83 Nail Art Ideas We’ve Saved for Our Next Trip to the Salon

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 in 2023 we intend to take 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, over the past year 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, 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.

Nail Art Ideas: Chocolate-inspired nails

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@PARAGONNAILS

The inspiration behind this nail art was chocolate. We dig it.

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@HOLLYFALCONENAILS

A gold manicure? Yes pls.

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@IMARNINAILS

Inspired by quartz gemstones, this stunning nail art will make you feel calm whenever you glance down.

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@NAILS_OF_LA

These straight lines might look simple, but they’re anything but easy to create. Note how the matte background makes them pop.

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@BUBBLYAQUARIUS

Show us something chicer than this glossy, tortoiseshell-inspired manicure. We’ll wait.

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@HOLLYFALCONENAILS

Another gemstone-inspired manicure to covet. We love the addition of this wave of sparkle to these simple nails.

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@CLAIRE_MOST

Sticking to powdery tones, Claire demonstrates the most stylish way to do rainbow nails.

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@THATSALEAF

Whoever uttered the words “pink and green should never be seen” clearly hadn’t laid eyes on this pretty floral manicure.

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@IMARNINAILS

Probably one for the experts, but we can’t wait to take this design down to the salon eventually.

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@NAILARTBYQUEENIE

A tasteful update on the classic French mani.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

This is such a pretty way to add some colour to your look.

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@BUFFCS

We love the retro feel of these curvy waves.

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@IMARNINAILS

These rainbow tips are the perfect way to have fun with your nails but keep things chic at the same time.

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@ADA_OGUNTODU

Assemble your favourite shades, and do small, light brushstrokes to create an abstract look reminiscent of modern art.

Nail Art Ideas: negative-space cherry nails

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@IMARNINAILS

It would appear that cherries are the fruity nail art to flaunt right now.

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@STYLEIDEALIST

Karina proves that the accent manicure shouldn’t be overlooked.

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@ALYSSAINTHECITY

Inspired by your pre-teen notebook, adorn your nails with doodles of stars, dots and hearts for a cute talon look.

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@THEHANGEDIT

Not great at freehand painting? Paint over confetti to get this cute finish.

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@HEARTZEENA

How cute are these hearts?

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

We are obsessed with these simple stars on bare nails.

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@FONGMINLIAO

These neon-pink tips are sure to brighten your day.

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@AUDE_JULIE

The brighter, the better.

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@HARRIETWESTMORELAND

Can’t choose between dots or stripes? Go for both!

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@AMY_LAWRENSON

We are loving the contrast of the nude base colour and the bright yellow.

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@EMMANUELLEK_

This shade is so delicate.

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@HEARTZEENA

So abstract!

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@IMARNINAILS

Muted tones and simple spots—we’re in love.

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@PARAGONNAILS

Graphic and minimal, this nail art look is perfect for those with pared-back aesthetics.

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@IMARNINAILS

The matte finish on this simple design makes all the difference.

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@HEARTZEENA

In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with Skittle nails.

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@PARAGONNAILS

These marble nails are so classy.

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@ALICEZIELASKO

If you find neon a little bit garish, this is the perfect happy medium.

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@PARAGONNAILS

You don’t need to have super long nails to pull off detailed nail art; in fact, it can look all the more expensive.

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@PARAGONNAILS

How cool is this wavy effect?

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@ALYSSAINTHECITY

These retro floral nails are beyond adorable.

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@CELMATIQUE

These abstract nails are like works of art.

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@AMY_LAWRENSON

Oh so simple but oh so gorgeous.

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@OLIVEANDJUNE

This ’90s-style nail art with daisies and hearts is so sweet.

Nail Art Ideas: Nude and glitter triangles

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@AMY_LAWRENSON

For those who want to add a little bit of sparkle, this pretty nude design is perfect.

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@AMY_LAWRENSON

This iridescent look is out of this world.

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@AMY_LAWRENSON

Use hole-punch stickers to help achieve this rainbow look.

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@CELMATIQUE

This pastel mani is embellished with letters layered on top.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

Switch up your manicure by utilising negative space on one or two accent nails.

Nail Art Ideas: Glitter and white sparkle

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@AMY_LAWRENSON

We love the way the natural nail shines through with this sparkly look.

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@BUBBLYAQUARIUS

Sometimes simple is best.

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@LIVINGWITHLOTTE

These statement tips look great with an all-black look.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

Gold foil makes for the perfect manicure accessory.

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@IMARNINAILS

Enhance squared-off nails with some graphic lines set against a blush base.

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@LIVINGWITHLOTTE

These simple daisies can be achieved at home with a dotting tool.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

The high-gloss finish on this easy-to-achieve look is the ultimate touch.

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@AUDE_JULIE

Two-tone nails in bright colours look amazing.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

We love the contrast of classic red with simple beige.

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@BROWNGIRLHANDS

Transparent nails are an emerging nail trend, and they look incredible with nail art on top.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

Name a better colour combination than navy and gold.

Nail Art Ideas: Mint green negative space

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@CAITLINMIYAKO

Switch up the direction of the stripes on each nail for a chic design.

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@HOLLYFALCONENAILS

Linear nail art is still big for winter; make it feel fresh in a bright colour.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

Update the classic red manicure with pink tips and half moons.

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@EGGCANVAS

We couldn’t be any more obsessed with this paint-like design if we tried.

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@ROSIEHW

Is there anything Rosie Huntington-Whiteley can’t pull off? This simple white-edge finish is seriously cool.

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@STEPHANIEBROEK

Okay, who can teach us how to do this tortoiseshell design right now because we can’t wait?

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@CELMATIQUE

Yes, those are maps.

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@THEHANGEDIT

This sparkles-and-glitter combo is a total work of art.

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@BROWNGIRLHANDS

The detail on this citrus-inspired manicure is impeccable.

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@STEPHANIEBROEK

Use a fine-tipped brush to get this squiggle design. It’ll be super easy to give a go at home.

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@THEHANGEDIT

Why didn’t we think of this sooner?

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@NNENNAECHEM

Sometimes the more colour, the better.

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@HARRIETWESTMORELAND

Pay homage to your favourite designer with a logo mani.

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@HARRIETWESTMORELAND

How chic is this? We wouldn’t expect anything less from nail queen Harriet Westmoreland.

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@THEHANGEDIT

Who knew yellow nails could look this good?

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@BUFFCS

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.

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@THEHANGEDIT

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.

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@CELMATIQUE

Bright flower power talons in a rainbow of bright shades? Sign us up!

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@BUFFCS

Aura nails are one of the hottest nail trends right now.

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@PARAGONNAILS

Switch up your swirly mani but opt for a slightly different design with clashing polishes on each nail.

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@THEHANGEDIT

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.

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@BUFFCS

Give a pastel manicure a chic update by incorporating graphic shapes and negative space.

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@THATSALEAF

Not only is this green shade bang on trend for 2023, but the daisy detailing really levels things up.

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@THEHANGEDIT

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.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

Glitter isn’t just for the festive season. This glitter-dipped mani works all year round thanks to its minimal nature.

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@OLIVEANDJUNE

Sure, we’re big fans of understated nail designs, but something about this bejewelled mani is calling out to us.

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@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

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.

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@HOLLYFALCONENAILS

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.