8 Manicures That Prove Short Christmas Nails Are In

If you spend any time on Instagram scrolling for manicure inspiration, you know that long nails are the golden standard for creators. Length, whether extreme or moderate, allows for lots of space to get creative when crafting nail designs. But long nails aren’t for everyone, and for those who prefer a more modest look, short nails are ideal. With the holidays just around the corner, short Christmas nails are likely beginning to flood your feeds.

Short nails tend to have a look that feels more natural than long styles. They also look fabulous when paired with classic holiday colors. Fortunately, there are lots of festive looks to choose from. Whether you want a bold and intricately designed manicure or something simple, the list below is a good place to start.

Short Christmas Nails We Love

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The Grinch

Nothing says Christmas more than the Christmas grouch himself. This manicure takes Grinch fandom to a new level and shows him dangling a ruby ornament and grinning with delight.

IG: @alyxlippiatt

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Christmas Dachshund

Even if you’re not a dog lover, you’ll find it hard to resist this adorable manicure. The simple design features a teeny tiny pup with a cute Santa hat and even has a touch of sparkle thanks to the shimmery polish in the background.

Nude nails with a tiny hand-painted Christmas dog

IG: @alyxlippiatt

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Poinsettia Red

‘Tis the season for red nails. This poinsettia shade and short nail look is the perfect way to ring in the season with subtlety. To get the full effect, opt for a gel polish and a good top coat for a glossy finish.

Short nails with a bright red nail polish

IG: @paintedbyjools

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Candy Land

If you prefer a minimalist look, consider these candy land nails. They feature bare, well-groomed nails and tiny holiday designs, like candy canes and Christmas trees. The final look is the perfect combination between subtle and sweet.

Short nails with a mix of Christmas designs

IG: @liv4nails__

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Golden Bows

Whether tied atop the tree or used to secure gifts, a gold bow is the picture of an elegant Christmas. So, it’s only fitting to give your nails the same treatment. To nail this look, try using stickers in a burnished gold color.

IG: @alyxlippiatt

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White Christmas

Snow white nails are ideal for winter. But if you want to make your manicure feel more festive, decorate them with a mélange of holly and pine tree designs.

White nails with holly and garland nail art

IG: @samrosenails

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Ribbons & Bows

Bows aren’t just for balletcore nails, and this dainty design proves it. Against a simple champagne background, the red ribbons and single bow give this manicure a cute holiday look.

IG: @nailsinc

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Glitter & Gold

Wrap your nails in Christmas cheer with this simple but stunning manicure. To recreate it, look for a chunky gold glitter polish, a bold red and a gold pen to create the wrapped present look.