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Short Nails Are Making A Comeback, Y’all

Calling all manicure gurus: Short nails are coming back in style! I repeat: Short nails are coming back in style! While they were never not in, I would say that there’s an upsurge of short nail appearances in today’s nail trends, and honestly, I’m here for it. 

Many famous nail artists, including Lindsay Lohan’s, Elle Gerstein, are predicting that short nails will take over in 2023. There are already so many celebrities and influencers hopping on the short nail trend, and short nails are also making their way into the “clean girl” aesthetic requirements. (If you aren’t familiar with the “clean girl” aesthetic, it’s basically when someone looks effortlessly put together while maintaining a very minimalistic look.) In my opinion, there is something very simple and natural about having short nails. You’ve probably seen some of your favorite A-listers with short nail designs recently, too, like Olivia Rodrigo, Camila Cabello, and Kacey Musgraves at the 2023 Grammys. 

Along with the fashionable side of short nails, there are also a lot of practicalities that come with them. Short nails are sometimes easier to maintain compared to long nails — I mean, you don’t need to worry as much about excess dirt getting under your nails. You also don’t have the constant fear running through your mind of what you can and can’t do without breaking a nail. (Thankfully, you won’t need to restrict your everyday routine with this short nail trend.) Shorter nails make it a lot easier to put jewelry on without as much of a struggle, too. 

Now moving into a different line of business: Having short nails can also have some benefits in the workfield, depending on your occupation. For example, if you are working in a job that requires you to perform meticulous tasks, such as in a hospital, then maybe long nails aren’t as  convenient of a choice. If you’re working as a social media manager, though, where you don’t need to work as much physically with your hands, go for the longest nails! 

If you’re looking for some inspo for what short nail designs you should get at your next nail appointment, check out these trending lip gloss nails. If that’s not enough, Mada Graviet, mother of baby Ren, has some cool nail posts on her TikTok, and Nailboo always posts some seriously beautiful short nail videos on the platform as well.

But at the end of the day, Vanessa Sanchez McCullough, nail artist to celebs like Paris Hilton, Olivia Rodrigo, and Suki Waterhouse, told The Zoe Report, “Short nails or long nails, you could still have beautiful trendy looks.” 

Sabrina Bernard

Queen's U '25

Sabrina Bernard is a writer Her Campus' National Program. She writes lifestyle content on the site, including entertainment, news, and experiences. Beyond Her Campus, Sabrina is heavily involved at her university, where she is an Orientation Coordinator for the largest not-for-profit orientation in Canada, she is the Co-President of the English Department Student Council, and models for her university's Sustainable Fashion club. She also volunteers at the local Animal Shelter when she goes home. Sabrina is currently a junior at Queen's University, majoring in English Literature with a certificate in French. She has also been a panelist at several literary conferences for her works. In her free time, Sabrina enjoys reading, playing with her cat Poppy, and petting every cat she can find on the streets. She's also a huge Modern Family fan and has rewatched the series multiple times.