to recreate because they're actually press-ons—specifically, the Chillhouse x Vitaminwater Forever You-nique Chill Tips ($16).

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Solid Lilac Nails

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There's no rule that you have to opt for a nail design this spring. Choose a bright pastel color like this gorgeous lilac if you're drawn to solids. The shade is Cereal Killer ($12) by Holo Taco.

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Artsy Daisy Nails

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Here's another daisy nail look, albeit a bit messier, and thus artsier looking. “I created this look using a sheer base and acrylic pens to create the flowers,” Nguyen reveals. “Dainty nail art looks amazing on short nails and the floral pattern is perfect for springtime.”

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Metallic Turquoise Nails

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Pay homage to spring's sparkling waters and clear blue skies with this gorgeous metallic turquoise manicure. The silver chrome double French tips take it over the top, making it a great party manicure.

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'90s-Inspired Pastel Doodle Nails

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These pastel doodle nails remind us of the prints that defined the '90s. If you plan to try DIYing this nail look, you'll need a fine-lining nail art brush, like those found in the Lights Lacquer Detail Brush Kit ($17).

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Ombré Sunset Nails

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We can all agree that later sunsets are one of the best things about spring. This pastel pink and yellow ombré nail look makes us think of longer days and all the fun springtime activities we can fill them with.

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Pink and Red Shibori Nails

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Shibori is traditionally blue and white, but this etched pink and red color block design is bringing images of the unique designs to mind. You can recreate the look using Paintbox Nail Lacquer ($22) in the shades Like Babe and Like Desire.

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Pastel Rainbow Mani

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“This is a simple yet fun nail art look that’s easy to recreate at home on short nails,” Nguyen assures us. To perfect the rainbow nail, you'll just want to use a nail art brush capable of creating fine, arched lines.

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Blush Aura Nails

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Here's another aura nail idea for your perusal. The white shimmer emoji nail art makes it look even more magical.

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Two-Tone Blue Heart Mani

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Does your heart feel fullest during springtime? Illustrate the idea with this two-tone blue heart mani, which reminds us of the season's brilliant blue skies.