From the often velvet-covered chairs to the glass bottles of beautiful colour lined neatly on marble-effect shelves, there’s many things that make a visit to the salon a magical experience—and one we’ve sorely missed. However, once salons are allowed to open their doors once again, we intend on taking full advantage of our appointment with our nail technicians. How, you ask? By opting for some stunning nail art that we could never create ourselves at home.
Remember when nail art consisted of water-painted flowers and glittery dragons? Those were the days. However, after its short-lived moment in the early noughties, nail art really dropped off the grid for a little while. In stark contrast to the grandeur and excess of embellished talons and intricate patterns, for the last 10 years or so, nail trends and manicures have, for the most part, remained monotonal, simple and polished.
However, in the last 12 months or so, we have noticed that nail designs have started to get a little more fun again. From colourful rainbow nails to chic gradient designs, it would seem as though we are all looking for new ways to up our mani game. You’ll be pleased to hear that nail art is officially back too, and it’s chicer than ever.
From negative-space designs and muted statements to intricate artistry and pretty marbles, keep scrolling for the chicest nail art to add to your inspiration board ahead of your next salon appointment.
Combining two of our favourite nail art trends – marble and gold foil – to seriously chic avail.
Floral nail art is all the rage right now, but Hannah’s daisy tips put a new spin on the trend.
The inspiration behind this nail art was chocolate. We dig it.
We don’t know what we’re more jealous of; Fanny’s pastry or her cherry nails.
Inspired by quartz gemstones, this stunning nail art will make you feel calm whenever you glance down.
These straight lines might look simple, but they’re anything but to create. Note how the matte background makes them pop.
Show us something chicer than this glossy, tortoiseshell-inspired manicure. We’ll wait.
Another gemstone-inspired manicure to covet. We love how Shelly has outlined her opal nails with thin slivers of silver.
Sticking to powdery tones, Claire demonstrates the most stylish way to do rainbow nails.
Whoever uttered the words “pink and green should never be seen” clearly hadn’t laid eyes on this pretty floral manicure.
Another excellent example of a rainbow manicure, courtesy of Claire Most’s coffin nails.
Another interpretation of adorable cherry nails; this time, with negative space and statement pink tips.
This evil eye nail art will instantly lift clear polished nails.
We love the retro feel of these curvy waves.
Assemble your favourite shades and do small light brushstrokes to create an abstract look reminiscent of modern art.
It would appear that cherries are the fruity nail art to flaunt right now.
Karina proves that the accent manicure shouldn’t be overlooked.
Inspired by your pre-teen notebook, adorn your nails with doodles of stars, dots, and hearts for a cute talon look.
Not great at freehand painting? Paint over confetti to get this cute finish.
How cute are these hearts?
We are obsessed with these simple stars on bare nails.
These bright-pink neon tips are sure to brighten your day.
The brighter, the better.
We are loving the contrast of the nude base colour and the bright-yellow neon.
For a subtle take on nail art, try alternate pastel nails.
So abstract!
These rainbow tips are the perfect way to have fun with your nails but keep things chic at the same time.
Muted tones and simple spots—we’re in love.
The matte finish on this simple design makes all the difference.
Probably one for the experts, but we can’t wait to take this design down to the salon eventually.
Graphic and minimal, this nail art look is perfect for those with pared-back aesthetics.
In our opinion you can’t go wrong with a skittle nail.
These galaxy nails are out of this world. Sorry.
If you find neon a little bit garish, this is the perfect happy medium.
You don’t need to have long nails to pull off detailed nail art; in fact, it can look all the more expensive.
Ready for spring? Ensure your nails are, too.
These retro floral nails are beyond adorable.
These abstract nails are like a work of art.
Oh so simple, but oh so gorgeous.
Use hole-punch stickers to help achieve this rainbow look.
This ’90s-style nail art with daisies and love hearts is so sweet.
For those who want to add a little bit of sparkle, this pretty nude design is perfect.
This iridescent look is out of this world.
Pastel manis with letter embellishments layered on the top.
Switch up your manicure by utilising negative space on one or two accent nails.
We love the way the natural nail shines through with this sparkly look.
Can’t choose between dots or stripes? For for both!
These statement tips look great with an all-black look.
Gold foil makes for the perfect manicure accessory.
Enhance a squared-off nail with some graphic lines set against a blush base.
These simple daisies can be achieved at home with a dotting tool.
The high-gloss finish on this easy-to-achieve look is the ultimate touch.
Two-tone nails in bright colours look amazing.
We love the contrast of classic red with simple beige.
Transparent nails are an emerging nail art trend, and they look incredible with nail art on top.
Name a better colour combination than navy and gold.
Switch up the direction of the stripes on each nail for a chic design.
Linear nail art is still big for spring; make it feel fresh in a bright colour.
We couldn’t be any more obsessed with this paint-like design if we tried.
Is there anything Rosie Huntington-Whiteley can’t pull off? This simple white-edge finish is seriously cool.
Give a nostalgic yin and yang motif a summery spin with bright hues.
Okay, who can teach us how to do this tortoiseshell design right now because we can’t wait?
Use a fine-tipped brush to get this squiggle design. It’ll be super easy to give a go at home.
Yes, those are maps.
These sunflowers are a total work of art.
The detail on this citrus-inspired manicure is impeccable.
Why didn’t we think of this sooner?
Sometimes the more colour, the better.
Pay homage to your favourite designer with a logo mani.
Tick off two big nail art looks in one with a leopard-style motif and metallic accents.
Who knew yellow nails could look this good?
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
