The Coolest Manicure Inspo According To An Editor Who's Loyal To Short Nails
As a beauty editor, I've always thought my short nails were destined to a lifetime of basic manicures. Social media and hand models made me believe that in order to have nail art designs such as French tips and 3D showstoppers, I had to be blessed with long nail beds to provide extra canvas space for intricate artwork.
I've been loyal to short nails for as long as I can remember. As someone who doesn't like being precious with her hands and plays a close contact sport in her spare time, having long nails is not just impractical, it's also dangerous for both me and my team mates. Plus, my natural nails break easily. Having them trimmed and neat is a non-negotiable.
For a long time, I've kept them either bare or gently buffed for shine, but since stumbling upon Japanese and Korean nail art Instagram accounts (I love @nail_gamseong and @peaknail), I have a newfound appreciation for just how beautiful short nail designs can be. The trick lies in playing with texture and finishes rather than heavy-handed patterns, and keeping any illustrations - be it dots or swirls - delicate and minimalist. As a dedicated Taylor Swift fan, seeing the singer proudly wearing her nails short every time she performs (as most musicians who plays the guitar do) has inspired me to experiment with mine, too. Swift doesn't shy away from sporting a full-on glitter ball manicure or incorporating tiny stars on them.
Nail artist Iram Shelton, who's worked with Cara Delevingne and Priyanka Chopra, has always adored a shorter style. 'I absolutely love short nails. They’re so elegant and easy to maintain,' she tells ELLE UK. 'Short is such a timeless and classic look, and makes you appear instantly put together.'
If nail art is not your thing, a single colour can just be as impactful. 'I love a super glossy, dark nail,' she says. Shelton is a fan of black and burgundy hues, and namechecks OPI Raisin' The Bar and Chanel's Rouge Noir as her favourite shades, alongside neutrals such as OPI Brown To Earth. Butter yellow, Matcha green and chrome finishes are also head-turning options that feels right all year long.
Ahead, the coolest short nail designs that I've been saving up for my next manicure
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