COURTESY
Bust out your thin brush and acetone, because we’ve got 19 easy riffs on the classic red manicure that you can do at home. Here, 19 non-basic nail designs for red nails.
Metallic Moon
The bold red base color is amplified by the metallic moon at the base. Go for a gold sparkly color like one of these, if you’re feeling fancy.
Design by @paintboxnails
Delicate Detail
Technically a tangerine red, but it looks so good we’re willing to bend the rules slightly. This design is topped with a delicate leaf design on the ring finger. Very subtle and pretty.
Design by @oliveandjune
Cartoon Nails
Channel your inner Betty Boop with this design. Paint the nails a red base coat then you use a brush to outline the complete nail. Next, create the 3D effect by adding white detail to the outer edges. Cover with a glossy top coat and you’re good to go.
Design by @nailsbymei
Red Plaid
Buffalo plaid is a fall favorite no longer confined to just flannel. To get the pattern on your nails, start by painting them a shiny base coat red. Use a lacquer like this one for the ultimate effect. Next, draw the pattern using black. For that extra look, shape your nails to a stiletto point.
Design by @nailjob
Supreme Nails
Let’s file this in the advanced at-home nail art category. It can be achieved by using a red matte base and applying gold decals. Also, a small nail stencil can create the Supreme lettering or you can try white decals. If you’re a legit artist, put your white paint and thin brush to work.
Design by @asabree
Stars No Stripes
It’s fourth of July every day with this nail art. A red base coat is enhanced with oversized stars that cover the whole nail.
Design by @aliciatnails
The Upside Down
Add an healthy dose of color by painting the underside of your nail in a contrasting hue.
Design by @whitneygnails
Metallic Touch
Make a red nail instantly more glamorous with a metallic accent. Start with a clear base coat and then paint your half moons in gold. Let dry, then fill in the rest of the nail in your favorite red polish. Finish with a topcoat.
Design by @nail_unistella
Varsity Stripes
Retro-inspired varsity sweaters, jackets, and sneakers are trending, and the look can be extended to your nails. But instead of going for collegiate colors, we’re digging this unexpected red-and-pink combo by the nail art salon that started it all, WAH Nails.
Design by @wahnails
All-Over Print
Add a print to a basic red nail, done here by using a thin brush to paint micro lips.
Design by @wahnails
Red Accents Pt. 1
Alternatively, use a pop of red on a neutral background. To get this cherry design, start with a nude base. Add pairs of red dots throughout, then use a thin brush to paint stems and leaves in green. Finish it off with a clear topcoat.
Design by @aliciatnails
Red Accents Pt. 2
Supersize your look with a design that extends from your index finger to your pinky.
Design by @cassandrew__marie
Easy Minimalism
Add a thin diagonal line in a contrasting color for a simple yet dynamic look.
Design by @paintboxnails
Lined Up
Try an unexpected ’70s color combo in maroon, cherry, and hot pink.
Design by @vanityprojects
Negative Space
Wear your heart on your nails with this negative nail. Outline the bare section in black to clean up any mistakes and embolden the graphic.
Design by @dollydayinn
Red Ombre
This vampy ombre is a subtle way to celebrate your inner goth.
Design by @karengnails
Petal Tips
Instead of painting a red French tip, scallop the inside edge for an abstract floral design.
Design by @jinsoon
Matte Contrast
After painting your nails in your favorite red, let the lacquer dry and add a horizontal swipe in a matte topcoat for a contrasting finish.
Design by nataliepavloskinails
Statement Nail
Use a thin brush to add a fun statement nail or two, seen here in the form of teeny lightning bolts.
Design by @mpnails
