Recent years have seen the booming popularity of nail art and, with it, the growing preference for long, extravagant nails.
A range of aesthetics sweeping TikTok, from noughties to witchcore, had everyone reaching for the acrylics, and asking their manicurists for detailed art on their fingertips. And I don’t blame them. What fun!
But as a long-time fan of the short nail, I’m pleased to see the tide has turned in favour of the much-more manageable squat squoval and square nails.
If you look around TikTok, you’ll notice short nails are on everyone’s 2024 ‘In’ lists, with many making the leap to shorter styles after years of long acrylics.
Yep, it seems nail trends have done a full 180, with low-maintenance, short, and less attention-grabbing manis at the fore. Even nail colours and designs are going from highly decorative to humble naturals.
So, what led to this dramatic shift?
The Short Nail Trend, Explained
Let’s get into the ‘why’ of this major 2024 nail trend.
Nail Health
According to OPI brand manager, Michele Boulos, the preference for short nails has something to do with a focus on nail health. Yep, we’ve done skincare, we’re doing hair care, and now it’s our nails’ turn to feel our undying – and occasionally OTT – love.
We all know the damage some acrylic treatments can do to nails, leading some to ditch them in favour of au naturel nails instead.
Needless to say, repair oils, cuticle care and nourishing polishes are going to become bigger parts of your at-home mani routine.
Clean Girl / Quiet Luxury Aesthetic
The reason people are switching to short nails is possibly the same reason people are leaning towards understated colour palettes. Both ‘clean girl’ and ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetics are lending more to subtle, unfussy manicures that look expensive but are minimal and elegant.
When it comes colour trends, many loving either deep maroons and classic reds, or soft beige and pinks tones.
Popular nail TikTok Byleah.x shared “one of her favourite colours” from the past year was Crescent Moon by RE:New Beauty – a light, creamy beige with brown undertones. The clip, in which Byleah also sports a short, square nail, has been liked nearly 178,000 times.
Mental Health?
Interestingly, some on TikTok have pointed out that nail health isn’t the only self-care aspect of the short nail trend. Beyond that, a possible reason is that people are resisting sitting in nail salons for hours.
“Getting your nails done is actually torture,” TikToker Yasamine Durali said in a clip. “As a sensory overload girly, I literally dread sitting in that chair for an hour.”
While Yasamine still gets her nails done at the salon, she’s started 2024 by ditching her acrylics and opting for a short gel mani instead.
Short Nail Inspo For 2024
A few pics to take to your manicurist.
A french tip on a short nail.
A great way to jazz up basic black nails is through different finishes, like this sparkle and gloss combo.
The ice queen aesthetic but make it nails.
Short, tortoise shell pattern nails with gold flecks.
A classic femme fatale red.
Not quite grey, not quite brown, and a little bit mauve. Very 90s corporate boss.
The ‘clean girl’ aesthetic in full force.
A vibrant red for those who dare.
