If you've always envied people with long nails but are lacking in the growth department, there is a way to achieve your dream manicure. Whether you're looking to create an almond-shaped ombré design or a square tip French manicure, acrylics give you the ability to do it all. Plus, longer nails equals more surface area for tons of creative acrylic nail inspo.
Acrylics are strong, resilient nail extensions that allow you to take care of your everyday activities without fear of chipping or breaking your perfected manicure. The overlay is a combination of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer that form a paste that is then bonded to the natural nail. Once in place, it hardens and can be buffed and shaped as desired.
"Acrylic is a stronger nail coating than most hard gels, and some of my clients really need that durability," says Julie Kandalec, celebrity manicurist and founder of Julie K Nail Artelier in New York City. "I like using acrylic nails to create forever French designs and 3D nail art. Acrylic powders are also easily mixed and customizable, which is a valuable asset for creating the perfect shade for clients' skin tones."
Below, Kandalec shares 10 acrylic nail art ideas that will work perfectly with any outfit or mood.
What to Know Before Getting Acrylic Nails
Colored Tips
This acrylic nail design is one of our favorites because it works with any color. While this design was specifically for Pride, you can swap in a few fall shades for a transitional manicure. "This design is easy to maintain because your nail growth will be less obvious in between appointments," says Kandalec of a bare nail base with colored tip design.
Dramatic Forever French
This French acrylic design gives a clean, natural-looking, manicured look. "These are what we call 'Forever French' because there is no polish involved, says Kandalec. "The pink and white color comes from colored acrylic powders and an ultra-glossy gel top coat."
Playful Textures
Give your acrylic nail design a little sensory play with this neon-colored textured nail design. "Nail art doesn't have to be literal," says the manicurist. "Taking inspiration from the movement or mood of a print can be more on-trend to keep the design working through all four seasons."
Flower Power
Acrylic nails don't always have to be long nail extensions, there are tons of cute designs that can be worn with short nails, too. This floral nail art gives a soft and delicate look. "From painterly, realistic flowers to simple daisies, the colors you choose can elevate the look from simple to spectacular," says Kandalec.
Grounded Geometry
This modern design plays with geometry and rich fall colors. "One of my clients is very into manifestation and positive mind shift, so we chose a cool emerald and warm verbena color to keep her balanced," says the manicurist.
Pearls
Camila Cabello's gold shimmer nails were stunning on their own, but the addition of tiny pearls gave her manicure a three-dimensional looks that we can't stop staring at. It's also giving some major bridal vibes, if we may say.
Sticker Tape
Nail stickers and decals are the easiest way to achieve the most intricate and fun designs if your skill level doesn't yet match a professional artist. We love the fun that was created on this mani with metallic sticker tape, and the options are endless.
Destination Inspiration
We plan our outfits to suit our vacations, so why not our nails as well? This fun South Beach palette was perfect for sunny Miami, and a nod to the city's Art Deco-inspired past.
Glazed Donut
We can thank Hailey Bieber for introducing us to glazed donut nails, but it seems the trend is here to stay. There's just something about an iridescent mani that hits all the right notes of being minimal in design, but maxed out on fabulous.
Logo
Emily Blunt's look for the 2023 Met Gala was Chanel-inspired right down to her black nails. If you look closely, you can spot a tiny Chanel logo with an adorable gem in between the interlocking Cs on her ring finger. Logo nails are a fun way to spell out your love for a favorite brand or designer, or send a message with your mani.
