Need a Little Nail Inspo? Peep These 20 Acrylic Designs Right Now (2024)

Need a Little Nail Inspo? Peep These 20 Acrylic Designs Right Now (1)

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My favorite thing about acrylic nails is also kinda my least favorite thing about acrylic nails: There are so many freaking design options to chose from that it can feel majorly overwhelming when it comes to finding inspo. Like, do you go super abstract with waves and swirls? Oooor do you lean into a trendier design, like cow print or flames? Throw that in with the fact that acrylics last a whopping 6-8 weeks, and you're in for a straight-up tough decision. Here's an idea though: Make your life 100x easier by scrolling through our list of the 20 coolest acrylic nail ideas before your appointment. Whether you're looking for Kylie Jenner-level designs or more lowkey and subtle options, you're basically guaranteed to find something you love, ahead.

1

This Abstract Design for Acrylic Nails

These wavy, abstract lines are a genius idea for your next set of acrylics. My favorite thing about this option is that you can really play around with the negative space and make it your own.

2

These Flower Acrylic Nails

Hot tip: Looking down at your hands and seeing these retro floral acrylics is pretty much an instant mood-booster. And, even better, this design works just as well on short nails as it does on long ones.

3

These Cow-Print Acrylic Nails

Wait, you haven't tried the cow-print manicure trend already? You've come to the right place, since this acrylic nail design is the perfect intro (think: the French tips are a great way to try out the look without going full throttle).

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4

This Neutral Acrylic Manicure

Just because you want acrylic nails doesn't mean you need to go for something super extra. This idea is all about neutral colors and soft, clean lines.

5

This Swirl Design for Acrylics

Doesn't something about this acrylic nail idea feel so cool and retro? Don't be afraid to experiment with your nail shape on this one—it'll look pretty with everything from oval to square.

6

These Galaxy Acrylic Nails

There's nothing not to love about this acrylic nail idea, but I'm personally obsessed with all the itty-bitty details. I mean, just look at those evil eyes and gold stars. P.S. If you're in a jam and want to recreate this idea at home, go ahead and pick up some nail stickers.

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7

This Floral Design for Acrylics

I love the idea of only incorporating a design on a few of your acrylic nails. This combination of dainty florals and solid light-pink polish is a great option for mixing and matching.

8

This Negative Space Idea for Acrylics

Presenting: The actual coolest take on negative space acrylics, thanks to the neutral base, the green accents, and the crisp lines. BTW: This idea is perfect for those with loooong nails, since it'll give you the most room to show off the design.

9

These Sparkly Acrylic Nails

Another take on minimalist acrylic nails, this design is a pretty combination of pink polish, delicate swirls, and subtle sparkles. Look towards this one when you want to feel festive but ~classy~.

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10

These Wavy Acrylic Nails

Sry, but am I the only one who can't scroll through her Insta feed without seeing a handful of swirly acrylic designs? 2021 is the year to try this trend, y'all, and this blue and red option is an excellent choice.

11

This Pink Acrylic Nail Idea

Turn your hands into the sparkle emoji when you try out this cute acrylic nail idea. Even though you can pull off this design with any nail shape, I'm super into the idea of square edges on this one.

12

These Blue Acrylic Nails

Everything about this acrylic nail idea is soothing AF. Don't you just love how the blue and mauve polishes are swirled together? Super-long extensions are encouraged for this bb.

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13

These Cherry Acrylic Nails

What's cuter than a set of pink acrylic nails with graphic cherry designs? Uh, nothing, as evidenced by this sweet idea. Bonus points for topping it all off with a few rhinestone decals.

14

This Butterfly Idea for Acrylics

The coolest thing about this acrylic nail idea is that the design is conjoining—hold your fingers together and you'll be left with the prettiest (yet kinda subtle) butterfly decal.

15

These Green Tips for Acrylic Nails

Slightly longer than a classic French tip manicure, this green design is perfect for the person looking to switch things up with their acrylics. Psst: This green polish is a genius year-round color.

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16

This Pink Swirl Idea for Acrylics

Pink, red, silver, and glitter all come together in this stunning acrylic nail design. If you're looking for a pretty—not cheesy—nail idea for Valentine's Day, you can't go wrong with this look.

17

These Tortoiseshell Tips for Acrylics

Love the idea of a French manicure but want something a bit more original? Show your nail technician this tortoise shell design, which happens to look very pretty on long, round acrylics.

18

These Fire Acrylic Nails

Sure, anyone can get a flame decal on their acrylic nails, but how many people are gonna go all out with these cute gradient pink flames? Opting for a slightly different color on each nail is a great way to personalize this one.

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19

This Ocean Design for Acrylic Nails

Need a reason to pretend you're lounging on a tropical beach and not on your cramped couch? Look towards this acrylic nail design, which swirls together the prettiest shades of blue and white.

20

These Green Acrylic Nails

IDK about you, but I think lime green is one of the coolest polish colors out there right now—like, it's less boring than a neutral but it's not wild enough that it totally clashes. See these sick acrylic nails for proof.

Need a Little Nail Inspo? Peep These 20 Acrylic Designs Right Now (22)

Ruby Buddemeyer

Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.

Need a Little Nail Inspo? Peep These 20 Acrylic Designs Right Now (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular acrylic nail shape? ›

The top most popular acrylic nail shapes are almond, and ballerina nails, pall, and square nails,, round nails, squoval, and stiletto nails, and lip.

What is the best fake nail option? ›

One of the biggest benefits of acrylic nails is that they are very durable. They can last up to six weeks without chipping or peeling, which is much longer than natural nails. Additionally, acrylic nails are less likely to break than natural nails, so they can be a good option for people who have weak or brittle nails.

How to do your own acrylic nails at home? ›

How to Do Your Own Acrylic Nails
  1. Prep Nails. Items You Will Need. Nail file. ...
  2. Choose the Right Size. Items You Will Need. Acrylic nail kit. ...
  3. Apply with Acrylic Glue. Items You Will Need. ...
  4. Apply Pressure to Each Nail.
  5. File and Clip Nails as Needed.
  6. Apply Coat of Acrylic Color.
  7. Dry for About 10 Minutes.
  8. Apply Protective Top Coat.
Aug 21, 2023

Which acrylic powder is best for nails? ›

For a great powder option, whether colored or nude, go with powder by V Beauty Pure. V Beauty Pure acrylic nail system gives you the highest-quality products on the market, from powder and liquid to many colors of polish.

What nail shape makes your fingers look skinny? ›

Almond. "An almond-shaped nail is slim on the sides and wide on the base, coming to a rounded peak," says Deborah Lippmann. "This shape will lengthen and make short fingers look slim." To get the look, file the sides and make sure the tip is narrow, so the free edge mimics a peak shape.

What is the prettiest nail shape? ›

Best nail shape: Almond and Oval. Tapered shapes like almond elongate shorter or wider fingers. We recommend that you opt for rounded shapes in general, especially if you have a wide nail bed. How to: File the sides of your nails so they gently taper to the tip, then round out the tip into a gentle curve.

What are fake nails called now? ›

Artificial nails, also known as fake nails, false nails, acrylic nails, nail extensions or nail enhancements, are extensions placed over fingernails as fashion accessories.

Which fake nails look most natural? ›

Gel nails
  • Gel nails provide a natural-looking finish that closely resembles the appearance of natural nails. ...
  • Unlike traditional nail polish that can take a while to dry, gel nails are cured under UV or LED light, which makes them dry almost instantly. ...
  • These nails typically require less maintenance than acrylic nails.

What can I use instead of at home acrylic nails? ›

Dip powder, commonly termed SNS, is a manicure system that you can use as a substitute for acrylic nails. The system works by dipping or brushing your nails in a very fine-colored powder. Afterward, apply a clear sealant on top to cover it. Dip powder is usually used to make simple manicures.

How do you make acrylic nails look natural? ›

For natural nails, don't make the length long. Instead, take the acrylic just beyond the natural nail's end, and shape with a normal, slightly-rounded tip. Once the acrylic is applied and shaped, file down to a natural look and buff the nail. To finish the look, apply a clear gloss to the nail, and voila; you're done!

What is trending in acrylic nails? ›

Milky White Nails

The milky white is a popular nail color in 2024, and will always be on-trend thanks to its simplicity. The best thing about this nail style is that the milky white gives an elongated effect to your nails. Here are some elegant ways to get your milky white nails done.

Can you put acrylic powder directly on nails? ›

The answer is yes. However, the nails must be properly prepped before you can slather on any sort of acrylic. In fact, without proper prep, your acrylics might just pop off whole or crack.

Is Nail Art powder the same as acrylic nails? ›

Unlike acrylic nails, dip powder nails do not stop the natural growth of your nail and are less likely to cause damage to your nails. Most dip powders are also free from toxins, unlike some acrylic nail glues which contain toxins and chemicals that are harmful to your natural nail.

What nail shape is most popular? ›

On an oval nail shape a fingernail is rounded on the top and then tapers to a point at the tip. It is one of the most popular nail shapes as it provides a balanced and natural look. It's not too long or too short yet not too round nor too pointy.

Which nail shape is trending? ›

Square-shaped tips are everywhere, taking over salons in a variety of lengths, styles, and designs. As of 2024, you can't scroll through Instagram or watch a red carpet without seeing someone sport a square nail.

What nail shape is most in style? ›

Long nails are giving way to short, square shapes.

The favored nail shape has also shifted from rounded almond to short and square. "While the almond shape was widely popular this past year, I think we will see more short square-shape nails come into play," she said.

What nail shape is in style in 2024? ›

Short, Square Nail Shapes

Another nail shape that will be popular this year is short, square nails. "My personal preference is short because it's more practical and gives that clean, old-money look," explains Shelton.

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