33 Short Nail Ideas for July That Are Perfect for Every Summer Plan
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@melanated.mani / instagram
July is the height of summer. Its arrival means scorching temperatures, pool days, and BBQs are ahead. It's also the perfect time to slip into a new nail look. Spring's pastel shades and flower designs are swapped out for vivid colors and equally cool designs. There's no shortage of inspiration online, even when it comes to finding the best looks for shorter nails. Extensions aren't for everyone, and if you prefer to wear your natural nails, there are lots of fun styles you can experiment with this month. Whether you prefer something out of the box, like holographic finishes or giant polka dots, or would rather keep it simple, you have options. Ahead, find 33 short nail ideas that bring the best of summer to your July manicure.
Tangerine Tips
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@overglowedit / instagram
A juicy tangerine polish is perfect for July. Add a little dot accent to each French tip for a simple yet striking accent.
Tiny Fruits
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@overglowedit / instagram
Decorate your butter-yellow French tips with tiny fruits for a set ripe for summer. For an extra playful look, add a different fruit decal to each nail.
Aqua Mint
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@melanated.mani / instagram
You can't go wrong with a simple square set. A gorgeous aqua mint polish shows off the precise shape so well.
Clean & Crisp
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@lolo.nailedit/INSTAGRAM
White nails are always a stylish choice, regardless of the season or temperature, but they're especially fitting for summer. Plus, they exude sophisticated vibes.
Buttercream Chrome
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@oliveandjune/INSTAGRAM
Two nail trends are better than one, and this butter yellow chrome manicure proves it. This chic set is perfect for weddings or any other special events on your calendar this month.
Plaid Nail Art
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@digitzbydev/INSTAGRAM
If you've already tried gingham, a classic plaid design should be next on your list. Just be sure to keep the colors light and bright for a summery feel.
Strawberry Nails
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@overglowedit/INSTAGRAM
It's not often that you see a strawberry manicure like this one. Most use the berries to accent the look. This set flips the script with tips-to-cuticles strawberries on every finger, creating an eye-catching design perfect for short nails.
Rose Quartz
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@oliveandjune/INSTAGRAM
Even the mani maximalists can't deny the allure of these nails. The soft rose color is right on trend with pink shades flooding Instagram right now, while the hint of marbling adds an artsy touch.
Mixed Patterns
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@rsbnails/INSTAGRAM
Creativity is the key to nailing a mixed manicure like this one. Each fingernail sports a different trend, making the final look fabulous and Instagram-ready.
Water Droplets
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@digitzbydev/INSTAGRAM
Soft blue diffused against a creamy white background creates a stunning raindrop effect (and pairs beautifully with short almond nails).
Fire Engine Red
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@lolo.nailedit/INSTAGRAM
Red polish is one of the best hues for short nails. For a fresh take on the classic look, we suggest slipping into a fiery hue and doubling up the layers of a glossy top coat.
Negative Space
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@amyytran/INSTAGRAM
Summer manicures usually include bright colors and intricate nail art. This July, why not take a different approach with a contemporary design? For this cool mani, the artist used a mix of sharp lines in a clean white polish to create contrast.
Matte Florals
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@digitzbydev/INSTAGRAM
It may be summer, but ditsy floral manicures are still trending. If you want to make yours stand out, mix in a few pastel blue fingernails and add a matte topcoat for an edgy look.
Galaxy Aura Nails
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@myprettyset/INSTAGRAM
If you can't bear to part with dark nail colors, you'll love these galaxy-inspired aura nails. The black base color gives the design an edgy look.
Beachy Ombré
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@melanated.mani/INSTAGRAM
Embrace neon polish with a cool ombré manicure like this one. Using ocean blues and lime green to create an ombré effect feels summery and oh-so-cool.
Contemporary Polka Dots
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@digitzbydev/INSTAGRAM
Who doesn't love polka dots? Instead of opting for a traditional dotted design, try experimenting with a contemporary version using oversized polka dots.
Green Blooms
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@pop_polished/INSTAGRAM
Softer shades of green may be trending right now, but that doesn't mean you can't still embrace a bolder hue. Wear them both in a fun blooming gel design.
Baby Blue
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@lolo.nailedit/INSTAGRAM
Solid manicures in cool colors can be very alluring. Not only are they easy to DIY, but they look super sophisticated on short nails. This baby blue hue is a chic option for the 4th of July; It's festive without being over the top.
Peach & Pink
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@melanated.mani/INSTAGRAM
When you can't decide on one color, ombré is always an option. This one pairs soft peach polish with rosy pink for a simple, elegant, and cool manicure.
Disco Tips
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@oliveandjune/INSTAGRAM
There's never a bad time for a French manicure or glitter accents. Pairing the two only makes their appeal even stronger. If you need a glamorous, unfussy manicure, consider this your new favorite.
Pink Chrome
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@oliveandjune/INSTAGRAM
The pink nail trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and chrome has already solidified its spot as a classic. So, why not combine the two? Enter this short pink chrome look. Vivid, daring, and unexpected, it's the perfect pick for summer.
Martini Nails
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@overglowedit/INSTAGRAM
This creator gave the dirty martini manicure a chic twist. Instead of 3D nail art, they opted for an olive design that covers the fingernails of one hand and a cool silver polish for the other. Together, they're as eye-catching as any martini.
3D Floral Nail Art
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@rsbnails/INSTAGRAM
Can't get enough of 3D nail art? We don't blame you. It instantly makes a manicure feel like a work of art. Take a cue from this mani and stick to a soft color palette featuring rose and tangerine.
Glitter Rainbow
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@melanated.mani/INSTAGRAM
This glitter manicure is just too cool. A glittery Skittle approach will always be a winner, especially on a trendy square shape.
Groovy Prints
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@amyytran/INSTAGRAM
'70s styles are back big time, from fashion to hairstyles and, of course, manicures. Still, you don't have to be too literal. This manicure mixes patterns and motifs from the era, but the creamy pastels give the design a modern and fresh look.
Frosty Cream
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@oliveandjune/INSTAGRAM
The internet is obsessed with "ice cream nails," but this frosty set could give the trend a run for its money. It's just as soft and elegant.
Black French Tips
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@melanated.mani/INSTAGRAM
Give your go-to Frenchie a dark twist by swapping out the light colors for deep and dark polishes. This creator opted for cobalt blue and black, topped off with a touch of glitter for a little magic.
Metal Tiles
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@oliveandjune/INSTAGRAM
Minimalist nail designs are some of the most striking. These silver tiles set against a sage background are a great example. They're elegant and have just the right amount of edge.
Pop of Red
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@lolo.nailedit/INSTAGRAM
The checkerboard design is cool, but the real stars are the cherry red digits. Paired together, they create a manicure that exudes the endless fun of summer and the excitement of a race.
Colorful Terrazzo
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@oliveandjune/INSTAGRAM
It's time to get creative with color. To recreate this adorable terrazzo mani, select a few polishes in different shades and freehand the prints. Lock in your hard work with a glossy top coat.
Cherry French Manicure
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@digitzbydev/INSTAGRAM
Ready to upgrade your French manicure? Adding cherries is one way to do so. Much more than nail art, they make a classic French tip design feel summery and fun.
Holographic Chrome
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@amyytran/INSTAGRAM
Remember when we said pink is winning this season? Adding a holographic chrome finish takes a bubblegum hue to another (super shiny) level.
Matte Orange
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Matte topcoats have a similar effect and can instantly transform any nail color. On tangerine, it amplifies the vivid hue, making it even bolder and more alluring.
