91 Incredible Nail-Art Designs to Screengrab Before Your Next Salon Trip

From the often velvet-covered chairs to the glass bottles of beautiful colour lined neatly on marble-effect shelves, there are many things that make a visit to the salon a magical experience. And in 2024 we intend to take full advantage of our appointment with our nail technicians. How, you ask? By opting for some stunning nail art. 

Remember when nail art consisted of water-painted flowers and glittery dragons? Those were the days. However, after its short-lived moment in the early noughties, nail art really dropped off the grid for a little while. In stark contrast to the grandeur and excess of embellished talons and intricate patterns, for the last 10 years or so, nail trends and manicures have, for the most part, remained monotonalsimple and polished.

However, over the past year or so, we have noticed that nail designs have started to get a little more fun. From colourful rainbow nails to geometric designs, it would seem as though we are all looking for new ways to up our mani game. You'll be pleased to hear that nail art is officially back, and it's chicer than ever.

From negative-space designs and muted statements to intricate artistry and pretty glitters, keep scrolling for the chicest nail art to add to your inspiration board ahead of your next salon appointment.

Minimal Nail Art

Dark red French manicure with heart nail art

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

This would make such a chic Valentine's Day nail art design.

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Muted tones and simple spots—we're in love.

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(Image credit: @styleIdealist)

Karina proves that the accent manicure shouldn't be overlooked. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

The high-gloss finish on this easy-to-achieve look is the ultimate touch. 

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(Image credit: @BUFFCS)

If minimal designs are your bag, this one should be top of your list. A sheer, nude polish with gold sticker accents is beyond chic.

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(Image credit: @THEHANGEDIT)

Why didn't we think of this sooner?

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(Image credit: @ROSIEHW)

Is there anything Rosie Huntington-Whiteley can't pull off? This simple white-edge finish is seriously cool.

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(Image credit: @browngirlhands)

Transparent nails are an emerging nail trend, and they look incredible with nail art on top. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Switch up your manicure by utilising negative space on one or two accent nails. 

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(Image credit: @THEHANGEDIT)

Seventies-inspired nail art is having a serious moment. If you're not into the usual brights, this muted brown design is easy to wear and comes with all of the same retro fun.

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

Use hole-punch stickers to help achieve this rainbow look. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Update the classic red manicure with pink tips and half moons. 

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Sticking to powdery tones, Claire demonstrates the most stylish way to do rainbow nails. 

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(Image credit: @BUFFCS)

Give a pastel manicure a chic update by incorporating graphic shapes and negative space.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

We love the contrast of classic red with simple beige.

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(Image credit: @caitlinmiyako)

Switch up the direction of the stripes on each nail for a chic design. 

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(Image credit: @paragonnails)

Graphic and minimal, this nail art look is perfect for those with pared-back aesthetics. 

Nail art ideas

(Image credit: @ROSETUCKERSOUTHPORT)

A subtle way to embrace glitter—and the season's trendiest metallic.

French Tip Nail Art

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

How chic is this? We wouldn't expect anything less from nail queen Harriet Westmoreland.

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(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails)

A gold manicure? Yes pls.

Nail art ideas

(Image credit: @BAMBINAILSS)

A subtle pop of colour is the perfect alternative to classic white.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

This is such a pretty way to add some colour to your look.

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(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails)

Linear nail art is still big for winter; make it feel fresh in a bright colour. 

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(Image credit: @fongminliao)

These neon-pink tips are sure to brighten your day.

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(Image credit: @AMY_LAWRENSON)

We are loving the contrast of the nude base colour and the bright yellow. 

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(Image credit: @livingwithlotte)

These statement tips look great with an all-black look.

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Sometimes simple is best.

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

A tasteful update on the classic French mani. 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

These rainbow tips are the perfect way to have fun with your nails but keep things chic at the same time. 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

The matte finish on this simple design makes all the difference. 

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Pay homage to your favourite designer with a logo mani. 

Floral Nail Art

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

Whoever uttered the words "pink and green should never be seen" clearly hadn't laid eyes on this pretty floral manicure. 

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Sometimes the more colour, the better. 

Nail art ideas

(Image credit: @BAMBINAILSS)

Don't fancy florals all over? Try an accent nail instead.

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

Keeping the floral design at just the tip of the nails looks so cool.

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(Image credit: @THEHANGEDIT)

Who knew yellow nails could look this good?

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

These retro floral nails are beyond adorable.

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(Image credit: @THATSALEAF)

Not only is this green shade bang on trend for 2023, but the daisy detailing really levels things up.

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(Image credit: @livingwithlotte)

These simple daisies can be achieved at home with a dotting tool. 

Abstract Nail Art

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

Bright flower power talons in a rainbow of bright shades? Sign us up!

Nail art ideas

(Image credit: @DOLLPARTSMCR)

Make your design 3D for a truly abstract effect.

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(Image credit: @eggcanvas)

We couldn't be any more obsessed with this paint-like design if we tried. 

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(Image credit: @paragonnails)

The inspiration behind this nail art was chocolate. We dig it. 

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(Image credit: @buffcs)

We love the retro feel of these curvy waves.

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

This design might look a little tricky at first, but once you dissect it, we promise it's not so difficult. Use manicure stickers to create a shape running along the bottom of the nail bed. Once dry, select a lighter or brighter version of the same shade and create a larger or smaller shape across the tip.

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

So abstract!

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

These abstract nails are like works of art. 

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(Image credit: @IMARNINAILS)

There's something charmingly Y2K about this mismatch design, and we couldn't be more into it.

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(Image credit: @stephaniebroek)

Use a fine-tipped brush to get this squiggle design. It'll be super easy to give a go at home. 

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Can't choose between dots or stripes? Go for both! 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Probably one for the experts, but we can't wait to take this design down to the salon eventually. 

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(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

These straight lines might look simple, but they're anything but easy to create. Note how the matte background makes them pop. 

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(Image credit: @PARAGONNAILS)

Switch up your swirly mani but opt for a slightly different design with clashing polishes on each nail.

Marble Nail Art

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Inspired by quartz gemstones, this stunning nail art will make you feel calm whenever you glance down. 

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(Image credit: @paragonnails)

How cool is this wavy effect?

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

I'm obsessed with this rose quartz nail design.

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(Image credit: @buffcs)

Aura nails are one of the hottest nail trends right now. 

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

This iridescent look is out of this world.

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(Image credit: @paragonnails)

These marble nails are so classy.

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Show us something chicer than this glossy, tortoiseshell-inspired manicure. We'll wait. 

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(Image credit: @stephaniebroek)

Okay, who can teach us how to do this tortoiseshell design right now because we can't wait?

Micro Nail Art

NAIL ART IDEAS

(Image credit: @HARRIETWESTMORELAND)

Like everyone else, we're obsessed with bows right now.

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

Not great at freehand painting? Paint over confetti to get this cute finish. 

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(Image credit: @HOLLYFALCONENAILS)

You don't need to be a wiz at nail art to nail this design (pardon the pun). Paint your nails in a blush tone, apply smiley stickers wherever your heart desires and paint a clear topcoat to seal. 

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(Image credit: @BETINA_GOLDSTEIN)

Evil-eye designs are cropping up regularly on our feed. The precision might require an expert hand, but the chic results are well worth it.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

We are obsessed with these simple stars on bare nails.

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

This '90s-style nail art with daisies and hearts is so sweet. 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Enhance squared-off nails with some graphic lines set against a blush base. 

Glitter and Gold Nail Art

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Gold foil makes for the perfect manicure accessory. 

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(Image credit: @browngirlhands)

The detail on this citrus-inspired manicure is impeccable. 

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(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails)

Another gemstone-inspired manicure to covet. We love the addition of this wave of sparkle to these simple nails.

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(Image credit: @paragonnails)

You don't need to have super long nails to pull off detailed nail art; in fact, it can look all the more expensive. 

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

Sure, we're big fans of understated nail designs, but something about this bejewelled mani is calling out to us.

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(Image credit: @BETINA_GOLDSTEIN)

Glitter isn't just for the festive season. This glitter-dipped mani works all year round thanks to its minimal nature.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Name a better colour combination than navy and gold.

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(Image credit: @THEHANGEDIT)

This sparkles-and-glitter combo is a total work of art.

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

We love the way the natural nail shines through with this sparkly look.

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(Image credit: @THEHANGEDIT)

This halo manicure is next on our list to try, and it can be done at home. Use French-tip stickers to create the halo, and alternate which section you apply a glitter topper to on every nail.

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

For those who want to add a little bit of sparkle, this pretty nude design is perfect. 

Bright and Bold Nail Art

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(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Assemble your favourite shades, and do small, light brushstrokes to create an abstract look reminiscent of modern art. 

NAIL ART IDEAS

(Image credit: @DOLLPARTSMCR)

This design takes bright and bold to a whole new level.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Inspired by your pre-teen notebook, adorn your nails with doodles of stars, dots and hearts for a cute talon look. 

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

It would appear that cherries are the fruity nail art to flaunt right now.

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

How cute are these hearts?

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(Image credit: @aude_julie)

The brighter, the better.

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

In our opinion, you can't go wrong with Skittle nails. 

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(Image credit: @alicezielasko)

If you find neon a little bit garish, this is the perfect happy medium. 

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

Oh so simple but oh so gorgeous.

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

This pastel mani is embellished with letters layered on top. 

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(Image credit: @aude_julie)

Two-tone nails in bright colours look amazing. 

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

Yes, those are maps. 

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This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. 

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.