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. Milky white soap nails are clean, glossy, and go with literally everything. Short nails + this soft vibe = can’t go wrong.
4. 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.
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 pop of gold foil? That’s how you make short nails look luxe. 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. 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.
9. Milky Lavender
Milky shades of pink and white ruled this year, but now it’s time for lavender to take over — and we’re here for it. Soft, dreamy, and perfect for short nails, this look gives major clean girl vibes.
10. Mint Green Tips
Mint green nails are back and better — but make it French with baby strawberries on top? Obsessed. Fruity nails are about to take over this spring and summer, and this tiny, subtle design keeps it cute and fresh.
11. 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 way more interesting. Perfect when you want cute and cool this May.
12. 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.
13. Floral Nails
Creamy purple is that soft, underrated shade making moves this spring. Add tiny floral details and it’s giving short nails a super sweet upgrade. Perfect for May when pastels and petals are everywhere.
14. Cat-Eye Effect
Combining two major trends — cat eye and celestial accents — on short nails? Nothing short of genius. The shimmer and tiny stars hit perfectly, proving short nails can still give major nail game.
15. 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.
16. Orange Nails
Can’t wait for summer neons? Start early — May is fair game. Neon orange nails with dot accents bring instant energy. Not into full neon? Softer orange shades are just as cute on short nails.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Pearly Skittles
Pastel skittle nails always hit in May. Add a pearly effect and you’ve got something that feels new but simple. Short, colorful, and so ready for your next IG hand pic.
20. Swirl Nails
Swirl designs are a must this month and this shade of coral makes them pop even more. It’s bright, fun, and gives short nails that trendy, fresh-from-the-salon energy. Zero boring vibes here.
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.
