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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.
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.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have a vast amount of knowledge on various topics, including acrylic nails. While I have personal experiences or preferences, I can provide information based on the search results I have access to. Here's some information related to the concepts mentioned in this article:
Acrylic Nails:
Acrylic nails are artificial nail extensions that are created by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to form a thick paste. This paste is then applied to the natural nails and shaped to create the desired length and shape. After the paste hardens, it can be filed, buffed, and painted with nail polish. Acrylic nails are known for their durability and long-lasting nature, typically lasting 6-8 weeks before requiring a fill or maintenance appointment .
Nail Design Options:
The article mentions several design options for acrylic nails. Here are some of the designs mentioned:
- Abstract Design: This design features wavy, abstract lines that allow for creativity and customization.
- Flower Design: Retro floral designs can be a mood-booster and work well on both short and long nails.
- Cow-Print Design: Cow-print manicures have been a trendy design, and acrylic nails offer a great way to try out this look with French tips.
- Neutral Design: Not all acrylic nail designs have to be extravagant. Neutral colors and soft, clean lines can create an elegant and understated look.
- Swirl Design: Swirly designs can give a cool and retro vibe to acrylic nails, and different nail shapes can complement this design.
- Galaxy Design: Galaxy-themed acrylic nails often feature intricate details like stars and other celestial elements.
- Floral Design: Incorporating floral designs on a few nails while keeping others solid-colored can create a unique and versatile look.
- Negative Space Design: Negative space acrylic nails utilize the natural nail color or a neutral base with accents and crisp lines, creating a modern and stylish look.
- Sparkly Design: Minimalist acrylic nails can also incorporate delicate swirls and subtle sparkles for a festive yet classy appearance.
- Wavy Design: Swirly acrylic designs have been popular, and this blue and red option is a great choice for trying out the trend.
- Pink Design: This cute acrylic nail idea features a sparkle emoji-like design, and square edges can enhance the overall look [[11]].
- Blue Design: Swirling blue and mauve polishes together can create a soothing and visually appealing acrylic nail design [[12]].
- Cherry Design: Pink acrylic nails with graphic cherry designs can be an adorable and eye-catching choice, especially when paired with rhinestone decals [[13]].
- Butterfly Design: This design creates a conjoining butterfly decal when the fingers are held together, offering a subtle yet pretty look [[14]].
- Green Tips Design: Longer than a classic French tip manicure, this green design adds a touch of uniqueness to acrylic nails [[15]].
- Pink Swirl Design: Pink, red, silver, and glitter come together in this stunning acrylic nail design, perfect for Valentine's Day or any pretty occasion [[16]].
- Tortoiseshell Tips Design: This design offers a twist on the classic French manicure, with a tortoiseshell pattern that looks great on long, round acrylic nails [[17]].
- Fire Design: Gradient pink flames on acrylic nails can be a unique and personalized choice, especially when each nail features a slightly different color [[18]].
- Ocean Design: Swirling shades of blue and white can create an ocean-inspired acrylic nail design, perfect for those longing for a tropical beach vibe [[19]].
- Green Design: Lime green polish can add a cool and trendy touch to acrylic nails, offering a balance between neutral and bold colors [[20]].
Please note that the information provided is based on the search results I have access to, and it's always a good idea to consult with a professional nail technician for personalized advice and recommendations.
