86 Nail Art Ideas We've Saved for Our Next Trip to the Salon
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 after salons were closed for the best part of a year over 2020 and 2021, this year, we intend on taking 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 monotonal, simple and polished.
However, in the last 12 months, we have noticed that nail designs have started to get a little more fun again. From colourful rainbow nails to chic gradient 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.

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@buffcsCombining two of our favourite nail art trends—marble and gold foil—to seriously chic avail.

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@hannahlourobinsonFloral nail art is all the rage right now, but Hannah's daisy tips put a new spin on the trend.

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@paragonnailsThe inspiration behind this nail art was chocolate. We dig it.

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@fannyekstrandWe don't know what we're more jealous of: Fanny's pastry or her cherry nails.

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

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

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@nails_by_shellyhendricksAnother gemstone-inspired manicure to covet. We love how Shelly has outlined her opal nails with thin slivers of silver.

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

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

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@emmanuellek_Another excellent example of a rainbow manicure, courtesy of Claire Most's coffin nails.

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@hannahlourobinsonAnother interpretation of adorable cherry nails, this time with negative-space and statement pink tips.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINThis evil-eye nail art will instantly lift clear polished nails.

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@buffcsWe love the retro feel of these curvy waves.

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

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

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@styleIdealistKarina proves that the accent manicure shouldn't be overlooked.

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

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@THEHANGEDITNot great at freehand painting? Paint over confetti to get this cute finish.

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Heart ZeenaHow cute are these hearts?

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINWe are obsessed with these simple stars on bare nails.

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@FONGMINLIAOThese neon-pink tips are sure to brighten your day.

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Aude JulieThe brighter, the better.

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

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StyleIdealistFor a subtle take on nail art, try alternating pastel nails.

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Heart ZeenaSo abstract!

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

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@IMARNINAILSMuted tones and simple spots—we're in love.

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@IMARNINAILSThe matte finish on this simple design makes all the difference.

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

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

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

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@paragonnailsThese galaxy nails are out of this world. Sorry.

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

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

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@paragonnailsReady for spring? Ensure your nails are too.

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@ALYSSAINTHECITYThese retro floral nails are beyond adorable.

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CelmatiqueThese abstract nails are like works of art.

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@AMY_LAWRENSONOh so simple but oh so gorgeous.

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@AMY_LAWRENSONUse hole-punch stickers to help achieve this rainbow look.

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

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

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@AMY_LAWRENSONThis iridescent look is out of this world.

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CelmatiqueThis pastel mani is embellished with letters layered on top.

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

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

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

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@ASOS_LOTTEThese statement tips look great with an all-black look.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINGold foil makes for the perfect manicure accessory.

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

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

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

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Aude JulieTwo-tone nails in bright colours look amazing.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINWe love the contrast of classic red with simple beige.

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

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINName a better colour combination than navy and gold.

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

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@hollyfalconenailsLinear nail art is still big for spring; make it feel fresh in a bright colour.

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@betina_goldsteinUpdate the classic red manicure with pink tips and half moons.

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

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

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@heartzeenaGive a nostalgic yin-and-yang motif a spin with bright hues.

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

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

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CelmatiqueYes, those are maps.

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@THEHANGEDITThese sunflowers are a total work of art.

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@browngirlhandsThe detail on this citrus-inspired manicure is impeccable.

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@THEHANGEDITWhy didn't we think of this sooner?

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NnennaechemSometimes the more colour, the better.

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@harrietwestmorelandPay homage to your favourite designer with a logo mani.

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@nails_by_shellyhendricksTick off two big nail art looks in one with a leopard-style motif and metallic accents.

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@THEHANGEDITWho knew yellow nails could look this good?

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@BUFFCSIf 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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@THEHANGEDITSeventies-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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@CELMATIQUEBright flower power talons in a rainbow of bright shades? Sign us up!

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@HANNAHLOUROBINSONWe've got big ideas for a matching gingham blouse-and-mani combo thanks to this intricately executed design.

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

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@THEHANGEDITThis 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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@BUFFCSGive a pastel manicure a chic update by incorporating graphic shapes and negative space.

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@THATSALEAFNot only is this green shade bang on trend for 2022, but the daisy detailing really levels things up.

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Nail art ideas: @thehangeditThis 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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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINGlitter isn't just for the festive season. This glitter-dipped mani works all year round thanks to its minimal nature.

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

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINEvil-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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@HOLLYFALCONENAILSYou 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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@IMARNINAILSThere's something charmingly Y2K about this mismatch design, and we couldn't be more into it.
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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. Next up, the experts have spoken—these six nail trends are set to be huge in 2022.
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