20 Amazing Nail Art Designs to Try This Year

Polka dots and metallic finishes reign supreme.

By Erin Mayer and Lauren Smith, redbook

There's almost no limit to what you (or a skilled technician!) can do with nail design. And thanks to Instagram, there's a bevy of incredible accounts to explore. Before you invest in your next manicure, take note of what trends the pros are obsessed with this year. 

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1.

Chrome Studs

The key to pulling off this trend is pairing studs with soft, feminine rose gold nails.

See more at Fleury Rose.

2.

Squiggles

All you need is a black nail polish pen to DIY this modern look. Even though it looks complicated, we promise it's impossibly easy.

See more at Chelsea Queen.

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3.

Graphic Gray

When you let negative space pop through these white, black, and grey patterns, this look feels classic — not harsh.

See more at Miss Pop Nails.

4.

Polka Dots

It's impossible to mess up this colorful trend. Just make sure you have an assortment of vibrant colors in your cabinet before you get started.

See more at Vanity Projects.

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5

Galaxy Designs

Astrology lovers will go nuts over this design, which features colorful metallics and statement-making black stars.

See more at Jessica Washick.

6

Mismatched

Who says both hands need to match? A pink and black color scheme keeps the look cohesive while differing designs add visual interest.

See more at Olive & June.

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7

Spotted Plum

A trio of dots add dimension to an otherwise simple berry-colored nail. If you're looking for a similar color, try OPI Iconic Infinite Shine "Berry On Forever" (ulta.com).

See more at Paintbox.

8

Bold Shapes

Don't be afraid to go bright and bold with your nails this season — no need to wait for warmer weather!

See more at Paintbox.

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9

Minimalist Floral

Dip your toe in the nail art waters with a floral design on one finger per hand. Paint the rest with a nude like OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in "Samoan Sand" (ulta.com).

See more at Olive & June.

10

Metallic Accents

This stunning design puts an edgy metallic twist on ballet pink. Get the look with the iconic Essie polish in "Ballet Slippers," (ulta.com) and some silver decals.

See more at So Hot Right Nail.

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11

 

Hands In The Clouds

If only an actual cloudy sky looked this good!

See more at Steph Stone Nails.

12 

Metallic Dots

Classic polka-dots get a trendy update with metallic gold on a swimming pool blue background.

See more at Miss Lady Finger.

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13

White Triangles

The negative space trend strikes again, this time with bold white triangles against a clear background.

See more at Paintbox.



14

Glitter Details

Glitter can most definitely look chic, as demonstrated by the Paintbox manicure with contrasting gold sparkle and robins egg blue sections.

See more at Paintbox.
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15

Black and White

A simple and sweet design that won't conflict with any outfit. Nail artist Miss Pop used CND Vinylux Weekly Polish in "Blackpool" (amazon.com) for the half-circles.

See more at Miss Pop Nails.



16

Eye Art

Cute and kinda eerie at the same time. You'll need a steady hand — or a trusted professional — to copy this mani.

See more at Olive & June.
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17

Mixed Finishes

A combination of textures gives a simple nail design an elevated, modern look. Try Sally Hansen Big Matte Topcoat (ulta.com) to get the chic matte finish.

See more at Alicia T. Nails.



18

Criss-Cross

L.A.-based artist Fariha Ali created with this sleek geometric design punctuated by gold accents.

See more at Nailjob.
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19

Negative Space

Even minimalists can have some fun with a simple, striking design like this one. Artist Madeline Poole used Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in "Haute Stone" (ulta.com) for the rectangles.

See more at MP Nails and Mike Garten.
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20

Purple Galaxy

Get in on two trends at once with this Pantone Color of the Year-inspired galaxy nail art. Ultra Violet is the perfect backdrop for a starry sky design.

See more at Chelsea Queen.

See more at: redbook