Nails
Nov 18, 2023

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

by Shannon Lawlor

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 2023 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 monotonal, simple and polished.

However, over the past year or so, we have noticed that nail designs have started to get a little more fun again. 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.

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@imarninails

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

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@styleIdealist

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

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@betina_goldstein

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

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@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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@THEHANGEDIT

Why didn't we think of this sooner?

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@ROSIEHW

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

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@browngirlhands

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

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@betina_goldstein

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

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@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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@amy_lawrenson

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

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@betina_goldstein

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

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@claire_most

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

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@BUFFCS

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

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@betina_goldstein

We love the contrast of classic red with simple beige.

Nail Art Ideas: Mint green negative space

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@caitlinmiyako

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

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@paragonnails

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

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@harrietwestmoreland

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

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@hollyfalconenails

A gold manicure? Yes pls.

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@betina_goldstein

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

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@hollyfalconenails

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

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@fongminliao

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

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@AMY_LAWRENSON

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

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@livingwithlotte

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

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@bubblyaquarius

Sometimes simple is best.

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@nailartbyqueenie

A tasteful update on the classic French mani.

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@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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@imarninails

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

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@harrietwestmoreland

Pay homage to your favourite designer with a logo mani.

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@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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@nnennaechem

Sometimes the more colour, the better.

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@celmatique

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

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@THEHANGEDIT

Who knew yellow nails could look this good?

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@alyssainthecity

These retro floral nails are beyond adorable.

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@THATSALEAF

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

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@livingwithlotte

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

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@celmatique

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

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@eggcanvas

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

Nail Art Ideas: Chocolate-inspired nails

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@paragonnails

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

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@buffcs

We love the retro feel of these curvy waves.

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@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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@heartzeena

So abstract!

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@celmatique

These abstract nails are like works of art.

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@IMARNINAILS

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

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@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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@harrietwestmoreland

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

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@imarninails

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

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@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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@PARAGONNAILS

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

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@imarninails

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

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@paragonnails

How cool is this wavy effect?

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@harrietwestmoreland

I'm obsessed with this rose quartz nail design.

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@buffcs

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

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@amy_lawrenson

This iridescent look is out of this world.

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@paragonnails

These marble nails are so classy.

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@bubblyaquarius

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

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@stephaniebroek

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

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@thehangedit

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

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@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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@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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@betina_goldstein

We are obsessed with these simple stars on bare nails.

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@oliveandjune

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

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@imarninails

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

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@betina_goldstein

Gold foil makes for the perfect manicure accessory.

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@browngirlhands

The detail on this citrus-inspired manicure is impeccable.

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@hollyfalconenails

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

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@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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@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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@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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@betina_goldstein

Name a better colour combination than navy and gold.

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@THEHANGEDIT

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

Nail Art Ideas: Glitter and white sparkle

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@amy_lawrenson

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

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@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.