It is a misconception that nail art suits only long nails. The size of your nails does not matter to show the art extravagantly. We have listed some interesting short nail designs to present a case in point. So, don’t be disheartened if you have short nails or don’t have the patience to tend to long nails.
- Brush Type : Painting on short nails is not easy, so use a very fine-bristled brush to make the process easier.
- Nail Shape : Cut the nails in a squoval or square shape if you have short nails to give the nail art a more well-defined appearance.
- Cuticle Care : Nourish the cuticles and push them back using a cuticle pusher to create more space for nail art.
In This Article
Easy Nail Art Designs For Short Nails
Have a look at the following 60 most trending simple nail art designs for short nails.
- Turquoise And Gold Nails
- Graffiti Nail Art
- Pinstripe Nails
- Heart Inception Nail Art
- Ruffian Manicure Tutorial
- Paint Splatter Nail Art
- Monochrome Peek-a-Boo Nail Art
- Ombre Nail Art
- Geometric & Roses Nail Art Tutorial
- Pink Autumnal Nails
- Pink And Silver Stripes Nail Art
- Colorful Stripes
- Half Moon Glitter Manicure
- Triangle Nails
- Parisian Nails
- White And Green Geometric Nails
- Pink Yin And Yang
- Pink Lace Nail Art
- Chevron Nails
- Rainbow Tips Nail Art
- Glitter Gradient Nails
- Glitter French Tips
- Gold And Pink Triangle Nail Design
- Polka Dot Nails
- Color Block Nail Art Manicure
- Glitter Fade Nails
- Fired Up Triangle Tip
- Fizzy Fun
- Spring Manicure
- Geode Stone Nails
- Cross Stitch Manicure
- Mix And Match Polka Dots
- Faded Floral
- Gingham Accent Nail
- Robin’s Egg
- Blue Gradient
- Black Out
- Dreamcatcher
- Once In A Blue Moon
- All That Glitters Is Gold
- Aesthetically Mismatched
- Pink Gl’Amore
- Speckled Out
- Whoopsy Daisy
- Third Time’s A Charm
- Blackheart
- Japanese Cherry Blossoms
- Ombre And Glitter
- Black And Red Gradient
- Vintage Roses
- Watermelon Nail Art
- Frozen Treat
- Wild Flowers
- Dark Fantasy
- Classic French Manicure
- Retro White Pink And Gold
- French Toast
- Graveyard
- Crimson Love Nail Art
- World Beyond
- Peacock Nail Designs
- Miami Nail Designs
1. Turquoise And Gold Nails
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
Get the appearance of beautiful turquoise and gold stones on your nails with this manicure. All that you need is a turquoise polish, a gold polish, and plastic wrap. After applying the turquoise, apply some of the gold onto a crushed plastic wrap (or cling wrap or silver foil) and dab slightly onto your nails to create the desired effect.
2. Graffiti Nail Art
Image:cosmopolitan.com
Simplicity is style. This gold and black dual-tone manicure is quite easy to achieve and doesn’t require any special tools. To create this graffiti nail art look, wipe off excess nail polish from the brush and swipe random stripes onto your black painted nails. Voila – you are done!
3. Pinstripe Nails
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Pinstripes, once upon a time, were synonymous with workplaces. But now, they are being incorporated into everyday outfits with utmost ease. So, why not use them as an inspiration for nail art? This super easy and minimalist pinstripe nail art design manicure only requires a nail striper in addition to your nail polishes. After painting on the white, with the color of your choice, create thin stripes as shown. If you want to take it up another notch, you can use different colors for different nails, but try and make sure you’re using pastel colors to keep it looking aesthetically pleasing.
4. Heart Inception Nail Art
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Spread some love with hearts on your nails. This manicure can be done simply by drawing one heart within another, using different shades of pink . If you ever watched The Powerpuff Girls and remember the credits of the cartoon, you would know what I am talking about!
5. Ruffian Manicure Tutorial
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Doesn’t this look both chic and quirky? You can create this look quite quickly! All you need is two gel nail polish colors of your choice. Use one color to paint your entire nail. With the second color, paint 90% of the nails, leaving some space near the cuticle. Finish it off with a top coat, and that’s it! You are good to go!
6. Paint Splatter Nail Art
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Bring out the inner artist in you! To create this nail splatter look, you will need a paintbrush in addition to the nail colors of your choice. Firstly, you will need to paint your nails white. Then, take a nail color onto a brush and dip it in a cup of water. Use your fingers to spray the color on the brush onto your nails. Repeat this for multiple colors so that you achieve the look as seen in the image.
Danielle, a beauty and skincare blogger, experimented with the paint splatter nail art technique and shared her insights on it. She suggested taking enough paint to continue to process smoothly and then went on to add, “Very simple, very easy. Anyone can do this and it’s really cute. My mom even thought I used a stamp for it! ( i )”
7. Monochrome Peek-a-Boo Nail Art
Image:blog.lulus.com
Ah, the monochrome! To say that I love anything in monochrome is a massive understatement. These are colors that work for any season and with any trend. You can’t go wrong with black and white. All you need to do for this manicure is paint your nails white and outline a curved crescent, as shown in the image. Now, fill it in with black polish and finish with a top coat.
8. Ombre Nail Art
Shutterstock
Ombres are the way to go right now! Hair, apparel, nails – you name it. It’s everywhere. So this list would be incomplete without an ombre tutorial, wouldn’t it? For this look, you will need to first paint your nails a pale pink. Then, on a makeup sponge, apply colors pale pink, white, and pale blue in gradation. They should slightly overlap each other so that when you dab the sponge onto your nails, it will create an ombre effect.
9. Geometric & Roses Nail Art Tutorial
Shutterstock
Perfect for the spring and summer, this nail art requires a little patience and precision. Using white as a base for all the nails, take some light pink and wipe away the excess with a thin brush. Create small circles gently so that it appears soft against the white base. With the help of striping tape, create random lines so that when painted over olive nail polish, it results in geometric patterns. Use the same olive polish to create soft leaves for the flowers, and you are done!
10. Pink Autumnal Nails
Image:ibeautytutorial.com
Simple and cute, all this manicure requires is a few steps. Starting off with a pastel pink base, with black polish on a nail striper, create one side of a leaf on your ring finger. Then using white polish, do the same for the other side of the leaf. To add a little something, swipe on some silver glitter where the black and white meet, as shown in the image. For the rest of the nails, create stripes and polka dots using the same colors.
11. Pink And Silver Stripes Nail Art
Image:beautylish.com
For this look, you need to start off by painting your nails in hot pink. Create stripes with the help of tape and paint over it with silver once the hot pink is dry. Use white and silver nail strips and place them onto the nail, as shown in the image. You can either do this for all nails or paint a pink and silver glitter gradient.
12. Colorful Stripes For Short Nails
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
If color is what you fancy, you can try a whole range of simple nail art designs that are no short of stunning! Start off with a white base and use different-sized brushes to create the stripes. If you are not so confident painting free-hand, you can use tape to keep the lines nice and straight.
13. Half Moon Glitter Manicure For Short Nails
Image:ispydiy.com
To create this half-moon manicure, paint your nails with a nude for the base. After applying the reinforcement stickers near your cuticles, paint your nails metallic black. For a glitter effect, use black glitter just on the tips and finish with a top coat.
14. Triangle Nails
Image:ibeautytutorial.com
Start off this triangle manicure with a nude base. Once it dries, create triangles with nail stripe stickers, as shown in the image. Now, using a small brush, paint each triangle with different colors. Remove the stickers carefully and seal with a top coat. There you have it, a triangle nail art!
15. Parisian Nails
Image:sitemodelss.blogspot.in
For this Parisian nail manicure, you will need two polishes, one black and the other a very pastel peach. Paint all the nails pastel peach, except the accent nail. That will need to be painted black. Create polka dots on the accent nail with the peach color. Then, with some black polish on a nail striper, create the Eiffel Tower, as shown in the image.
16. White And Green Geometric Nails
Shutterstock
You can recreate these geometric patterns with the help of tape. Paint your nails in white for the base. Then, cut up strips of tape and stick them however you like so that they look like geometrical shapes. Paint over it with the green polish, remove the tape and finish off with a top coat. You may also use multiple shades to add a pop of color!
17. Pink Yin And Yang
5wii
You’ve heard of the monochrome Yin and Yang, but have you seen one in pink and black? Well, if not, it’s time you try it out! Start off with a hot pink base. Use black polish to create a wave, as shown in the image. Dot the black side with pink and the pink side with black. To add a bit of glam, you can apply a glitter top coat.
18. Pink Lace Nail Art For Short Nails
Image:prettysquared.com
For this look, begin by painting your nails with two variations of pink. On the lighter pink shade, use a nail striper dipped in white polish to create a checkered pattern. Do this on the outer corner of the nail. Continue to follow the design as shown in the image, and you will have pretty lace nail art! You can paint the other pink nails with polka dots.
19. Chevron Nails
Image: Shutterstock
To recreate this autumn-themed chevron nail art, prepare the base with a pale pink nail polish. Once it is completely dry, place crisscrossed pieces of tape to create an exposed “V” shape and paint over it with orange nail polish. Let the paint dry and peel off. Do the same with as many chevron layers and colors as you want. Once your pattern is ready, seal the nails with a top coat. It’s as easy as that!
20. Rainbow Tips Nail Art
Image: Shutterstock
This one is super easy! It’ll take hardly any time. Paint your nails white for the base. Use a hairpin, a pointed Q-tip, or a toothpick to create small dotted concentric circles in different colors. You can use the same or different colors for the nails or even experiment with placement of the circular patterns.
21. Glitter Gradient Nails
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22. Glitter French Tips For Short Nails
Image:stylemotivation.com
I’m pretty sure you’ve tried doing a French manicure with white tips but have you tried it with glitter tips? If not, what are you waiting for? To achieve this manicure, use black as a base. Once it dries, put some tape on the nails and apply a silver polish at the tip. Remove and seal with a top coat.
23. Gold And Pink Triangle Nail Design
Image:she-beautiful.blogspot.in
To create this gold and pink look, start off by painting your nails a hot pink. Create triangles with tape near the cuticles. Paint over it with gold. Carefully remove the tape, and you will see the desired effect. Make sure to seal it with a top coat!
24. Polka Dot Nails
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Polka dots are fun and, most importantly, easy to create! Paint your nails with a base color of your choice. Use a dotting tool, or a hair pin or toothpick to make your polka dots. Voila!
25. Color Block Nail Art Manicure
Shutterstock
This is another one that requires just tape, in addition to the nail polish. Firstly, apply nude as the base color. Stick the tape diagonally, as shown in the image. Now, paint over it with hot pink. Remove the tape and apply the top coat of your choice.
26. Glitter Fade Nails
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This is one of my favorites. Glitter fade nail art is simple, pretty, and elegant! You will need a peachy shade and a gold glitter polish for this manicure. Use the peach as the base. Then, apply the gold polish on the ends of the nails, as shown. With slightly less glitter on the brush, lightly swipe towards the center of the nail. You can use a nail striper for more precision. Make sure you apply a top coat to make the manicure last longer.
27. Fired Up Triangle Tip
Shutterstock
Fire at your fingertips! Now you can have flames on your fingers with this manicure. Start off this flame nail art with a yellow base. Then, paint on orange triangles on the yellow base. You can either do this with some tape or freehand if you think you can do it. Do the same with the red polish, but create the triangles smaller than the orange triangle.
28. Fizzy Fun
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
Doesn’t this remind you of pebbles in a pond? For this manicure, you need two different-sized dotting tools, but you can also work with pencils and pens. On a dark green-blue base, create multiple dots of turquoise and gold with the tools of your choice. That’s it!
29. Spring Manicure
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
Two colors are better than one in some situations. And, this is definitely one such situation! Place a nail strip in the middle of the nail, as seen in the image. Then, using two shades of the similar prime color, paint on each side. Remove the sticker and seal with a top coat.
30. Geode Stone Nails
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
This one looks like you have tiny stones for nails! Using white as a base, dilute each shade in water while applying each shade in gradation to create the geode stone effect. That’s all!
31. Cross Stitch Manicure
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
This innovative cross stitch pattern looks quite interesting on nails as a manicure. To create this manicure, create tiny crosses with different colors to make it look like a cross stitch. Keep doing this till you get your desired design.
32. Mix And Match Polka Dots
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
For this look, you will need three colors. Black, white, and any bright color. In the picture, they used a turquoise shade. Paint your nails in alternate with these two shades. On the black nails, create two layers of polka dots, as shown, with a pen or a dotting tool. On the turquoise nail, leave for a millimeter or two, and cover the entire nail with black. In the end, only a hint of the turquoise must peek out.
33. Faded Floral
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
If you like art and craft, this might be perfect for you! Dilute two or three colors with water to create the water color look. Then, on a white base, make rough blobs with the different colors on a white base. Finish with a top coat. It’s as easy as that!
34. Gingham Accent Nail
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
Make use of that tape! Paint a strip of tape blue using nail polish. Then, create thin strips and place them in a checkered fashion, as shown. Finish it off with a top coat.
35. Robin’s Egg
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
This is one of the most basic manicures, but it looks very elegant and pretty. Firstly, paint your nails with a turquoise shade. Paint over it with a top coat with big golden specks. Once that is done, it will look like a robin’s egg.
36. Blue Gradient
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
Paint your nails white. On a surface that won’t absorb liquid (you can use plastic or metal), add a drop or two of water. To it, add a drop of blue polish. Mix it with a brush and apply it over most of the nail, leaving a few centimeters near the cuticle. Now to a drop of water, add two drops of polish and apply in gradation. Do this again with three or four drops of polish. Finally, apply the polish directly to the tips, and you have yourself a blue gradient nail art!
37. Black Out
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
An absolute favorite of mine, this all-black nail art makes use of matte and gloss. Anything with all black is a total winner for me. There’s something about black that exudes power and confidence. So play around with glossy black polish and a matte top coat!
38. Dreamcatcher
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
This one requires you to get a little crafty. Paint all your nails, except the accent nail, a periwinkle shade. Paint the accent nail a light brown. Stick embellishments like a little lace onto the accent nail as shown and go around it with some black string. Attach more string at the bottom and use pastel nail colors for decorating the dreamcatcher. Happy dreaming!
39. Once In A Blue Moon Short Nail Design For Beginners
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
Using navy blue and silver polishes, create this blue moon manicure with the help of paper reinforcement stickers. This is easy and doesn’t require many tools. A good place to start for beginners who want to experiment with nail art.
40. All That Glitters Is Gold
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
I know gold can be seen as tacky sometimes, but this tutorial will make your gold nails look anything but tacky! Start off by painting all your nails in a dull gold shade. Then, use a gold glitter polish to paint the accent nail. With a brighter gold, paint the rest of the nails diagonal with the help of tape. It is as simple as that!
Here are some more cute nail designs for short nails that will inspire you!
41. Aesthetically Mismatched
Image:Thebeautydepartment.com
This cute and aesthetically pleasing manicure is created by using mostly pastel colors. It’s all about the pastels these days, and nail art isn’t an exception. This manicure requires nail stripers and dotting tools. With the help of these, you can create stripes and the floral pattern on the accent finger, as shown. Finish off the other two with a glitter top coat. It looks complicated, but it is, in fact, quite easy!
42. Pink Gl’Amore
Ink Your Nail
These glam pink and black nails may look difficult to achieve but are quite easy. The use of dual colors and metallic studs makes it look fancy. All you need to do is paint your nails peach and black, as shown in the image. Decorate them with the help of a nail striper and gold studded stickers.
43. Speckled Out
Ink Your Nail
This black and white polka dots is so aesthetically pleasing and fun! This may not be the best option for a professional environment, but if your workplace is creative, go for it! Paint your nails with black and white (on alternative nails). Use the opposite colors to create small specks, and there you go!
44. Whoopsy Daisy
Ink Your Nail
This nail art is perfect for spring and summer! You will need something to create small dots with. You can use a pen or a dotting tool to get this result. Create five dots so that they connect. Then, top it off with a yellow dot at the center.
45. Third Time’s A Charm
Shutterstock
You’ve probably tried two nail colors, but have you tried three? Go ahead and give it a shot! All that you need to do for this look is create stripes with each color in a different order. It’s as simple as that! Try to pick colors from a painting color palette. They are the colors that complement each other well.
46. Blackheart
InkYourNail
This is probably an eye catcher for someone who loves dark colors. I smile as I write this because I am a sucker for anything monochrome or dark. Paint a few nails gray, and then for the remaining nails, do a chevron tip and draw a heart. You can use a nail pen or a nail striper for this. You can change up the combination if you like. Going all gray and a heart accent nail would look just as pretty!
47. Japanese Cherry Blossoms
Image: Instagram @thenailtrail
Japanese cherry blossoms are a beautiful sight. Everything about them says ‘beauty’ and ‘elegance.’ It just so happens that these beauties are not that hard to paint on your nails! Except for the accent nail, paint your nails a carnation pink. With white as a base for the accent nail, use a nail striper and dotting tool to create the look as shown in the image.
48. Ombre And Glitter
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
Why pick Ombre or Glitter when you can have the best of both worlds? That’s right, Ombre and Glitter in one manicure. Firstly create the ombre effect by dabbing the colors on the nail with a makeup sponge, except for the accent nail. Paint the accent nail in a thick silver glitter polish and seal the other nails with a slight glitter top.
49. Black And Red Gradient
Image: Instagram
Dark and seductive, this manicure is perfect for Halloween (or every day, if that’s what you like!) Create an ombre effect with these two colors on your nails. To make it last longer, seal it off with a top coat.
50. Vintage Roses
Image: Instagram
Let’s go back to the vintage days, shall we? Well, more like the vintage retro days, since we have polka dots in this manicure. This nail art looks so beautiful, and all the colors work together so well! Create monochrome polka dots over the entire nail and add a red rose tip. For an additional ‘oomph’ factor, finish with a matte top coat.
51. Watermelon Nail Art For Short Nails
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
Yum! Doesn’t this manicure make you want to splash into a pool and grab some cold watermelon? You can also use tape or a nail striper for the triangle watermelon pieces. For the accent nail, use a deep green for the base and a lighter green to create the lines of the watermelon.
52. Frozen Treat
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
I know these look appetizing, but don’t bite your nails! You’ll need a nail striper and a steady hand to create this look. It requires some patience, but the final look is worth it! Choose colors that reflect ice cream flavors. Follow the design shown in the picture, and I am sure you will have yourself some delicious-looking nails!
53. Wild Flowers
Image: Instagram
I love this manicure because it looks like you have spent some time on it, but is in fact quite easy! After painting your nails a pastel blue shade, create stems with a green polish, and tiny strokes along the green lines to create flowers in various shades of pink and purple.
54. Dark Fantasy
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
Mermaid or Dragon Scales? You decide. Let your imagination run wild. If, like me, you enjoy anything high fantasy, whether it be reading or watching, I know this will intrigue you. You will need to find a stencil that will help you achieve the design that you see in the image.
55. Classic French Manicure
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
Need I say anything? This is the classic go-to when you can’t think of what to do. It’s suitable for all occasions and is neutral. Who says you can’t do a French manicure with short nails? Look how pretty it looks. If you needed any more convincing, there you go!
56. Retro White Pink And Gold
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
The color combination of this manicure is glamorous! To create this look, create stripes of white and a pink triangle over it on some of the nails. Paint the rest of the nails with a gold glitter polish, as shown. It is simple enough and doesn’t require any special tools.
57. French Toast
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
This one is a twist on a French manicure with polka dots. All you need is something to create the dots! On a coffin brown or brown base, create two small triangles with black polish, as seen in the image, and create the polka dots. It is as simple as that!
58. Graveyard
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
This one is a killer manicure for Halloween! You will need white and black polishes, both in matte. Start off with a black base, and dab on the white polish with a sponge to create a mist effect. Paint on the details as shown in the image with a nail striper, and you are ready to hit that Halloween party, or have your own personal party at home!
59. Crimson Love Nail Art For Short Nails
Image: Instagram
Jump into this deep red manicure by using a matte crimson shade on a nude base. Paint the ring, thumb, and pinky fingers entirely. Using a nail striper, draw two precise hearts like the ones in the image above. There you go!
60. World Beyond
Image: Instagram @sloteazzy
Isn’t this galaxy manicure just out of this world? It’s not as hard as it appears to be. You just need to dab on blue, pink, and purple polishes on a black base with a makeup sponge. Then, make the dots and tiny stars as shown in the image. Seal with a glitter top coat.
61. Peacock Nail Designs
Shutterstock
Peacock nail designs reflect the elegant appeal of peacock feathers with a captivating blend of vivid colors and detailed patterns. Rich hues of blues, greens, teals, and gold are frequently used in these patterns to mimic the breathtaking shine of the bird’s feathers. This nail art serves as a brilliant canvas for expressing creativity while reflecting the grace of one of the most beautiful birds in nature.
62. Miami Nail Designs
iStock
Miami nail designs radiate color and playfulness, mirroring the vibrant energy and rich cultural diversity of the city. These patterns often feature vivid and striking hues, reflecting Miami’s lively and tropical atmosphere, such as neon oranges, aqua blues, sunny yellows, and hot pinks.
The designs listed above are definitely worth a try. However, if you are a beginner and wondering how to do nail art , it’s better to start with simple designs and gradually move on to more fancy and intricate nail designs.
Key Takeaways
- Short nails are easier to maintain but they might prove challenging when getting edgy or trendy nail designs.
- Monochrome peek-a-boo and ombre nails are some understated yet elegant designs that go with a wide range of outfits.
- Those looking for timeless designs for short nails can opt for vintage roses, polka dot nails, or gingham accent nails.
Infographic: What You Need For Nail Art
Every nail art fiend has to have their own custom nail art kit. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry! We are here to help! To get you started, we have added a list of nail art essentials that you should have. As you keep practicing, you will add more to your kit.
Check out the below infographic to learn what you need for nail art. Scroll down and get to beautifying those nails! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
If you have short nails and are apprehensive about trying nail art, don’t worry about it anymore. All the nail design ideas shared in the article are suitable for short nails and look super cute on them. The designs are simple, and you do not need to be a nail art pro to do them. You can choose from simple geometric patterns, gradient colors, color blocks, and polka dots. Some of the designs do not require anything other than two different nail polishes, while you may have to get nail art stencils for a few. So, go ahead, be creative, and try these super cute short nail designs. You may also try seasonal designs such as bright floral patterns for the Summer, earthy leaf motifs for Autumn, cute snowflakes for the Winter, and pastel nature-inspired designs for the Spring. Seasonal designs ensure your nail art remains stylish and trendy all year round.
Are short nails trendy?
Yes. Short nails require low maintenance. They also make your hand accessories stand out better.
Why are short nails better?
Shorter nails allow more even application and do not harbor more bacteria that otherwise may cause infections.
What color makes short nails look longer?
Light and nude shades make short nails look longer.
Illustration: Most Trending Nail Art Designs For Short Nails
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Unleash your creativity with these simple nail art designs perfect for short nails! Watch this fun tutorial and learn how to create stunning nail art from the comfort of your home.
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Of all the beauty trends that have come and gone, acrylic nails have remained a staple for many women, especially those who feel like their nails never grow. With endless acrylic nail designs to choose from, it’s no wonder why this trend has stood the test of time. Since acrylic nails are a combination of liquid monomer and powder polymer, when applied to your nails and exposed to the air, they form a hard layer, so you are guaranteed to have cute and strong nails for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of acrylics, we have compiled a list of 51 top acrylic nail ideas and designs for women to try. Get ready to be inspired and take your nails to the next level!
- Apply In A Cool Setting: Apply In A Cool Setting Acrylic nails are temperature sensitive. Apply them in a cool setting so that they do not dry off quickly, and it is easier to make changes if you make an error.
- Caution: Apply In A Cool Setting Acrylic can weaken your natural nails because the surface of the nail has to be filled every time for the acyclic to bond.
- Maintenance: Apply In A Cool Setting Avoid prolonged exposure to water and wear protective gloves while cleaning or washing things at home to maintain acrylic nails.
In This Article
Top 51 Cute Acrylic Nail Designs That You Must Try!
We’ve just made your life just that much easier by compiling a list of the best acrylic nail art. Natali, a YouTube vlogger, shared her tips on doing acrylic nails. She explained the basic prerequisites, “Remove that shine from the natural nail. If you guys don’t know, our body produces a lot of natural oils. Those oils happen to be on our nails, and so, if we just apply the acrylic or the nail tip right over a shiny nail, they’re going to come off literally the same day if not right after. They’re not going to stay on for very long ( i ).” Let’s begin without further ado!
1. Summer Acrylic Nails With Beachy Waves
Image:Source
Seeing this nail art makes me want to pack my bags as soon as possible and fly off to a remote island somewhere. It’s so serene to look at! Blue is supposed to be a calming color. So when colors like white, light brown and blue are combined to create this beautiful beachy nail art in this way, it brings peace and relaxation.
What You Will Need
- Sea blue nail polish
- Light blue nail polish
- Light brown nail polish
- White nail polish
- Top coat
- Bowl of water
- Nail polish remover in a spray bottle
How To Apply?
- On a sponge, apply the sea blue, light blue and light brown shades.
- Dab it onto your nail, the brown near your cuticle. This will give you an ombre effect
- Now, in the bowl of water, add a drop or two of white polish.
- Spray some nail polish remover in the bowl to break up the nail polish slightly.
- Dip your nails one by one in water.
- You will achieve the desired look.
- Clean up the sides of your nails with some nail polish remover.
- Finally, add a top coat, and you’re all done!
2. Spring Acrylic Nails With An Ombre
Image: Shutterstock.
If you’re not a fan of huge nails, but rather a shorter alternative, then we’ve got you covered. This beautiful ombre nail art is not only easy to achieve, but it’s a perfect go-to option during the lovely spring time.
What You Will Need
- Periwinkle nail polish
- Light purple nail polish
- Nude-pink nail polish
- Liquid latex or tape
- Makeup sponge
- White nail polish
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails with white as the base shade.
- Apply either liquid latex or tape around your nail to prevent it from getting the polish on your skin.
- Then, on a makeup sponge, apply stripes of the periwinkle, light purple, and the nude-pink nail polish.
- Dab the sponge onto your nails for an ombre effect. Reapply the polish to the sponge whenever needed.
- Remove the latex or tape and seal it with a top coat.
3. Rainbow Polka Dots
Image: Shutterstock.
This is perfect for Easter! All the colors and the polka dots have such an Easter aesthetic, don’t you think? Or it’s also perfect if you just like bright, fun colors and rainbows! This is super easy to do and doesn’t even need any fancy tools.
What You Will Need
- Yellow nail polish
- Purple nail polish
- Blue nail polish
- Green nail polish
- Pink nail polish
- White nail polish
- Bobby pin
- Top Coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the fingers white.
- Now comes the fun part. Use the bobby pin dipped in polish to create polka dots in the bottom half of the nails, corner or in the middle.
- You can create your own version of the order of colors.
- That’s all! Easy, isn’t it? Now all you need to do is finish it off with a top coat.
4. Aztec Nail Art Tutorial
Image: Instagram
Here’s another fun nail art. This one requires a little more patience. But if you follow our step by step instructions along with the pictorial, I’m sure you’ll be able to nail it (hehe)! Go on and take a step further! You’re ready for something a little more advanced.
What You Will Need
- Khaki Green nail polish
- Black nail polish
- Fine brush or nail striper
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Start by painting your thumb and little fingernails in khaki green.
- Now use the brush dipped in black polish to create a triangle at the center of your nails on the index, ring, and middle fingers
- Now fill the outside of the triangle with khaki green nail polish.
- With the fine brush dipped in black polish, create a small triangle as shown in the nail of the middle finger, and add the zig-zaggy Aztec detailing.
- With the same fine brush dipped in black nail polish, draw the arrows and triangular lines as shown near the base of the cuticle.
- We’ve come to the end of the tutorial, finally! All that is left to do now is to seal it with a top coat!
Try to get yourself aware about various nail art brushes to master the art of acrylic nail designs.
5. Leopard Print Nails
Image:goodhousekeeping.com
Animal prints have always been popular. You see them on shirts, jackets, trousers, shoes, linen, you name it! So it only makes sense that we have a nail art with an animal print on this tutorial list.
What You Will Need
- Light beige nail polish
- Light brown nail polish
- Black nail polish
- Dotting tool or toothpick
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails with the light beige color as the base.
- With the light brown nail polish, create small blobs all over the nail. They do not have to be perfect.
- Use the dotting tool or toothpick dipped in black nail polish to outline the brown blobs roughly. Leave it open-ended and incomplete. This makes it look more like a leopard print.
- Finish the nail art with a top coat.
6. Red Acrylic Nails With Floral Patterns
Image:fashionisers.com
If you’re a lover of floral things and a French manicure , why settle for one when you can have the best of both worlds. The red and white floral combination somehow reminds me of when the Red Riding Hood goes out in the woods to pick flowers for her grandmother!
What You Will Need
- Red nail polish
- Nude nail polish
- White nail polish
- Dotting tool
- Small nail jewels
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Except for the index fingernail, paint everything else with the nude nail polish.
- Paint the index fingernail with red.
- Paint a stripe of red on the tip of the ring fingernail.
- Use a very fine brush to create thin stripes on the tops of the middle fingernail, pinky, and thumb.
- Use the same brush to draw a stripe under the thick red stripe.
- Use a dotting tool to create a floral design for the index and ring fingernails as shown in the image.
- Add the jewels at the center of the petals of the flowers and seal it with a top coat.
7. Short Acrylic Nails With Gray And Pink Glitter
Image:cutediyprojects.com
Another great manicure for someone with short nails! This one can be done so quickly, that it’ll hardly take five minutes! You don’t expect it, but the pink glitter really goes well with the gray and monochrome. It is one of those fabulous nail designs for short nails that packs a punch without needing extra length.
What You Will Need
- Pink glitter nail polish
- Light gray nail polish
- Black nail polish
- White nail polish
- Fine brush
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the thumb and ring fingernail with the pink glitter polish.
- Paint the middle and pinky fingernail with the light gray nail polish.
- Apply white polish on the index finger and use the fine brush to add on stripes in black.
- Seal the manicure with a good quality top coat.
8. Crescent Moon Vampy Nails
Image:fashionisers.com
These light color acrylic nail arts that I shared so far aren’t for you? Don’t you worry, we’ve got something in store for everyone. I personally love wearing dark shades on my nails. The combination of this nearly-black wine shade with the rose gold is amazing! The crescent moons near the cuticles add some edginess to the whole look.
What You Will Need
- Deep wine nail polish
- Rose gold glitter nail polish
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Apply the deep wine nail polish on your index and middle fingers. When you do this, make sure you leave the crescent moon shape near the cuticle.
- Following the same thing, by leaving some space near the cuticle, paint the ring fingernail, pinky, and thumb with the rose gold nail polish.
- Seal it with a top coat. It’s as easy as that!
9. Pastel Butterfly Acrylic Nails
Image:fashionisers.com
Calling all artists! If all the other nail arts were too simple for you, and you would like to incorporate your art skills into your nail art, then give this one a shot. Drawing the butterfly may look easy, but it’s quite challenging, given the small canvas that is your nail. I’m sure you’ll do great though!
What You Will Need
- Pastel pink nail polish
- Pastel blue nail polish
- Light yellow nail polish
- Fine brush
- Nail jewels in a small size
How To Apply?
- Paint your thumb, ring and middle fingers pink.
- Paint the index and pinky fingernails blue.
- Now comes the fun part. Use the fine brush to create a butterfly on the ring fingernail.
- Paint its wings with blue for contrast.
- Use the fine brush to add some yellow on the inside as well.
- To take this manicure up a notch, add some small jewels to the wings of the butterfly.
- Seal it all off with a top coat.
10. Matte Lavender And Snow Nails
Image:fashionisers.com
As soon as I saw this, I thought of the falling snow! This one is a must try for the winter time! If you aren’t fond of the bright red colors during Christmas and the winters, then this is the one for you! The matte finish of the purple and the white glitter works so well together!
What You Will Need
- Matte Pastel purple nail polish
- White matte nail polish
- Loose white glitter
- Dry flat paint brush
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails except for the ring fingernail with the matte purple shade.
- Paint the ring fingernail with the white polish.
- While the white polish is still wet, use a flat brush to pick up some loose white glitter and place it onto your nail. That’s all!
11. Tropical Escape
Image:fashionisers.com
Going on a holiday to somewhere warm and tropical? Then, this is the perfect manicure for the occasion! Even if you aren’t going on vacation, but looking for a fun look for the summer, give this one a shot. This one is for the slightly more skilled artists. As you can see, it requires a steady hand for the intricate design. Get an artist friend to help you if you can’t do it yourself! Make a slumber party out of it!
What You Will Need
- Pastel purple nail polish
- Purple nail polish
- Pink nail polish
- Blue nail polish
- Orange nail polish
- Fine brush
- Gold triangle nail sticker
- Top coat
- Nail jewel
- Makeup sponge
How To Apply?
- Apply the pastel purple to the sides of the pinky, middle and thumb fingernails as shown. They should resemble long triangles.
- Use the fine brush in the purple polish and outline the triangles.
- Apply the triangle nail sticker at the point where they meet.
- On a makeup sponge, apply pink and purple polish. Dab it onto your ring fingernail. You should have an ombre of pink and purple. Make sure that the purple is at the tip.
- Now comes the hard part. Using a fine brush in black polish, draw out palm trees, ripples in the water and birds.
- Apply orange, blue and purple with a sponge on your index fingernail.
- Draw out a flower with a fine brush.
- Place a jewel at the center of the flower.
- To complete the manicure, seal it with a top coat so that your artwork can stay safe for days!
12. Mandala Inspired Nail Art
Image:fashionisers.com
A fun and colorful nail art manicure which is ideal for festivals! This is definitely something that you would see at Coachella. Add on some super cute boho rings, and you’re ready to fit right in at the ever-popular music festival.
What You Will Need
- Salmon nail polish
- Pastel yellow nail polish
- Pastel blue nail polish
- Pastel pink polish
- Pastel purple polish
- Fine brush
- Gray matte polish
- Black matte polish
- Rainbow glitter polish
- Nail jewels
- Makeup sponge
How To Apply?
- Paint the ring fingernails with the salmon nail polish.
- On a makeup sponge, add a drop of the pastel colors and dab it onto the middle fingernails.
- Using a fine brush dipped in matte black polish, create the design as shown in the image. You can add color details afterwards if you wish.
- Paint the index fingernails with the matte gray. Then, use the black polish to create the block stripes as shown.
- Use the rainbow glitter polish to create an ombre effect from the top to the bottom on the pinky and thumb fingernails.
- Add the jewels onto the ring fingernails.
13. Rich Matte Chocolate Brown Acrylic Nails
Image:youngcraze.com
Who doesn’t love chocolates, am I right?! Take it one step further and bring your love for chocolate onto your nails! It’s quite simple, but the mix of glossy and matte finish takes the look up another notch.
What You Will Need
- Brown matte nail polish
- Top coat
- Tape
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails with the brown matte polish.
- Once it’s dry, place the tape diagonally as shown.
- Now, use the top coat to apply over it.
- When you remove the tape, you will clearly see the matte and glossy parts. That’s all!
14. Lavender Boho Acrylic Nails
Image:fashionisers.com
Get a chic and boho look with this manicure. It’s so aesthetically pleasing, don’t you agree? The pastel purple with the white mandala design makes for a great combination. Pile on all of your rings and middy rings, and you will have yourself an Instagram-worthy pair of hands. Although I do have to say, you must be able to have steady hands for this one to be able to paint out the design.
What You Will Need
- Pastel purple nail polish
- White nail polish
- Top coat
- Fine brush
How To Apply?
- Leaving the ring fingernail bare, paint all other with the pastel purple shade.
- Use a fine brush dipped in white polish and carefully draw out a boho design.
- Seal the nail art with a top coat.
Black Acrylic Nail Designs
15. Black And White Acrylic Nails With Silver Moons
Image:fashionisers.com
If you love monochrome as much as I do, then this one will definitely catch your eye. Black, white and silver; what’s not to love? Not only that, but it’s super easy. I’m pretty sure you, yourself can see how simple it is!
What You Will Need
- Black nail polish
- White nail polish
- Silver nail polish
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the thumb, pinky and ring fingernails with black.
- Paint the index and middle fingernails white. You can even play around with the colors by reversing the colors on the other hand.
- Paint half-moons with the silver nail polish onto all of the nails.
- Seal the manicure with a top coat.
16. Black And Silver Acrylic Nails
Image:fashionisers.com
Alright! We’re nearing the end of the list which means that the nail art will slowly start getting harder. I love the black and silver glitter combination! This one does look complicated, I will agree. However, with the step by step instructions, it’s not too hard to achieve. Go ahead and try it!
What You Will Need
- Nude nail polish
- Black nail polish
- Silver chunky glitter nail polish
- Rhinestones
- Fine brush
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the thumb, index and ring fingernails black.
- Paint the middle fingernail and the pinky fingernail nude.
- Use a fine brush dipped in black polish to draw an ‘X’ and two horizontal lines on the middle fingernail. Outline the base near the two lines.
- Draw a chevron pattern near the tip of the pinky fingernail.
- Place rhinestones on the ring fingernail and the thumb.
- Apply the glitter nail polish on the index fingernail in an ombre fashion starting from the base, going upwards to the tip.
- Finish it off with a good top coat.
17. Goth And Glitter Nail Art
Image:fashionisers.com
It’s only right that this one is last, because as you can see, there’s a lot going on. Who knew glitter and goth themes went together? Well, this manicure certainly proves that they go, not just good, but great together.
What You Will Need
- Black nail polish
- Silver glitter nail polish
- Gray matte polish
- Black matte polish
- Black acrylic bow
How To Apply?
- Let’s take this one nail at a time. The pinky nail is pretty simple. All you have to do is create an ombre effect with the silver glitter at the tip of the nail on one pinky. On the other one, all you need to do is apply the tips with black while making it a slight ‘v’ shape as shown.
- The ring fingernails would probably have to be the most difficult ones. Once on the nail, paint the entire nail gray and then using a fine brush, create intricate lace patterns. On the other nail, leave the first one fourth of the nail near the cuticle and paint the rest of it with the gray polish. Do the same and create the lace pattern on this nail as well. Add the black acrylic bow to this nail.
- Create a semi circle near the cuticle on of the nails. Create a broader outline around the semi-circle as seen on the left middle fingernail. Apply a thin stripe at the tip. Follow a similar pattern on the right fingernail, but this time use an inverted ‘v’ shape.
- Create a French manicure with silver glitter outlined with black. Place another acrylic bow here. On the other nail, create an ombre effect near the tip.
- Paint both the thumb fingernails black. Create a ‘V’ starting from the cuticle, going up.
18. Almond Shaped Aztec Acrylic Nails
Image:cutediyprojects.com
Love Aztec prints and patterns? Then this is probably something that will pique your interest. If you’re also someone who is just starting to experiment with nail art but doesn’t want to go too overboard, then this is perfect since it’s both minimalist and has a little something extra. Let’s take a look at how to achieve it.
What You Will Need
- Off white nail polish
- Black nail polish
- Fine brush
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails with the off-white polish except for the middle fingernail.
- Paint the middle fingernail black.
- Use the fine brush to outline the index, thumb and pinky fingernails.
- Once again use the fine brush to create random geometric Aztec patterns on the ring fingernails.
- 5.Finish off the manicure with a top coat to ensure a long lasting manicure.
White Acrylic Nail Designs
19. White Acrylic Nails With A Marbled effect
Image:lulus.com
I’m sure you’ve noticed all the trends on Instagram about marbled nails and phone cases. It looks classy as hell, and the best part is, it’s quite easy to pull off. This is a great choice for both beginners and pros alike.
You Will Need
- Nude nail polish
- White nail polish
- Blue-gray nail polish
- Silver nail polish
- Black nail polish
- A fine brush
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the thumb and ring finger with nude.
- Paint the middle finger white.
- Paint the index finger with the blue-gray shade.
- Paint the pinky finger with the silver nail polish.
- Then, using the fine brush dipped in black polish, create fine lines as shown to achieve a marbled effect.
- Seal it all up with a good quality top coat to make sure that the manicure lasts for a long time.
20. Chevon Acrylic Nail Art
Image: Shutterstock
This one is for all you minimalists out there. Chevrons are all the rage these days. They’re super chic and look classy. You can achieve this look with just two or three things. It will take you five minutes!
What You Will Need
- A nail polish in any shade for the base coat
- A nail polish in a complementary shade for a chevron pattern
- Thin striping tape
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint an even layer of base coat with your nail polish and let it dry.
- Place pieces of striping tape over your nails in successive V-shapes to create your chevron pattern stencil.
- Paint over the tape stencil with your complementary nail polish shade and wait a minute to ensure the paint is not runny.
- Carefully remove the tape with tweezers and let the pattern dry completely.
- Seal it off with a top coat.
21. White Flower Accent Nail
Image:fashionisers.com
You are probably wondering why there are so many pastel shades in this list of acrylic nail art designs . Well, that’s because pastel shades are what’s in these days. Everywhere you go, you see them. They exude a very minimalist appeal which is what the millennials prefer.
What You Will Need
- Pastel pink nail polish
- White acrylic flower
- Silver micro glitter nail polish
- Nail jewels
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails with the pastel pink polish as the base.
- Create an ombre effect with the silver glitter polish on the index and pinky fingernails.
- Apply a layer of the glitter polish all over the ring fingernail.
- Place the acrylic flower over the ring fingernail.
- Apply the jewel at the bottom of the middle fingernails.
Pink Acrylic Nail Designs
22. Pink Acrylic Nails With Gold Geometric Patterns
Image:fabnailartdesigns.com
This nail art is ideal for a beginner. Don’t worry, even if you’re a pro and you want to take it easy and create a simple nail art, you can totally do this too! It’s super simple, and you wouldn’t need any tools. When you combine three colors this way, it looks like you spent a good deal of time and it’s super aesthetically pleasing!
What You Will Need
- White nail polish
- Blush/Peach nail polish
- Gold nail polish
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails in white. This will be the base.
- Now, create a diagonal stripe with the blush colored nail polish.
- Use the gold to create another, smaller diagonal stripe near the cuticle as shown.
- Lastly, top it off with a top coat for a long-lasting manicure.
23. Pastel Pink Princess
Image:fashionisers.com
This one is perfect for those of you that have a party or occasion to attend on short notice, or if you’re running late. It requires little effort, and by the end of it, it will look as though you’ve spent some time at the nail bar getting it done.
What You Will Need
- Pastel pink nail polish
- Stick on Nail jewels
- Top coat
- Tweezers
How To Apply?
- Use the pastel pink shade as the base for all of your nails.
- Using a tweezer, place six nail jewels near the cuticle of your middle fingernail.
- Now, place three more jewels above the six jewels
- Place two more above the three jewels.
- Finally, place three of them, but this time one above the other as shown in the image.
- Finish the nail art by adding a top coat.
24. Pink Acrylic Nails With Gold Foil
Image:fashionisers.com
This is another super quick one. It will literally take you less than five minutes; that’s how easy it is. The plain pastel pink by itself looks wonderful. Now, you add those flecks of golden foil all over the nail and it resembles a gold-flecked stone!
What You Will Need
- Pastel pink nail polish
- Gold foil
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Use the pastel pink nail polish to paint all of your nails. This will be the base.
- Now, apply the golden foil randomly over your middle fingernail and ring fingernail.
- Once you are happy with the look, seal it off with a top coat for a long-lasting effect.
25. Cute Acrylic Nails In Pink
Image:fashionisers.com
Simple and pretty. That’s the best way I would describe this nail art. This is for all you lovers of pink out there. The nail art in question is a play on two shades of pink. It would’ve been a plain nail art, had it not been for the accent nail and the jewel on it. Let’s look at how to achieve this!
What You Will Need
- Very pale pink nail polish (it should almost look white)
- Light pink nail polish
- Silver nail jewels
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Leaving the ring fingernail, paint all the nails with the pale pink nail polish.
- Paint the ring fingernails with the light pink polish.
- Create a ‘v’ shape at the center of the ring fingernail and paint it till the tip.
- Place one big jewel and a small jewel consecutively above it to finish the look.
- Seal it with a top coat.
26. Pastel Pink Acrylic Nails
Image:fashionisers.com
I know we’ve all heard the saying that goes “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, and it holds true for many aspects. Leonardo Da Vinci knew what he meant when he said that and even today, his words remain relevant. This manicure is simple, but that is chic and sophisticated. There’s not much to this manicure, but that’s the beauty of it!
What You Will Need
- Pastel pink nail polish
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails with the pastel pink shade.
- Seal it with a top coat.
27. Pink And Blue Ombre With Hearts
Image:cutediyprojects.com
How cute is this?! Honestly, an ombre effect is so useful for taking your whole manicure game up a notch. You have to put in very little effort since the makeup sponge will be doing all the work. Now, add a few hearts and some rhinestones, and you’ve got yourself a pretty cool manicure!
What You Will Need
- Pastel pink nail polish
- Pastel blue nail polish
- Fine brush
- White nail polish
- Nail jewels
How To Apply?
- On a makeup sponge, apply the pink and blue nail polishes next to each other.
- Dab the sponge onto all the nails till you can see an ombre effect.
- Use the fine brush to create sketch-style rough hearts on all nails except for the ring fingernails.
- Add the nail jewels to the ring fingernail.
French Acrylic Nails
28. French Acrylic Nails With An Ombre
Image:fashionisers.com
Here’s another favorite for those of you who love keeping things minimalistic. It’s kind of a French manicure, except that instead of a clear-cut distinction between the tip and the nail bed, it’s applied in an ombre fashion. It’s extremely easy to apply. Let’s check it out!
What You Will Need
- Nude nail polish
- White nail polish
- Makeup sponge
- Nail polish remover
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- On a makeup sponge, apply 2 stripes of nude polish and one strip of white polish.
- Make sure that the white nail polish on the sponge will go over the tip of the nail. Dab it onto each nail till you achieve the desired effect. Reapply the polish on the sponge as per your requirement.
- Clean up the skin around the nail with nail polish remover.
- Seal it all off with a top coat.
29. Floral Accent French Tips
Image:fashionisers.com
This is another one of those that look super fancy, and will trick people into thinking that you’ve had a recent trip to the salon, but in fact took you literally five minutes to achieve if you’re good at a French manicure. The addition of the acrylic flowers takes it from simple to dressy!
What You Will Need
- White nail polish
- Acrylic flowers
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Apply a French manicure according to the shape of your nails.
- Apply the top coat.
- Place the acrylic flowers carefully onto the ring fingernails for an accent nail look.
30. Black French Tips With Silver Accent Nail
Image:cutediyprojects.com
I personally love this one! A French manicure with black instead of white and a silver accent nail; that’s my kind of manicure right there. It’s so simple, but the colors together make this nail art stand out and looks chic.
What You Will Need
- Black nail polish
- Silver nail polish
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Apply a French manicure with the black polish at the tips on all nails except the ring fingernail.
- Apply the silver glitter nail polish on the ring fingernail.
- Finish the manicure with a top coat for long lasting results.
Glitter Acrylic Nail Designs
31. Silver Glitter Acrylic Nails With Beige
Image:fashionisers.com
This one is super cute! It’s perfect for special occasions such as weddings. The colors used in this nail art are quite versatile in the sense that they’d go with almost any outfit. The silver glitter adds a little something extra to the whole nail art!
What You Will Need
- Nude nail polish
- White nail polish
- Silver glitter nail polish
- Top coat
- Tape
How To Apply?
- What you will need to do first, is to paint all your nails with the nude shade as the base.
- Use the glitter polish to paint your index fingernails, leaving the tips plain. Try and use a light hand as you reach the top to achieve an ombre effect.
- Use tape on the top and bottom of the ring fingernail to get a ‘V’ shape.
- Paint it with the silver glitter nail polish.
- Carefully remove the tape and follow the ‘V’ shape near the tips to paint it white as shown in the image.
- Finish the manicure with a top coat for long lasting results!
32. Blue Glitter Ombre Tips
Image:fashionisers.com
Here’s a fun twist to the French manicure. Ditch the plain white tips for a blue glitter ombre! When I first saw this manicure, it reminded me of the Little Mermaid! The blue glitter resembles the ocean and her tail, whereas the flower reminded me of the flower she wears in her hair later in the movie!
What You Will Need
- Blue glitter nail polish
- White acrylic flower
- Top coat
- Makeup sponge
How To Apply?
- Apply the glitter polish on a makeup sponge and dab it onto the tips of your nails for an ombre effect. Leave the ring fingernail bare. This will be the accent nail.
- For the ring fingernail, apply a French manicure with the glitter polish.
- Seal the manicure with a top coat.
- Add the acrylic flower on the ring fingernail. Your manicure is complete! You’re good to go!
33. Pink And Silver Glitter
Image:cutediyprojects.com
If you liked how super quick and simple the last one was, then you’ll like this one as well. If the previous one was a more minimalist approach to nail art, then this one is for those of you who like to spice things up a little and make your manicure look glam.
What You Will Need
- Hot pink nail polish
- Silver chunky glitter nail polish
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint all of your nails with the hot pink polish.
- Starting from the bottom to the tip, create an ombre effect with the silver glitter nail polish
- Apply the top coat for a long-lasting manicure.
34. Peach And Glitter Acrylic Nails
Image:cutediyprojects.com
This one is a cute and fun manicure that works with color combinations and geometric shapes. You can play around with the shades. If you’re not a fan of bright colors, all you need to do is replace the salmon shade with black and make it a monochrome look. It would look amazing!
What You Will Need
- Salmon nail polish with micro glitter
- White nail polish
- Silver glitter nail polish
- Tape
- Rhinestones
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the index fingernail white.
- Paint the middle fingernail with the silver glitter polish.
- Paint the pinky and thumb fingernails with the salmon nail polish.
- Tape half of the ring fingernail and paint over it with white.
- Tape the top half of the nail and the area over the white after it has dried. Paint over it with the silver.
- Carefully paint the remaining area with the salmon shade. Use tape for this if you must as well.
- Add a rhinestone to the index and pinky fingernails.
- Finish the manicure with a topcoat.
35. Rose Gold Glitter Nails
Image:cutediyprojects.com
The color combination in this one is absolutely stunning. It’s the true Instagram aesthetic. If you consider yourself to be a social person who loves posting all things trending, then trust me, you’ll want a picture of this manicure in your profile.
What You Will Need
- Dusty pink nail polish
- White nail polish
- Rose gold nail polish
- Fine brush
- Top Coat
How To Apply?
- Use the dusty pink for the thumb, index and pinky fingernails.
- Paint the ring fingernail white and use a fine brush to create the pattern as shown.
- Paint the middle fingernail with the rose gold glitter polish.
- Finish the look with a top coat.
36. Glitter Acrylic Nails With Geometric Patterns
Image:cutediyprojects.com
Sophisticated and neutral, this one is for the simple and bold people alike. This is probably one of my favorite color combinations of all time. The nude, white and gold work so well together! The geometric shapes look difficult to achieve, but with the help of some tape, it’s pretty easy!
What You Will Need
- Gold glitter nail polish
- Nude nail polish
- White nail polish
- Tape
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the index, pinky and thumb fingernails in gold.
- Use some tape to apply it diagonally on the ring finger. Same goes for the middle fingernail. Paint over it with gold. Make sure to use different angles and shapes for both the nails.
- Repeat the step and this time paint over it with the white. Do it again for the nude polish.
- Finish the look with a layer of the top coat.
37. Glitter And Rhinestone Almond Nails
Image:cutediyprojects.com
Calling all of you bling lovers! Need something more ostentatious? This rhinestone-bedazzled accent nail and glitter nail art is great because all that glitter and sparkle is easily balanced with the subtle peachy nude shade.
What You Will Need
- Peachy nude nail polish
- Rhinestones
- Silver glitter nail polish
How To Apply?
- Paint the thumb, index, and pinky with the peachy nude shade.
- Paint the middle fingernail with the silver glitter polish
- Apply the rhinestones on the ring fingernail as the accent to make it stand out.
38. Red White And Blue Glitter
Image:cutediyprojects.com
Fan of the sparkles and glitter? You’d love this one then. Red white and blue is a classic color combination. It could be patriotic if you want, or just a simple color combination. Either way, this is a super cute and easy nail art to achieve.
What You Will Need
- Red glitter nail polish
- Blue glitter nail polish
- White nail polish
- Fine brush
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the middle and thumb fingernails with the red glitter nail polish.
- Paint the ring fingernails with the blue glitter polish. Add two stripes and a heart as shown.
- Apply the blue glitter as a French manicure for the index and pinky fingernails. Add a stripe under the tip and a heart.
- Finish off with a top coat.
39. Navy Blue And Gold Royalty
Image:cutediyprojects.com
This is one of my personal favorites! I am completely in love with the navy blue and gold combination. I don’t know about you, but this totally reminds me of a magical dress made by someone like Zuhair Murad! I wouldn’t mind that on my nails!
What You Will Need
- Navy blue up nail polish
- Gold glitter nail polish
- White nail polish
- Fine brush
- Tape
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint the thumb, index and the fingernails in the navy blue nail polish.
- Paint the middle and pinky fingernails in the gold glitter polish.
- Apply strips of tape on the ring finger to form a thick ‘v’. Paint over it with gold.
- Remove the tape pieces and you will see the shape of the ‘v’.
- Outline the gold part with a fine brush dipped in white polish.
- Seal the manicure with a top coat.
40. Criss Cross Acrylic Nail Art
Image:cutediyprojects.com
If you like keeping the shades you use on the down low but want to experiment with the pattern, then this one is a must try. I honestly am feeling the gold, white and dusty pink combination. Plus, those shapes take the manicure up another level!
What You Will Need
- White nail polish
- Gold glitter nail polish
- Dusty pink nail polish
- Top coat
- Tape
How To Apply?
- Paint the thumb, middle and pinky fingernails with the dusty pink shade.
- Paint the index and ring fingernails with the gold glitter nail polish shade.
- Place very thin strips of tape in a crisscross manner on the index fingernails, and paint over it with white.
- Create a wide ‘v’ shape on the ring fingernails with tape. Apply white polish over it.
- Wait for it to dry and repeat the step creating a smaller ‘v’ within the white part. Apply the dusty pink polish over it.
- Seal it with a top coat.
Blue Acrylic Nail Designs
41. Mermaid Scales
Image:fabnailartdesigns.com
Do feel like the ocean is your calling? Or, do you love mythical creatures? Then, this nail art is something you should check out. Plus, it just looks really cool. With the help of a stencil, you can achieve that salon-like perfection!
What You Will Need
- Metallic blue nail polish
- White nail polish
- Nail stencil or sticker that looks like mermaid or fish scales
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails white as the base.
- Wait till the polish is dry. Then, place the stencil over your nail.
- Paint over it with the metallic blue nail polish.
- Wait about 30 seconds before removing the stencil.
- Seal the nail art with a top coat.
42. Blue Acrylic Nails With Flowers
Image:fashionisers.com
Another amazing nail art involving acrylic flowers. It’s a cute and fun look for the spring and summer when the flowers are full in bloom! It may look complicated, but that’s the best part! It’s so easy to achieve this look! Let’s look at the stuff that you’ll need.
What You Will Need
- Pastel blue nail polish
- Blue glitter nail polish
- Blue acrylic flowers
- Nail jewels
How To Apply?
- Paint all your nails except the ring fingernail with the pastel blue shade.
- Paint the ring fingernail with the blue glitter nail polish.
- Apply the acrylic flowers on the accent nail and one other nail of your choice.
- Apply the jewels to your nails. Try and use different colors of blue for an added effect.
3D Acrylic Nail Art Designs
43. Bow Accent Acrylic Nails
Image:fashionisers.com
These nails totally remind me of Hello Kitty! Growing up, I had so much of Hello Kitty merchandise! Even today I can’t help but stare in awe of how cute their stuff is! If you want an adorable, yet glam look, then this one is for you!
What You Will Need
- Gold glitter nail polish
- Pastel pink nail polish
- Acrylic bow
How To Apply?
- Paint all nails except the middle nail with the pastel pink nail polish.
- Stick on the acrylic bow on the ring fingernail while the nail polish is still wet.
- Paint the middle fingernail with gold.
44. 3D Acrylic Nail Art With Flowers
Image:fashionisers.com
Another great one for someone who likes dressing their nails up. It’s also great for weddings. The intricate gray floral pattern goes well with the nude base of the nails. The flowers itself have been crafted with acrylic material. You can easily purchase pre-made flowers in the market.
What You Will Need
- Nude nail polish
- Gray acrylic flowers
- Nail art jewels
How To Apply?
- First, you will need to paint all your nails with the nude nail polish.
- Then, you can either create the acrylic flowers from scratch, or apply the premade ones onto the middle and ring fingernails.
- Play around with the combination of the colors of the jewels and apply them accordingly on thumb, pinky and index fingernails.
45. Rhinestone Accent Nails
Image:cutediyprojects.com
For all you that are obsessed with anything sparkly, this one is truly your calling. There’s nothing about the brown shade that makes the manicure stand out. However, add a rhinestone on each nail and an entire nail bedazzled, and we have ourselves a-whole-nother story altogether!
What You Will Need
- Matte brown nail polish
- Rhinestones
How To Apply?
- Start off by painting all your nails with the matte brown nail polish.
- While the polish is still wet, add a rhinestone to every nail.
- Add as many rhinestones as you can on the ring fingernail in order to highlight it as the accent nail.
46. Chunky Rhinestones With Pink Nails
Image:cutediyprojects.com
This is one of those looks which isn’t exactly for the ones who are looking for something simple. Looking to take your nail art creativity game to the next level? Then you’ve come to the right manicure because this will definitely stand out. However, this is also appropriate for your wedding day if you’re looking to make a statement!
What You Will Need
- Salmon nail polish
- Rhinestones
How To Apply?
- Leaving the ring fingernail, paint the rest of the fingernail with the salmon shade.
- Apply rhinestones of different sizes onto the ring fingernail. Various colors of light pinks and whites would look the best.
- Also, add some of the rhinestones onto the index fingernail.
Valentines Acrylic Nail Designs
47. Heart Acrylic Nails With Red Tips
Image:fashionisers.com
If Valentine’s Day is coming up and you’re looking for a cute nail art manicure that will stand out, then try this one! It has all the colors of the ‘Day of Love’. The addition of the red and white embellishments makes it look super fancy!
What You Will Need
- Red nail polish
- White nail polish
- Red and white nail jewels
- Dotting tool
- Fine brush
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Apply the red nail polish to the tips in a ‘v’ shape. Leave the ring fingernail bare.
- Do the same on the ring fingernail with the white nail polish.
- Create two dots next to each other with the dotting tool dipped in white nail polish and use the fine brush to create the bottom of the heart.
- Apply the jewels tastefully as shown on the middle fingernails and the accent nail.
- Seal the manicure with a top coat.
48. Valentines Acrylic Nails With Love Letters
Image:fashionisers.com
Another artistic manicure for the big V-Day, involving love letters! Before the age of texting, it was all about handwritten love notes. Sometimes even today, a lot of people like sending love letters for the sentiment!
What You Will Need
- Red nail polish
- White nail polish
- Nail jewels
- Black nail polish
- Fine brush
- Dotting tool
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Apply the red polish on the index, thumb and pinky fingernails, while painting the middle and ring fingernails white.
- Use the fine brush to create a letter on the middle fingernail. Add a heart to the opening.
- Create a heart with the help of a dotting tool and the fine brush on the pinky.
- Place the nail jewels on the rest of the nails.
- Finish the manicure with a top coat.
Gold Acrylic Nail Designs
49. Golden Foil Acrylic Nail Tips
Image:fashionisers.com
If you are a fan of gold, then this is something that you should give a shot. It’s one of those nail arts that look like you’ve put in a lot of time and effort, but in fact, this style is super quick and easy to achieve, so let’s look at all the stuff that you will need, shall we?
What You Will Need
- Gold Foil
- White nail polish
- Nude nail polish
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Paint all nails except the ring fingernail with the nude nail polish.
- Paint the ring fingernail with white.
- Carefully place the foil along the tips of the nails. Follow the ‘v’ shape.
- Seal it with a top coat.
50. All That Glitters Is Gold
Image:fashionisers.com
Are the other nail arts too dull and boring for you? Okay, hold onto your hats and wigs because this one is for the bold hearted. If you like standing out and making an impression with strong statements and appearances, this manicure is worth your time.
What You Will Need
- White nail polish
- Gold glitter nail polish
- Nail jewels
- Makeup sponge
- Top coat
How To Apply?
- Leaving the middle fingernail bare, paint all the nails in white.
- Create an ombre effect with the gold glitter on the thumb, index fingernail and the pinky fingernail.
- Apply the gold polish on a makeup sponge and dab it onto the middle finger nail. This will give the nail a very saturated look.
- Apply the nail jewels along one side of the ring fingernail.
- Finish the look by applying a top coat. There you go! All done!
51. Cow Nail Art
Shutterstock
Are you an animal lover? Considering how popular cow prints have become in the fashion industry, from fabrics to hair accessories, why not try this nail art design? Opt for this adorable cow print nail art to express your love for all animals.
What You Will Need
- White nail polish
- Black nail polish
- Silver nail polish
- Toothpick or dotting tool
- Top Coat
How To Apply?
- Apply a base coat using the white nail polish.
- Add in a few small dots on the white base using the black and silver polishes.
- Use the dotting tool or toothpick, make the dots more patch-like with defined shapes.
- Do one nail at a time to prevent the drying up of the nail polish.
- Finish off with a transparent top coat.
You can try making the patch with other colors like brown or maroon instead of black. Or use sparkle nail paint to make the patches stand out even more.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic nails can enhance the appearance of your natural nails, making them look bigger and in good shape
- They are made from a liquid monomer and powder polymer, a good option for people whose nails are brittle and take a lot of time to grow.
- Acrylic nails are a great way to express your personality and reveal your unique style.
- There is a wide variety of acrylic nail designs available to suit various preferences and occasions, from bold and extravagant designs to simple, and elegant designs.
- These cute and strong nails last for 3-4 weeks with proper care and caution.
Infographic: Acrylic Nail Designs You Should Try
Acrylic nails have a reputation for being extremely lengthy and challenging to maintain. However, if you want you can get short acrylic nails. Your nails can look better and be stronger with short acrylic nails without the issues that come with long nails. With acrylic nails, there are numerous choices to create minimalistic yet stylish nail designs. So, check out the infographic below to discover interesting acrylic nail ideas.
The best acrylic nail designs can elevate your nails from drab to fab! Acrylic nails are crafted from a monomer and a powder that can be formed into a dough when combined. This dough is set onto the natural nails to make them look bigger and shapely. It is a great choice for those whose nails are brittle or take a long time to grow out. Acrylic nails also give you the chance to play around with many designs without harming your natural nails that lie underneath. So, take inspiration from the gorgeous designs listed here, be your own nail technician, and flaunt your nails as much as you want.
What are some tips for choosing the right acrylic nail art for events?
Consider the type of event it is to choose the best nail design. For example, opt for nude or pastel nail paints with delicate floral patterns for wedding and engagement ceremonies and bold colors with rhinestone designs for modern evening parties. You can consider seasonal designs such as snowflakes for Winter events, vivacious designs (sunset gradients and ocean waves) for summer events, and floral motifs (daffodils, cherry blossoms, and tulips) for Spring events.
What’s the difference between acrylic and gel nails?
While both are artificial nail extensions, gel nails give you a glossy look and acrylic nails are sturdier.
What is stronger acrylic or dip?
Dip nails are stronger and last longer than acrylic nails.
How long do acrylic nails last?
These can last anywhere in between 6-8 weeks with refill and touch-ups every 2-3 weeks.
Can I shower with acrylic nails?
Yes, you can, but, you should try and avoid keeping your nails wet for a longer period of time.
Personal Experience: Source
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