43 Short Almond Nail Designs to Capture and Rock at Your Next Manicure
While nail polish colors are an important aspect of the manicure process, the first decision you should make is the shape of your nails. If you have a bit of length to work with, you really can’t go wrong with any option. However, we must admit that we have a soft spot for the sleek and timeless almond-shaped nails.
Almond-shaped nails require some length to achieve their signature slightly pointed shape. But if you prefer to keep them on the shorter side, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of short almond nail designs to choose from. From elegant French manicures to abstract nail art, there’s a design for every style.
Keep scrolling and discover 43 of our favorite short almond nail designs.
Pink and Orange Nail Designs
The best part of these abstract nails in pink and orange is that they don’t require much effort to recreate. Simply apply a couple of layers of color, then finish with a few small scattered black dots. This easy design adds a modern, artistic touch to your short almond nails with minimal effort.
Rainbow Tips for Almond-Shaped Nails
Two-Tone Rainbow Tips: A Vibrant Way to Rock the Bold French Skittle Manicure Trend
Real-Life Flower Nails: Bring Nature to Your Almond-Shaped Manicure
A decorative nail with 3D flowers and gemstones elevates this simple nude manicure to the next level. It’s perfect for everyday wear, but still catches the eye on special occasions like a birthday or a night out. The delicate flowers and shimmering gems add just the right amount of elegance and sparkle, making it both chic and attention-grabbing.
Orange Gelatin Nails
Try the jelly nail trend with this design in a translucent creamsicle orange tone. We love how the natural nail subtly peeks through, enhanced by elegant golden details. This look gives a soft, refreshing vibe while adding a touch of sophistication with the gold accents, making it perfect for both casual and special occasions.
Butterfly Beauties
A post shared by Spring with Friends Miami Gel Nail Art Studio (@springwithfriends)
Are you a fan of the butterfly filter on Instagram? Show it off by recreating the design on your almond-shaped nails.
Delicate Flower Nails
How beautiful are these floral nails? We love how the base allows the design to stand out with vibrant colors against a soft baby pink tone. The contrast between the delicate pastel background and the bold, colorful flowers creates a stunning, eye-catching look that’s both elegant and playful. Perfect for adding a pop of color while maintaining a soft, feminine vibe!
Opal Shell Nails
This pearlescent nail design is so versatile that at certain angles, it will appear nude, while at others, it will reflect a magical shimmer. The soft, iridescent finish adds an ethereal glow, creating a look that changes with the light and catches the eye in the most enchanting way. Perfect for any occasion, this design is both elegant and mesmerizing.
Celestial Nail Set
Connect with your inner moon goddess with this deep blue French manicure. Like tiny canvases, these nails showcase a modern version of Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” with swirling shades of blue, yellow, and white, creating a cosmic, starry effect. The rich, dark blue base represents the night sky, while the golden accents and subtle white stars add a celestial touch, making your nails a work of art that embodies both elegance and a sense of mystery. Perfect for anyone who loves to wear a little piece of the cosmos on their fingertips!
Simple Stars
For a minimalist and easy-to-do design at home, try this beautiful manicure with star-shaped sequins. It’s perfect for any occasion and season, from winter weddings to summer concerts. The subtle shimmer of the sequins adds just the right amount of sparkle without overwhelming the look, creating a soft, celestial vibe that’s both elegant and fun. Simply apply a neutral base coat and place the star-shaped sequins strategically on your nails for a delicate yet striking design.
Airbrush Ombre Effect
A manicure with an airbrush ombre effect and a touch of aura-inspired design. We love the soft peachy-pink tone of this stunning look. The white sparkles add a nod to another popular trend: aura nails. The airbrushed gradient creates a smooth, ethereal transition of colors, while the subtle aura design adds a mystical, glowing effect around the nails. This beautiful combination brings together both modern and trending elements, making it perfect for a chic, sophisticated style that captures attention in the most subtle way.
Tortoiseshell Nails
The tortoiseshell pattern, that classic material often seen in hair accessories and glasses, is now the perfect inspiration for your next manicure.
Turquoise and Gold Nails
Almond-shaped nails are the perfect canvas for this gemstone-inspired manicure. The turquoise and gold details are, without a doubt, a true work of art. The rich, vibrant turquoise evokes the beauty of precious stones, while the gold accents add a luxurious, timeless touch. This stunning combination creates a glamorous, sophisticated look, making your nails stand out with the elegance of fine jewels.
Green Marble Nails
The marbling in shades of green and turquoise adds a touch of elegance to short almond-shaped nails. You can swap these colors for your favorites (or something more seasonal) to achieve an artistic and sophisticated manicure. The swirls create a fluid, timeless design that enhances the natural shape of your nails, giving them a unique, polished look perfect for any occasion.
Chocolate Box Nails
This chocolate box-inspired nail design is definitely at the top of our list for brown-toned nail ideas. Just look at how adorable those tiny hearts are! The warm, rich brown tones paired with the sweet heart accents create a playful and elegant manicure that’s both charming and sophisticated. It’s the perfect blend of sweetness and style, making it ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual day out or a special celebration.
Delicate Dots
To achieve this design at home, apply a nude or light-toned polish to your nails as the base. Then, use a nail art dotting tool or a toothpick to create small dots in a variety of colors. You can play with different shades, like pastel pinks, whites, or even metallics, to make the dots pop and add a fun, elegant touch to your manicure.
Pale Pink Gradient
A post shared by CoverBaddieNAILS | Structured Gel Press Ons | 3D Glass Nails (@coverbaddienails)
A beautiful pink design never goes out of style. Give your look a twist by opting for a subtle ombré manicure, where the color fades into a bright white at the tips. This soft gradient effect creates an elegant, fresh finish that’s perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. The transition from a delicate pink to a crisp white adds depth and dimension, making your almond-shaped nails stand out with timeless beauty.
Vampire Style Nails
This elegant manicure in dark, monochromatic tones embodies all the autumn and mystical vibes of Halloween. The rich, deep hues like black, dark purple, or deep burgundy create a sophisticated yet edgy look, perfect for the season. Whether you choose a sleek matte finish or add subtle metallic accents, this design channels the spooky elegance of Halloween while remaining chic and timeless. Ideal for anyone wanting to embrace the darker side of fall with a touch of mystery and glamour.
Negative Space Details
Peach, lavender, and pale pink come together in a pastel masterpiece that’s simply mesmerizing. To recreate this look, you can use French manicure stickers to neatly define the sections of your nails, or visit a professional for a flawless finish. The soft, harmonious blend of these colors gives a gentle, feminine vibe, making your almond-shaped nails look elegant and effortlessly chic. Perfect for any occasion, this pastel design will add a refreshing pop of color to your manicure.
Turquoise Mermaid-Inspired Nails
These high-contrast turquoise nails remind us of mermaids and the warm days by the sea. The deep, ocean-inspired hues evoke the magical allure of the underwater world, with a touch of elegance and fantasy. The vivid green and blue tones create a striking, mesmerizing look that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of mermaid magic to their nails. Whether you choose to keep it simple or add some shimmering accents, this design captures the essence of the sea in the most enchanting way.
Mermaid Behavior Nails
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With golden chrome details and seashell accents, this mermaid-inspired manicure is a true showstopper on short almond-shaped nails. The rich gold adds a luxurious touch, while the seashell embellishments give it that perfect coastal, oceanic vibe. The combination of shimmering chrome and delicate seashells creates a dreamy, enchanting look that’s sure to turn heads and earn you plenty of compliments. Whether you’re headed to the beach or a special event, this design is a stunning way to channel your inner mermaid with elegance and style!
Metallic Mermaid Nails
The way light reflects off this metallic and cool polish creates a true mermaid nail effect. Is it blue? Green? Purple? Whatever the color, we absolutely love it for this summer! The shifting hues and shimmering finish give your nails a captivating, ocean-inspired look that feels both mystical and fresh. Whether you’re at the beach or out for a summer night, this mermaid-inspired design will have you feeling magical and effortlessly stylish.
Geometric French Tips
This minimalist manicure makes almond-shaped nails look like stilettos, all thanks to a clever play of defined lines and rich, intense black polish. The sharp, sleek lines along with the dark, dramatic hue create a bold, edgy look that enhances the natural shape of almond nails, giving them a sophisticated yet powerful feel. This design is perfect for those who love minimalist yet impactful styles, making it ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Simple Dots: Effortless and Chic Nail Design for Almond-Shaped Nails
If you don’t have much space to work with, opting for a clear layer with colorful dots can highlight the length you do have. This simple yet effective design draws attention to the natural shape of your nails while adding a playful pop of color. The transparent base keeps it light and fresh, while the dots create a fun, modern twist that enhances your manicure without overwhelming it. Perfect for a minimalist yet creative look!
Pastel Neon Nails
These pastel neon nails are a joyful welcome to spring and summer. The colors are vibrant and fun, yet the combinations are endless with a multicolor manicure like this one. The soft pastel shades mixed with neon accents create a playful, eye-catching look that’s perfect for the warmer seasons. Whether you choose a gradient effect, geometric patterns, or simple pops of neon, this design will bring a fresh, cheerful vibe to your almond-shaped nails, making them perfect for any occasion.
Rainbow Confetti Nails
These rainbow confetti nails are perfect if you love sparkle but want more color. The almond shape is the ideal canvas for this bold and spectacular design. The vibrant confetti adds a fun, celebratory touch, while the elongated shape of almond nails enhances the playful, eye-catching effect. Whether for a party, festival, or just to brighten up your day, this design will make your nails the center of attention.
Free-Style Nails
If you’re the person who’s always on the lookout for inspiration for your next set, this trendy design featuring animal print, water drops, cherries, and airbrushing is serving up everything. The bold mix of patterns and textures creates a dynamic and playful look that’s perfect for anyone wanting to make a statement with their nails. The animal print adds a touch of fierce, the water drops give a fresh, dewy feel, the cherries bring in a cute, retro vibe, and the airbrushing ties it all together with a smooth, seamless finish. This design is all about creativity, fun, and embracing bold, unique elements!
Tone Wave Nails
With its varying shades of red, these tone swirl nails give a modern twist to a retro palette. The swirling pattern creates a dynamic, eye-catching effect, adding depth and movement to the design. In fact, any color can look incredible with this bold wave pattern, making it a versatile option for those who love experimenting with different shades. Whether you choose rich burgundies, vibrant reds, or even pastel tones, this design will elevate your almond-shaped nails with a sophisticated yet playful touch. Perfect for those looking to make a statement with their manicure!
Crystal Craze: Sparkling and Bold Nail Designs for Almond-Shaped Nails
From the blush pink base to the delicate white veins and metallic gold details, these nails inspired by rose gold quartz are pure perfection. The gold and crystal accents add the perfect amount of shine, creating an elegant and sophisticated finish. The soft, marble-like texture, combined with the luxurious metallic touches, makes this design ideal for anyone looking to achieve a chic, timeless look with their almond-shaped nails. Whether for a special occasion or just to add a bit of glamour to your everyday style, these rose gold quartz-inspired nails are a stunning choice!
Thermal Nails
Can’t decide on a color? Let the weather decide for you! Use a thermal polish that changes color based on the outside temperature, creating a natural ombré effect. It’s such a fun and interactive way to let your nails reflect the environment around you, offering a dynamic and ever-changing design. Whether it’s warm and sunny or cool and breezy, your nails will transform with the temperature, adding a touch of magic to your manicure! How cool is that?
Rose Gold Glitter Nails
Almond-shaped nails are perfect for minimalist designs, like this elegant manicure with rose gold tips. The sleek, defined shape of the almond nails beautifully complements the subtle shimmer of the rose gold, creating a sophisticated and timeless look. This design is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and elegance, offering a chic yet understated twist on the classic French tip. Whether for a special occasion or everyday wear, these nails will add a touch of luxury without being too bold.
Baby Blue Nails
This baby blue shade is perfect for warm weather. We love the subtle detail of the small black dot at the base of the nail, which adds a special, minimalist touch. The soft blue creates a fresh and calming look, while the tiny accent dot brings a modern, chic flair to the design. It’s the ideal balance of elegance and simplicity, making it perfect for everyday wear or a laid-back summer vibe.
Trendy Pink Nail Designs for Almond-Shaped Nails
This trendy mix-and-match set is everywhere on your Instagram explore page, and this photo proves you don’t need long nails to rock it. The combination of different colors, patterns, and textures adds a unique and stylish twist to your almond-shaped nails, making them look bold and playful without needing extra length. Whether it’s mismatched designs, metallic accents, or a pop of neon, this look shows that creativity is key to a fun, fashionable manicure. Perfect for those who want to make a statement with their nails in a simple yet chic way!
Peaches and Pearls
A beautiful peach nude manicure is enhanced with delicate decorative pearls at the base of two nails. The soft peach tone creates a clean and elegant look, while the pearls add a touch of luxury and sophistication. This simple yet stunning design is perfect for anyone who loves understated elegance with a hint of glamour, making it ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. The pearls at the base of the nails draw attention subtly, adding a refined, chic element to the manicure.
French Tips with Glitter
A post shared by Learnah Starbuck (@learnahstarbuck_nailartist)
This French manicure with glitter is yet another proof that almond-shaped nails don’t have to be long. Its minimalist design is perfect for almost any occasion and style.
Leopard Print
One advantage of short almond-shaped nails is that you can rock a bold design, like this leopard print, without it looking overwhelming. The version in neutral brown tones adds an ultra-chic touch.
Earth Tones
This ultra-cool almond-shaped manicure proves that earth tones are far from boring. From golden chrome to nail charms and the mix of styles, this design feels truly one-of-a-kind.
Red Drops
If you’re looking for a bold style, try this manicure with a red drop effect. We plan to rock this design long before Halloween and after, swapping the red for pretty much any color you can think of.
Arte Aerógrafo
In vibrant shades of pink and orange, this airbrush effect design makes short almond-shaped nails anything but boring. The length may be more subtle, but the colors speak for themselves.
Brillo y Glamour
A post shared by LAGOS/OGBA/IKEJA NAIL TECH (ACRYLIC/BIAB) (@glamor_nailsandbeauty)
These nails shine brightly, and we can’t help but think how perfect they’d be for the holiday season. Without a doubt, they serve as jewelry thanks to all the glow they radiate.
Purple Halo
You don’t always need a complicated design or nail art to rock a stunning manicure. In this case, perfectly shaped almond nails painted in a deep holographic purple shade are all you need to stand out.
Pressed Flowers
The delicate hand-painted design on each nail gives us all the spring nail art vibes. The shape of these nails is somewhere between oval and almond, but that takes a backseat because we can’t stop admiring those beautiful floral details.
Abstract Retro
This manicure in shades of blue, green, and white with elegant abstract shapes gives us strong Pucci vibes. These abstract designs can look too busy on long nails, but they look perfect on short almond-shaped nails.
Blue Watercolors
A post shared by LAGOS/OGBA/IKEJA NAIL TECH (ACRYLIC/BIAB) (@glamor_nailsandbeauty)
Shades of blue and green combine to create this beautiful marbled design. Gold chrome adds a delicate touch that enhances the stunning watercolor effect.
