From the often velvet-covered chairs to the glass bottles of beautiful colour lined neatly on marble-effect shelves, there are many things that make a visit to the salon a magical experience. And after salons were closed for the best part of a year over 2020 and 2021, this year, we intend on taking full advantage of our appointment with our nail technicians. How, you ask? By opting for some stunning nail art.
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, 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, and it’s chicer than ever.
From negative-space designs and muted statements to intricate artistry and pretty glitters, 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.
This is the party party season look, no?
The inspiration behind this nail art was chocolate. We dig it.
A gold manicure? Yes pls.
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 easy 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 the addition of this wave of sparkle to these simple nails.
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.
This is such a pretty way to add some colour to your look.
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 neon-pink 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.
For a subtle take on nail art, try alternating 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 Skittle nails.
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.
How pretty is this floral design?
These retro floral nails are beyond adorable.
These abstract nails are like works 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 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.
This pastel mani is embellished with letters layered on 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? Go for both!
These statement tips look great with an all-black look.
Gold foil makes for the perfect manicure accessory.
Enhance squared-off nails 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 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 winter; make it feel fresh in a bright colour.
Update the classic red manicure with pink tips and half moons.
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 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.
How chic is this? We wouldn’t expect anything less from nail queen Harriet Westmoreland.
Who knew yellow nails could look this good?
If minimal designs are your bag, this one should be top of your list. A sheer, nude polish with gold sticker accents is beyond chic.
Seventies-inspired nail art is having a serious moment. If you’re not into the usual brights, this muted brown design is easy to wear and comes with all of the same retro fun.
Bright flower power talons in a rainbow of bright shades? Sign us up!
Aura nails are one of the hottest nail trends right now.
Switch up your swirly mani but opt for a slightly different design with clashing polishes on each nail.
This halo manicure is next on our list to try, and it can be done at home. Use French-tip stickers to create the halo, and alternate which section you apply a glitter topper to on every nail.
Give a pastel manicure a chic update by incorporating graphic shapes and negative space.
Not only is this green shade bang on trend for 2022, but the daisy detailing really levels things up.
This design might look a little tricky at first, but once you dissect it, we promise it’s not so difficult. Use manicure stickers to create a shape running along the bottom of the nail bed. Once dry, select a lighter or brighter version of the same shade and create a larger or smaller shape across the tip.
Glitter isn’t just for the festive season. This glitter-dipped mani works all year round thanks to its minimal nature.
Sure, we’re big fans of understated nail designs, but something about this bejewelled mani is calling out to us.
Evil-eye designs are cropping up regularly on our feed. The precision might require an expert hand, but the chic results are well worth it.
You don’t need to be a wiz at nail art to nail this design (pardon the pun). Paint your nails in a blush tone, apply smiley stickers wherever your heart desires and paint a clear topcoat to seal.
There’s something charmingly Y2K about this mismatch design, and we couldn’t be more into it.
Beauty Pie’s nail varnishes are long-wearing and this neutral hue makes a great base for nail art designs.
Taking on the French tip trend? These nail guides will give you seamless results.
Buffing the nails before nail art will ensure your designs stay put for longer.
A white polish is a must in any nail art collection, whether you’re creating abstract swirls or flowers.
Equally, a glossy black polish is ideal for nail art.
This hard-wearing top coat will ensure your nail art stays put for longer.
A classic Chanel red nail polish is a must for chic fingertips.
Hydrate cuticles daily to help keep nails strong and healthy.
This might be the most stylish nail polish remover we’ve found.
No time for a mani appointment? Simply press on and go.
Create precise dots and shapes with a dotting tool.
This story was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
