15 Pink Nail Designs for Short Nails: A Palette of Sweet and Stylish Ideas
A short pink manicure is a great choice for the summer months as we shed our layers. It’s easy, light and perfect. No matter what the occasion is, pink will always be appropriate. The shorter length also makes outdoor time more enjoyable. Who wants mud on their nails? Just because a simple pink manicure is easy, doesn’t mean that it must be boring. Scroll down to see our favorite short nail designs that are anything but boring.
01of 15
Classic Light Pink
@thenailboxxchi/Instagram
There’s nothing more classic than the perfect, light pink, clean, squoval-shaped manicure. It works for any occasion. Essie’s shade Everything’s cake ($10) is one of our favorites.
02of 15
50 Shades of Pink
@lolo.nailedit/Instagram
Use up all the polishes that you have by painting every nail a different color of pink. You can make your gradient manicure from light to dark, or mix and match colors as you wish.
03of 15
Water Marble Swirls
@samrosenails/Instagram
Even a novice DIY manicure can achieve water marble nails. This swirl of pinks and reds is stunning.
04of 15
Subtle Ombre
@lolo.nailedit/Instagram
The subtle ombre adds visual interest without being too extreme to a classic manicure.
05of 15
Pink Polka Dots
@thenailboxxchi/Instagram
It’s good news for DIYers. Polka dots make another simple nail design. Grab a dotting tool, dip it into the color you want, and start working. The double-sided Londontown Dot & Detail Nail Art tool ($12) is our favorite.
Checkmate
@SAMROSENAILS/INSTAGRAM
Our favorite manicure hack? Stick-on nails are a great option. If they come in a fun pattern, that’s an extra bonus. Olive & June’s Super Stick Mani Press On Nails in Pink Checker Party $8 are a quick way to achieve a trendy checkerboard manicure.
07of 15
Velvet Fade
@imarninails/Instagram
Put together a great ombre and velvet manicure, and you have a winning combination.
08of 15
Strawberry Milk
@thenailboxxchi/Instagram
A reimagined version of an animal print manicure is our favorite, especially when the colors are bold. By limiting the cow-print to accent nails, it is possible to achieve the desired effect without going overboard.
09of 15
Love on top
@samrosenails/Instagram
Get creative with your tips to make the classic French manicure less classic. You can achieve a similar effect with polka dot, stripes or just the bright pink color.
10of 15
Pink Aura
@lolo.nailedit/Instagram
Aura manicures are a great way to take dopamine dressing up a notch. You can either use your aura colours or your desired state-of-mind to manifest via your nails.
11of 15
Pink Plaid
@yo_keshh/Instagram
You can take a plaid mani to the next step by switching out the typical greens, blues, reds and yellows with a bright pink. This is a little like giving Clueless, or Mean Girls.
12of 15
Cheetah Girls
@samrosenails/Instagram
Try an animal print with bright, bold colors. This adds a touch of fun and whimsy, plus it’s adorable.
13of 15
Go with the Flow
@thenailboxxchi/Instagram
This manicure is a great example of how negative space can be used to balance nail art and neon pink. This adds visual interest to the manicure without overpowering it.
14of 15
On fire
@yo_keshh/Instagram
This baby pink manicure features red fire details for a bold, yet subtle design. The classic pink color anchors the design, while the red flame outlines are fun and unexpected.
15of 15
Stars and Sparkles
@samrosenails/Instagram
Stars and stripes are well-known, but we’d like to introduce you stars and sparkles. This mani is easy to do even for the most inept DIY nail artists: Just pick up a neutral color base, some nail crystals and star-shaped decals. No steady hand required!