Long nails are the Marcia Brady of manicures, capturing all the attention and constantly flaunting their elaborate designs online. But let’s face it: short nail art has been waiting a long time for its moment in the sun. We’re going to talk for a lot longer than the one-word text you were supposed to send to the guy you’ve been talking to on Tinder. Short nails are comparable to Jan Brady, the middle sister who occasionally goes unnoticed but who unquestionably deserves recognition in the same way as her big sister.

Short Nails Are Underrated

When it comes to nail art, short nails typically receive the short end of the stick. You’ll notice that the newest and coolest designs are typically created on extra-long tips when you flick through the inspirations given in a book at your manicure salon or browse Instagram (often reinforced with gel or acrylic bases). However, if you prefer short nails or have been having trouble quitting your nail-biting habit, you don’t have to stick with a plain nude nail polish. There are many marvelous and brilliant ideas that will do justice to your short nails. You can still go out with your lovely short nails.

Nail artist Miss Pop from New York City claims, “As a former nail-biter, I can attest that nail art makes every length look extra fabulous.” She elaborated, “If you have very short nails, consider focusing the design down by the cuticle — try a half-moon or a negative-space look.” Actually, all lengths look great with these manicures, but shorties look especially good. Even better, each of these sets is offered in a selection of hues and patterns that will suit practically everyone’s aesthetic preferences. No love for pastels? There are a few of our ideas that are more in the middle. Do you prefer pink to neutrals? We also have those. Consider covering all of your nail art requirements.

Continue reading to see 31 short nail art ideas that we know you’ll want to recreate, add your favorite designs to your nail art inspiration board, or present to your nail technician at your upcoming salon appointment.