Short nails may not give a lot of real estate for personal expression. But there are simple wavy nail designs for short nails that can get the job done. You don’t even need to be a nail technician to complete these nail art ideas for all ages.

Simple wavy nail designs for short nails are perfect nail art ideas that anyone can do without any artistic skill. Nails are more than just another part of the body to maintain.

People can use their nails to help express themselves, extend their fashionable looks, and make a statement. But a lot goes into getting a new look with nails. We have to schedule an appointment at the salon, wait in the waiting area, and then sit for a while as the nail artist trims, files, and paints our nails.

It doesn’t sound too bad; some people even make a day of it with friends or family. But the cost can get a little out of hand; the pun is not intended. We have to pay for the service and the paint, and then tipping is basically mandatory.

The cost just piles up, but the paint doesn’t last forever. That is why learning how to paint our own nails makes such a big difference. Of course, there is still a time and a place to head to the nail salon for something special or even just as a fun activity with others.

But having to go every time you need to paint your nails is just too much money. Luckily, there are simple nail art designs you can use that will hold you over until the next time you can afford a visit to the nail salon.

You may even find a nail look or two you like that won’t serve as holdovers but as self-expression. The best part is that these simple wavy nail designs for short nails are good places to start if you want cute nails.

No more press-on nails for us; we’ve got a great option that is just a few clicks away. You will find a combination of full tutorials and simple inspiration below. The inspiration can help you see the designs closer without any movement.

This way, you may be able to see how it was done. There are no hugely difficult designs here; anyone can do any of these wavy designs. All it takes is patience, time, and desire to get a new look.

You can even make an evening of it with friends or family members and some wine for a fun evening. 

Abstract Wavy Shades of Green | Hannah Rox Nails

Hearts and Waves Nail Art | 25 Sweetpeas

Squiggly Nails | I Scream Nails

Short Acrylic Wavy Lines | Dizzy Nails and Beauty

Black and White Swirls | Nails by MH

Simple Wavy Nail Designs for Short Nails

Wavy nail art designs can go a long way. You can follow your favorite designs exactly and get the look you see in your Instagram feed. But you don’t have to follow each step from the first step to the last.

Instead, you can take your nails to the next level with easy DIY. First, colors are not set in stone. DIY nail art allows you to pick your own colors, your own wavy pattern, and even your own base coat.

You can choose any nail colors you want and even make rainbow colors if your heart desires. Don’t be afraid to leave the norm and create your nail art as you go. Customizing your nails can be as simple as changing the colors from the designs you see here.

Of course, not all of these nail art ideas are full tutorials anyway. You will need to do some freehand anyway. So why not try some new things, like connecting the swirls from nail to nail or using different colors on each nail?

There are so many ways to express yourself with nail art. You can also make any of your favorite designs fit into your holiday or seasonal looks. That’s right, these wavy nail designs can fit into any holiday, season, or occasion; you just need the right combination of colors.

Abstract Swirls | Bianca Elena Beauty

Wavy Checkered Nail Art | Simple Nail Designs

Bright Wavy DIY | Lulus

Wavy Net | Super Wow Style

Summer Swirl | Manime.co

Nail Art Products

You may need a few things to get that wavy design. The brush with nail polish will get a lot of the work done for you. But you will need something extra for wavy nails.

These simple wavy nail designs for short nails will be, as they claim to be, simple. But curvy lines on short nails need a thinner tool like a toothpick or dental floss. The best nail art will help you stand out without needing fake nails or a full gel manicure.

Instead, let your natural nail stand out by simply letting yourself go wild with the colors—bonus points for combining multiple ideas here to make something entirely new and unique.

You can also find smaller brushes at your local beauty supply store. These brushes will be thinner, so you can get thinner lines. Of course, these require some practice to use properly.

For example, the harder you press, the thicker the line. But you will get the hang of it as you go from nail to nail. Let’s not forget that a nail polish remover can make it so there is no sign of mistakes left behind.

And there is nothing wrong with starting over until you get a look you enjoy the most. It may take a bit of time, but no one was a pro their first time.

Gel Nail Art Pink Wavy Tips | Gelous Gel Nail Polish

Swirly Pastel Wave | OPI

60s Waves | Jackie Montt

Wavy French Manicure | Life World Women

Classy Swirls | Amber J H Nails

More Nail Art Ideas

Easy Valentine’s Day Nail Ideas | Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to see if your partner will notice the change in nail art.

Easter Nails | Colorful Easter Nail Designs and Ideas | Special nail art for holidays will always be a fun way to integrate the holidays into your look.

Fun 4th of July Nail Designs | Patriotic Nails | Want to get patriotic with your nail art? The Fourth of July is a great time to do so.

Spooky Halloween Nails Ideas for All Ages | There is nothing wrong with black nails all year long. That means we must go a bit harder with our Halloween nail art.

Country Western Nail Designs | Western Nail Art | Take your next nail art designs to the West with some country nail art perfect for rodeos.