34 Short Gel Nail Designs to Inspire Your Next Manicure

As minimal beauty continues to trend, we’re seeing more and more people opt for short nails. But why stick with a single-color manicure when there are so many short gel nail designs to try? Gel manicures allow for infinite creativity, meaning the sky is the limit, and they can be as simple or intricate as you choose. Options range from the basic french manicure to more detailed works of art like brushstroke nails, but that’s only the beginning.

Of course, when considering simple gel nail designs, you’ll want to be aware the pros and cons to getting a gel manicure. It’s true that the polish lasts a lot longer than a regular manicure, but if you don’t remove it properly, it can damage your natural nails.

Then, once you’re ready to get a short nail gel manicure, you should gather some design inspiration before heading to the salon. On Instagram, there are a variety of nail-art ideas to choose from, and many can be adapted for short nails. Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite short gel nail ideas to bring with you to your next appointment.