30 cute almond nail designs to try now
There are endless options for this foolproof mani shape.
There's a reason almond-shaped nails have been everywhere lately—the design is universally flattering for all fingers and nail beds. The shape includes filed sides, similar to oval nails, but with a more narrow tip (like the shape of an actual almond). Short or long, almond nails look timeless. The only tough part of your almond nail manicure? Figuring out what design to pair the elegant shape with. But don't fret–here are 30 almond nail designs, from minimalist French tips to maximalist bold designs, and there’s something for everyone.
Seeing Stars
Celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey gives a nude nail star power with metallic green stars in a variety of sizes.
Magnetic Pull
What’s old is new again with the resurgence of magnetic polish, which gives a hypnotic, mirror-like sheen.
Dark florals
Florals are always fun, but when they’re black daisies, they take on a whole new level of chic.
Croc Effect
A crocodile print is effortlessly stylish, but take the pattern up a notch by making each nail a different hue.
Black Hearts
This design takes advantage of the almond nails’ natural heart-like shape. A small dot near the cuticle and the black hue makes it more black tie than cutesy.
Pink Aura
The soft, aura-like orb design is super glam when paired with a sleek pink hue.
A Modern Twist
These black and white nails double as abstract art, thanks to the modernist-inspired design.
Cherry Cola
A dark cherry with an impossibly shiny finish is always in fashion.
Abstract Idea
Colourful and quirky designs make almond nails stand out from the pack.
Subtle Touches
Ombre hues are boosted with the addition of a mini 3-D heart in the middle of each nail. Plus, the subtle design makes it super wearable–even if flashy designs aren't your go-to.
Monochrome Extravaganza
Find a few of your favorite blue shades and let each nail take on a different design element, from tie-dye to evil eye.
Groovy Touches
Checkerboard print gets paired with dainty florals and geometric shapes for a retro twist.
Diamond Glow
A glossy nude nail gets red carpet ready with a gem-encrusted tip, as seen on Jessica Alba at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party by celebrity artist Queenie Nguyen.
Spring Florals
Groundbreaking? They are when celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik hand paints sweet white petals on nails with a pop of fluorescent yellow.
Neon Strike
A geometric design hypnotises all with neon green, black, and electric blue hues.
French Tipped
A French tip on a perfectly shaped almond nail is timeless and classic.
Chrome Effects
Or, shake the French tip style up with an eye-catching metallic green colour.
Marbled
A nude base gets a high-design and modern makeover with black marbling, as seen by artist Naomi Yasuda.
Cheeky Smiles
Add a smile to a sparkly pale pink base—especially geometric smiley faces.
Specks of Metallic
Celebrity artist Mo Qin reimagines the metallic mani with this silver-flaked chrome look on a white, almond-shaped nail.
Snakeskin
What do soapy bubbles, lime green, and almond-shaped nails have in common? Thanks to the ingenuity of celebrity artist Imarni, all three combine to make this snakeskin-like mani.
Gold Touches
Subtle gold elements look simple yet sophisticated.
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye is always en vogue—and couldn’t be easier to replicate with jelly polishes.
Bugging Out
A ladybug is always a good idea; after all, it is said to bring luck and fortune. Channel both with bright red tips and a charming bug design.
Charming Cherries
Artist Kim Truong makes cherries look extra sweet with a minimalist, cutesy design.
Put A Ring On It
Matte nude almond nails get the look of trompe-l’oeil rings with jewels and gel bonding.
Spring Swirls
Spring hues and a modern side swoosh design give almond nails a breath of fresh air.
Unadorned Florals
Go back to the basics with deconstructed flowers made of simple dots.
Mod Floral Print
Or take your florals to mod heights by enlarging them into a retro ‘60s-inspired motif.
Delicate Pearls
When in doubt, a creamy nude colour with a pearl applique at the cuticle line is always beautiful.
Feature Image Credits: @karin.nailedit/Instagram
This article originally appeared in harpersbazaar.com/us in April 2024.
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