Short stiletto nails are set to be the nail shape of choice in 2023. Filed and shaped with a sharp point at the tip, stiletto nails are usually long, but this year the beloved nail shape is getting a more practical update. Short nails are so much easier to do everyday activities in from typing, to cooking, to taking your contact lenses in and out. If you’ve been wanting to try this nail trend, take a look at these short stiletto nail designs we’re totally obsessed with right now.
5 Short Stiletto Nail Essentials to Invest In
- A crystal nail file is gentle on natural nails and can be used to create the pointy stiletto shape.
- Gel nail polish and a UV lamp to strengthen your natural nail in the stiletto shape.
- A thin nail art brush to create detailed designs like French manis, hearts and swirls.
- Base coat and top coat for long-lasting, chip-free designs.
- Chrome powder for the cool girl, glazed doughnut nail aesthetic.
3 DIY Short Stiletto Nail Manicure Tips and Hacks
1. Use Gel
Since stiletto nails are so pointy, natural nails can have a hold time holding the structure. Use gel to reinforce the shape and help it stay in place (you’ll also need an LED nail lamp if you go this route). If you have super short or soft nails, you may consider using acrylics and cutting/filing them down.
2. Trim the Sides
Find the centre of your nail, clip the sides and leave the middle pointed. It may look a bit jagged, but you’ll smooth it out with filing. Your filing will do the majority of the shaping, so start out with minimal cutting- just use it to establish the pointed tip.
3. File Gently
Use your crystal nail file to file the nail up from the side to the centre on both sides. Because the tip of the nail is so thin, be sure to file very gently. Filing toward the tip rather than toward the cuticle ensures that most of the work is done on the sides rather than the delicate point.
8 Short Stiletto Nail Designs & Tutorials
1. Pearl Stiletto Nails
If you love neutral nails, but want to add a little something extra, pearls are the way to go. They’re feminine and pretty, and an ideal design for a bridal shower, bachelorette or any type of wedding activity. Ask for a pearl mani at your nail salon or do it yourself at home with the help of flat back pearls.
2. Pink Chrome
Thanks to Haily Bieber, chrome (or glazed doughnut) nails have taken over and show no sign of slowing down. You can do chrome on any colour, but pink chrome nails are particularly pretty and will give you that cool girl look.
3. Double French Mani
This double French manicure design looks amazing on short stiletto nails. It elongates the nails and the hot pink colour makes a gorgeous statement. Of course, you can use any colour for a double French mani, from lavender to black to classic white.
4. Heart Nail Tips Tutorial | Nails by Jema
This heart nail tip design is so cute. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or a costume party, but also anytime you feel like sporting hearts on your nails. The design is perfect for short stiletto nails as the pointed tip creates the bottom of the heart. All you need is your favourite red polish and a top coat. Follow her step by step tips to get these adorable nails!
5. Milky Ombre Nails
These milky ombre nails are super simple to DIY at home and perfect if you’re into the minimalist nail trend. To get the ombré look, you’ll need three shades of nail polish in the same colour family, as well as a wedge makeup sponge. Brush the three colours in straight lines on the makeup sponge and gently blot the sponge onto your nail to transfer the polish. You may need to blot it several times- keep going until you’re happy with how to ombré looks!
6. Nail Swirls
This swirly nail design is super chic and although it looks amazing in white, you could really use any colour you want! Our best tip would be to use a thin nail art brush to create thin swirly lines and slowly make them thicker. It’s easier to add more polish than take it off. Get creative with this one and create your own swirls!
7. Pastel French Tips – Pointy Almond | Tracy Lou’s Nails
Pastel French tips are such a fun design for short stiletto nails. Choose the colours you want and follow this tutorial to see how to create the perfect French mani. The first part of the video shows her applying the gel, so skip to 5:53 to watch how she does the design. She uses a small detailing brush and a top coat to seal it all in!
8. Sage Green Stilettos
This nail look combines two designs we’ve already talked about- the French manicure and the swirly lines. Green is one of the most popular colours for 2023 and this sage tone works perfectly with the white design. If you love the idea of a colourful French mani, but want to add a little something, this is the design for you.
Short stiletto nails are chic, trendy and totally practical. If you want to DIY them at home, follow these tips and tutorials!
This post contains affiliate links.
Did you enjoy this post on short stiletto nail designs? We’d love it if you shared it on Pinterest!
Looking for more fun nail designs? Make sure to follow our Beauty Board on Pinterest!
