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 most popular acrylic nail shape styles could be narrowed down to eight Forecourt/ Dollhouse, pall/ Ballerina, Stiletto/ Almond, Oval pall mongrel, Edge/ Squoval, Round/ Circle and much more!

What are the least damaging fake nails? ›

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

What's the best type of fake nails to get? ›

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.

What are the best acrylic nails to get? ›

Round acrylic nails are ideal if your natural nails are usually kept short. The style lends a simple look to your fingertips that is easy to maintain.

What is the most attractive nail? ›

Red conveys a direct attraction and is associated with sensuality and erotic interest. Black, one of the favorite colors, is considered particularly trendy and is therefore also associated with attractiveness.

What's the most attractive nail shape? ›

An almond nail shape is a sure-fire way to fake length. With slim sides that taper at the tip, it's one of the most sought-after nail shape on your social media feed because of its chic, modern look.

Which is worse for your nails gel or dip? ›

Though dip powders are generally considered the gentlest option, both gels and dips can be used long-term without damaging your nails. Once again, choosing a high-quality product – and taking care of your nails properly – are the most important factors when it comes to nail health.

What are the dangers of acrylic nails? ›

However, acrylic nails may cause nail damage or skin irritation. Individuals who get acrylic nails may experience allergic reactions, eczema, or nail thinning. By using artificial nails less and following proper nail care, a person may reduce their risk of adverse effects.

Can you get mold under acrylic nails? ›

Fungal nail infection. This can occur when moisture collects under acrylic nails. It is more common with nails that are left on for 3 months or longer.

What fake nails look most natural? ›

If acrylic nails are a good option for long, shapely styles, then gels are the right choice for achieving more natural looks. If you like shorter nail styles, like square, circle, and squoval styles, gel nails can help you achieve them with ease.

What fake nails stay on the longest? ›

Acrylic may last the longest, by a few days, but the best for your nails is dip. Dip can last anywhere from 10–15 days. I like acrylic nails and have had them for about 20 years. I have tried gel nails, here and there and like them because they are natural looking.

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.

How much is a good set of acrylic nails? ›

The starting price for a full set of acrylic nails ranges from $30 to $35 in a mid-tier salon. However, this is only the base price as many factors count, like the skill levels of the nail technician or the salon location we mentioned before. These kinds of factors and others will influence the price of the service.

What shape of acrylic nails last the longest? ›

Round-shaped acrylic nails are super comfortable and don't break easily. They also last longer which means fewer visits to your nail tech! If you prefer to experiment with trending nail colors, then you can try out other acrylic nail shapes like oval and stiletto.

What is the most popular acrylic shape? ›

Square nails can be any length, ranging from short to super long tips. According to Dang, they're really the easiest acrylic nail shape to achieve since most tips are squared. Because of this, they're one of, if not the most popular acrylic nail shapes.

What is the number one nail shape? ›

With their wide base and slim sides, almond nails are a popular choice when it comes to nail shape. A natural look that makes your fingers look longer; but you'll have to grow your nails first as this shape is suited to longer natural nails.

What nail shape is popular in 2024? ›

When it comes to nail shapes, the latest trends for 2024 are all about making a statement. From the sharp and bold stiletto and coffin shapes to the elegant almond and deep square silhouettes, elongated nails are taking center stage.

What acrylic nail shape is easiest to type with? ›

There are a couple of shapes that are easier to type with than others. These include oval and flat-shaped nails, such as a square shape. The nail shapes that are the hardest to type with are sharp-edged shapes and pointy shapes, such as the almond or cat nail shape.

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