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The 30 Best Natural Nail Designs to Add to Your Mood Board

It's all in the details.

Headshot of Tasha Nicole SmithBy Tasha Nicole Smith
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If you, like me, consider yourself to be a bit of a nail minimalist, trips to the salon might start getting a bit repetitive. While simple manicures eliminate any anxiety of flipping through catalogs full of colors because they're easy, chic, and less time-consuming, sometimes it’s fun to branch out. Natural nail designs are a good way to go. “The first thing I always suggest if you’re looking to try something new is to add a bit of color,” says professional nail technician, Tori Delanís. “You can ease into it, with simple designs like abstract lines, which are still really chill but different enough for the people who don’t like all the extra stuff.” Even better, try adding fun nail colors to your favorite classic French manicure. If you’re itching to try out some of the hottest nail trends, you can incorporate neutral colors that better suit your style.

Minimalist nail designs don’t have to be boring. To prove it, I scoured Instagram to find some vibrant, fool-proof designs for you to show your manicurist at your next appointment or to try yourself in the comfort of your home. Thanks to a plethora of tutorials on TikTok and YouTube, a lot of natural nail art is surprisingly easy to do on your own (don't forget a UV lamp for gel designs!). The possibilities are endless, but to get you started, here are 30 nail designs for inspiration for your next set.

1

Euphoria Inspired Mani

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Euphoria-inspired beauty trends took over our social media feeds since the series premiered and these nails are the perfect way to get in on the fun. This look adds sparkle and some texture to a sheer, natural pink background for an understated take on the typically loud Euphoria trend. Similar to the show's makeup looks, glitter, pearls, and other sparkly embellishments complete the look Euphoria's Maddy Perez would definitely wear.

2

Pink Daisy Nails

Pink nail shades are the go-to for minimal nails. Don't be fooled by the intricate floral design—adding some simple daisies is an easy hack. All it takes is just a few dots to achieve the look.

3

Minimalist Abstract Lines

Abstract nail designs are a minimalist’s dream. The thin white lines are understated and clean, while still adding a playful touch.

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4

French Manicure

“There’s almost nothing better than a crisp french tip. It's a classic,” says Delanís. You can’t argue with that. This nail design speaks for itself.

5

Abstract Chrome Tips

Chrome nails have flooded Instagram explore pages and for good reason. This chrome design uses silver glitter polish to carve out a wavy French tip on top of a muted blush pink polish covering the rest of the nail.

6

Soft Pink Aura Nails

Aura nails have quickly risen to be one of the hottest nail trends of 2023. By airbrushing a small circle in the center of each nail, you're left with a beautiful gradient design. While you can do this with any combination of colors, this neutral sheer base with a pink center will make you the new Barbie in town.

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7

Vanilla Chrome Mani with Crystals

If you're color-averse, opt for embellishments instead. This soft white chrome shade is beautifully paired with tiny crystals that line the cuticles.

8

Pink French Tips with Flower Detail

This Barbie loves this adorable gradient pink French manicure with little floral details. The palette ranges from hot pink to baby pink to red, perfect to add to your upcoming Valentine's Day mood board.

9

Autumn Ombre

If you can’t wait to get into the Autumn spirit, these pumpkin spice ombre nails are just the thing you need. The gradient begins with a nude base that transitions to toasty tan and ends with a deeper brown shade.

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10

Abstract Mani with Polkadots

Abstract lines are an easy DIY especially because there’s really no right or wrong way to execute this design. Try a fun color, like this forest green, and add some polkadots for added drama.

11

Moody French Nails with Curved Lines

For a manicure that Wednesday Addams would definitely approve of, these black abstract French nails are outlined with thick and thin lines and nude negative space.

12

Simple Flowers

These polka dot flower designs are a cute and effortless way to make a statement. The sheer base allows the design to really stand out, and the barely-there French tip brings a subtle touch of softness.

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13

French Outline

Skip the classic, squared French manicure and step outside the box with this blue French outline. Instead of filling in the French tip, the blue polish is left as just an outline so the shiny nude base can peek through.

14

Multicolor Outline Design

Summer means it’s time to add some color to your mani. If you don’t want to go full-on rainbow, a multicolor outline is a playful way to get your summer nail fix, without it becoming too overwhelming.

15

Simple Summer Mani

If you’re looking for something even more understated, don’t underestimate the impact of a single line. Try it with a few different colors on each nail for a simple yet eye-catching look.

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16

Matte Abstract Nails

While a shiny new set is great, matte nails deserve some love, too. The combination of lines and dots creates a stunning 3D effect that might make you a matte nail convert.

17

Sheer 3D Design

Whether you're looking for bridal inspo or simply want to up the ante, these gold shimmer nails are complete with gold streaks, stones, and flowers that will turn heads. If you aren’t too fond of colorful manicures, playing with 3 3D embellishments is an alternative option for a fun, no-fuss set.

18

Black and White Outline

You can never truly go wrong with black and white, and this cow print nail outline design is really all the proof you need.

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19

Little Red Hearts

Valentine's Day nails aren't only reserved for February. Tiny red hearts adorn each nail to help you channel the spirit of the season year-round.

20

Tortoise Shell Manicure

I love tortoise shell designs on my glasses so of course I’d love it just as much on my manicure. These tortoiseshell tips are just as elegant as your favorite accessories, but are still an interesting way to switch up your mani.

Headshot of Tasha Nicole Smith
Tasha Nicole Smith
Beauty Assistant

Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
 

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