36 Joy-Inducing Nail-Art Pictures We Can't Stop Looking At

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(Image credit: Aude Julie)

Much like our wardrobes, our beauty looks also brighten when the summer months hit. We rose our cheeks and add pops of coral to our lips, but nails? That's where the fun is. Acting as a blank canvas to the various polishes at our disposal, our nails afford us the perfect opportunity to let our personalities shine through—perhaps even more so than the clothes we wear. And now that summer is officially in full swing, we thought it was the perfect time to collate some colourful nail-art options in one place. 

Ready for our next nail appointments, we've been saving amazing nail-art pictures to bring with us for inspiration. We found that many of our favourite styles fell into one of six categories. 

From the new way to sport French tips to creations that wouldn't look out of place hanging on the walls of the Tate Modern, here are some of the beautiful, brightly coloured nail art out there to consider. 

ABSTRACT

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(Image credit: @BROWNGIRLHANDS)

This swirly design is serving major retro vibes, and we couldn't be more in love.

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

Using a thin paintbrush, add spots of black to give your abstract mani an '80s feel. 

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

White polish will create the perfect canvas to get experimental on top of. 

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(Image credit: @hannahlourobinson)

If you're trying it at home, it's a great way to finally use underused polishes. 

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(Image credit: @alicezielasko)

You just can't beat yellow and orange to put you in a happy mood. 

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(Image credit: @hannastefansson)

Perfectionists can also work the abstract nail-art trend by keeping the pattern the same on each nail. 

BRIGHT FRENCH TIPS

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(Image credit: @BUFFCS)

Fuchsia and orange are a match made in nail heaven. To add an extra dimension to your colourful tips, incorporate an accent nail on your ring finger, like this flame design.

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

The subtle pointed negative space will give the illusion of longer nails. 

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(Image credit: @fannyekstrand)

Who said you need to keep the rest of your nail bare? 

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

Switch up the colour of your French tips for a fun spin. 

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(Image credit: @asos_lotte)

Lime-green tips will give any ensemble you wear a summery finish. 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Can't decide on just one hue? Go for them all!

FLORAL

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(Image credit: @NAILARTBYQUEENIE)

If you don't want to go whole-hog with a floral design, keep things subtle by opting for a nail-bed accent. These daisies, teamed with a nude nail, are subtle minimalist perfection.

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(Image credit: @fannyekstrand)

Use a bright base colour to make your daisy nails pop. 

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

Alternate the size of your blooms.

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

We love how Elif has paired her sweet floral manicure with chunky gold rings. 

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Create a rainbow palette with bright shades underneath one-tone flowers. 

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

Or use negative space to enhance your floral nail-art creation. 

PASTEL RAINBOW

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(Image credit: @THEMANICLUB)

Give traditional pastels a modern update by opting for bright colours in more muted tones.

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Emmanuelle demonstrates the perfect pastel rainbow. 

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

We love how Claire styles her pastel manicure with powdery lilac trousers. 

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(Image credit: @livpurvis)

Liv's ice cream shades are making us yearn for a day at the seaside. 

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(Image credit: @aude_julie)

Don't be afraid to go for pastel neons, as Aude-Julie has done. 

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

Simple but so effective. 

FRUITY

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(Image credit: @NAILARTBYQUEENIE)

Dainty cherries layered over a pastel French tip? Sign us up.

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(Image credit: @hannastefansson)

We can't get over these cute little tangies. 

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

Use all of your nails to create an impossibly cute fruit salad. 

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(Image credit: @hannahlourobinson)

Combining two colourful nail-art trends in one with bright French tips and cherry motifs. 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

You needn't have fruit on each nail. Instead, you can paint your remaining talons a coordinating shade.

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

So beautiful. 

POLKA DOTS

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(Image credit: @BUFFCS)

Polka dots don't have to be graphic. If you're a fan of minimal nail art, a single, contrasting dot in the centre of the nail along the nail bed is the perfect understated statement.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

If you prefer your nail art to be pared-back, this polka-dot option is sure to appease. 

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

Your polka dots don't have to be perfectly formed, either. Have fun with different sizes, and if you make a mistake, embrace it. 

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

The clashing colours are grounded by the fact that the polka dots remain consistent. 

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(Image credit: @charlottejacklin)

Why not add adorable smiley faces to your polka-dot nail art? 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Or keep things classic with primary colours. 

Shop Bright Nail Polishes

Next up, this is already the coolest nail trend of 2022.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.