21 Short Christmas Nail Ideas
The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s time to deck the halls and your nails! Whether you prefer a classic red and green combo or a more modern, minimalist look, there’s a Christmas nail design out there for everyone. In this post, we’ve rounded up 21 short nail ideas that are perfect for the festive season. From simple and elegant to bold and sparkly, these designs will inspire you to create your own unique holiday nails.
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Red Holly Berries
I love the vibrant red on these nails and think the holly berry details are so cute! The milky white background of the holly berry nails makes this look so sleek and clean!
Snowman Nails
These are similar to the popular Halloween ghost nails but with a winter twist! These snowmen are so cute and you can customize this set in so many ways by giving these loveable characters different colors and accessories!
Candy Cane Nails
These nails are so cute and would be easy to DIY! It looks like the candy canes and peppermint nail border are done with a simple dot method and the bright red on this set is so much fun!
Green Present
These nails are adorable and very subtly Christmas! The emerald green is so pretty and the gift-wrapped bow is super clever and creative!
White Christmas French Tip
This set combines some of the cutest winter nail trends! From a cute little snowflake to a sweater accent nail, this white French tip set is perfect for this Christmas!
Milky Pink Nails with Candy Canes and Gingerbread
You can’t go wrong with milky pink, even around Christmas time. Add in some cute Christmas elements like Candy Canes and Gingerbread men for a darling Holiday mani.
Nude Christmas Tree Nails
These nails are so cute and simple! I love the nude base with the dainty, abstract Christmas tree design on the ring fingernail!
Gold Border
I love these nude nails with a gold dot border! The holly berry accent nail is so cute and when paired with the simple elegant gold it creates one of the best short Christmas nail ideas!
Pink Gingerbread Nails
These are the perfect girly Christmas nails! From the flower and gingerbread to the glittery peppermint twist, these nails are perfectly pink and adorable!
Matte Red Nails
The matte top coat brings these nails to life and makes them look so clean and cartoonish! I especially love the heart stitch nail and the cute reindeer art!
Snowy Barn Nails
These nails are so cute and clever! I love the white snow paired with the cute little barn art!
Matte Blue Nails
These matte nails are so cute with each nail having an individual little Christmas item! From the adorable sticking to the detailed gingerbread cookie, these nails are so cute and perfect for Christmas!
Ornament Nails
Using nail charms and gems, this nail set encapsulates some cute little ornaments and a Christmas tree! The background color of these nails is so clean-looking and chic!
Wreath Nails
The little wreath on this nail set is so cute with the little red bow and gold details! The red a gold are tied into the solid-colored nails that make up the rest of the set!
Holly Berry French Tip
This set is so clever with how they incorporate the holly berries and leaves into the French tip along with the simple white color!
Christmas Lights Nails
The little Christmas lights on these nails are so glittery and fun! I love the colors on this set and all the poppy little details!
Tree Polka Dot Nails
I love the emerald jewel tones of Christmas! These nails are so cute with the little Christmas trees and polka dots!
Christmas Cookie Nails
These nails are so clever with the little Christmas cookie art! I love the branches and think they complete the look! These nails are long but I think they could easily be done on a short base!
Polar Bear Nails
These cute little polar bear nails are to die for! The soft shimmer of the red and snow falling on the bears make this set so cozy and Christmas-y!
Silver Ombre With Holly Berries
These Christmas nails feature a silver glittery to nude ombre with small holly berries on each nail!
Red Chrome French Tips
These nails look like red chrome French tips with cake snow over top! Leave off the snow for a more sleek and elegant holiday look, or leave it on for a more fun set with some festive personality!
Bright Red Gift Nails
These bright red nails are so cute with the glittery present ribbon accent nail!
Press-On Christmas Nails
Christmas Manicure Must-Haves
If you are attempting these Short Christmas Nail Ideas at home, you may need some tools to get started. Here are the tools and products that I swear by to keep my nails healthy and in great shape. I like to do my manicures at home, and these products do the trick to make my manicures last! Click the picture for the links!
Manicure Tips
Whenever you do your own manicure I always recommend a few steps before you start painting.
1. Trim and file your nails. These nail files are THE BEST. They make your nails feel so smooth.
2. Clean up your cuticles. This cuticle remover is a little pricey but it works so incredibly well. I like to use these push sticks. *Never cut your cuticles it leads to hangnails and possibly infection.
3. Buff your nail plate to smooth the surface of your nails. This buffer is the best option.
4. Wash your hands and wipe with acetone or alcohol. This ensures that there is no remaining oil left on your nails that will get in the way of your manicure lasting as long as possible.
5. Apply base coat. Some of the brands below require specific pre-polish steps- I’ll flag them so you are aware.
6. Apply a coat of polish and wait a few minutes for it to dry before applying the next coat. Repeat until you get the coverage you like.
7. Apply top coat and for the best result brush it over the edge of your nail to ensure everything stays as long as possible.
8. Apply cuticle oil or serum as needed. I like to apply it before bed.
Bonus: If you have thin/ weak/ peely nails this nail hardener helps SO MUCH!
With these 21 short Christmas nail ideas, you’re all set to sparkle this holiday season. Remember, short nails can be just as festive and stylish as long ones. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, patterns, and embellishments. Happy Holidays and happy nail painting!
I hope you loved this post about Short Christmas Nail Ideas!
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Christmas Decor Ideas For Small Apartments
xx,
Lauren