Pink nail designs will never go out of style in our book. This beautiful shade offers incredible versatility as well as injecting some much-needed fun into an everyday manicure.
From deep barrels to muted baby pink, the nail design options are endless with pink. A color that works all year round and for almost any occasion, there’s nothing wrong with that. However, the versatility of pink nail looks can make the choice overwhelming, which is why taking inspiration from our roundup of expert looks can help you avoid that tricky salon debating stage.
As we approach the holiday season, we can expect to see glittery nail designs, especially making waves. One trend manicurists are seeing for AW22 is the classic French pink, reinvented. “French manicures are very much on trend this year. As the holiday season approaches, we’re going to see a lot more glittery French manicures,” predicts Tinu Bello. (opens in new tab), Senior Ambassador to Mylee. So whether you decide to keep things classic with your pink nail designs, or rock the boat with glitter and ombre nails, pink will make a beautiful statement this season.
30 pink nail designs to inspire your next salon visit
1. Pink French nails
You can never go wrong with classic French nails, but it doesn’t hurt to switch up the color scheme in favor of something bolder. Keep your natural nail color down and opt for a bright Barbie pink for a unique yet versatile look.
2. Pink highlights the nails
To make your pink nail design accents really stand out, pair them with contrasting colors. Green is the opposite of pink on the color wheel, so the two combined make a nice combination. We recommend investing in a detailing brush to achieve sharp lines like these.
3. Pink marble nails
Marble nail designs are growing in popularity, and this pink design confirms why. Choose a marble accent nail to make the design pop, or go bold with the pattern on each nail. Use a darker gloss glaze to add highlights for a textured feel.
4. Donut nails with pink glaze
Glaze nails went viral this year thanks to model Hailey Bieber, and the chrome effect is perfect for pink winter nail designs. This holographic style tends to shift colors, so it’s ideal for those who want a subtle pink with added interest. Use an extra layer of glitter to make your nails really shine.
5. Classic baby pink nails
Sometimes simple is best. This gorgeous shade of baby pink compliments shorter nails perfectly and is sure to go with any outfit. On natural nails, especially when using gel polish, it pays to “apply cuticle oil every day to keep your nails super healthy,” says Bello.
6. Pink aura nails
Aura nails are a new take on ombre styles, where the fade is spherical. This design is soft and muted, but still nice and can be done in any color of your choice. Start with a neutral base color to make your chosen aura color really stand out.
7. Pink nail art
When looking for nail designs for short nails, it can be tricky to find affordable styles. We love this simple floral design as it can be made to any length and will look just as shiny as it does matte. If you don’t have nail tools, use the end of a hairpin to create dots and lines.
8. Milk pink nails
For a natural look of pink nail designs, we love this light milky color. Giving a better effect to your nails, it works on all skin tones and nail lengths. If you’re doing your nails at home, try mixing pink, white and a top coat of glitter to achieve a completely personalized look.
9. Pink glitter nails
“The shine lasts a lot longer than most nail polishes,” says Bello. “Top up the shine with Builder Gel or Magic Extender Gel for a solid coat over your nails. This will stop any chipping and give it a smooth finish.”
10. Contrasting pink nails
Can’t decide between dark or light pink? You have both! Experiment with different ways of separating colors using glitters or an ombre fade; the options are endless. When wearing jewelry, seal it with a top coat of gel for long-lasting wear.
11. Nails with pink details
Add details like swirls and lines in different shades of pink for a unique yet versatile look. We love the combination with orange for a statement, but you could equally replace it with white for a toned-down style look. Use a blue base color to make the small details pop.
12. Pink ombre nails
Ombre should not only refer to a gradual fade on each nail. For an easy look at home, use different shades of pink to create a horizontal ombre on your hands. Add glitter or some nail art to level up the look.
13. Pink Polka Dot Nails
Another easy DIY look, all you need for polka dots is something small and round to seal the nail polish. Suitable for all nail lengths, this is a truly foolproof style. Try applying a white base coat and adding hot pink polka dots to create a statement pattern.
14. Pink Glitter French Tip Nails
Glossy French tips are all over this season, and we love how they look with pink tones. Suitable for square or round nail shapes, this style is a great way to add a hint of sparkle to your manicure. Use a thin nail brush to get clear smile lines for the perfect tip.
15. Matte pink nail art
If pink is the clearest part of your nail polish, add a matte top coat to create some texture and liven up the design. We love how this bright color makes the marble design stand out, which is ideal for party nail designs.
16. Diagonal French tip nails
Have you had enough of the classic French type, but still not ready to abandon the style altogether? Try a diagonal tip, a unique design that we haven’t seen on many people’s radars yet. For added luxury, add a transitional gold or silver glaze.
17. Pink chrome nails
Chrome is a great alternative to glitter, ideal for something a little more toned down that still has party appeal. We think chrome polishes look best in light colors, so choose a pink shade for a bright and beautiful mani.
18. Short Pink French Tip Nails
French tips aren’t just reserved for long nails. The style can be achieved at any length, and we love this natural and refined look. Bright roses will stand out from your hands, meaning this gorgeous design will catch the eye regardless of the shorter length.
19. Pink animal print nails
Leopard is one of our favorite prints and works perfectly for pink nail designs. Use pink either as a base shade, or use different tones of pink to build the design. From matte to glossy, there are hundreds of ways it can be interpreted.
20. Pink matte glitter nails
To make your nail stand out even more, try matte gloss. This can be done with a matte polish, or by applying a matte top coat to normal polishes. For a textured look like this, ask to try powder nails the next time you hit the salon.
21. Pink marble tips
A combination of two of our favorite pink nail designs, these marble tips are a real statement piece that will set you apart from the crowd. This is probably best achieved in the salon, where your artist can embrace the uneven lines to get a completely custom finish.
22. Nails with pink stripes
Combine ombre, french and stripes for this totally eye-catching pink nail design. Nail preparation is key to making this design look as clean as possible, so be sure to clean the nail with acetone and push back the cuticles before you start painting.
23. Pink Christmas nails
Don’t think you can only stick to reds and greens for Christmas nail design. There are endless ways to make pink a festive color and we love this snowy design. If painting snowflakes is a little beyond your skills, invest in some nail decorations that can be easily attached.
24. Abstract pink nails
This design is ideal for those who struggle with complicated nail art but still want to create a pink nail design that stands out. No need to invest in tiny nail brushes, just use the built-in brush on the side to create these flowing shapes.
25. Minimal pink nail detail
Add subtle hints of pink through minimalistic details like hearts. Paint as much or as little as you want, or try adding an ombre effect by using different shades of pink on each nail. For a cohesive look, use a very light pink base coat.
26. Pink croc print nails
If leopard print isn’t your speed, check out pink croc print nail designs. Whether you prefer French tips, accent nails or a uniform design, the croc print can be incorporated into all of them. Stick on a skin-colored base coat to let the design shine.
27. Pink frame nails
This pink frame style is a beautiful twist on the classic French manicure, without straying too far from it. Start with your usual French style and use the pink color of your choice to trace around the edges. You can also try this with glitter polishes for an extra shine.
28. Pink squiggle nails
This artistic look is one of our favorite pink nail designs and will work for all nail lengths and shapes. Plus, it’s very easy to get to from home. Start with a clear base coat, then apply two coats of each squiggle for an opaque finish.
29. Pink fancy nails
Add gems and pearls to create a 3D element to your pink nail designs. Adhere the gems to wet nail polish and seal with a top coat to ensure maximum lasting power. Choose pink pearls to really build on the color palette, or choose white and silver to add some sparkle.
30. Natural pink nail polish
You really can’t beat classic pink nail designs for kids. For a minimalist look that will never go out of style, natural nails in a muted block color are our pick. Top with a glossy top coat and you’re good to go.
