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Summer is all about sunshine, fresh vibes, and effortless beauty. While we’re out enjoying beach days, pool hangs, and weekend getaways, the last thing anyone wants is high-maintenance nails. That’s why short summer nails are a total win they’re chic, comfy, and fuss-free!
From pastel polish to playful art, these styles are super easy to manage while still looking totally cute. Whether you’re typing away at work or flipping through your favorite summer read, short nails keep things simple without skimping on style. And the best part?
These are DIY-friendly, so you can totally recreate them at home!
15. Peachy Pastel Nails 🍑
These peach-toned short nails are the definition of soft summer glam. They’re clean, fresh, and go with literally everything. I love how pastel peach gives a sunkissed glow to your fingertips without being too loud. Plus, it’s the kind of shade that makes your skin look more radiant and works for both casual hangouts and dressy moments.
Tools Needed:
- Nail file and buffer
- Base coat
- Pastel peach nail polish
- Top coat
- Cuticle oil
Steps:
- Nails should be trimmed short and filed into a soft square or round shape.
- Buffing should be done lightly to smooth the nail surface.
- A thin layer of base coat should be applied and allowed to dry.
- Two coats of pastel peach polish should be painted, letting each coat dry.
- A glossy top coat should be sealed over the polish.
- Cuticle oil should be applied to finish off the clean look.
14. Tiny Heart Accents 💖
This design adds a touch of love without going overboard. Tiny hearts on short nails are playful and sweet perfect for summer flings or just showing yourself a little self-love. I love how it keeps things minimalist while adding a cute detail that makes you smile every time you look down at your hands.
Tools Needed:
- Base coat
- Sheer pink or nude polish
- Red or white polish (for hearts)
- Dotting tool or toothpick
- Top coat
Steps:
- Nails should be prepped and cleaned thoroughly.
- A base coat should be applied and dried.
- A sheer pink or nude polish should be painted as the background.
- Small heart shapes should be drawn using a dotting tool dipped in red or white polish.
- Once dry, a top coat should be applied to protect the design.
13. Daisy Dot Nails 🌼
Nothing says summer like tiny daisies! I love how dainty and happy these look on short nails. The white petals pop beautifully on soft backgrounds like baby blue or pale yellow. It’s simple enough for a DIY but still makes a sweet statement. You can totally wear these with your flowy dresses or beachwear.
Tools Needed:
- Light blue or yellow polish
- White polish
- Yellow polish (dot center)
- Dotting tool or bobby pin
- Top coat
Steps:
- Nails should be shaped and cleaned.
- A base color (like light blue or pastel yellow) should be applied and allowed to dry.
- White dots should be created in a circle to form petals using a dotting tool.
- A yellow dot should be added in the center of each flower.
- A top coat should be applied gently to seal in the design.
12. Shimmery Nude Glow ✨
This one’s for the minimalist who still wants some sparkle. A nude polish with a hint of shimmer catches the sunlight so beautifully. It’s low-key yet super pretty great for both beachy days and sunset dinners. I love that it elongates your nails visually and gives a polished, glowing vibe without needing much upkeep.
Tools Needed:
- Nude shimmer polish
- Base coat
- Top coat
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil
Steps:
- Nails should be shaped short and gently buffed.
- A base coat should be applied evenly.
- Two coats of nude shimmer polish should be painted.
- After drying, a high-shine top coat should be added.
- Cuticles should be nourished with oil for a soft finish.
11. Checkerboard Tips 🏁
This funky twist on French tips is both edgy and summery! Short nails with checkerboard patterns only on the tips look cool and fresh. I love that you can play with colors go classic black-and-white or try neon combos for a bold look. It’s a standout detail while still keeping the short-nail ease.
Tools Needed:
- Nude shimmer polish
- Base coat
- Top coat
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil
Steps:
- Nails should be shaped short and gently buffed.
- A base coat should be applied evenly.
- Two coats of nude shimmer polish should be painted.
- After drying, a high-shine top coat should be added.
- Cuticles should be nourished with oil for a soft finish.
10. Watermelon Mini Nails Tips 🍉
Tiny watermelon tips are the ultimate summer treat for your nails! I love how fun and fruity this design looks without being too bold. It keeps the base nude and only adds the detail at the edge, which makes it perfect for short nails. Plus, it’s totally wearable and always gets compliments!
Tools Needed:
- Nude base polish
- Red, green, and black polish
- Thin nail art brush
- Top coat
Steps:
- Nails should be shaped and cleaned.
- A nude base coat should be applied.
- Red polish should be added to the tips in a half-moon shape.
- A thin green stripe should be painted below the red.
- Black dots should be dotted for seeds.
- A top coat should be used to seal everything in.
9. Sunset Gradient Nails 🌅
These ombré nails mimic the colors of a perfect beach sunset blending orange, pink, and purple. I adore how dreamy and calming they look, especially on short, rounded nails. They’re trendy without being too extra, and they give off those golden hour vibes all day long.
Tools Needed:
- Light orange, pink, and purple polish
- Makeup sponge
- Base coat
- Top coat
Steps:
- A base coat should be applied.
- The three polishes should be painted side by side on a sponge.
- The sponge should be dabbed onto each nail to create a blend.
- Repeated dabbing should deepen the gradient.
- A top coat should be applied for a smooth finish.
8. Clear Jelly Nails with Glitters 🍬
These nails look like cute, sparkly jelly! I love the clear base with colorful glitter scattered inside it gives off playful and nostalgic vibes. They’re lightweight on the eyes and feel refreshing for hot summer days. It’s the perfect style when you want shimmer without full-on polish coverage.
Tools Needed:
- Clear jelly polish
- Loose glitter or shimmer polish
- Top coat
- Nail brush
Steps:
- Nails should be buffed for a smooth base.
- A clear jelly polish should be applied.
- Glitter should be dabbed gently into the polish using a brush.
- A second layer of jelly polish may be added.
- A top coat should seal the shine and glitter.
7. Mint Green Chic Nails💚
Fresh and crisp, mint green nails scream summer coolness. I love how the color looks clean and stands out without being neon or overpowering. It pairs so well with beachwear, florals, or even neutrals. On short nails, it adds a modern, refreshing vibe that just feels right for hot days.
Tools Needed:
- Mint green nail polish
- Base coat
- Top coat
Steps:
- Nails should be prepped and filed.
- A base coat should be applied and dried.
- Two coats of mint polish should be painted.
- A glossy top coat should be added for a sleek finish.
6. Lemon Zest Nails 🍋
This citrus-inspired design adds a zesty twist to your look. Tiny lemon slices on a pastel base are super fun and instantly boost your mood. I love the vibrant pop they give, especially when paired with short rounded nails it’s like a summer lemonade stand for your fingers!
Tools Needed:
- Pastel yellow or nude polish
- Lemon nail stickers or yellow + white polish
- Dotting tool or nail art brush
- Top coat
Steps:
- A pastel base coat should be applied and dried.
- Lemon slices should be painted using a small brush or added as stickers.
- White accents can be added to define details.
- A top coat should seal in the art.
5. Rainbow Tips Nails 🌈
Rainbow tips bring joy with every wave of your hand. They’re subtle but colorful, especially cute on short nails. I love how each nail gets its own vibe but the overall look stays balanced. It’s like a mini celebration at your fingertips fun, cheerful, and perfect for summer festivals or sunny brunches!
Tools Needed:
- Base coat
- Nude base polish
- 5 different polish shades for rainbow tips
- Thin nail brush
- Top coat
Steps:
- A base coat should be applied.
- A nude or sheer pink should be used as the base.
- A different bright color should be painted on each nail tip using a brush.
- Once dry, a top coat should be added.
4. Pink Cloud Nails ☁️
These soft, dreamy pink cloud nails are pure aesthetic bliss. The airy swirls and soft edges look like cotton candy skies. I love how relaxing and gentle this look feels, especially on shorter nails. It gives whimsical vibes that go so well with slow summer mornings or breezy days.
Tools Needed:
- Sheer pink polish
- White polish
- Thin brush or sponge
- Top coat
Steps:
- A sheer pink base should be applied and dried.
- White polish should be dabbed with a sponge to form cloud shapes.
- Extra white should be added with a thin brush if needed.
- A top coat should give it a glossy finish.
3. Coral Pop Nails 🧡
This is your power color for summer! Coral on short nails is bold but still soft, vibrant but wearable. I love how flattering it is on all skin tones. It’s the kind of color that makes your nails look done without extra effort a total beach-to-dinner win.
Tools Needed:
- Coral nail polish
- Base coat
- Top coat
Steps:
- Nails should be filed short and cleaned.
- A base coat should be applied.
- Two layers of coral polish should be painted evenly.
- A top coat should add shine and protection.
2. Navy and Gold Star Nails ⭐
Starry night vibes in summer? Yes, please. I love the contrast of deep navy with sparkly gold stars it’s unexpected but so chic. On short nails, it feels neat yet bold. It’s perfect for late-night bonfires, date nights, or stargazing by the beach.
Tools Needed:
- Navy blue polish
- Gold foil or star stickers
- Top coat
- Tweezers
Steps:
- Nails should be painted navy after a base coat.
- Gold stars or foils should be placed using tweezers.
- A top coat should be added to hold the foil in place.
1. Abstract Swirls Nails 🎨
Swirls are artsy, modern, and fun and they look amazing on short nails. I love how you can mix two or three summer colors for a custom look. Each nail becomes a tiny abstract painting! It’s creative but still easy to wear day to day.
Tools Needed:
- Two or three bright polish colors
- Thin nail brush
- Base coat
- Top coat
Steps:
- Nails should be filed and cleaned.
- A neutral or light base coat should be applied.
- Swirly lines in different colors should be drawn across each nail using a thin brush.
- A top coat should be added once dry.
