40 Cute Short Summer Nails Designs To Try This Summer
Short nails, hot days, and even hotter designs — summer is in session, and your mani deserves to shine. Whether you’re lounging poolside, chasing sunsets, or typing away in the office with vacation dreams, short summer nails are the perfect mix of style and practicality. Easy to maintain and full of bold, sunny flair, they’re ideal for matching the vibrant energy of the season.
This summer, forget the fuss of long nails and embrace cute, colorful, and carefree designs that suit your plans and personality. From fruity pops and pastel swirls to minimalist brights and abstract art, we’ve rounded up 40 stunning short summer nail ideas to inspire your next look. Ready to glow up your fingertips? Let’s dive in.
40 Short Summer Nails for this Summer
40. Short Summer Nail Colors
This is the ultimate summer nail dream—short, vibrant, and bursting with personality. The combo of playful orange and punchy pink gives off pure sunshine energy, while the layered floral details and quirky check patterns add just enough sass. It’s like wrapping every summer trend into one adorable manicure.
39. Neon Sunsets Nails
These nails are like wearing a summer sunset on your fingertips. Rounded neon tips glow like the sky during golden hour, with a blush base that gives everything a soft, romantic glow. It’s a genius twist on French tips that turns heads and makes every movement shimmer with warm, radiant light.
38. Yellow Floral Nails for Summer
Nothing says “timeless summer” quite like bright yellow polish paired with dainty flowers. These nails are effortlessly chic, perfectly suited for garden parties, brunch dates, or photo ops in the sunshine. You’ll radiate confidence and charm with every wave or gesture—this look never goes out of style.
37. Striking Patriotic Long Nails
While these nails are technically short, they pack a long-lasting punch of patriotic glam. The mix of vibrant red, white, and blue with sleek French tips creates a festive, fashion-forward vibe that feels made for beach bonfires, summer soirées, and mimosas on the deck.
36. Blueberry Milk Nails
Think of sipping a cool blueberry milkshake under a cloudless sky—that’s what these nails feel like. The pastel blue is refreshing and sweet, and the adorable berry art adds a fun twist. These are the ultimate “chill girl” nails, perfect for slow days and summer strolls.
35. Summer French Tip Nails
Classic French tips get a bold summer makeover here, trading in white for a splash of juicy color. The contrast between crisp lines and unexpected shades is daring yet polished. These nails are for rebels with a soft side—chic, confident, and always in style.
34. Multicolor Abstract Nails
These nails are like little pieces of modern art—each one a pop of color, sparkle, and originality. The abstract designs give off luxe vibes while staying playful and bright. If you’re looking to turn your fingertips into tiny canvases, this look is your masterpiece.
33. Neon and Linen Love
Swirling neon waves mixed with soft, linen-like neutral tones give these nails a glow-up no one saw coming. The energy is electric, yet wearable, making this style perfect for music festivals, tropical getaways, or just when your inner artist wants to shine.
32. Short Candy Cane Summer Nails
This look takes classic candy cane swirls and melts them into summer-ready shades like lavender and coral. The negative space makes the pattern pop while keeping things breathable and light. It’s the kind of design that gets compliments everywhere from the beach to the boardwalk.
31. Abstract Short Summer Nails
With a sophisticated shimmer and gilded accents, these nails are like luxury wrapped in color. The abstract strokes feel elegant and elevated, making them ideal for weddings, rooftop dinners, or any summer event where you want to radiate glam with a twist.
30. Colored Swirly Nails
This manicure is your personal playground—short, swirly, and packed with color combos that pop. Purples and greens spin together in stylish loops, giving your nails a fresh, fun vibe that screams individuality. Let your personality shine through every swirl.
29. Under the Palms
Mint green gets its moment in the sun with this breezy, tropical-inspired manicure. Cool, calming, and universally flattering, this look is pure vacation energy. Whether you’re actually beach-bound or just dreaming of it, these nails are your tropical escape.
28. Orange Swirly Short Summer Nails
Get ready to glow with these lip-glossy orange swirls that catch the sunlight just right. The look is fun but sophisticated, bold but subtle—it’s a wearable pop of summer joy with just the right dose of glimmer.
27. Fun Neon Nails for Summer
Want to dip your toes (or fingertips) into neon without going all in? This manicure mixes semi-neon shades with softer designs, making it the perfect starter set for bold color lovers. You’ll stand out in all the right ways—bright, playful, and unmistakably stylish.
26. Double Layered French Tips
Layered French tips take nail elegance to the next level. The sharp, clean lines are runway-worthy, while the dual colors add a modern punch of summer flair. These are influencer nails—chic, polished, and ready for your next aesthetic photo dump.
25. Tropical Colored Short Nails for Summer
Channel every ounce of island energy with this tropical swirl set. Yellows, pinks, and juicy hues twirl together like waves at sunset, offering a radiant, can’t-miss look. You’ll feel sun-kissed just looking at your hands.
24. Short Orange Juice Bright Summer Nails
These nails are like summer in a glass—bright, citrusy, and full of zest. Orange dominates the scene with a juicy boldness, bringing a burst of happiness to every outfit. They’re the ultimate feel-good mani of the season.
23. Neon Green Short Summer Nails
Gradient green meets minty magic in this electrifying look. Perfect for fashion risk-takers, the fresh palette keeps things summery and cool. They’re edgy without being loud, making them a statement you’ll want to show off daily.
22. Short Lilac Nails
Soft lilac nails are like a pastel breeze through a sunny meadow. They give off chill vibes, soft romance, and quiet elegance. Perfect for those low-key summer days when you want your look to speak in soothing tones.
21. Short Swirly French Pink Nails for Summer
This dainty yet dynamic manicure blends classic pink French tips with delicate swirls for a romantic twist. It’s the ultimate fusion of traditional charm and trendy flair, perfect for day-to-night transitions and every sundress in your closet.
20. Short Funky Summer Nails
Don’t hold back—this is the season to let your nails get wild. Bold contrasts, funky patterns, and unexpected color pairings turn each nail into a mini statement. These are party nails, picnic nails, and selfie nails all rolled into one.
19. Funky Pink, Orange and Purple Set
Lavender, hot pink, and orange are an unlikely trio that totally works. This bold set is practically an instant mood-booster—flirty, fun, and full of personality. Bonus points for the ultra-cool hybrid shape that flatters every fingertip.
18. Cute Short Purple Swirls
These purple swirl nails are like a burst of creative expression. The contrast between minty swirls and moody violets creates a couture feel, while the short length keeps it edgy and wearable. This look is high-fashion with a sweet twist.
17. Mint and Pink Squiggle Nails
Fresh, funky, and a little retro, these mint and pink squiggle nails are pure summer sass. The colors clash in the best way possible, creating movement and energy that make your hands the life of the party.
16. Fruit Salad Vibes Nails
Like a juicy bowl of fruit, these nails are packed with sweet color and flavor. Bright gradients and vibrant hues swirl together in a way that feels deliciously bold. They’re a playful upgrade that turns any look into a celebration.
15. Coral Swirly Nails
Take your coral game to the next level with artistic swirls that dance across each nail. This design is creative, unique, and totally magnetic. It’s perfect for showing off your bold side in the most graceful, summery way.
14. Baby Turtle Nails
Icy blue with a glossy finish? Yes, please. These nails are the coolest of the cool, serving up a mix of elegance and whimsy that works year-round. But in summer, they shine like sunlight on ocean waves.
13. Short Strawberry Nails
French tips get fruity with this berry-inspired look. Strawberries dot the classic design, bringing whimsy and warmth to your fingertips. They’re the definition of sweet summer fun—fresh-picked and fabulous.
12. Neon Coral Short Nails for Summer
If summer had an official color, it would be coral. This glowing neon version is powerful enough to stand on its own—no extras needed. Just clean, bold polish that makes your whole outfit pop.
11. Orange Nails for Summer
These nails blend orange peel texture with dreamy sunset vibes, layered over a milky undercoat for depth and sparkle. The result? A golden-hour glow that turns your fingertips into mini masterpieces.
10. Colorful Funky Shapes
Who needs rules when you’ve got art on your hands? These dizzying, colorful shapes give your nails a trippy, mesmerizing effect that’s impossible to ignore. It’s like a summer music video wrapped up in ten tiny canvases.
09. Short Mix and Match Summer Nails
This is the ultimate “anything goes” manicure. Polka dots, stripes, color blocking—every nail tells a story. You’ll feel like a walking mood board, and honestly? That’s the summer aesthetic we’re here for.
08. Short Peachy Swirls Summer Nails
Peachy tones and swirly lines make for a sugary sweet nail look that’s as cute as it is trendy. It’s a candy-coated vibe that feels fresh, flirty, and just the right amount of girly. Instant good mood included.
07. Short Pink Nails
Pink gets the star treatment in this glitter-swirled masterpiece. Barbie-core meets glam, with hot pink tones and a glossy finish that scream summer fun. Swap out the glitter for silver or chrome to make it uniquely yours.
06. Lemon Squeezy Nails
Sunshine in a manicure—these lemon-hued beauties balance brightness and elegance with French tips and a neat shape. They’re cheerful yet classy, proving that yellow isn’t just bold, it’s beautiful.
05. Short Neon Sunset Nails
With dreamy side moons and glowing neon tones, this design takes French tips and flips them into something futuristic and fab. These nails are sunset-inspired works of art—bold, unique, and surprisingly easy to DIY.
04. Yellow Short Floral Summer Nails
These floral yellow nails are like a sunflower field at your fingertips. Bright, happy, and dotted with sweet blossoms, they’re tailor-made for good vibes, sunshine, and compliment after compliment.
03. Baby Blue Short Summer Nails
Soft, serene, and effortlessly cool, baby blue nails capture the best parts of summer—open skies and peaceful waters. They’re a minimalist’s dream, giving you a polished look with a whisper of color.
02. Mix and Match Short Summer Nails
Go wild with color and creativity with this mix-and-match style. Each nail brings its own personality to the table, from stripes to squiggles, in a palette of happy, summery shades. These are nails that start conversations.
01. Short Summer Fruit Nails
Tiny strawberries, pineapples, and watermelons make these nails the cutest snack-inspired mani of the season. They’re playful, vibrant, and totally Instagram-worthy—perfect for poolside lounging or farmers market strolls.
These 40 short summer nail styles prove that you don’t need length to make a statement. Whether you’re into soft pastels, bold neons, fruity fun, or abstract art, this collection has something for every mood and every moment under the sun. From tropical swirls to French tips with a twist, each design is bursting with creativity, color, and warm-weather vibes.
What ties them all together? Playfulness with polish—every look invites you to express yourself, take risks, and celebrate the season in full color. These nails are not just trendy—they’re wearable pieces of art that keep you feeling fresh, fun, and totally in sync with summer. So whether you’re sipping lemonade, hitting a beach day, or just vibing on your porch, your nails will be doing all the talking. Short, sweet, and seriously stylish—this summer is all about bold choices on a smaller canvas.