33 Short Nail Ideas for July That Are Perfect for Every Summer Plan
In News

33 Short Nail Ideas for July That Are Perfect for Every Summer Plan

33 Short Nail Ideas for July That Are Perfect for Every Summer Plan

A hand with neatly painted nails

@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

01of 33

Tangerine Tips

Closeup of hands displaying manicured nails with a twotone design

@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.

02of 33

Tiny Fruits

A hand with manicured nails featuring yellow tips and tiny decorative designs on each nail

@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.

03of 33

Aqua Mint

Hand with manicured nails featuring a solid color polish

@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.

04of 33

Clean & Crisp

A hand with neatly manicured nails with white polish

@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.

05of 33

Buttercream Chrome

A hand with manicured nails and rings, wearing a knitted sweater

@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.

06of 33

Plaid Nail Art

A pair of hands with fingernails painted in a blue plaid nail art design, symmetrical and detailed

@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.

07of 33

Strawberry Nails

Close-up view of a person's hand with nails featuring strawberry-themed nail art

@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.

08of 33

Rose Quartz

A hand with polished nails showing detailed nail art design

@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.  

09of 33

Mixed Patterns

Manicured hands adorned with gold rings, each nail features unique artistic designs and decorative elements

@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.

10of 33

Water Droplets

Hands with manicured nails displaying an artistic blue pattern

@digitzbydev/INSTAGRAM

Soft blue diffused against a creamy white background creates a stunning raindrop effect (and pairs beautifully with short almond nails).

11of 33

Fire Engine Red

A hand with manicured nails resting on a table, visible items include a snakeskin pattern handbag and sunglasses

@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.

12of 33

Negative Space

Hand with manicured nails featuring art designs in different patterns and rings on fingers

@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.

13of 33

Matte Florals

A set of hands showcasing nail art with pastel blue and floral designs

@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.

14of 33

Galaxy Aura Nails

Hands showing multicolored gradient manicure with silver rings on the fingers

@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.

15of 33

Beachy Ombré

A hand with gradient blue-to-yellow polished nails

@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.

16of 33

Contemporary Polka Dots

Hands displaying nail art with a black and white polka dot pattern

@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.

17of 33

Green Blooms

Hands showing green floral nail art with rings on fingers

@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.

18of 33

Baby Blue

Hand with nail polish and rings

@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.

19of 33

Peach & Pink

A hand wearing a diamond ring on the ring finger and painted nails

@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.

20of 33

Disco Tips

Hand with shiny manicured nails and a ring on the ring finger

@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.

21of 33

Pink Chrome

A hand showcasing pink and white gradient nail art set against a neutral background, partially covered by a green sweater sleeve

@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.

22of 33

Martini Nails

Hands with manicured nails, one hand with metallic nails, the other with green nails and red dot accents, sleeves visible in background

@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.

23of 33

3D Floral Nail Art

A hand with decorated nails and golden rings shown in a car interior

@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.

24of 33

Glitter Rainbow

Hand with colorful nails in front of cartoon-themed background

@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.

25of 33

Groovy Prints

A hand with fashionable nail art featuring flower and checkered patterns

@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.

26of 33

Frosty Cream

A hand wearing a ring on the ring finger

@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.

27of 33

Black French Tips

Close-up of a hand with manicured nails in a gradient design, and a ring with stones on one finger

@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.

28of 33

Metal Tiles

Person with a manicure featuring geometric nail art and wearing a stacked ring

@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.

29of 33

Pop of Red

A hand with painted fingernails, featuring a mix of red nails and two accent nails with black-and-white patterns, adorned with rings

@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.

30of 33

Colorful Terrazzo

A hand displaying fingernails with a colorful splatter design

@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.

31of 33

Cherry French Manicure

Manicured hands with French tips and cherry nail art on two nails

@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.

32of 33

Holographic Chrome

Hand displaying shaped and polished nails with a glossy finish

@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.

33of 33

Matte Orange

Hands with almond-shaped orange nails and a silver ring adorned with a circular stone
@digitzbydev/INSTAGRAM.

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. 


 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE