18 Short Green Nail Ideas for Spring and Beyond (2024)

Kelly Jellies

These short Kelly green nails are a burst of spring. The jelly look is totally on-trend, and there's just enough sheen without crossing into glossy territory. Pair them with a fun purple or pink pedicure.

A Dash of Teal

Take advantage of negative space with this fun vertical design featuring an energetic shade of blueish-green. Apply it to all ten fingers or use it for an accent nail.

Make Waves

Break up a dark green manicure with an accent nail with a fun design. Place a group of swirls on a bare nail to help them stand out. Go bold by picking a primary yellow or an oxblood, or stick to complementary colors like lighter greens and blues.

Pastel Dream

Nothing says spring like pastels. Embrace the season by opting for abstract pastel green French tips. Choose the same two colors for all ten fingers or swap one out on the ring fingers.

Electric Lime

Day-glo colors are more frequently seen on long or medium sets, but they pack just as much of a punch on shorter lengths. Ask your manicurist to outline your waves with builder gel squiggles (dusted in chrome) for a 3D touch.

Prim and Pale

Add a silver glitter detail to a soft set of pale green oval tips. The results? Polished perfection.

Gilded Olive

Olive is a criminally underused shade in the beauty world—when used smartly, it is a beautiful neutral. It is deep and rich. Turn the volume up with gold foil accents, or let it stand alone.

Going Halfsies

Add a variety of half-triangles in pistachio, forest green, and black across your tips. Pick your favorite to go solid on one nail, or use all three lightly on the thumb for a fun effect.

Half-Shell Haze

Consider an art deco mani moment with a kelly green shell design. Pick a pearl or peachy base shade for a quiet background, or go bold with a perky pink.

More Beauty

Jaded

Jade is associated with wealth and protection—making it an appealing choice for nail art. Add a little gold glitter to lean into that "wealth" part.

Emerald Trim

Update the classic French manicure by adding an emerald trim to your short set. Choose a neutral matte shade for your base to create the most impact.

Groovy Chrome

Infuse some fun '90s (by way of the '70s) style into a green chrome shade by adding retro flowers. They add a Susy Pickles-style flair to the design.

Neon Flecks

Stickers are a great way to play with your nails, and bulky decals are no longer the only option to add some flavor to your set. Invest in a sheet of teeny stickers to express yourself however you'd like.

Pistachio Galaxy

This star-studded set is completely dreamy. Pale green makes for a pretty but unexpected base for the design.

Black, White, and Green All Over

Offset an acid green color with a couple of lively black and white accent nails. Yin-yangs and a cow print can shock the eye (in a good way).

Velvet Sheen

You can wear velvet in spring with ease if you keep it minimal. File your nails into a "squoval" shape that picks up the light just the right way.

Marble Moment

Ease into the marble mani trend with this melted green set. The design merges evergreen, white, and sand dreamily and will look great at any length.

Glamorous Storm

Debating between jade and marble? Opt for this stormy design that marries the two. We love the addition of subtle gold veins.

1. Jade symbolism and legends. International Gem Society.