The nail art craze is still in full swing, which means there’s never any shortage of bold designs to draw inspiration from. The French manicure of the early 2000s (and its seemingly endless iterations) are as popular as ever, while bizarre styles like the edge nails we saw in 2021 took things to an entirely new dimension — literally. But among all the buzzy trends, there’s no denying that you can never go wrong with simple nude nail designs.
Nude nails are a classic look that’s flattering on every skin tone, will never go out of style, and are appropriate for any occasion — making them an easy go-to choice when you’re stumped on what color to choose at the salon. However, there comes a time when you inevitably want to amp up your usual nude manicure with a little something extra. Luckily, there are tons of nude nail designs to help you take your mani to the next level.
Whether it’s adding a subtle heart design, marble swirls, or crystal nail embellishments, your nude manicure does not have to be boring. Ahead, discover 10 nude nail designs you’ll want to bookmark for your next manicure appointment.
Nude Nail Designs Inspiration
Black Swirls
It’s no secret that swirls are one of the trendiest nail art designs these days. These simple black swirls add a modern, whimsical feel to a nude manicure.
Nude Hearts
Perhaps the most subtle of all the nude nail designs, this heart manicure is undeniably sweet.
Neon Accents
A pop of neon pink (and a touch of sparkle) puts an unexpected twist on this milky pink nail color.
Tortoise Tips
Tortoiseshell nail art has become quite popular lately, but it’s definitely a statement. If you’re not willing to commit to a full mani, try a subtler take on the trend with these tortoise tips.
Abstract Black & White
Why choose one nail design when you can mix and match? This fun black and white manicure combines several nail art trends to create something totally unique.
Nude Gradient
Creating a gradient with your nail colors look is an easy way to spice up a regular manicure without the technical prowess that so many nail art designs require.
Sheer Nude With Hearts
Even the tiniest hearts can make a big impact on a sheer nude manicure. Plus, this low-key design is a great option for shorter nails.
Metallic Foil
Nothing creates an eye-catching manicure quite like metallic touches. This design can be achieved with polish, nail foil, or nail stickers.
Crystal French Mani
These dainty crystals make this French manicure glam in the most subtle way.
Nude Marble
This psychedelic nail design is so pretty — and surprisingly easy to recreate. If you’re not into a full marbled manicure, try going for a couple of accent nails like in this manicure.
You might also like: 11 Minimalist Nail Art Ideas That Are Anything But Boring