38 Cute Short Summer Nails and Short Summer Nail Designs To Try This Summer
I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. By using these affiliate links, I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here
Summer is finally here and it’s high time to get your short summer nails done with vibrant, colored nail design that speaks summer out loud.
Nothing screams summer like bright, fun, colorful short summer nails to match the season and the vibes.
It’s time to ditch the long nails and embrace the beauty of short summer nails that are eye-catching and practical.
I love getting long manicures; they’re great, but the summer calls for hands-on activities and effortless style — short nails for summer steal the spotlight.
Why struggle with the challenges of maintaining lengthy nails?
On the other hand, short nails are super easy to maintain, less likely to chirp, and last longer, making them ideal for all the swirls and fun of summer. I bet you are ready to switch your nails for summer.
Plus, there are varieties of cute short summer nail designs to experiment with and try out different trends.
Whether you’re leaning towards medium length with vibrant, bold patterns for short summer nails or opting for a more natural look with bright and vibrant colors for summer.
I’ve curated a list of insanely gorgeous short summer nails to help you “serve the looks” while keeping it practical.
Even if you’re running from the office to a hot beach date, or you’ll be on your laptop for some time but still want to slay, I got you; “good manis is also self-care.”
So, keep scrolling for the hottest “Nailtok-worthy” short summer nail ideas that will have you turning heads wherever the season takes you.
Short Summer Nails
1. Short Summer Swirly Tip Nails
This is one of those short summer nail designs that’s just made for welcoming in those first sunny days of Summer.
It’s the gorgeously unique and bright look you want to be wearing as you set off for your dream getaway or just to have wrapped around your mimosa glass as you laugh with friends.
From the Summery colors to the chic split French tip, this is what Summer manicures are all about. These are definitely your nails; go get them.
2. Yellow Floral Nails for Summer
If you want to stay classically chic this Summer, then these are the nails for you. Instead of trendy, this manicure is timelessly beautiful.
The gorgeous flowers and bright yellow polish are unmistakably Summer.
This means that any photos you take will never go out of style, and you’ll still get to enjoy all the best features of summer fashion. Have fun with this look; you deserve it, gal.
3. Short Summer Nail Colors
I would call these the classic short summer nails. The manicure features all of the season’s quirkiest trends using the official colors of this year’s Summer: Orange and pink.
I just adore the floral nails too, that has overlapping flowers with a smaller centre that really works for shorter nails.
Plus, the checked nail is just so quirky and vibrant that it has my whole heart.
4. Blueberry Milk Nails
Beautiful blue skies above and beautiful blue nails below. That’s what Summer is all about. With these chic and refreshing nails, there’s not a care in the world.
All you have to care about is picking out accessories and fits to match the minty fresh blue shade and saying thank you to all of the compliments you receive everywhere you go.
Plus, need I even mention how cute the little blueberry nail art is? You need these nails, and you know it. Go for it.
5. Short Pink and Yellow Swirls
If there’s just one thing you need to know about Summer nails this year, it’s that orange and pink are dominating.
They’re the official colors of 2024 summer manicures, and I couldn’t be happier about them.
Seriously, it’s about time this underestimated combo gets its time in the spotlight. It’s just the right amount of girly and joyful, which is what we’re all about these days.
6. Summer Mosaic Nails
Take accent nails, but make them 100% more powerful (than usual). I love it when the timeless beauty of French tips is contrasted with funky colors.
It’s such a striking look and even quite rebellious. It says no to typical beauty standards and instead steps outside the box, where trendsetters and influencers are made.
Choose these uniquely gorgeous nails if you want something a little more special this year.
7. Multicolor Abstract Nails
These nails are so colorful, bright, and striking that they barely look real. Each looks like a little precious gem that’s shining beautifully.
Seriously, if you wear this manicure, you’re sure to cherish it and never want to take it off while enjoying a neverending stream of compliments from all around. Enjoy.
8. Neon and Linen Love
This is swirly neon nails taken to the extreme. If you want to be at the top of the trend and claim the best swirls around, then these nails are a gift to you.
Plus, if you’re eyeing up all of your summer nail polish shades and can’t decide which to go for, this manicure lets you pick every single one of them. What a gorgeous treat.
9. Short Candy Cane Summer Nails
Multi-colored swirls with empty space are having a moment. It’s an abstract look that’s pretty new on the beauty scene, but I suspect it’s going to hang around for some time.
Because, really, just look at it; it’s pretty as a picture. Here, instead of empty space, the base is lavender, which is such a lovely way to enhance the already intriguing look.
10. Abstract Short Summer Nails
These are the celebratory short nails for Summer. Think champagne, fun, and good vibes all around.
Plus, despite being shimmery, colorful, and amazingly abstract, they somehow maintain an essence of sophistication and elegance.
It’s all very VIP and luxurious, which is definitely helped by the rich colors and gilded gold nail art.
So, if you have any fancy occasions this Summer, you know what to do.
11. Colored Swirly Nails
Short summer nails are a place to play around with new color combos and to let your creative fashionista side flow.
This is one of those loos that allows you to show your true colors and get imaginative. You can play around with the swirls and purple/green shades.
No matter what you do, these colors shine, and swirls are on trend, so it’ll always look fabulous.
12. Under the Palms
I’m so happy the fashion industry has finally accepted that minty fresh shades are the perfect all-season addition.
I waited years for this fresh shade to finally be seen for what it is so that I could wear it nonstop.
13. Orange Swirly Short Summer Nails
I knew that short summer nail designs would be full of lipgloss looks. The glittery sheen of this manicure may be subtle, but that’s what the trend is all about.
Add orange and swirls to the mix, and you officially have one of the most on-theme Summer nails of the year.
The look says personality and fun while also being low-key enough to suit almost all vibes and occasions.
Just be sure to keep the swirls a little lighter in shade to really bring the look to life.
14. Fun Neon Nails for Summer
A fact of a fashionista or nail-obsessive life is deciding where you stand on neon. It’s quite the controversial shade, but it refuses to go away, and for good reason, because it works.
But let’s be real: introducing neon to your look can be daunting. That’s why there are plenty of manicure styles like these that are semi-neon and help you to break the ice with the popular shade.
So, use this manicure as your gateway to the ideal festival color that’s timelessly fun and cheerful.
15. Double Layered French Tips
This manicure is the definition of perfection. The lines are flawless, and the sheer sheen is like crystal.
They’re the nails that make you feel like a femme fatale everywhere you go, with a hint of quirk thanks to the bright nail polish shades. I would call these lifestyle influencer nails.
You know the type. Perfect, neat, polished, and living an oh-so-pretty life. If that’s the vibe you want to bring into this Summer, then these nails are all yours.
16. Tropical Colored Short Nails for Summer
Have you ever seen a manicure that looks like it literally captured the sun’s rays? Well, now you have.
It’s electrifyingly bright and cheerful with a radiant sheen that captures everyone’s eyes. Plus, it’s the swirl trend amplified and turned up all the way, with the entire manicure being composed of gorgeous waves.
Of course, this look showcases the best of yellow polish shades, but the pink swirl is really where the manicure comes into its own and becomes one-of-a-kind. It’s truly a gorgeous Summer manicure.
17. Short Bright Summer Nails
If you’ve been paying any attention at all to short nails for Summer, you’ve probably noticed that pink and orange are dominating the entire scene this year.
It’s a citrusy, fresh, and almost fruity combo that perfectly encapsulates girly joy that’s huge at the moment.
Add in swirls and French tips, and you’ve also covered the biggest nail art trends of the year, so this manicure just makes sense and is ideal for Summer this year.
18. Neon Green Short Summer Nails
Gradient Nails hit the scene with a stylish splash around two years back, and they’ve refused to quiet down since.
Personally, I hope they keep hogging the spotlight and that this simple yet effective look becomes one of the beauty scene classics. I particularly love this quirky yet chic twist on the look that adds an extra layer of intrigue and beauty.
With this look, there’s some room for interpretation with the shades; just be sure to stick to a fresh, almost minty summer palette.
19. Short Lilac Nails
These nails whisper summer fun and shine. They’re brimming with soft girl vibes and are entirely adorable.
If you’re planning on having a low-key, easygoing summer where you kick back and enjoy everything the sunny days have to offer, then this is the cutesy look for you.
It’s like the breeze blowing through your hair or your favorite tea on a warm morning, maybe even a toasty bath after a stressful day. This manicure is all neat and has good vibes, which is always a good idea.
20. Short Swirly French Pink Nails for Summer
This is the dainty doll manicure on the list. It’s giving freshly washed sheet vibes that are typical of spring, but it brings some idyllic freshness to the long summer days.
Plus, the light and neutral colors are the perfect addition to the brighter colors your Summer wardrobe is likely to be packed full of.
The French tips are classic chic, while the swirls are trendy, which keeps the look dynamic despite being an overall formal look that could definitely shine from daytime through to nighttime.
21. Short Funky Summer Nails
Summer polish shades don’t need to complement, blend, or even harmonize together. It’s the season of contrasting and showing off; there is no need to be quiet when it comes to your shine this time of year.
The secret trick to achieving such clear lines between the gorgeously contrasting shades is nail tape cut into whatever shape you wish. If you want to go extra flashy, don’t hesitate to go neon.
22. Funky Pink, Orange and Purple Set
Think of this manicure like a semi-permanent accessory that solves all of your styling problems.
I would even argue that its beauty alone could solve bad moods or off-vibes through the power of aesthetics. Seriously, short summer nail designs have never looked so good or right on trend.
Lavender, pink, and orange are an unconventional match, but a match made in heaven if we’re being honest.
And don’t even get me started on the nail shape; it’s like the perfect zone between stiletto, oval, and almond.
What I’m trying to say is that these nails are bound to trend, so get in before the crowd.
23. Neon Sunsets Nails
Just when you think you’ve seen all that French tips have to offer, some genius nail artist goes ahead and proves me wrong.
But I stand corrected in the best way possible because using rounded tips around the nail to evoke the essence of summer sunrises and sunsets is downright spectacular.
I’m calling it the manicure idea of the century, and yes, that included the choice to lay down a blush undercoat that complements the overlaid colors while also helping them to pop. It’s wonderful.
24. Flower Blue And Yellow Nails
There are some nail prints that never get old, and one of the most enduring styles of that much-loved group has to be fresh daisies set to a clear sky-blue backdrop.
It’s dreamy, light-hearted, extremely relaxing, and just downright pretty. I’ve never seen the popular print paired with full-colored yellow nails before, but it’s a discovery I’m happy to have made.
Because, really, what says Summer more than daisies and sun-bright yellow nails? Nothing? That’s right.
25. Cute Short Purple Swirls
Last year’s fashion industry lesson was that fiery and cute can not only go together, but they actually belong together.
There’s something about this opposing duo that makes even the prettiest looks that bit more exciting.
The slit French tip nail, of course, adds as much attitude as it does elegance, while the almost minty fresh swirl nail keeps things bright.
Overall, it’s a trailblazing couture look that’s the stuff of nail-obsessive dreams.
26. Mint and Pink Squiggle Nails
Short summer nails were made for the minty shade. It pops. It’s fresh, and it’s electrifying.
It adds drama and attitude to short nails, showing that you don’t need length for a striking effect.
Expect loads of compliments and don’t be afraid to show them off. We all need to see more of these beauties.
27. Fruit Salad Vibes Nails
I really hope this look catches on this year, and my nail-obsessive instincts tell me my dreams might come true.
Since swirls have been trending for years and gradient nails are having a moment, it was only a matter of time before we were introduced to this beauty.
I’m also happy it made its first appearance for Summer because the bright colors really do the style justice.
It’s flawlessly stunning, excitingly new, cheerful, and everything that Summer style is all about.
28. Coral Swirly Nails
This is possibly the most experimental short nails for summer look this year. Of course, we already know and love swirls, but how often do you see them used in this intriguingly beautiful way?
It’s just so unique and guaranteed to be entirely one-of-a-kind wherever you go this summer.
You can really let your creative side show by drawing on the swirls how you see fit; just be sure to stick to the coral and orange combo because it’s so heavenly and the reason this look is so idyllic.
29. Baby Turtle Nails
One of my favorite parts of being head over heels with nails is that you start to notice trends that never go away, AKA touchstones and mainstays of manicures.
Meet one of the most honored and loved of those trends: the ice queen look. No matter what the season or occasion, you’ll always find at least one icy fresh look that’s somehow right on theme, and thank God for that.
It’s edgy and cool and adds a striking edge to all of your fits and accessories.
30. Short Strawberry Nails
I’ve noticed a recent trend of fruity nails being accompanied by French tips. And, when I think about it, the relatively new style choice makes a lot of sense.
It takes one of the most enchanting and cheerful types of nail art (strawberries) and combines it with the classic beauty of French tips. It’s a stroke of genius.
31. Neon Coral Short Nails for Summer
The dazzling space between neon and hot pink is where the popular shade of coral lies. Its electrifying radiance and warmth with a fresh edge are just one reason why it’s regularly used for short summer nail designs.
In fact, the color is so sacred on the summer beauty scene that it’s one of the rare shades that doesn’t need extra details or nail art.
Instead, it stands fabulously on its own in effortlessly classic style. If you need a look you can wear to the office but also glow on the dancefloor, then this is it. Don’t miss out.
32. Orange Nails for Summer
Short summer nails were made to be fun. There are very few rules, which means you can get away with this orange peel look that also evokes sunrise and sunset.
Plus, have you noticed the luxurious undertones thanks to the glitter tint of the polish? That’s the stuff radiance is made of?
Before you get started, be sure to apply a milky white or opalescent undercoat to help the accent nails pop.
33. Colorful Funky Shapes
Could this be a new trend, “hallucination nails”? Seriously, this dizzying mix of colors is enough to dazzle anyone you come across.
Don’t be surprised if your friends keep taking your hand just to gawk at this abstract work of art. It’s new, it’s exciting, and I’ll even say it’s addictive.
So be careful. Fall too much in love with this look and it might be hard to see it wiped away after Summer. Enjoy while it lasts.
34. Short Mix and Match Summer Nails
This semi-abstract style is huge at the moment. Clashing colors are the new complementing colors.
Somehow, these shades that are on entirely different sides of the nail polish shelf blend together perfectly in a chic harmony that’s actually quite satisfying.
The essence of the manicure is also quite mysterious and quirky, which are two vibes that everyone’s trying to channel these days.
So, get ahead of the pack and flash these intriguing beauties everywhere you go.
35. Short Peachy Swirls Summer Nails
I absolutely adore confectionary-inspired manicures because they literally look delicious and downright darling.
They’re also a little treat that I can only long for because they make me crave all things sweet.
However, if you’ve got your sweet tooth under control and want to enjoy the most sugary sweet nails this Summer, then here you go. Enjoy.
36. Short Pink Nails
If you asked me what was at the top of every manicure trend list this year, it would be swirls, hot pink, barbie vibes, and glitter.
In other words, these nails have it all. They’re so gorgeously girly and look just the right amount of glamorous with a cute allure.
It’s also such a fresh and bright look, thanks to the strikingly glossy overcoat. To make this look truly your own, why not switch up the color of the glitter nail to silver or even metallic chrome?
37. Lemon Squeezy Nails
Every year, without fail, short summer nail designs surprise me by making the famously quirky color of yellow look entirely chic.
Of course, it brings its natural brightness and effortless cheer to the manicure, but it still keeps a sophisticated edge thanks to the short size, square shape, and sloping French tips.
Somehow, the essence is quite elegant yet entirely summer-themed, which is a hard feat to achieve.
38. Short Neon Sunset Nails
I just knew that short summer nails designs would be all about all about the sunrise and sunset vibes.
This manicure reflects that trend perfectly using some of this year’s hottest styles: side moons.
Or, in other words, an incredibly abstract take on French tips that essentially float around the nails.
This is also possibly one of the brightest, and Summery takes on the new looks that’s absolutely to die for. It’s very avant-garde and even quite simple to DIY, so what are you waiting for?
