Short Nail Art That Pops: Designs for Darker Skin Tones

Written by: Precious Umeasalugo

Sometimes, all it takes to turn a bad week into a good one is an appointment with your nail tech. There is so much joy and anticipation in getting your nails done: choosing colours, searching Pinterest for inspo, and leaving the salon to flaunt your newly done nails. 

For many Black and Brown women, however, nail appointments can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to choosing designs and colours that are flattering to such skin tones. Plus, for many darker-skinned women who work essential jobs or women who simply do not prefer getting long nail sets, finding short nail art inspo that ticks the boxes of skin tone and convenience can be challenging. 

We share this struggle, so we’ve put together a list of diverse nail art designs that look great on dark skin tones to make life much easier during your nail appointments. Keep scrolling for some short, dark skin-friendly nail art. 

Funky Glittery Yellows

Bring back the pop into your nails with some short, shimmery yellow nails —perfect for occasions, holidays, and a regular day at the office.

Pink Frenchies

If you’re looking for classic nail art that works in any event or scenario, French tips are the go-to. We particularly love them because they work with any length and on any skin tone, and these pink square Frenchies are not just convenient; they’re also gorgeous. 

Simple Mocha Nails

If you’re not in the mood to sit for too long or for any intricate nail art, try a simple nail design like this rich chocolate neutral set that’s effortlessly stunning and still looks great on darker skin tones.

Festive Nails

Celebrate the holiday season with this fresh set featuring perfectly-toned nude nails and red and white swirls for Christmas cheer.

Aura, but in Purple

Aura nails are pretty popular in longer sets, but they can be done on short nail sets too. And they look even better when done in colours that complement dark skin tones, like this set which features a rich purple-black transition.

Tortoise Nails meet Frenchies

‘Short’ does not mean boring, and short nail sets are anything but that. For some more drama, try a varied set like this one with interesting French tips mixed with the tortoise pattern in negative space. A daring mix for daring women. 

Abstract Zebras

Skip your go-to nail art and try something that’s both unconventional yet classic, like this abstract zebra-inspired set by Dje_Ldn.

Checkered Wonderland

Show off your fun, funky side with a set of checkered patterns. They could be wonky, distorted, black or white, or in a colour you love, like this warm orange set.

Summer Shorties

Get a mix of everything into your short nails—swirls, petals, 3D nail art, delicate blooms made with blooming gel, and gems included— with this pink, summery, maximalist set. 

Croc White

Speaking of blooming gel, crocodile print nail art is always a welcome idea to any set, even short ones like this set which also includes a French tip and 3D diagonal swirls. 

Coffee Swirls

Mix in your favourite marble nail art with some rich, warm browns and you get perfect coffee swirls on your short almond nails.

Twists and Turns

There’s lots of drama to be found in the seemingly simple, and this embossed shimmery pink nail art by Mysfit Nails is proof. 

Hearts and Flowers

If you’re unsure how to mix in elements into your nails, try some floral nail art with some hearts on French tips.

Reverse French Nails

Spin the nail narrative on its head, and place your French tips at the base of your nails instead, like this Polished by Phelisia set. 

Geometric Shorties

 Incorporate simple shapes into your nail art to create a minimalist manicure, like this set by Imarni Nails.

Coloured Jellies

Not in the mood for bold, vibrant colours? Try these pastel-colored French tips, featuring delicate 3D swirls —perfect if you’re going for a playful yet refined look.

Renaissance Nails

Remember Beyonce’s silver-themed Renaissance tour? Channel some CNTY nostalgia with this dark skin-friendly silver 3D nail set by Get Polished.

Tips for Maintaining Short Nails

While short nails can be more convenient than longer sets, they do require some maintenance to keep them healthy and strong. A good way to do this is to regularly moisturize your cuticles with some cuticle oil or a lightweight body oil you love using. 

If you're DIY-ing your nails, it's essential to use a good quality base coat to keep your nails healthy and make your nails last longer. Using a quality top coat to seal your nail set and prevent chipping is also great.