26 Short French Manicures That Will Convince You to Give Up Long Nails (2024)

26 Short French Manicures That Will Convince You to Give Up Long Nails (1)

We all speak French when it comes to nail art. We're referring to French manicures, of course. One of the many reasons the classic design has stuck around for decades is its versatility. It truly works for nails of all lengths, including short ones.

Whether you want to stick with a simple white French mani or want to take creative liberties with the design, short French manicures look stunning in every variety. To help inspire your next nail look, we've rounded up 26 short French nail ideas you'll love.

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Gold French Nails

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For a minimalist metallic manicure, opt for a simple gold French tip. The clear base allows the golden foil polish to shine.

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Silver French Nails

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Metallics are the new neutrals. With that motto in mind, this silver French mani is a look that can work for many occasions.

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Black and White French Nails

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What’s black and white and chic all over? This gorgeously glam take on a French manicure. The dotted baby French design is so unique and unexpected.

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Lavender and White French Nails

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This purple and white French manicure reminds us of lavender gelato. This cheery, pastel nail look is perfect for the spring and summer.

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Gold Bead French Nails

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Use a dotting tool to place tiny gold gems along your tips, creating a French effect. The result is a gorgeous, bedazzled mani. What could be more precious?

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Brown Cowprint French Nails

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Animal-print manicures are nothing new, but cow-print nail looks are having a major moment. The French mani adds excitement to the clear, glossy nail look.

Mixed Metal French Nails

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When you can’t decide between silver and gold, opt for both. The two-tone metallic manicure is such a high-shine, eye-catching look.

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Glossy Black French Nails

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A glossy black manicure always gives you an edgy, eye-catching look. Here, the sheer black base makes the bold French tip pop.

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Orange and Purple French Nails

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Baby French manicures offer a simpler, understated take on the traditional design. This vibrant take features a cool pairing of orange and purple polish.

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Bejeweled Black French Nails

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A black-and-white mani is always cool, but this French design keeps upping the ante. First, there’s the shimmer flecks in the black polish. Then, there’s the ring of rhinestones on accent fingers that add shine to the look.

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Sheer Golden French Nails

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A French manicure doesn’t always have to be glaringly obvious. This gold and milky pink nail look is so subtle that you might have to do a double-take to catch the French tip.

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Chrome Double French Nails

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With this futuristic manicure, there are so many details to appreciate. The chrome double French tips, negative space, and aura designs give this nail look an otherworldly feel.

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Rainbow Jewel French Nails

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Adding cool accents to each nail can make a classic white French manicure feel more fun. In this case, you should add nail gems above your cuticle for a pop of color.

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Red and White French Nails

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A red and white manicure feels very festive (think Valentine's Day, Fourth of July, or Christmas), but we think this look can work for any occasion. To elevate the look, add a stripe of gold nail polish underneath each French tip.

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Cherry French Nails

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Cherry manicures are playful and pretty. Keep the look interesting by creating different designs on each finger–some nails feature French tips and cherries, while others have stars and hearts.

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Monarch Butterfly French Nails

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Showcase your love of butterflies with this whimsical orange French manicure. With this set, there's an equal mix of butterfly nail art and simple French tips.

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Simple Square French Nails

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If you prefer a straightforward manicure, you can't go wrong with a short white French design. This square mani exemplifies that a French manicure works on nails of all lengths and shapes.

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Seafoam Green Flame Nails

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Take creative liberties with your French tips and throw in a few flame-shaped designs. The seafoam green polish makes this edgy manicure stand out even more.

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Black Heart French Nails

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This manicure is gothic romance at its best. The black polish gives the look an intense, edgy appeal, while the heart designs and silver polish give it a softer touch.

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3D Black French Nails

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Elevate your black French manicure by adding 3D gems. The tiny silver gemstones add cool texture to the nail look.

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Neon Rainbow French Nails

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Talk about a bright idea. This manicure features an array of neon polishes. Look closely, and you’ll see that each nail has an ombré effect on the French tip.

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Burgundy and Black French Nails

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This two-tone French manicure is moody and mesmerizing. Navy and burgundy are an unexpected color combo, but it works well for this baby French nail look.

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Soft Brown French Nails

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Brown isn't a super popular color for French tips, but this soft brown manicure is making a case for the shade. It is such a subtle and sophisticated look.

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Red French Nails

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A cherry-colored French tip puts a fresh twist on the beloved nail look. The key to this baby French look is creating the sharpest, most precise line possible.

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Gold Star French Nails

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Even the simplest gold French manicure is guaranteed to draw attention. However, adding intricate designs (like stars and gems) will make this a metallic mani you won't forget.