Your biweekly nail appointment can be a self-care ritual that steadies you and reinvigorates your week. The relaxation begins when you sit down in the chair at the salon or pull out your collection of nail polishes to DIY your favorite designs at home.
Virtually nothing can interfere with these moments of pure bliss. That is unless you can’t think of what to get this time. That’s where our list of simple and cute nail designs comes in.
The best part about this inspiration is that it can be used year-round and for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a moody winter nail design, prefer the warm hues of fall nails, embrace the vivid colors of summer nails, or prepare for spring with tons of pastels, you can find several innovative ideas below.
We’ve got designs with adorable hearts that are great options for Valentine’s Day. There are also various renditions of a French manicure and neutral-toned nails accentuated with glitter, gold, pearls, or white that could work as wedding day nails.
Whether you’re a gel mani girl, dip powder lover, or a tried-and-true acrylic nail devotee, there’s something here for you.
1. Glitter Stars
Sparkle and shine with these glossy, glittery stars. If you’re new to drawing designs with paint, start by creating small triangles and connecting them to form stars. The best part is you don’t have to develop full stars to get the idea across.
This design is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your everyday look. The glitter adds an element of fun and can easily be customized with different colors to match any outfit or season.
Whether heading to a party or wanting to add sparkle to your day, glitter stars are a great choice. They’re also relatively easy to do at home with the right tools. This design is versatile and looks great on both short and long nails. Try experimenting with different base colors to see what combinations you like best.
2. Flame Tips
Flame tips incorporate lively flames at the tips of your nails, a fresh take on the classic French tip. You can try this design in white for a subtle look or mix it up with neon or primary colors for a bolder statement.
This fiery design is sure to make your nails stand out. Perfect for summer or any time you want to add some heat to your look, flame tips are both trendy and eye-catching. They work well on nails of any length and can be customized to suit your style.
Try using a gradient of colors within the flames for a more dramatic effect. This design can be challenging at home, so consider getting it done professionally for the best results. Flame tips are perfect for those who like to make a statement with their nails.
3. Pastel Hearts
This sweet design may remind you of famous Valentine’s Day candy. Instead of the typical red and hot pink hearts, opt for pastel tones for a softer, whimsical look. This design is perfect for adding a touch of romance to your nails all year round.
Pastel hearts are charming and delicate, making them ideal for spring or whenever you want to add a feminine touch to your look. They can be done in various colors to match your mood or outfit.
This design is relatively simple to create at home with a steady hand and a dotting tool. It’s also versatile enough to be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Pastel hearts are a timeless design that never goes out of style.
4. Green and Gold Accents
Not quite a French tip, these elegant gold and green accents at the tip of the nail create an attractive negative space nail design. This combination of colors adds a touch of sophistication and is perfect for any occasion.
Green and gold are classic colors that complement each other beautifully, making this design elegant and eye-catching. The negative space adds a modern twist to the traditional French manicure. This design is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to add a touch of glamour to your look.
It’s also relatively easy to do at home with some practice. Green and gold accents are versatile and look great on nails of any length. Try experimenting with different shades of green to see what you like best.
5. Yellow Half Moons
Add a pop of color to an otherwise subtle manicure by filling in half moons at the base of your nail. Yellow is the star here, but feel free to explore other shades. This design is simple yet eye-catching and perfect for brightening up your nails.
Yellow half-moons are cheerful and fun, making them ideal for spring and summer. They add a touch of brightness to your look without being overwhelming. This design is easy to do at home with a steady hand and a bit of practice.
It works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Yellow half-moons are a great way to add a touch of color to your nails without going overboard.
6. Bejeweled
These nails have the perfect amount of bling, with heart-shaped jewels at the center and golden starbursts surrounding them. This design is eye-catching and easy to execute, making it ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to add sparkle to your look.
Bejeweled nails are glamorous and sophisticated, suitable for a night out or a special event. The jewels add a touch of luxury and can be customized with different shapes and colors.
This design is easy to do at home with the right tools and a bit of practice. It works well on nails of any length and can be paired with various base colors. Bejeweled nails are a great way to add bling to your look without going overboard.
7. Blooming Flowers
Bold colors make this design fun, but the blooming gel base is the true star. Arrange five dots of your favorite color polish on top of the base, and watch as the colored dots slowly expand and disperse to create petals.
This blooming effect adds a unique and artistic touch to your nails. Blooming flowers are perfect for spring and summer, adding a touch of nature to your look. This design is relatively easy at home with some practice and the right tools.
It works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Blooming flowers are a fun and creative way to add flair to your nails.
8. Gel Fruit
Little beads of nearly translucent gel hues are turned into adorable fruits with just a few flicks of green polish. Add them to a neutral base, or paint them onto a bright color. This fruity design is perfect for adding a playful touch to your nails.
Gel fruit nails are fun and whimsical, ideal for summer or any time you want to add a touch of playfulness to your look. They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Gel fruit nails are a great way to add fun to your nails.
9. Racing Stripes
Anyone partial to a classic French tip will love this innovative variation. Instead of creating an entire arch at the top of your nail, concentrate on double white lines to the left of your nail for a sporty look.
This design is sleek and modern, perfect for those who want a fresh take on the French manicure. Racing stripes are versatile and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit.
They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools. This design works well on nails of any length and can be paired with various base colors. Racing stripes are a great way to add some edge to your nails.
10. White Lines
Understated doesn’t mean boring. These horizontal and vertical white lines add just the right level of interest to a reasonably simple manicure. This design is minimalistic yet stylish, making it perfect for any occasion.
White lines are versatile and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be paired with various base colors. White lines are a great way to add interest to your nails without being overwhelming.
11. Black and White
Classic black and white will always make your nails look chic and sophisticated. These abstract white bands placed over a black French tip create a striking contrast. This design is timeless and elegant, perfect for a refined look.
Black and white nails are versatile and can be customized with different patterns to match your mood or outfit. They are relatively easy to do at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be paired with various base colors. Black and white nails are a great way to add elegance to your nails.
12. Wavy Smiley Faces
You can achieve these animated smileys with a few squiggles of your brush and strategically placed dots. This fun and whimsical design will surely bring a smile to your face and brighten up your nails.
Wavy smiley faces are playful and fun, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your look. They are relatively easy to do at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Wavy smiley faces are a great way to add fun to your nails.
13. Glitter Cuffs
A little glitter goes a long way. This single line of glitter placed at the base of the nail makes for a fun and fresh design. This simple yet glamorous design is perfect. To add a touch of sparkle to your everyday look.
Glitter cuffs are versatile and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be paired with various base colors. Glitter cuffs are a great way to add some sparkle to your nails.
14. Chrome and Pearls
Chrome topped with pearl accents is the way to go if you’re looking for an It-girl take on the Hailey Bieber “glazed donut nails” trend. This chic and sophisticated design is perfect for those who want to add a touch of luxury to their nails.
Chrome and pearls are a glamorous combination that adds a touch of elegance to your look. This design is relatively easy at home with a bit of practice and the right tools.
It works well on nails of any length and can be paired with various base colors. Chrome and pearls are a great way to add luxury to your nails.
15. Blue Waves
Make a splash with this innovative design. Swirl together blue and white polish shades on a plate or palette and gently lay them onto a nude base for a crashing wave effect. This design is perfect for adding a touch of the ocean to your nails.
Blue waves are fun and creative, ideal for summer or any time you want to add a touch of the sea to your look. They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Blue waves are a great way to add some flair to your nails.
16. Matte French
While French tips consistently achieve a classic look, they can be quickly elevated by introducing a bright color and a matte top coat. This modern twist on the French manicure is perfect for those who want a sophisticated yet trendy look.
Matte French nails are sleek and stylish, ideal for any occasion. They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Matte French nails are a great way to add elegance to your nails.
17. Single Dot
Use a dotting tool to create a single dot at the base of each nail. Think of it as an uncomplicated way to add subtle embellishment to your go-to baby pink manicure. This minimalistic design is simple yet elegant, perfect for any occasion.
Single-dot nails are versatile and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. They are relatively easy to do at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be paired with various base colors. Single-dot nails are a great way to add some interest to your nails without being overwhelming.
18. Ombre Glitter
Start with a bead of glitter polish and slowly dab it down the center of your nail to create an ombre effect. Use this technique over a bare nail or a nude base. This design is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your nails.
Ombre glitter nails are fun and glamorous, perfect for any occasion. They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Ombre glitter nails are a great way to add sparkle to your nails.
19. Tri-Color Tips
When you can’t choose just one color, pick three. Whether you choose complementary hues or prefer vibrant contrasting colors, this design is versatile and fun. This colorful design is perfect for those who love to experiment with different shades.
Tri-color tips are fun and creative, ideal for adding a touch of color to your look. They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools.
This design works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Tri-color tips are a great way to add some flair to your nails.
20. Marble Nails
Swirling a few white lines into a light pink base creates a classy, marbled design. This sophisticated design is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your nails. Marble nails are chic, and ideal for any occasion.
They are relatively easy at home with practice and the right tools. This design works well on nails of any length and can be customized with different colors to match your mood or outfit. Marble nails are a great way to add some elegance to your nails.
Summary
Are you the type to pick a nail color at your appointment, or do you show up to the nail salon with an inspirational photo? If you’re the latter, this roundup of 20 trendy nail design ideas is perfect for your next maintenance appointment.
From shiny to matte, colorful to neutral, there’s a look for everyone on this list. Enjoy experimenting with these simple and cute designs to make your nails the highlight of your style.
