21 Easy To Do Nail Art Designs To Spice Up Your Timeline

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Out of all the beauty trends and new accessories that come and go, a stunning manicure never goes out of style. Nails are a great way to express yourself and experiment with new beauty looks. Whether you’re adding some length with stiletto shaped tips or playing around with out of the box nail polish palettes, there’s an easy nail art design for everyone (of your fingers).  So, if you’re looking for some simple nail art designs to add the perfect accent to your overall personal style, we’re sharing 21 trendy but totally achievable nail art designs to wear all year long.

Written By: Lauren Paige Richeson, Photo Credit: Joleen Chrisman IG/ @joleen_marie

Nail Art Design #1: Bright Gradient

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Gradients are one of the most popular nail art ideas out there and it’s easier to create than you might think. All you need is a makeup sponge—the disposable kind that looks like a little wedge—and three to five polishes in the colors of your choice. The longer your nails are, the more shades you’ll be able to fit! Here’s how to do ombré nails.

Photo Credit: Joleen Chrisman IG/@joleen_marie

Nail Art Design #2: Checkered Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

For an easy design that incorporates stripes and colors, this look is checkmate. You can paint your nails a base color then draw on a plaid pattern or use striping tape. Striping tape is super thin nail art tape that comes in all sorts of colors. Place the tape on your nails in a checkered pattern, paint over it, and remove the tape to reveal your design. In a pinch, regular adhesive tape cut in strips will also do the trick.


Photo Credit: Anthony Urbano IG/@oh_anthonio

Nail Art Design #3: Polka Dot Designs

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Dots are a classic, versatile, easy nail art design. You can play with the size, color, and layout to create endless looks. You can purchase nail art dotting tools to create perfect dots, or you can create your own. A few DIY dotting tool options include the end of a bobby pin, a toothpick, or a paper clip. Simply dip your dotting tool into a bit of polish, then place your dots wherever you want them. Give the style a modern twist by including raised dots in your design.


Photo Credit: Veronica Tello IG/@hail2thev

Nail Art Design #4: Smiley Face

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

This simple and joyful nail design will hands down bring a smile to your face. Just grab some yellow nail polish and start drawing that iconic grin. Try painting a few nails with a solid color polish and play up your other nails by keeping them bare and adding a few smiley faces for some happy flair. Want more smiley face nail design inspiration, check out these 7 Smiley Face Nails For Your Moodboard.


Photo Credit: Hollywood Nails Belfast IG/@hollywoodnails_belfast

Nail Art Design #5: Snake Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Snake nails are undeniably cool. While they are easy to achieve with nail stickers, this look is no too hard to do by hand. In this tutorial, How To Get Snake Nails, we’re sharing two options for embracing this reptilian nail trend: one featuring a full snake and the other, just a chic snakeskin print. 

Photo Credit: Ria Michelle IG/@riamichelle

Nail Art Design #6: Vampy French Manicure

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Give the classic French manicure a 2021 upgrade with a chic black spin on the typical white tipped look. Paint your nails a soft nude shade, then use a black or deep purple polish to create your French tips. For an even easier application, grab some French manicure nail stickers. These handy little curved strips go across your nails and act as stencils for your manicure. Stick one onto each of your nails and polish over them, then pull the stickers off, and you should be good to go.


Photo Credit: Joleen Chrisman IG/@joleen_marie

Nail Art Design #7: Galaxy Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

These intergalactic nails work wonders to show off your love for the cosmos. All you need to land this space-inspired aesthetic is your favorite polish shades and a tool to create lines and dots, like a toothpick. Then let the stars be your guide as you map out constellations, your zodiac sign, or freehand your version of the milky way.


Photo Credit: Le Venice Salon IG/@levenicesalon

Nail Art Design #8: Nail Art Stamping

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Get intricate designs in half the time using nail art stamps. Stamps are small metal plates with designs etched into them that can be used to transfer designs onto your nails. You put the polish on the plate, swipe it with a scraper, and pick up the design using a rubber stamper. Then, you roll the stamper over your dry nails to place the design. It may take a bit of practice, but it’s a million times easier than almost any other nail art technique, and there are plates available for stamping just about any design you can think of.

Photo Credit: Jaynell Robin Cooper Aggrey IG/@moisture_eyes_

Nail Art Design #9: Minimalist Accent Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

You can never go wrong with a classic clear top coat but if you’re interested in jazzing up your manicure just a bit, try creating an accent nail design on one or two of your fingers with a hint of white nail polish. You can paint shapes, flowers, or signs and even use a metallic polish for a subtle pop of sparkle and glam.


Photo Credit: Katter Oliveira IG/@olvrkatter

Nail Art Design #10: Hole Punch Art

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

This fun nail art idea features acrylic nails that have designs punched right through them. The trickiest part is placing the holes where you want them, but once you master that, you can create all sorts of designs. Give it a try with help from our step-by-step tutorial: How to Do Hole Punch Nail Art at Home.

Photo Credit: Between Us IG/@thebetweenus

Nail Art Design #11: Gold Accents

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

There’s almost no better way to give your manicure an effortlessly glamorous vibe than by embellishing your nails with gold decals and accents. Paint your nails with nude or soft pink nail polish. Then use a small amount of glue and stick the decals onto your nails. You can place them along the base of your nails, at the tip, or all over. Don’t stop with just gold—mini pearls and shimmery stones also make for some stunning nail bling.

Photo Credit: Mia Johnson IG/@nailsbymxry

Nail Art Design #12: Animal Print Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Unleash your wild side with a leopard or cheetah nail design in a nude palette. An animal print manicure allows you to add a small pop of black or gold to contrast against your nude polish while also exploring a super creative design. 


Photo Credit: Allie Loveless IG/@alliewach

Nail Art Design #13: Nail Foils

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

If you’re looking for one of the easiest nail ideas that will catch major attention, using nail foils is the ticket. They’re the perfect way to create nail art regardless of your skill level. Start by polishing your nails, then let them dry just until they’re tacky. Press the foils directly onto your nails to transfer their metallic finish. You don’t need to cover the whole nail; instead, add splotches of foil for a luxe-meets-grunge look.

Photo Credit: Nails By Sophie IG/@sophieblairnails

Nail Art Design #14: Negative Space

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

For those who love the idea of showing off their natural nails with a bit of color, negative space nails are the ideal pick. They incorporate different shapes on bare or neutral-colored nails to create an illusion of the design. You’ll want to have a dotting brush or striper on hand to create thin wavy lines with small dots for a beautiful transparent design to show off.

Photo Credit: Estelle Lubino IG/@estellelbn

Nail Art Design #15: Tie-Dye Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

From t-shirts to colorful hairstyles and multicolored makeup looks, there’s no doubt you’ve come across one or more takes on the tie-dye trend while scrolling through social media. If you’re looking for some manicure inspiration, it should come as no surprise that tie-dye nail designs are pretty popular too. Whether you prefer the traditional bright and bold colors or want to go for softer pastel hues, there are several variations of the nail looks you can create. To help you try out tie-dye nails, we’ve put together three step-by-step tutorials you can use to create a custom DIY design.

Photo Credit: Amy Le IG/ @amyle.nails

Nail Art Design #16: Sea Glass Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Sea glass nails fall under the matte nail category. Similar to jelly nails, the trend features long, clear nails painted in a sheer coat of sea glass-colored jelly nail polish. While this trend is usually paired with long acrylics or gel nails, you can always coat shorter natural nails with sheer blue polish and a matte topcoat for a slightly less standout version. To DIY your own beachy nail design, check out our article on How to Do Sea Glass Nails.

Photo Credit: Jessica Washick IG/ @jessicawashick

Nail Art Design #17: Two-Tone French Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

The two-tone nail design is all about pairing things together, and there are lots of fun ways to play around with this look. Try picking out contrasting colors for the nail tip and the base, or you can even try using different textures. Since this look is all about color, go for something that really stands out, for some bright ideas, check out these 16 Nail Colors That Pop Against Dark Skin.

Photo Credit: Violetta IG/ @yeswhatnails

Nail Art Design #18: Geometric Shapes

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

If you like more modern nail art, try using pieces of tape to create sharp angled shapes. Polish each of your nails one color. Once dry, cut a small triangle and square shapes out of tape and place them at the base of your nails. Paint a second color over the tape, then peel it off to reveal your easy nail art.

Photo Credit: Kelly’s Nail Art IG/ @itsthevietgirlsnailart

Nail Art Design #19: Pink Marble

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Marble is pretty much the embodiment of chicness and sophistication. This nail design is simple but adds a luxurious yet sophisticated vibe to your manicure. To get this elegant marble nails look, start by painting your nails a nude shade. Then grab a small detail brush and paint random white lines throughout your nails. Use a toothpick to “swirl” the shades together to create a marble-esque look.

Photo Credit: Daniélle C. Nicholas IG/ @elevate_day_spa

Nail Art Design #20: Water Color Nails

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Create masterpiece nails by opting for a watercolor design. The soft pink, blue, yellow, and green colors overlapping each other are a great way of creating chic nails using pastel colors. For this look, start with a light or neutral base, then blend in with some color.

Photo Credit: Melanie IG /@overglowedit

Nail Art Design #21: Jelly Manicure

• 
• 
• Copied
• 

Jelly nails are a sheer manicure with see-through tips in a vibrant, fun color that’s a mix of simplicity and sass. All you’ll need is a clear, glue-on nail kit and some jelly nail polish to create the look. After applying your faux nails, use a nail file to smooth them into the iconic stiletto shape. Then, coat your nails in a single coat of a sheer, jelly nail polish shade of your choice. Read all about this nail idea in our article, Jelly Nails Are Our New Favorite Nail Trend.

Photo Credit: Joleen Chrisman IG/@joleen_marie

Next: How To Know If Your Nails Need a Break