You already loved our short spring nails roundup — but May needed its own moment. Enter: short May nails that are seriously too good to scroll past. From fruity vibes to soft pastels, we picked the top 20 designs that are trending right now. Cute, easy, and totally spring-to-summer ready. Let’s get into it.
1. Animal Print
Animal print on short nails? Still undefeated. Zebra lines and spots? That’s how you pull off cool and playful. Spring-approved, May-certified.
2. Light Blue & White
French tips are still trending, but pearls make them way more 2025. Blue and white keep it light, and short nails mean no fuss. This one’s clean and fresh — aka very May-coded.
3. Soap Nails
What set do you get when you don’t know what to get? This one, always. Neutral pink soap nails are clean, glossy, and go with literally everything. Short nails + this soft vibe = can’t go wrong.
4. Coral Nails
Solids, French, reverse — mixing styles is everywhere right now. Throw in coral and this mani’s officially on trend watch. Easy, but makes you look like you know nails.
5. Blue & Yellow
Blue and yellow is always cute, but throw in a lemon and now you’re officially giving spring-summer crossover energy. Short nails + fruit details = vacation nails at it’s best.
6. White Frenchies
Crisp white French tips with just a touch of gold foil? That’s how you make short nails look elite. Works for literally every May plan — from office to out-out.
7. Cherry Red
Cherry red is the spring-to-summer transition shade — Kylie Jenner just wore it, and we believe the hype. On short nails, it looks powerful, confident, and totally on theme for testing the red nail theory.
8. Abstract Squiggles
Can we talk about how perfect these orange squiggles are? The contrast with the milky pink base makes short nails look so fun. Lowkey artsy, highkey cute — this is how you make simple pop.
9. Butter Yellow
Butter yellow is having a big moment. Add croc print accents and you’re officially on trend. Short nails + this soft textured detail = perfect for sunny days.
10. Soft Lavender
Lavender hues will make your nails the moment this May. They don’t need nail art to pop, but if solids aren’t your vibe, gold chrome or darker lavender swirls take them up a notch. Perfect for soft glam lovers who want something pretty but still fun
11. Mint Green Tips
Mint green nails are back and better — but make it French and simple? On shorties? Obsessed. For my minimalist girlies who know a little color does everything.
12. Pink Marble
Marble nails are always extra pretty, but paired with solid pastel pink? Next level. The soft swirl mixed with a pink spring shade makes short nails look more interesting. Perfect when you want cute and cool this May.
13. Colorful Nails
Dopamine nails are a must for warm weather months and this set proves why. Smiley faces mixed with vibrant colors bring the fun, while short nails keep it casual and cool. We’re just warming up for summer — and these are already winning.
14. Peach Nails
Peach tones mixed with sheer milky white, flowers, and gems – that’s how you do glam. Perfect for short nail lovers who want pretty details that still feel wearable for May and beyond.
15. Cat-Eye Effect
Cat eye in pink? Literally made for sunny days. That shimmer hits in the light. Star accent’s optional, but why not go full playful?
16. Chrome Accents
A bit of milky pink base, a bit of blue on top, chrome accents here and there — and suddenly, the maximalist mani short nails live for. So when your nail tech asks? This. Obviously.
17. Pastel Frenchies
Pastel nails? Still going strong, and these short French tips prove it. Soft colors + cute length = the cutest way to stay on trend this May.
18. Aura Nails
Aura nails lovers, this one’s calling your name. Baby blue and pink together? Too good. It’s soft, glowy, and made for warm weather — short nails don’t get cuter than this.
19. Mix & Match
Mix and match never flops. Black, white,bows, polka dots and animal print? Even better. This short nail idea gives you a little bit of everything while still looking super put together.
20. Half-Moon Design
Half moon designs just get short nails. Keep it clean with white or play it up with colorful dots — either way, it’s cute, easy, and serves every time.
Ready to make short May nails your whole personality this month? Same. Tell us which design you’re obsessed with and what you’re trying next — drop it in the comments. And don’t forget to follow us on socials for even more nail inspo all season long.
