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10 Inspiring Nail Art Designs

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Nail art is not new. 600 years before the common era, Chinese aristocrats used long, shimmery and bejeweled nail guards as a symbol of wealth and leisure. Today, women still use long and fancy nail art designs to convey the same thing. Just look at celebrities and runway models and you'll see. But in our day, nail art isn't reserved for the rich. Many people choose to pay for fancy fingernail art designs or do it themselves to add some glam to their hands. It's also a great way to repair peeling nails by providing an added layer of protection. Here are 10 inspiring nail art designs you may want to try out soon.

Polka Dots

Pairing black polka dots with an unexpected color like this matte turquoise will make your nails pop. You could also add an accent nail that is solid turquoise or solid black. Or reverse the order and use turquoise polka dots on a black background on one finger per hand.

Galaxy

What could be more inspiring than outer space? Induce wonder and awe in all who gaze upon your nails with a celestial nail design pattern. What we love most about this design is that no two nails are the same. So go ahead and try this at home. Even if you make a mistake, it will look like a gorgeous galaxy in deep space.

Cracked and Matte

Who says you have to stick with just one nail art technique at a time? This cracked and matte nail art combo is amazing. The contrast between the two really compliments the other.

Glitter Stripes

Here's another amazing combo. Glitter and stripes. This design is not what you'd normally expect. Most people would choose to use a solid base with a glitter stripe. But in this example, the glitter is the base with the solid color as the accent stripe. It works incredibly well. Try it with silver sparkle and a white stripe for an elegant glam look.

CC-BY/Lelê Breveglieri/wikimedia

Stamped Clovers

Show off your Irish pride (or just your lucky streak) by stamping green clovers on your nails. The two-toned green makes the clovers subtle yet effective. It's a great design for St. Patrick's day too!

CC-BY/Romina Campos/wikimedia

Swirls

Another technique that looks good no matter how it turns out swirls. No two fingers need to be alike. You can use a stamp for these swirls or try your hand at freestyle. Either way, choose two contrasting colors to make the swirls pop!

CC-BY/Courtney Rhodes/wikimedia

Fan Girl Nail Art

Go ahead and show off your fangirl side with a set of nails dedicated to your favorite comic book, movie or TV show. This Sailor Moon nail design brings back all the feels! It's a great conversation starter. Why not sport it at the next comic-con?

CC-BY/lothompsons/flickr

Moving Nail Art

One of the most inspiring nail art designs is one where the nail design continues from one nail to the other. This robot with his long arms is a perfect example. There's so much you can do. A train track, a tiny stick man cartoon, day turning into night. The options are endless.

CC-BY/Neil Milne/Flickr

Finger Spell Words

Another idea for an attractive nail art design is to fingerspell a word. Your favorite band for example. Or a hashtag that means something to you. #metoo would be a powerful choice.

Mermaid Nails

What girl didn't dream of being a mermaid? Well, now you can be with this metallic, scaly nail art design. It's so simple. Choose a watery color like this deep water blue. Then dip the tip of your nail in nail glue followed by a dip in like-colored sequins. What's not to love?