In case you missed it, long nails are dead. Haven't you heard? Gone but never forgotten. Six foot under. Yes, really! IN 2024, short nails are having a serious moment.

Take a look at the recent Oscars 2024 red carpet and you'll notice one thing — actually maybe two — a) all the celebrities are looking... different and b) everyone's wearing short manicures again.

Of course, nail trends come and go — and manicure shapes, colours and styles (see: 'old money' manicures) are forever changing. From Japanese manicures and French manicures to BIAB and press-on nails, nails are having a serious moment and we're here for it.

Watch: Can confirm: Mamamia has always loved short nails! (Also - all the throwback evidence we need that what goes around comes around!). Post continues below.

But back to short nails and the Oscars red carpet.

Because after years of those terrifying talons and lengthy acrylics, nail trends have done a full 360 and absolutely every celebrity was wearing short, neat nails. In fact, even the colours and designs were low key. Think: polished but not loud.

While the red carpet is usually the moment for dramatic, bold-look manicures, everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Zendaya, Emma Stone, Issa Rae, Emily Blunt and Em Rata were spotted wearing minimalist nails. And we totally get it — shorter-manicured nails feel fresh, chic and fun.

Below, you'll find seven of the best short nail styles and colours that'll convince you to go short.

Of course, it goes without saying, but nails are a completely personal thing. We would never tell you that you have to do anything! If you want to stick with your long nails — great! If you like different colours and styles than the ones below — that's totally fine! Each to their own, you do you, etc. etc.

Now, let's get into it!

Jewel accents.

From metallic gold to silver, jewel tones and mirrored polish on short nails look seriously chic. It's the perfect mix of minimalism x maximalist, with jazzy accents levelling-up a subtle sheer shiny. From an embellished tip to dash of sparkle around the cuticles, we can't get enough of this look. Perfection.

Bright green nails.

You heard it here first, friends. A wash of bright colour on short, neat nails is a must have - and green is the colour of the moment. In't it just gorgeous? Kermit the frog is SHAKING.

But honestly, we think the shorter length is perfect for a bold colour that might otherwise feel a bit too intense on longer nails. Save this for your next nail appointment.

Mix-and-match manicures.