We are all striving to grow our nails — and keep them that way. Right? However, a more natural-look has gradually been establishing itself as a staple of the beauty world. We're embracing the no-makeup makeup look. We're seeking minimalist styles for our wardrobes. And, yes, minimalism is also finding its way to the nail world. We are in a new era dominated by the soap nail and the Japanese manicure. Meanwhile, nail lengths seem to be getting shorter and shorter. Summer 2025 seems to be the season that the trend becomes official.
The expert manicurists at The Secret Lab agree: “More and more clients are asking for a more discreet length,” they say. “Many of them, used to long nails, have discovered the comfort and versatility of this style and do not want to go back.”
Is comfort the reason for this comeback? Experts say it is one of the factors behind this trend, but not the only one. "In summer, our hands are more exposed to activities that require comfort and functionality: endless swimming in the pool or the sea, outdoor sports, travel, etc., so many customers opt for a shorter length," they explain. “We also notice a higher demand from women who travel or who combine their social life with beach routines, gym or more manual work.”
But it's also a matter of style. "Short nails signify discreet elegance, chic minimalism and a cleaner aesthetic, which goes very well with current beauty trends, which are all about naturalness," they say. And so classic looks like the French manicure, have also evolved into a more discreet version — the baby french in this case.
The real question, though, is how compatible are short nails with the season's current nail art trends?
"Short nails are actually a fantastic canvas for nail art. You just have to know which designs enhance them," the experts say. Let's start with the basics: the shape. "The square with rounded corners (or squoval) is the most flattering filing in this case," they suggest. “It is able to maintain the strength of a square base, but the slight rounding of the corners softens the look and creates an illusion of greater length and elegance.”
"Sheer square can work if you have a naturally elongated nail base, but on wider or shorter nails, it can make them look even wider and coarser," they add. Meanwhile, the almond shape, a favourite of many, is the one they recommend least for short nails: "It requires a bit more length so that the shape is appreciated and the nail doesn't look too pointy or disproportionate."
Next step: the design. Nail art trends such as the recent Aurora pattern or even the more beachy options, with shells or 3D pearls, can be adapted to short nails. You can even rock a gradient with chrome nails. "In the case of pearls, for example, we recommend that, instead of covering the entire nail, you opt for one or two small pearls at key points, such as near the cuticle, in the centre of the nail or forming a small linear detail," advise the experts at The Secret Lab. "On the chrome effect, in fact, it tends to look neater and more elegant than on very long nails, where it could be excessive. On a neutral base colour such as nude or pale pink, you can achieve a super-sophisticated look," they add. You can even try three-dimensional styles: "They are a bigger challenge, but not impossible. The key is to keep them small, delicate and limited to one or two nails, so they don't stand out too much," they advise.
Let’s go to the beach, beach.
There are some nail art trends that might look less appealing on a shorter nail. In general, it's a case of avoiding "anything that emphasises width or anything horizontal, because this can visually shorten the nail". In other words, horizontal lines or designs that extend from side to side, as well as very large prints have no place on a short nail. In addition, they advise avoiding accumulations of elements per nail (such as several ornaments or stickers) and matte finishes "if they are not accompanied by a contour or shine that adds dimension".
Some of the more specific designs that manicurists recommend to clients who choose a shorter nail length are the micro or inverted French (the baby French we mentioned before), geometric and minimalist designs, which can be placed strategically so as not to overload the nail, such as "lines, dots, asymmetrical colour blocks or abstract nails with simple shapes". Animal print is also another of her recommendations, as well as soft gradients, such as ombré.
When it comes to colours, nude and translucent pink tones are the big favourites. "They visually lengthen the nail by mimicking the colour of the skin and also give that 'clean and healthy nails' effect," say the manicurists. Darker and deeper tones are also a good option: "A burgundy, navy blue or dark bottle green create a contrast that makes the nail look slimmer and more sophisticated. "In addition, dark polishes disguise any irregularities in the nail bed," they note. Glossy finishes are also a big yes, as they "enhance the nail, giving it a flawless look," the specialists explain. Finally, more vibrant but solid colors, such as a classic red, an intense coral or a vibrant fuchsia also go perfectly with this trend, as long as “you are not looking for a lengthening effect, but simply a touch of colour and joy.”
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Colours to avoid? Neons and matte finishes in very light colours. "The former can emphasise the width of the nail and play against you, while matte can make the nail look a bit 'flat' and not enhance its shape," the manicurists explain.
Finally, if your biggest fear when it comes to wearing short nails is that they may not look completely healthy, remember the basic care steps to keep your nails healthy. "Daily and constant hydration is the key," they say. For this, we can use a cuticle oil as a care routine. On the other hand, the experts insist on the use of base and top coat to protect the nails as much as possible and provide a long-lasting shine. To avoid breakage and maintain symmetrical nails, they recommend "maintaining the desired length and shape by filing every few days". They also recommend protecting your hands (with gloves, for example) from tasks involving water or chemicals.
A version of this article originally appeared on GLAMOUR (Spain).
