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Home » Lifestyle » Fashion + Beauty

30 Creative Nail Designs for a Manicure That’s Anything But Basic

By Kaitlyn Morris | June 2, 2021 | Updated on June 7, 2021 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links that we collect a share of sales from. Click here for more details.
70.1K shares
Nail Designs - polka dot tips

We knew quarantine really escalated when self care took on a literal meaning and we had to DIY everything, including our nails. For most of us, no amount of YouTube tutorials could replace our favorite nail salons. But, salons are starting to open back up and we know you’re looking for the hottest nail designs of 2021 to inspire your next appointment.

(That’s this list of nail designs, in case that wasn’t clear.)

With options for all nail shapes, these new nail trends cover everything from simple swirls to sassy snakeskin. Get ready to screenshot away and make some room on your Pinterest boards, because it’s going to be way easier to show your nail tech a picture than describe with words how to make cute cow print nails. (Trust us.)

Nail Designs 2021

30 Cool Nail Designs for 2021

1. Swirl Nail Design

Swirls are taking over this year! There are so many variations of this design and it looks good on just about every nail shape. Keep it classy (or at least the appearance of classy) with these white swirls on a nude base.

Nail Designs - Swirl white pointed nail
Photo Credit: @gloss_la

 

2. Pink Yin Yang Design

Of course you could go for the classic black and white yin yang nail design, but adding bright colors is an easier way to break out of your comfort zone than bungee jumping.

Nail Designs - pink yin yang nails
Photo Credit: @marinesnailedit

 

3. Negative Space Designs

We can only find positives about this negative space 2021 nail trend.

Nail Designs - negative space pink nails
Photo Credit: @nails_and_soul

 

4. Cow Print Nails

Like Doja Cat said, “B*tch I’m a Cow!” And this cow print nail design? Legend-dairy.

Nail Designs - cow print
Photo Credit: @thepolishedbean

 

5. Glitter Stripe Nail Design

Add a little razzle dazzle to your boring mani with a glitter stripe up the middle. And if glitter isn’t flashy enough, add in an animal print, too! Yes we just called pink boring. Fight us.

Nail Designs - glitter stripe
Photo Credit: @charlottestudiobeauty

 

6. Line Art Nails

You probably can’t afford a Picasso in your home, but you can have one on your nails in 2021. The Guggenheim says that’s totally the same thing. Please don’t call them to verify that.

Nail Designs - Picasso line art
Photo Credit: @aggy.tinyxstudios

 

7. Polka Dot Nails

A manicure that even Cruella would love. Although this is a fairly simple nail design, it sure is easy to spot in a crowd.

Nail Designs - polka dot tips
Photo Credit: @katarzyna.dorula

 

8. Smiley Face Nails

Since no one can see how much you’re not smiling behind a mask, let your nails show how “happy” you are. Everything is great, thanks for asking!

Nail Designs - smiley face decals
Photo Credit: @nail.art.by.tea

 

9. Snake Print

Even if you have to be able to type on your keyboard to do work, a trimmed-down version of this stiletto nail design is still a great aesssthetic.

Nail Designs - snake print stiletto nails
Photo Credit: @ma_ko_beauty

 

10. Floral Decals

Enjoy fresh flowers all year long with this 2021 trend. The watercolor style adds an artistic element that confirms that you did indeed pass the third grade. (Or at least the person who painted your nails did.)

Nail Designs - white floral decals
Photo Credit: @_genienails_

 

11. Marble Nail Design

Forget trying to match your nails to your shoes, the new hotness is matching your kitchen counters.

Nail Designs - marble print short
Photo Credit: @darebeautycenter

 

12. Colorful Swirl Lines

More swirls for the girls, but this time: Add color! This is perfect for summer or a tropical winter getaway. Google Maps adventures count, too!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lo Lo Nails & Beauty (@lolonails)

 

13. Green Drip Nails

“Came through drippin’ drip, drip.” Good luck getting that out of your head with this groovy pattern.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Na Ho (Nia) (@nails_and_soul)

 

14. Pink Cow Print Design

Proof that strawberry milk comes from pink cows.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Маникюр ♡ Наращивание ♡ Рига (@anastasynails)

 

15. Matte Meets Glossy Nail Design

Added bonus: these part matte, part glossy square nails can double as an opener for all your Amazon packages.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rose.studioo

 

16. Purple French Tips

A French tip on a pointed nails screams “I was born before 1990!” Add a different color on the other hand to make sure they heard you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GLOSS | Trendy Nail Art (@gloss_la)

 

17. Pastel Nails

For your spring nail designs, keep the colors in a pastel palette to make it look more “Easter chic” and less like the Easter bunny got sick on jelly beans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GLOSS | Trendy Nail Art (@gloss_la)

 

18. Negative Space French Nail Design

With so many variations of the French manicure, this one may take the cake for most unique. It can come back with it anytime.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amy Le (@amyle.nails)

 

19. Colorblock Nail Design

We’re going absolutely mod over this Mondrian color block design. This is when it really comes in handy to have someone who can paint inside the lines. (Again, that’s not us.)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amy Le (@amyle.nails)

 

20. Negative Space Hearts

Tell us you’re emotionally unavailable without telling us you’re emotionally unavailable.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rose.studioo

 

21. Flame Nails

This design is more lit than Elon Musk on a podcast.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ThaoLe NAILS ART (@nailsby_thao)

 

22. Knit Sweater Nail Design

Who did it better: Chris Evans in Knives Out or this winter manicure?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TIPS & TOES | GEL X PRO (@tipsandtoesoc)

 

23. 3D Manicure

Nothing says “extra” like a nail design that literally pops off your nails. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chaun 🇰🇭 (@chaunlegend)

 

24. Birth Year Nails

If those quarantine birthdays really hit you hard, then go all out in 2021 with these statement nails. And don’t worry about about giving away your age – most people stopped doing mental math 15 years ago.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Custom Press On Nails (@clawcollective)

 

25. Designer Nails

Designer bags? So 2019. Designer nails like these Chanel ones? That’s the vibe of 2021.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Iola Pallade (@iolapallade_beauty)

 

26. Butterfly Nails

Butterflies are meant to roam free, but we’ll make an exception for this manicure. Come here little bug!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Welcome to my 💅 world! (@nails_by_priscilla)

 

27. Neon Stars

You’ll be seeing stars with this mani. Pair multicolored stars on a neutral nail color for a ’80s punk rock look.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ♡LALI NAILS♡ (@lali_nails7)

 

28. Astrological Design

For this celestial manicure, add golden nail stickers to a marble nail base. Sneak in your zodiac sign for a subtle message on your next date. Unless you’re a gemini, then maybe don’t.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @nailsbyreynaaa

 

29. Horizontal Stripes

Using a combination of thick and thin stripes keeps this nail design looking chic, and less like that blue and black dress. Don’t start with us, white and gold people.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Munkhjargal Altantugs (@eternalhappinesss)

 

30. Checker Print

If you still haven’t gotten over The Queen’s Gambit, this nail trend is for you. Pick your favorite color and then get ready for your best “hands under chin stare” to intimidate anyone eyeing your brunch table.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐇𝐂𝐑 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐘 (@hcr.beauty)

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Kaitlyn Morris
Kaitlyn Morris
Kaitlyn Morris is a native of New Orleans. She has insatiable wanderlust and would rather be somewhere abroad at all times. She writes for her own lifestyle blog According to Kaitlyn and as a content creator for Search Influence. Follow her on Instagram at @kaitlyn_amor or on Twitter.
Kaitlyn Morris
Latest posts by Kaitlyn Morris (see all)
  • What Does Your Airport Outfit Say About You? - August 3, 2021
  • Nailed It: How to Choose the Best Nail Shape for Your Claws - June 3, 2021
  • 30 Creative Nail Designs for a Manicure That’s Anything But Basic - June 2, 2021
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links from Amazon and other sites that we collect a share of sales from.
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