Short, sporty nails need durability, too.

Now, length is relative so “short” may mean something different to everyone.

This geometric design, with a splash of technicolor taste, truly makes those razor-sharp edges shine.

A hand with hot pink short nails and the sleeve of a rainbow sweater

@lolonailedit/ Instagram

Crisp Tips

@rsbnails/ Instagram

What’s a square-shaped acrylic tip without a little French fusion?

This traditional French manicure is a tried and true classic.

This red French mani is just what you’re looking for.

Short acrylic manicure with technicolor geometric nail art

@glammertized/ Instagram

Delicate Pink

@cosmetic.doll/ Instagram

There’s nothing like a dainty pink mani.

Unfortunately, classic neutral polishes can chip so easily that the coveted natural effect rarely lasts.

Acrylics, on the other hand, are here for the long haul.

Short square-shaped acrylic french manicure

@rsbnails/ Instagram

Cotton Candy Ombre

@spiritnailsandbeautybyfaye/ Instagram

Can’t pick a single color?

Opting for a faded acrylicombrelets you show off two of your favorite shades in a unique way.

Byrdie Tip

To preserve the life of your mani,reapply the topcoatevery two to three days.

Short Acrylic Nails with Red French Manicure

@paragonnails/ Instagram

Not sure what to ask for?

Look up almond, squoval, oval, and round nails to help you choose.

Art Deco

Add a pop of color to your day with these Art Deco-inspired digits.

Short, pink acrylic nails with pointed tips

@cosmetic.doll/ Instagram

Perfect for the holidays (or year-round), a timeless red is a forever staple.

Red Chrome

@brushednailsalon/ Instagram

We love a classic with a twist.

These acrylics amp up the storied red look with sweep of white chrome.

short acrylic manicure with Cotton Candy Ombré nails

@spiritnailsandbeautybyfaye/ Instagram

This look is also more forgiving if you’re going theDIY routewith your acrylics.

Floral Details

Another way to enhance a classic nude manicure is by adding floral details.

Snag a barely-there nude polish or copy the look by switching off with a neutral-hued holographic glitter.

Short Acrylic Nails with french tip ombre and glitter cuticles

@nailsbyhelenattheivy/ Instagram

Matte Red Mani

If Ruby Woo were an acrylic nail, we think we found it.

Pink Yin and Yang

Feeling moody?

This yin-and-yang manicure is all the Zen you need.

short acrylic manicure with rounded nude nails

@polishedbyellie / Instagram

It’s so easy to achieve.

Starfish Charm

@an_mazingnailsat_palazzon / Instagram

Summer calls for bright colors and coastal prints.

To get in on the look, ask your manicurist to recreate these precious starfish acrylics.

Short Acrylic Nails with abstract, colorful Art Deco design

@paragonnails/ Instagram

In this example, the bright white makes the periwinkle pop.

Black Lacquer

These high-shine, almond-shaped acrylics are so glossy you might see your own reflection.

They’re perfectly glam for aspecial occasion.

short acrylic manicure with classic red nails

@nailsbyamy_nz / Instagram

We love the more relaxed aesthetic achieved from blending the tones instead of color-blocking the tip.

Pro tip: Customize this mani with your zodiac sign.

Neon Nail Art

@fancybrownhands / Instagram

Neon is having a major moment.

Red chrome acrylic nails

@brushednailsalon/ Instagram

Green With Envy

We’re green with envy for this whimsical mani.

you’re able to do the same style, but with whatever color spectrum you want.

The barely there base creates the perfect canvas for sweet glitteryheartsin an unexpected black hue.

short acrylic manicure with metallic rose gold

@katesobsession / Instagram

Double Arches

@chelseaqueen/ Instagram

Double the arches, double the impact.

This nude manicure combines a thin French tip with a half-moon silhouette for a dynamic design.

Double French Tips

These yellow double arches illustrate the versatility in the trend.

acrylic manicure with rose colored nails

@nailsdonewright / Instagram

Cosmic Confetti

@nails_of_la/ Instagram

The depth of this inky indigo base is absolutely dreamy.

Unlike the aforementioned zodiac nails, the chunky glitter creates a starry-night-sky design without the esoteric undertones.

Frosted Flakes

We’re officially naming this manicureacrylics on ice.

Short Acrylic Nails with Simple White Lines demarcating french tip

@reds.amber/ Instagram

The frosty blue base sets the perfect chilly tone for shimmering overlays, icy jewels, and snowflake motifs.

Kiss and Repeat

Romance is in the air with this sweet set.

Minty Fresh

Does it get any more fresh than this minty mani?

Short acrylic nails with nude base and floral design

@rsbnails/ Instagram

The hybrid manicure features an acrylic set topped with DND gel color in Voodoo and chrome overlay.

Jungle Fever Mani

@afreshset/ Instagram

Feeling wild?

This evergreen and leopard mismatched manicure makes rocking animal print a little more subtle.

barely there nude acrylic nails with square tip

@charlieellen / Instagram

Logomania

Thanks, they’re designer.

Show your favorite brand some extra support by rocking their signature logo on your nails.

Bejeweled Mani

Retro flair, coming right up.

matte red acrylic manicure

@nailsdonewright / Instagram

Midas Touch

Red and gold is oh-so bold.

Looking to amp up your usual red manicure?

Add a metallic gold statement for a show-stopping combo.

Short Acrylic Nails with mismatched Pastel polish on each nail

@nailsonpoiint/ Instagram

Wintry Mix

Struggling to fight off thewinterblues?

This glistening set should do the trick.

With metallic snowflakes and cozy sweater texturing, it’s impossible not to find joy in the dropping temperatures.

Short Acrylic Nails with Pink Yin and Yang design

@paragonnails/ Instagram

This acrylic overlay totally nails the perfect berry shade.

blue acrylic manicure with starfish-themed accent nails

@an_mazingnailsat_palazzon / Instagram

Short Acrylic with bright rainbow colors on each nail

@nails_lewandowska/ Instagram

Short Acrylic Nails with Larimar Stone design

@paragonnails/ Instagram

short acrylic nails with gradient baby blue manicure

@nailsdonewright / Instagram

short acrylic nails with glossy black polish and silver glitter accent nail

@nailsdonewright / Instagram

Short Acrylic Nails with Natural Ombré

@skyspanorwood/ Instagram

Short Acrylic navy Nails with Constellation design

@leleloveleigh/ Instagram

short acrylic manicure with green neon nails

@fancybrownhands / Instagram

Short Acrylic Nails with Green swirl designs

@paragonnails/ Instagram

Nude square-tipped nails with black glittery hearts

@anetaujwary/ Instagram

Nude rounded nails with metallic blue double-arch design

@chelseaqueen/ Instagram

Short, square shaped acrylic nails with yellow openwork french tips

@glammertized/ Instagram

Deep navy manicure with confetti sparkle

@nails_of_la/ Instagram

Square-shaped baby blue acrylic nails with icy motifs

@glammertized/ Instagram

Almond-shaped nails with tortoiseshell pr and “nail art” written on the thumbs in white

@yo_keshh/ Instagram

Short rounded acrulic nails with pink and yellow daisy and rainbow design

@nailsby.hails/ Instagram

Pink, square-shaped acrylic nails with red hearts and smooched-lips nail design

@rsbnails/ Instagram

Almond-shaped acrylic nails in mint green

@brushednailsalon/ Instagram

Short, rounded acrylic nails with green and leopard mismatch pattern

@afreshset/ Instagram

Almond-shaped nails with nude base, black French tip and rhinestones

@rsbnails/ Instagram

Short, square-shaped acrylic nails with mismatched red and gold design

@glammertized/ Instagram

Short pink acrylic nails with winter motifs and sweater texture

@nailsby.hails/ Instagram

Short squoval acrylic nails in raspberry

@glammertized/ Instagram