53 stunning nail designs for your next manicure appointment

These nails evoke antique jewellery with their swirls of chrome, gilded edges and cat-eye polish that shimmers like citrine amber.

The '90s called — deep French tips are officially back. Ask your nail artist for a chunkier line and a classic almond shape.

If torties or cow print aren’t your thing, try snake print instead. The trend of the moment is surprisingly easy to recreate thanks to blooming gel polish, which expands on the nail for that natural, scaly effect.

If you’re over the cherry trend but craving something darker and moodier, try blackberry chrome: an inky purple polish topped with a dusting of icy chrome powder.

Tortoiseshell nails aren’t going anywhere, but give them a fresh twist with a floral or leafy design.

There’s never a wrong time for a dirty martini — and no bad place for one either, especially when the olives look this cute on your nails.

Our blush obsession (the more, the better) was bound to reach our nails eventually. This delicate blush design over BIAB is subtle yet seriously pretty.

Eye-catching, mysterious and a whole load of fun, there's a reason why cat-eye nails have been taking off for the past few years. But 2026 is only going to take it further. Already we're seeing new twists and spin-offs like these stunning green cat-eye Frenchies.

Or, opt for an all-over shade in an intriguing colour that switches up as it catches the light at different angles.

Match you mood to your mani with a circular aura design in colours that speak to you.

These assorted airbrush nails mix various colours and patterns to create something truly individual.

Not new, but oh so classic — and a headliner for the entire year.

You could also tap into the cherry red trend in a more playful way with dinky cherry details.

Dill pickle is the unexpected shade we didn't know we needed, but we love an offbeat nail moment. This mirror Frenchie is a cute way to incorporate the shade without going full whack.

But we also love a dill pickle colour block moment.

Cute, sophisticated and elegant, these pearl nails make a very chic statement.

Bow details continue to be a major trend and this glittery mani is an adorable way to wear them.

Pinterest saw a 175% uptick in searches for “fruity nails” in summer and we've been spotting them everywhere.

Not sure which design to choose? Mix ‘n’ match for major individuality.

This mix ‘n’ match mani blends a bunch of leading nail trends: chrome, aura, 3D and maximalism.

Can't decide on which shade to top off your Frenchie? Go for them all.

Take two massive trends and combine them and you have 3D Frenchies. Your nail artist will likely use hard gel or builder gel to create the raised details.

The classic French tip has had a remix with butter glazed Frenchies.

Chrome nails across a whole spectrum of colours have dominated in recent years, but silver in particular is cool, futuristic and goes with everything.

It's cute, pretty and elegant all in one hit and blends multiple top trends: glazed donut, chrome and balletcore.

Cowgirl nails have taken off with a little help from Beyonce (courtesy of her Cowboy Carter tour). We love cow print Frenchies and cowgirl motifs.

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Cowgirl nails are about to be everywhere

So saddle up.

By Elle Turner

It's a classic for a reason and we're about to see a whole lot more of it heading into 2026.

Peach has been infiltrating our makeup trends, so it makes sense that it's also all over our nails, too.

3D may sound a little OTT and futuristic (it is) but it's also stunning and so wearable. The options to make a 3D mani your own are endless.

Remix a white-tipped Frenchie with black for an edgier take on the classic manicure trend.

We love full commitment to a manicure and this extra gemstone extravaganza is an explosion of everything. Adore!

Red tones will also see modern updates, like this juicy, sheer, jelly finish.

Updating the glazed donut, aurora nails — inspired by the many mesmerising shades of aurora borealis or the Northern Lights — give the same glow, but add in extra dimensional detail that you can't take your eyes off.

A more minimal way to wear 3D nails that's still wonderfully extra — and perfect for weddings.

This manages to feel classic, modern and beautiful all at once.

The ’00s have struck once again with nail piercings. This is a pretty, new-gen way to wear a throwback trend.

This cut-out triangle mani is a statement but still super wearable.

Try a mirror Frenchie with icy silver along the cuticles.

Safari print is a stylish way to introduce a little bit of pattern to an outfit. Want to keep it minimal? Try zebra tips.

This mix ‘n’ match mani by top manicurist Imarni, has so much personality and is perfect if you can't decide on one design.

This doubled-up Frenchie has a little extra glitz.

More of a minimalist? Remix a Frenchie by keeping the shades, but mixing up the design with a modern swirl pattern.

We’re obsessed with this peekaboo nail design by Paintbox, featuring a bandeau of aero green that's “like wearing a crop top on your nails”. It’s a mood.

We love this pick ‘n’ mix design from Sincerely Jules, which is a mash-up of mood-boosting designs, including smiley faces, flowers, swirls and the yin-yang symbol.

These colourful rainbow stripe nails are a cute way to incorporate colour into your outfit.

Perfect if you like something more pared back, this gold foil design layered over cow print is a pretty way to accessorise without jewellery.

Glitz works all year round, but especially as we head into the festive season. We love this gradient glitter mani.

This two-tone half-moon design is equal parts chic and playful.

For something a little less busy try a tonal squiggle with a neutral base

Ombré designs are also proving popular. Eve Meets Nails has blended the trend down and across her fingertips to form an ombré and gradient rainbow mani. So. Cute.

Consider this the champagne of nail shades — bright, bubbly and celebratory.

The choices really are endless, and we all know the fear that comes with committing to a nail design. So to help you on your quest, consider this your go-to for the very best nail art out there, and trust us when we say that whichever one you go for, you’ll have everyone asking where you got your nails done. Enjoy.

Want more nail ideas? Check out our guide to acrylic nails and the best at-home gel nail kits, as well as our favourite nail polish shades.