PSA: If you’re reading this while in the nail salon and need inspo for short nail designs stat, you’ve come to the right place.

When it comes to beauty, there are three things you can be certain of: you should be applying SPF on the daily, you’ll regret using a makeup wipe after the initial thrill of it, and having a new set of freshly-painted nails will always, always make you feel like a impeccably put-together queen. Obviously nail trends (and shapes) may come and go, but there are a handful of styles that can be relied upon year-in and year-out. Case in point: short nail designs. Longer almond tips may be having a major moment currently, and before that, ballerina and stiletto nail shapes led trends, but short nails are a forever favourite that not only look stylish and effortless, but are also one of the most practical and wearable ways to keep your mani looking immaculate.

In fact, the perennial shape has seen a resurgence in popularity, according to top celebrity nail artist, Michelle Humphrey, whose A list clients include Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa and Simone Ashley. “Clients’ are opting for natural nail lengths and shapes and long nails seem to be on the backburner,” Michelle explains to Glamour.

It’s not just celebs who are making a shift, salons are seeing the same trend. “Our customers are currently leaning more towards natural beauty trends,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of global nail salon Townhouse. “Paired with bold colours or nail art, this length can look incredible.”

“Dark reds and blacks look very chic on short nails, but natural pinks and nudes also look beautiful,” explains Juanita. “We love delicate, negative space nail art and colour pops for designs on short nails, too.”

Although acrylic extensions and coffin shapes give you extra space to experiment, short nail designs bring a relaxed, classic vibe you just don’t get from longer, showier styles. And even with their smaller canvas, they still offer tons of room for detailed nail art, from French tips and glazed-donut finishes to tiny, delicate designs.

We’ve pulled together a collection of the best short nail inspo, and we don’t just mean five or 10 looks, we have scoured the internet (Instagram) to pull together no less than 31 of the best designs for tiny talons. From embellished nail art to lipgloss nails, and some more natural ideas too, this is about to become your bible if you’re a short nail girlie.

So, here are our fave short nail designs to take to your next nail appointment…

Mix’n’match

For those of us who are chronically indecisive, mixing up a solid nail polish colour with dainty nail art is the way to go. It’s fun, it’s unique and it means you don’t need to spend hours in the salon trying to make up your mind.