25 Amazing Nail Art Designs For Beginners To Try In 2024

Getting complimented for your nail art design feels great as your nails are an extension of your personality. Therefore, your nail art becomes a way of expressing your sense of style, mood, and much more.

The global nail polish market size was valued at US $14.3 billion in 2021. Based on its growth in 2020 and 2021, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% till 2030 in the US market. The lower price of regular nail polish is what has led to an increase in its market growth and revenue. Further, gel polish designs have also increased sales value due to its ability to provide long-lasting gloss and easy drying.

Keep In Mind

• Cleaning: Cleaning Even if you do not have a polish on, wipe your nails clean with a cotton pad dipped in polish remover to get rid of dirt or oils that can warp the polish.
• Buffing: Cleaning Always buff your nails before applying the base coat to smoothen the ridges and uneven nails.
• Drying: Cleaning After each step, place your hands in the freezer for 2 minutes to help solidify the polish faster.
• Caution: Cleaning Avoid UV nail dryers as much as possible to prevent premature skin aging and cancer risk. Apply sunscreen on your hands if you have to use them.

U.S. Nail Polish Market, Size, By Product, 2020-2030

If you have been a fan of the monotone manicure and pastel shades, it is time to shake things up a bit with the funky nail art designs. Here, we have some of the latest nail art designs and step-by-step tutorials for different designs depicting different moods Just grab a few basic things and get going in the comfort of your home!

Simple Nail Art Designs For Beginners And Nail Art Enthusiasts

Simple nail art can be a fun way to express your creativity whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your skills. These designs are perfect for anyone wanting to jazz up their nails without any stress, from easy patterns to playful colors.

1. White And Orange Flames Nail Art

Everything about this simple nail design is so fresh and youthful. The color combination is great, and it can be pulled off as the perfect summer nail look. You can also use a different set of nail colors if you’re aiming for a different look.

What You Will Need

• A white nail polish
• Orange nail polish
• Yellow nail polish
• Black nail polish
• Nail art strips

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Apply two coats of white nail varnish for the base.
2. Place the strips diagonally across each other and apply a coat of yellow nail polish.
3. Place another strip vertically at the center and apply orange nail polish on one side.
4. Place the strips as shown in the image and apply black at the base of your nail.
5. Apply a coat of clear polish to complete the look.

2. Purple-Pink Floral Nail Art

Don’t these nails look pretty as hell? The pink and white combination is delightful and is basically like you have spring on your fingernails. It’s a simple yet classy design and can be recreated in just a few steps. You can wear it to brighten up those dull days or even on a sunny summer day.

What You Will Need

• A white nail polish
• Pink nail polish
• Purple nail polish
• A thin nail art brush or a nail art pen

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Start by applying two coats of white nail polish for your base.
2. Using a thin brush, create the flowers with a pink nail polish.
3. Use the purple nail polish to add some oomph to the pink flowers.
4. Finish with a top coat.

You can choose to recreate this look differently as well by creating flowers on the whole nail instead of just one side. You can also use other bright colors over your white base.

3. Color Splash Nail Art

This is by far my favorite nail art design. You are using your nails as a blank canvas and splashing some colors around for that cool effect. Isn’t it just so artsy?

What You Will Need

• White nail polish
• An angled nail art brush
• Blue nail polish
• Purple nail polish
• Pink nail polish

Note:

You can use any colors of your choice for this look. It will still look just as cool.

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Apply two coats of white nail polish for a good base.
2. Once it dries, dip the brush in blue nail polish and using your thumb, splash the color over to your nails.
3. Follow this process for each color until you achieve the look that you want.
4. Apply a top coat to set.

Your nails are your very own modern art masterpiece now! However, this is not the only option for those with short nails! You can always get creative and try different nail designs on short nails.

Quick Tip

As a general rule, use vaseline or cuticle oil on the skin around your nails to prevent polish from sticking to your skin. For minor smudges, you can clean using a fine brush dipped in remover.

4. Colorful Clouds Nail Art

There’s nothing to not love about this design. It’s colorful, it’s easy, it’s bright, and it’s so damn adorable. We’re playing with just the ring fingernail, and the others are left with a minimal aqua green-blue coat of nail polish. This design is perfect for the spring and summer.

What You Will Need

• An aqua green-blue nail polish
• Pink nail polish
• Light blue nail polish
• A brush

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint all your nails with the green-blue nail polish except for your ring fingernail.
2. Use pink nail polish for your ring fingernail.
3. Use a brush to create the clouds. Start with light blue nail polish and make the vertical lines as shown in the picture.
4. Once it dries, use the green-blue nail polish to create more clouds on top of the light blue surface.
5. Apply a coat of clear polish on top.

Wasn’t that simple?

5. Diagon-Alley Pink And Yellow Nail Art

This colorful nail art is a treat for the eyes. It’s trendy, vibrant, and young. This is one of the easy ways to get nail patterns without visiting the exorbitantly priced nail salons. You can pull it off casually and it will brighten up your outfit and your day!

What You Will Need

• Purple-pink nail polish
• Yellow nail polish
• Peach nail polish
• Nail art strips
• Top coat

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Start by painting your nails yellow.
2. Paint the lower half of the nail with a peach nail polish, going diagonally across the nail.
3. Repeat the same with the purplish-pink nail polish, going diagonally across the other way.
4. To finish, apply a top coat and you’re good to go!

6. Plastic Wrap Nail Art Design

This rare combination of light blue and gold is fabulous. You can wear this look either casually or for a fancy event to go with your gold outfit, perhaps? We’re using plastic wrap to get that unique texture on the nail.

What You Will Need

• Light blue nail polish
• Gold nail polish
• Plastic wrap
• Clear polish

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Apply two coats of gold nail polish for your base.
2. Once it dries, apply a coat of blue nail polish over the gold.
3. While it is still wet, dab crumpled plastic wrap over your nail.
4. You will see the gold nail polish seeping through the blue; finish with a top coat!

7. White Minimal Chevron Nail Art

This minimal nail polish design is uber classy and simple to recreate. It’s all white and anything all white automatically takes exclusive to another level. Don’t you agree?

What You Will Need

• White nail polish
• Thin nail strips
• Clear Polish

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Start by placing the nail strips over your nail creating three Vs.
2. Apply white nail polish on the tip of your nail.
3. Use a thin brush to fill in the white between the Vs.
4. Gently peel off the stickers while the polish is still wet.
5. Apply a coat of clear nail polish to finish.

8. Striped Aztec Nail Art

This may look complex but we’ve broken it down to just a few steps, and you can get this look right at home. It’s THAT easy. Isn’t it the prettiest design ever? Also, we are totally loving the color combination that’s going on. It’s so good!

What You Will Need

• White nail polish
• Black nail polish
• Pink nail polish
• Gold nail polish
• Thin brush
• Thin nail strips

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint your nails white for the base.
2. Once it dries, use the nail stripes to create the gold stripes with gold nail polish.
3. Next, create the pink stripes.
4. Use the same method and create the black stripe at the tip of your nail.
5. Using a thin brush, create the aztec design as shown in the image.
6. Finish by adding triangles in the middle.
7. Apply a coat of clear polish to set.

9. Pink Ombre Nail Design

A pink gradient is created to achieve these pretty pink ombre nails. Don’t they look super cute? You can use the same techniques with whatever colors you choose. This is a simple technique and can be done in just a few steps.

What You Will Need

• A light-peach nail polish
• Pink nail polish
• Toothpicks
• Sponge

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Apply a coat of the light-peach nail polish.
2. Pour a little of both the nail polish colors on a clean surface or a plastic sheet.
3. Using a toothpick, slightly blend the colors together.
4. Dab the mixed colors using a sponge.
5. Gently dab the sponge on the nail.
6. Apply a coat of clear polish to finish the look.

Easy enough? Go and try it now!

10. Gold Glitter Nail Art

This design is fancy, and it can be worn on days you want to go a little extra! Isn’t it pretty? Also, super quick and easy!

What You Will Need

• Gold nail polish
• Pink nail polish
• Black nail polish
• A thin brush
• Dotting tool

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint your nails with two coats of gold nail polish.
2. Create pink dots on the corners with the dotting tool.
3. Outline the pink with black nail polish intermittently as seen in the image.
4. Apply a coat of clear nail polish.

In her adventurous YouTube video, Safiya Nygaard takes on the challenge of following Simply Nailogical’s DIY multi-chrome raindrop nail tutorial, exploring the world of nail art for the first time. Safiya details the use of gel polish, multichrome powder, glossy top coat, and raindrop effects as she boldly declares, “Today I’ve been wanting to tackle something that I’ve never tried before…nail art (i).”

Quick Tip

If you do not have glitter nail polish handy, a simple hack is to mix glitter powder of your choice with clear nail polish.

11. Smokey Grey Nail Art

This design is so dark and beautiful. You need to try it!

What You Will Need

• A dark smokey grey nail polish
• Glitter
• Clear polish
• A brush

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint your nails using the dark grey nail polish.
2. On a clean surface, mix your nail polish with some glitter (you can use craft glitter).
3. Using a brush, apply this to the ends of your nails as seen in the image.
4. To finish, top it up with a clear coat of nail polish!

Voila! Say hello to fabulous nails!

12. Chocolate Gold Nail Art

This is perhaps the chicest color on the list. This brown is beautiful, and the combo looks heavenly!

What You Will Need

• Chocolate brown nail polish
• Gold nail polish
• Tape

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Apply two coats of chocolate brown nail polish for your base.
2. Place the tape diagonally across the nail, so as to form a triangle (as seen in the image).
3. Apply gold nail polish in the triangular area. Alternatively, you can also use triangular nail stickers.
4. To finish, apply a coat of clear polish.

13. Four-Leaf Clover Nails

This four-leaf clover inspired nail art design is super simple to recreate. We are loving the pale yellow and green combo. The significance of the four-leaf clover is that it brings you good luck! That’s reason enough to try out this design. Don’t you agree?

What You Will Need

• A pale yellow nail polish
• Green nail polish
• A thin brush

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Apply a coat of clear nail polish, and you’re good to go!
2. Add white strokes to the hearts.
3. Use a thin brush and create hearts as seen in the image with green nail polish. If you are not good at drawing hearts, try nail stamping.
4. Paint your nails using the pale yellow nail polish for the base.

14. Two-Toned Blue Nail Art

This nail art design is so simple to recreate, and it looks very fresh and classy. You can use any two colors that you like to achieve this look and glam up your nails in a flash!

What You Will Need

• A light blue nail polish
• Dark blue shimmer polish
• Nail strips

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Start by applying two coats of light blue nail polish.
2. Place a nail strip diagonally over your nail.
3. Apply a coat of the dark blue shimmer polish.
4. Top it up with clear polish to set!

15. Strawberry Fields Forever Nails

Do you love red but are bored of the classic red mani? Try something different with this strawberry-inspired nail art design. It looks ultra-fresh and can be worn as a fun summer look.

What You Will Need

• Red nail polish
• Dark green nail polish
• Light green nail polish
• A mellow-yellow shade or white nail polish

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Apply two coats of red nail polish for your base.
2. Using a thin brush, create dots over your nail with either a white nail polish or a dull yellow shade.
3. At the base, create the head of the strawberry using a dark green nail polish with a thin brush.
4. You can add shine to the nails using nail decals according to the look you want. Go for white miniature nail rhinestones on one nail or use it on random places.
5. Apply a coat of clear polish, and you’re done!

16. Deep Blue Nail Art

This is a fancy design suitable for occasions when you want to amp up your look. It’s also got just the right amount of glitter. You can vary this design with different colors if you wish.

What You Will Need

• Dark blue nail polish
• Blue Glitter polish
• Black nail polish
• Rhinestones (optional)

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Start by using the blue glitter polish on the upper base of your nails as shown in the image. You can emphasize on this area using other decorative material as well.
2. Using a thin brush, create a border with black nail polish.
3. Use the dark blue nail polish to paint the rest of your nail.
4. To finish, apply a good old coat of clear polish.

You’re all set!

17. Valentines Nail Art Design

This V-day inspired nail art design is spot on – not too much and just about right. If you’re in the mood for some pink hearts on your fingernails, then read on.

What You Will Need

• Pink nail polish (3 shades of pink, as seen in the image)
• Dotting tool
• Toothpick

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Start by painting your nails in light pink for the base.
2. Create hearts using a dotting tool.
3. Use a toothpick to create the borders of the heart with a darker pink nail polish.
4. Apply a coat of clear polish.

18. Triple Cloud Nails

If you want to amp up your regular French manicure, then this design is for you. It’s got a very minimal pale pink base and just a few pastel shades of nail polish to go with it.

What You Will Need

• Pale pink nail polish
• White nail polish
• Light blue nail polish
• Pastel orange nail polish

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint your nails using the pale pink nail polish.
2. To create the clouds, use a brush and start with the light blue polish by making vertical arcs as seen in the picture.
3. Repeat the process with the white and the orange nail polish.
4. Apply a coat of clear nail polish to set.

19. Scales Nail Art Design

This aqua-green nail art design is literally the easiest thing to do. It also looks great on short nails. It’s a forever chirpy color that will make your nails stand out. The color is so bright, and you get to play around with the dots on top using different shades of nail polish.

What You Will Need

• An aqua-green nail polish
• Beige nail polish
• White nail polish
• Purple nail polish
• Blue nail polish
• A thin brush

Note: For the scales, you may use other shades as well.

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Start by applying two coats of your aqua-green nail polish.
2. Use a brush and start at the tip of your nail, creating dots as you go.
3. Move up further until you’ve created dots till the base of your nail.
4. Apply a coat of clear polish and leave to dry!

Wasn’t that super easy? It’s for all the lazy girls out there who aren’t up for anything too elaborate and are looking for a fun way to do their nails.

20. Lavender Circles Nail Art

This cute nail art design uses lavender and a grayish nude together, and it’s the sweetest combo out there. You can instantly brighten up your hands with this design. Flaunt it in the spring or summer or on a blue rainy day.

What You Will Need

• Lavender nail polish
• Nude-gray nail polish
• Rounded-hole nail art labels

Step By Step Tutorial

1. For your base, paint your nails with a lavender nail polish.
2. Once it dries, place two round nail art labels on either side of the nail, leaving a gap at the center.
3. Apply a coat of the nude nail polish to the middle of your nail and gently remove the sticker while the polish is still wet.
4. Allow it to dry and apply a coat of clear polish to finish.

21. Leopard Print Nail Art Design

This chic nail art is easy to recreate with just a bit of will and patience. Aren’t the end results fabulous? The younger crowd will love this animal pattern and it looks so bold and trendy. The easy tutorial explains how to create this funky look without using nail wraps.

What You Will Need

• A nude nail polish
• Light brown-beige nail polish
• Black nail polish
• Nail art brush

Step By Step Tutorial

1. For your base, apply two coats of the nude nail polish.
2. Using a brush, create uneven spots with the brown-beige nail polish.
3. Once it dries, use the black nail polish to outline the spots, leaving gaps in the middle.
4. Top it up with a coat of clear nail polish.

There you go! You now have the chicest nails in town. I’m sure you will get a ton of compliments for this classic!

22. Musical Notes Nail Art

If you’re a hard-core music lover, then this is something for you. It’s a classic.

What You Will Need

• Nude nail polish
• Black nail polish
• A thin brush
• A dotting tool

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint your nails with the nude nail polish for your base.
2. Create three thin horizontal lines on the lower part of your nail using a thin brush.
3. Using your dotting tool, create a dot over the lines as seen in the image. You can also use black nail gems on the dots.
4. Now, create the music note using the same brush.
5. Top it with a coat of clear polish.

23. Red And White Polka Nail Art

These red and white polka dot nails look adorable! They’re so trendy and can be worn casually. You can also use a different color combination if you want to try something different. Follow these simple steps.

What You Will Need

• White nail polish
• Red nail polish
• Nail strips or tape
• Dotting tool or toothpicks

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint your nails white for your base.
2. Place a nail strip or tape diagonally across your nail and apply the red nail polish
3. With some red polish on a clean surface, dip your dotting tool or toothpick in the polish and start creating dots over the white area.
4. To complete the look, top it up with clear polish for that glossy salon-like effect!

24. Yellow Grapefruit Nail Art

Isn’t yellow such a happy color? Some of you girls may feel yellow nail polish is a little too intense, but let’s reject that. This grapefruit inspired nail art design is so summery and cute, you just have to try it!

What You Will Need

• A yellow nail polish
• Pastel pink nail polish
• White nail polish
• A thin brush
• Nail strips

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint your nails with the yellow nail polish for your base.
2. Place a nail art strip on the upper-base area of your nail and paint it using the pink polish.
3. Use white nail polish with a thin brush to create the lines over the pink area.
4. Apply a coat of clear nail polish to complete the look.
5. You can wear this design on your next beach vacation!

25. Halloween Skulls Nail Art

This spooky yet cute nail art design is perfect for a Halloween party! What do you think? Celebrate the fright night with this Halloween inspired mani. Also, it’s super quick and easy to do.

What You Will Need

• Black nail polish
• White nail polish
• Thin brush
• Clear polish

Step By Step Tutorial

1. Paint your nails in black for the base.
2. Use a brush to create the white spots on your nails with a white nail lacquer.
3. Create smaller dots under the bigger ones to make the skulls.
4. Use black nail polish for the eyes.

Boo! Happy trick or treating!

Infographic: The Prettiest Nail Art Designs

If looking cute as a button is your vibe, you will definitely want to try the prettiest nail art designs too. To help you out, we have picked some lovely designs from the list above and compiled them in the infographic below. Now, try out these adorable and easy nail designs and get ready to receive tons of compliments!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 3D nail art?

In 3D nail art designs, the nails are adorned with 3D accents like flowers, cartoon characters, water droplets, lace, and bows. These accents or molds are created with colored acrylic.

Can you do your own nail art?

Yes, you can certainly do your nail art. You may use a paintbrush or nail art stencils and stickers to create unique patterns.

What are the 5 basic nail designs?

The five basic and simple nail designs include triple cloud nails, color splash nails, polka dot designs, plastic wrap nail art designs, and ombre nails.

Are French nails still in style?

French nails, also known as French manicures, have been a classic nail art style for many years. While there has been an increase in creative and bolder nail designs, French nails remain a popular and elegant choice. The traditional white-tipped French manicure has fun variations like glitter tips, colored tips, and reverse French manicures.

How do I take care of my nails after applying nail art designs?

Moisturize the nails and cuticles regularly with a good quality hand cream or cuticle oil and keep them trimmed and filed to prevent them from breaking. Apart from this, avoid using harsh chemicals and detergents without wearing gloves and apply a top coat to protect and make the nail art last longer.

What are some popular nail art designs for special occasions like weddings or prom?

Some popular nail art designs for weddings or proms include glitter nails, floral nail art designs, white minimal chevron nail art designs, ombre nails, and elegant French nails with delicate patterns. Adding nail jewels or rhinestones can also add a touch of glamor to a special occasion.

Illustration: Amazing Nail Art Designs For Beginners To Try

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Revamp your nails by choosing from a range of breathtaking compilation of nail art designs. Check out this video to get the help to create a unique look for you nails.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Gabrielle RichensSkin Therapist

   

Gabrielle Richens spent 20 years as a model with Elite Model Management. She is now a skin therapist, clean beauty blogger, and founder of The Rich Skin Club, an online anti-aging coaching service. She helps women understand the aging process and how to build routines that reverse the visible signs of premature aging.

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Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

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Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor

Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

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Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.

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