50+ nail designs to try, from color trends to fresh nail art

There are so many nail designs to choose from that it’s understandable if you draw a blank when trying to settle on just one. Luckily for you, we're here to help you pick your next manicure, whether you opt for a DIY job or salon appointment. 

With a new year upon us, familiarising yourself with the nail trends 2023 has to offer is an ideal way to freshen up your look. “The most popular nail trend right now is the stylish but ultra-wearable French mani,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of luxury nail bar chain Townhouse. “It’s super versatile in the ways that you can customize it, be that with a micro-French tip or with a bold color pop. This design is the perfect way to add a splash of color to your look.”

Once you've settled on your color of choice, the next step is to pick a polish type. Regular varnish is easy to remove yourself at home, though is less durable than shellac or gel polish. Hard gel overlays and dip powder nails will protect your manicure from chips, though they need to be applied and removed properly, usually at the salon. If you like a longer nail look, you can opt for a builder service like Biab nails or gel or acrylic extensions to enhance what nature gave you. The choice is yours!

51 nail designs to suit every nail shape

Simple nail designs

Simple nail designs add a little extra 'something' to your look and are a good chance to play with color. Single-color looks like white nail designs or pared-back nail art tends to make a great choice of nail designs for short nails or squoval nails. And according to Michelle Humphrey, celebrity manicurist and Vitabiotics Perfectil beauty expert, green is one of the most popular color choices at the moment. 

“It's such a varied shade that you can tailor it to suit any season,” she says. “This season fresh-toned greens will be popular—opt for a spring or lime green and be sure to choose a shade with yellow undertones, as they always freshen and brighten up a green. Sage green is beautiful.” Juanita agrees:

1. The classic French mani

It may feel a little like we've gone back in time to 2003, but classic French tip nails have cemented themselves as the most popular nail trend again. Anything goes with regards to shape and length, but the aforementioned micro French mani (delicately short tips) is proving very popular for an understated everyday look. Because it's on the shorter side, it works very well with your natural nails. 

2. The single line design

If you don't want to commit to a full-blown nail art design but you want to add a little something, a single white line on a nude pink is a very chic option. For DIY manis, you'll need a steady hand and a thin nail art brush, but your local nail salon should be well equipped to create it.

3. Bold orange nails with a square tip

Few colors are as bright and sunny as a bold orange, and it's the perfect choice for the warmer months. Historically the color has been said to suit those with warmer undertones to their skin best, but it can work on pretty much anyone—and we say wear whatever makes you happy! 

4. Tiny dots

Elevate your classic pinky nude manicure with the addition of a single dot of color at the base of the nail for a really elegant design. If you go for DIY you'll need a really thin brush to keep the dots nice and small. 

5. The American manicure

A less popular choice than the French manicure (but by no means less chic) that's having a resurgence is the American. “Nineties and noughties nostalgia is here to stay," says Michelle. "The American manicure is the cousin of the French—it’s different because it has a much softer white tip and a glowy pink nail plate."

6. Lilac on squoval nails

Lilac is both pretty and very spring appropriate, and it's a very popular nail shade with the Gen Z crowd right now. If you like a square tip but prefer a softer edge like this example, opt for squoval (square and oval) nails at the salon, or if you're time-poor learn how to dry nail polish fast for a quick at-home manicure.

7. Pastel French tips

A classic French manicure with white tips is great, but at the moment there's a real trend for putting a twist on the look with colored tips. And who says you have to opt for one color when you can choose a pastel rainbow, like these French tip nails? Anything goes when it comes to color combination. 

8. Periwinkle nails

“Periwinkle blue, aka Pantone color of the year, feels like it was made for this season," says Michelle. "Try Sk8 with Destiny by Essie. It's a quick-dry formula—who doesn't love that?—and the purple undertones of this soft blue make it dreamy and fresh for spring. I'm a massive fan of this color and will be wearing it myself!” If you do opt for this at-home Essie shade, read our guide on how to paint your nails like a pro for some failsafe tips.

9. Green and white reverse French mani

A fun two-tone take on the reverse French mani trend, which features a line of color at the base of the nail rather than just the tips, seen here on square-shaped natural nails. You can opt for a single line of color or double up, as seen here, but to recreate it yourself you'll need thin nail art brushes. 

10. Terracotta nails

Terracotta nails are a warm, rusty shade that just screams summer. It'll suit most complexions and it's gorgeously rich, but it's a particularly flattering color on dark skin tones. 

11. Tiny love hearts

Who said love hearts were for valentines manicures only? The tiny shape adds a sweet element to nail designs of just about any color, but this red-and-nude color scheme is classic. If you're doing it yourself, practice painting your love hearts on a scrap of paper before you take it to your nails to save fiddly removal.  

12. Mix and match

If you're torn between French tips and classic block color, why not get both? This design mixes the two on square nails in a very summer-appropriate orange-yellow shade. 

13. Simple Star Designs

If you're looking to add a pop of color to a simple manicure, opt for a star design, such as these nails. We love this royal blue shade, perfect for being pool or beachside this summer. This look is versatile too, as you can resize the star to determine whether you have a statement or minimal look. 

14. Neon Tips

If a French manicure is usually your go-to style when at the salon, change it up for the summer with these neon tips, which are a subtle way to incorporate a splash of summer into your nails. Opt for a glossy or matte finish depending on your preference. 

15. Floral French Tips

For an elegant finish to your nails, opt for this floral design, perfect for a wedding or for any outdoor events this summer. Personalize this look by choosing a color palette for the floral motif. We recommend pastels, deep blues, and nudes as the ultimate summer-inspired canvas.  

16. Rainbow Nails

If you can't decide between colors, opt for all of them with this rainbow design. This art is kept minimal by restricting the pattern to the tips adding just a splash of color to your fingernails. 

17. Daisy Chains

A perfect manicure if you're on bridesmaid duty or simply a wedding guest, this look is stunning, elegant, and chic, with just a trace of nail art at the tip of each finger. Pick the color palette that best suits you, we love these white and pastel daisies, perfect for events and poolside relaxation alike. 

Nail art designs

Consider this your friendly reminder that nobody—nobody—is too old to enjoy a bit of nail art. It’s a really fun way to elevate your look, whatever your age, and the possibilities are endless. Choose from floral nail designs, swirls, dots, half moons, zig-zags, stars… the list goes on.

"There’s so much abstract nail art going around at the moment, and I’m here for it. From color blocking to negative space designs, it’s always a good shout," Michelle says. Swirly designs are bang on trend this season. “For those who prefer a show-stopping look, our 'Print Clash' design from the Townhouse SS22 Collection is perfect," Juanita says. "With a colorful swirl look inspired by fashionable street styles of cosmopolitan cities, this design is bold and stylish."

18. White swirls

White swirls on a sheer neutral pink backdrop are one of the most popular nail art trends to the season. Although it's seen here on longer on round nails, it's a very versatile design and can be adapted to any length and shape. If you're going to try DIY, thin nail art brushes are your friend here for getting the sharp edge to your swirls. 

19. Neon stripes

Vertical stripes are also a super popular simple nail art design, and you can't argue that neon yellow isn't a really cheerful shade for this time of year. Mix up the widths of your stripes with a color block nail or two for a really unique look.

20. Abstract patterned nails

A bespoke abstract nail art design with a tonal palette is a really nice way to completely personalize your manicure. This will require an above average skill level, so is probably best left to your nail technician—unless you're feeling confident and up to the challenge!

21. Flowers on natural short nails

Thanks to its neutral pink base this nail art design is pretty yet understated, and if you want to give it a go yourself it's actually quite easy to recreate using a dotting tool. Start with the middle of the flower and then space the petal dots one at a time around the edge. 

22. Big red spots on pink polish

Red and pink is such a fun bright color combination. Because of the size of the giant polka dots, this particular design works better on a longer nail bed, but could be adapted to fit on smaller nails too. 

23. Pastel airbrush nails

"Because the nineties and noughties are trending right now, it’s bringing back trends from that era, and I absolutely love an airbrushed mani right now," Michelle says. "You can’t fault the blended effect.” To recreate the look yourself, you'll either need to invest in a dedicated airbrush kit or hit up your favorite nail bar for a more expert hand. This color theme also works beautiful with ombre nail designs. 

24. Half moon mani

A half moon manicure is an excellent choice of simple nail art design. The best bit? Thanks to the negative space used in this specific design, it's not noticeable when it starts to grow out, and it can work on any nail shape. 

25. The single feature nail

Of course, there's no saying that your nail art has to take over all ten of your nails—many people opt for an elevated design on the ring fingers only, as seen here with these diagonal lines. To improve the durability of an at-home mani, apply one of the best nail strengtheners to fortify your natural nails. 

26. Sunshine print

Pastel yellow makes dark navy pop, and there are few designs more spring-summer appropriate than this sunny silhouette. This one would take a steady hand to recreate yourself, so visit a salon for the design if you don't feel confident in your detailing skills. 

27. Diagonal colored tips

Colored tips aren't limited to your nail shape, as a diagonal stroke of color on a nude base looks really cool, too. The sharpness of the stiletto nail shape seen here really offsets the design. 

28. Thick swirls

Thicker swirls work in just about any color, and a neutral base will really make your chosen shade pop. If you're recreating the design at home, trace the outline of your lava lamp-like swirls with a thin brush before filling them in. 

29. Completely bespoke

Of course, you could throw out the rule book completely and get a different pattern or motif on every single nail for a look that's completely unique to you. Choose from checkerboard, smiley faces, swirls, lightning bolts—the world's your oyster! If you're nowhere near an expert nail artist, just make sure you check in advance if your salon offers bespoke designs. 

30. Smiley Faces

These fun smiley nails are a great option if you are looking for a design to create at home. Prep your nails with a good base coat and apply a nude wash if you want to add some color to the base. Then, using a bobby pin, create the smiley face shape on each nail and add detail with a striping brush. 

31. Love Heart Inspired Mani

Elevate your traditional French manicure with this love-heart-inspired design. We recommend opting for a rounded or almond shape so the two-tone lines at the tip will accentuate the shape of your nails. The heart motif adds extra detail. To maximize this look, paint larger hearts or add more onto each nail. 

32. Accessorized Nails

Make a statement this summer with these gorgeous accessorized nails, easily created at home using your favorite nude base coat and nail stickers and gems. These nails would be great for a summer festival. 

33. Fruity Nails

These lemon-inspired nails are the perfect injection of summer to your nail art. The mix-and-match nail design is complemented by the theme, adding some variation whilst ensuring your nails still look tied together.  

34. Keep it Bold Nails

Inspired by warm poolside days, royal blue is the perfect color for summer and these two-tone bold nails are fresh and modern. The swirl design is a nice spin on a dual-color manicure and if blue isn't your color, we think two-tone pink and orange would also be stunning to complement warmer weather. 

Nude nail designs

From hints of pink to cool taupes and warm browns, there are so many neutral and nude nail shades. The great thing about nude shades is that they run from creamy beige to deepest ebony so lend themselves to most skin tones and go with most outfit choices. A timeless and classic manicure option.  

“Tones of pink, beiges, and milky whites are popular requests for spring and perfect for wedding season,” says Juanita. 

35. Natural pink on square nails

A hint of pink is a classic shade that works for any occasion and with pretty much any outfit and skin tone. Use one of the best at-home gel nail kits and build up a few coats to get a really opaque finish. 

36. Peachy nude on round nails

A sheer nude polish with a peach hue really compliments warmer and darker skin tones. This color is a nice added nice touch of something pretty, while still being enough of a neutral that it works for every day and every outfit. 

37. Warm brown square nails

Browns are gorgeous warm shades at any time of year, and they can look especially chic on tan and deep skin tones. As with any single color manicure, this style works with nails of every length. 

38. Barely there nude

A nude shade of polish that is very similar to your skin tone is a great choice for when you want your nails to have a high shine, polished look but not a noticeable color. If you're painting your nails yourself, don't forget to apply a top coat to help prevent chips.

39. Gradient nude nails

Why settle for one nude shade when you can have five for a tonal take on the color scheme? A gradient look is a great way to make a neutral manicure more exciting—though it's worth pointing out you'll need to own all five nail polishes if you're recreating the look at home. 

40. Peach coffin tips

The coffin nail shape is really popular among those who like a longer length. Although the blunt squared-off tip is most commonly created on extensions, if you're on top of your nail care and your natural nails are strong, you could pull it off on longer nails. Remember to strike your nail file in one direction as this will help prevent breakage. 

41. Sheer pink on almond nails

An almond shape with a sheer, pale pink make longer nails look really pretty. Struggling to grow your natural nails? Michelle recommends wearing gloves while gardening or washing up, oiling your cuticles and nail plates, and taking a daily supplement. “I love Perfectil Nails Extra Support," she says. "It contains selenium and biotin among 25 other nutrients, which contribute to maintaining healthy nails; I take mine with my main meal."

42. Subtle glitter

Glitter, when done right, is more wearable than you might think. The addition of a little of the sparkly stuff here makes this nude pink really catch the light, while still maintaining a subtle overall look.

43. Neutral toned swirls

Although nail art fans often get psychedelic swirls in bright colors, they work really well with nude tones too. The square tips make the design look really sharp, but it'll lend itself to any shape.

44. V-shaped tips

A twist on the micro French mani here. Sharper, V-shaped tips are striking and elegant and can be created to any thickness. It's actually surprisingly easy to recreate this with a thin nail brush - you just need patience and a very steady hand!

45. Ombre nails

Few nail designs are chicer than ombre nails with a gradient from your natural nail color to white. You may need need to practice your blending skills alongside a YouTube tutorial to perfect the undetectable ombre look at home, or a nail technician can do the hard work for you in-salon.

46. Negative space French tips

Here, the outline of a French tip is traced using two fine lines for a very chic negative space nail design. In even better news, this look lends itself to just about any neutral color as your base, as a bright white will stand out against pretty much any nude hue. 

47. Nude with Gold Tips

Nude nail designs are a classic look to pair with any outfit. To elevate the look, opt for these subtle gold tip finishes. The ombre effect keeps the nails minimal and adds a sparkly, elegant finish. Create this design at home by blending the tips with a beauty blender or sponge. 

48. White Acrylics

Contrast a nude base with these white tips, perfect to accentuate the almond shape of an acrylic nail. Defining the tip of the nail also adds a finger-lengthening quality to your look, as it extends the perceived length of your nail. We think these are perfect holiday nails to accompany your summer wardrobe. 

49. Netural Mix-and-Match Tones

Compile a neutral color palette for an inspired mix-and-match look, which is a great way to add some variation to a minimal style. Choose between a matte or glossy finish to add a personalized touch. 

50. Glitter Finish

Let your nude nails make a subtle statement with gold and glittery tips. The fine gold line is a bold contrast to the monochromatic glitter and base coat. Adopt a mix-and-match look by asking for this style to be placed sporadically on some nails, keeping others totally neutral. 

51. Delicate Design

Build upon a neutral base by adding a delicate design under your top coat. We love this gold shimmer and black to add some contrast. Show this photo to your nail technician for inspiration and then ask them to free-style to create a totally personalized look. Alternatively, these nails can also be created at home using a small makeup brush. 

woman&home thanks Juanita Huber-Millet and Michelle Humphrey for their time and expertise