50+ Creative Nail Designs and Manicures for Every Occasion

Are you looking for inspiration for your next manicure? With so many different nail designs out there, it can be hard to decide which one to choose! In this post, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of different nail designs to give you all the inspiration you need. From classic French manicures to bold and edgy chrome nails, there’s something for everyone on this list.

We’ve also categorized these designs into five main categories to make it easier for you to find the style you’re looking for. Whether you’re a fan of playful and fun designs or prefer something more elegant and sophisticated, this list has got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by these fabulous manicures!

Classic nail designs

1) French Manicures

The classic French manicure features a white tip and a natural-looking base, but there are endless variations, including a reverse French manicure, where the base is painted white and the tip is a different color.
beauty-zone.org

The classic French manicure features a white tip and a natural-looking base, but there are endless variations, including a reverse French manicure, where the base is painted white and the tip is a different color. Get more French manicure ideas.

A reverse French manicure, where the base is painted white and the tip is a different color.
nailartpretties.com

If you’re more adventurous and want to push the envelope, there are many French manicures…with a twist! In addition, a micro French manicure is also a trending nail design.

2) Micro French Manicures

This design is a modern twist on the classic French manicure. Instead of a thick white tip, a thin line is added along the edge of the nail.
Instagram / @raelondonnails

This design is a modern twist on the classic French manicure. Instead of a thick white tip, a thin line is added along the edge of the nail. Get more micro French manicure ideas.

3) Almond Nails

This nail design is a popular choice for those who prefer a feminine and elegant look. The nails are filed to create a pointed shape, resembling an almond.
thetrendspotter.net

This nail design is a popular choice for those who prefer a feminine and elegant look. The nails are filed to create a pointed shape, resembling an almond. Get more almond nail design ideas.

4) Matte nails

This trend involves using a matte topcoat to create a smooth, non-glossy finish on the nails.
Instagram / @theblacksnowqueen

This trend involves using a matte topcoat to create a smooth, non-glossy finish on the nails. Get more matte nail design ideas.

5) Pink nails

Pink nails are a classic choice and come in various shades, from pastel to bright neon pink.
grapefizz

Pink nails are a classic choice and come in various shades, from pastel to bright neon pink. Get more pink nail design ideas.

6) Purple nails

Purple nails can come in various shades and are perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their nails.
boombasticnails.com

Purple nails can come in various shades and are perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their nails. Purple nails will make you feel like royalty. Get more purple nail design ideas here and here.

7) Mauve nails

Mauve is a popular color choice for nails, as it is a neutral shade that complements various skin tones.
Instagram / @simplenailsbyadriana

Mauve is a popular color choice for nails, as it is a neutral shade that complements various skin tones. Get more mauve design nail design ideas.

8) Rose pink nails

Rose pink nails are a romantic and feminine choice, perfect for a special occasion.
cosmeticcupcake.com

Rose pink nails are a romantic and feminine choice, perfect for a special occasion. Get more rose pink nail design ideas.

9) Green nails

Green nails can be a bold choice and can range from dark, forest greens to bright lime greens.
Polyvore

Green nails can be a bold choice and can range from dark, forest greens to bright lime greens. In fact, it’s the perfect shade for fall. Get more green nail design ideas.

10) Plum nails

Plum nails are a popular choice for fall and winter, and can range from deep, rich hues to lighter, more muted shades.
lovemaegan.com

Plum nails are a popular choice for fall and winter, and can range from deep, rich hues to lighter, more muted shades. Get more plum nail design ideas.

11) Simple nail designs

Sometimes less is more, and simple nail designs can be just as striking as more elaborate ones. Think of solid colors or simple patterns like polka dots or stripes.
YouTube / Roslion90

Sometimes less is more, and simple nail designs can be just as striking as more elaborate ones. Think of solid colors or simple patterns like polka dots or stripes. Get more simple nail design ideas.

Bold and Edgy Nail Designs

12) Black nails

Black nails can create a bold and edgy look and can be paired with various outfits.
Instagram / @nailsdoneright

Black nails can create a bold and edgy look and can be paired with various outfits. Get more black nail design ideas.

13) Black and white nails

This classic color combination can create a sophisticated and chic look.
YouTube / lovelynailsxx

This classic color combination can create a sophisticated and chic look. Get more black-and-white nail design ideas.

14) Chrome nails

This trend has been gaining popularity in recent years. It involves applying a metallic or chrome polish to the nails to create a shiny, reflective effect.
Buzznet / Callina Marie

This trend has been gaining popularity in recent years. It involves applying a metallic or chrome polish to the nails to create a shiny, reflective effect. Get more chrome nail design ideas.

15) Metallic Nails

Metallic nail polishes come in various shades, from silver to rose gold, and can add a touch of glamour to any outfit.
Pinterest

Metallic nail polishes come in various shades, from silver to rose gold, and can add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Get more metallic nail design ideas.

16) 3D nails

This design involves adding 3D embellishments to the nails, such as rhinestones, pearls, or flowers.
Instagram / @nails_bymslegend

This design involves adding 3D embellishments to the nails, such as rhinestones, pearls, or flowers. Get more 3D nail design ideas.

17) Minimalist Nail Art Designs

Minimalist nail designs often feature simple lines and geometric shapes, creating a sleek and modern look.
Chalkboard Nails

Minimalist nail designs often feature simple lines and geometric shapes, creating a sleek and modern look. Get more minimalist nail design ideas.

18) Long nails

This design is perfect for those who love to have longer nails or love acrylic or press-on nails. You can shape them into any shape you desire, like square, oval, or stiletto.
ideasdonuts.com

This design is perfect for those who love to have longer nails or love acrylic or press-on nails. You can shape them into any shape you desire, like square, oval, or stiletto. Get more design ideas for long nails.

Seasonal and Holiday Nail Designs

19) Spring nails

Spring-inspired nail designs often feature pastel shades and floral patterns, representing the season of new beginnings.
trends-style.com

Spring-inspired nail designs often feature pastel shades and floral patterns, representing the season of new beginnings. Get more spring nail design ideas.

20) Wedding nails

Wedding nails are often elegant and understated, featuring neutral shades or subtle glitter accents.
Source Unknown

Wedding nails are often elegant and understated, featuring neutral shades or subtle glitter accents. Get more wedding nail design ideas.

21) Summer nails

Summer nails can range from bright and bold to pastel and muted. Beach themes, palm trees, and fruit designs are popular choices.
Instagram / @nailsbymei

Summer nails can range from bright and bold to pastel and muted. Beach themes, palm trees, and fruit designs are popular choices. Get more summer nail design ideas.

22) Fall nails

Fall-inspired nail designs often feature warm, rich hues like burgundy and orange, and patterns like leaves and pumpkins.
Etsy / Back2BeautyNails

Fall-inspired nail designs often feature warm, rich hues like burgundy and orange, and patterns like leaves and pumpkins. Get more fall nail design ideas.

23) Winter Nails

Winter-inspired nail designs can include anything from snowflakes to winter landscapes.
Source Unknown

Winter-inspired nail designs can include anything from snowflakes to winter landscapes. Get more winter nail design ideas.

24) Winter-Inspired Nail Designs

Winter-inspired nail designs can feature anything from snowflakes to icicles to cozy knits.
Instagram / @sweanails

Winter-inspired nail designs can feature anything from snowflakes to icicles to cozy knits. Get more winter-inspired nail design ideas.

25) Winter Sweater Nails

These nails feature a knitted sweater pattern, perfect for the winter season.
Instagram / @agawojtal

These nails feature a knitted sweater pattern, perfect for the winter season. Get more winter sweater nail design ideas.

26) Winter Ice Blue Nail Designs

This design features a cool-toned, icy blue shade, perfect for winter months.
thehappysloths.com

This design features a cool-toned, icy blue shade, perfect for winter months. Get more winter ice blue nail design ideas.

27) Christmas Nails

Christmas-inspired nail designs often feature red, green, and gold colors, along with patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, and Christmas trees.
pshiiit.com

Christmas-inspired nail designs often feature red, green, and gold colors, along with patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, and Christmas trees. Get more nail design ideas for Christmas.

28) Christmas Sweater Nails

This design features a pattern resembling a cozy Christmas sweater, perfect for the holiday season.
Instagram / @artdash_ds

This design features a pattern resembling a cozy Christmas sweater, perfect for the holiday season. Get more Christmas sweater nail designs.

Fun and Playful Nail Designs

29) Cartoon Nails

Cartoon nail designs often feature popular characters like Hello Kitty, Minions, or Adventure Time characters.
Instagram / @appliq

Cartoon nail designs often feature popular characters like Hello Kitty, Minions, or Adventure Time characters. Get more cartoon nail design ideas.

30) Food Nail Art Designs

Food-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like pizza slices, sushi rolls, and your favorite ice cream flavors!
shefinds.com

Food-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like pizza slices, sushi rolls, and your favorite ice cream flavors! Get more food nail design ideas.

31) Dessert Nail Art Designs

Dessert-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like cupcakes, donuts, and ice cream cones.
Lulu’s

Dessert-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like cupcakes, donuts, and ice cream cones. Get more dessert nail design ideas.

32) Cupcake Nails

These design features small cupcake accents on the nails, creating a cute and playful look.

These designs feature small cupcake accents on the nails, creating a cute and playful look. Get more cupcake nail art design ideas.

33) Cotton Candy Nails

This design features soft, pastel colors swirled together, resembling cotton candy.
YouTube / SelinasNailArt

This design features soft, pastel colors swirled together, resembling cotton candy. Get more cotton candy nail designs.

34) Fruit Nails

Fruit-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like pineapples, strawberries, and cherries.
Source Unknown

Fruit-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like pineapples, strawberries, and cherries. Get more fruit nail design ideas.

35) Cat Nail Designs

Cat-inspired nail designs often feature patterns like paw prints, whiskers, and cat faces.
Tumblr / nailart-or-die

Cat-inspired nail designs often feature patterns like paw prints, whiskers, and cat faces. Get more cat nail design ideas.

36) Music Nails

Music-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like musical notes, piano keys, and guitars.
Instagram / @midnightnailsnbeauty

Music-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like musical notes, piano keys, and guitars. Get more music nail design ideas.

37) Book Nails

Book-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like book spines, bookmarks, and literary quotes.
jordsnails

Book-inspired nail designs can feature patterns like book spines, bookmarks, and literary quotes. Get more book nail art design ideas.

38) Disney Nails

Disney-inspired nail designs often feature beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and Winnie the Pooh.
girlsnailart.com

Disney-inspired nail designs often feature beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and Winnie the Pooh. Get more Disney nail design ideas.

39) Bow Nail Designs

This design features a small bow accent on the nails, adding a touch of elegance.
Instagram / @nogtidmd

This design features a small bow accent on the nails, adding a touch of elegance. Get more bow nail design ideas.

40) Feathered Frost Coat Nail Art designs

This design features a frosted base and is influenced by the wicked style of the dark Queen Ravenna from the movie The Huntsman: Winter’s War.
YouTube / cutepolish

This design features a frosted base and is influenced by the wicked style of the dark Queen Ravenna from the movie The Huntsman: Winter’s War. Follow the video tutorial to create this feathered frost coat nail art design inspired by the movie.

41) Beachy Nail Art Designs

Create Easy Beach Nails in Only Five Steps This Summer.
YouTube / cutepolish

This design often features shades of blue and green and patterns like seashells and waves. Follow the video tutorial to create this easy summer beach nail art design.

42) Breast Cancer Nail Designs

Breast cancer awareness nails often feature a pink ribbon design, along with messages of hope and support.
Instagram / @mygirlnuri_nails

Breast cancer awareness nails often feature a pink ribbon design, along with messages of hope and support. Get more breast cancer nail design ideas.

Creative and Artistic Nail Designs

43) Ombre Nails

This design is characterized by a gradual transition of colors from one shade to another. It can be done with multiple colors or with just two.
stuffpoint.com

This design is characterized by a gradual transition of colors from one shade to another. It can be done with multiple colors or with just two. Get more ombre nail design ideas.

44) Gradient Nails

This nail design is similar to ombre nails, but it involves blending two or more colors to create a gradient effect.
YouTube / prettynailsbymal

This nail design is similar to ombre nails, but it involves blending two or more colors to create a gradient effect. Get more gradient nail design ideas.

45) Reverse Gradient Nails

This nail design involves creating a gradient effect with two contrasting colors but in reverse order.
Instagram / @melimelr

This nail design involves creating a gradient effect with two contrasting colors but in reverse order. Get more reverse gradient design ideas.

46) Floral Nails

Floral nail designs often feature nail art of delicate flowers or bold, abstract prints.
YouTube / cutepolish

Floral nail designs often feature nail art of delicate flowers or bold, abstract prints. Follow the video tutorial to create this floral nail art design perfect for spring or summer.

47) Chevron Nails

Chevron nails feature a V-shaped pattern on the nails, which can be created with tape or a stencil.

Chevron nails feature a V-shaped pattern on the nails, which can be created with tape or a stencil. Get more Chevron nail design ideas.

48) Striped Nails

Stripes are a simple yet effective way to add some interest to your nails.
Dressed Up Nails

Stripes are a simple yet effective way to add some interest to your nails. Get more striped nail design ideas.

49) Lace Nail Designs

This design involves creating a lace-like effect on the nails using a stencil or freehand techniques.

This design involves creating a lace-like effect on the nails using a stencil or freehand techniques. Follow the video tutorial to create this gorgeous floral lace design perfect for prom nails.

50) Mermaid Nail Designs

Mermaid nail art features iridescent colors, glitter, and scale patterns, resembling a mermaid's tail.
Instagram / @wheresthepolish

Mermaid nail art features iridescent colors, glitter, and scale patterns, resembling a mermaid’s tail. Get more mermaid nail design ideas.

51) Watermelon nails

This design features a bright pink or green base with black seeds, resembling watermelon slices.
YouTube / cutepolish

This design features a bright pink or green base with black seeds, resembling watermelon slices. Follow the video tutorial to create this cute watermelon slice nail art design.

52) Feather nails

This design features small feather accents on the nails, adding a touch of bohemian flair.
Instagram / @lanneasnails

This design features small feather accents on the nails, adding a touch of bohemian flair. Get more feather nail design ideas.

53) Blue diamond nails

This design features a diamond pattern on a blue base, creating a sophisticated and eye-catching look.
YouTube / cutepolish

This design features a diamond pattern on a blue base, creating a sophisticated and eye-catching look. Follow the video tutorial to create these elegant Tiffany blue diamond nails.

There are countless nail designs to choose from, each offering its own unique style and flair. Whether you prefer bold and eye-catching designs or understated and elegant ones, there’s a nail design out there for everyone. So next time you visit your nail salon, consider trying out one of these fun and creative nail designs!

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