35 Clear Nail Designs to Inspire Your Next Appointment

May 2024 · 6 minute read

It's no secret that minimalism is in. Celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge and television characters like Succession's Shiv Roy have led the charge into muted tones and monochromatic sets, proving that less is more with the quiet luxury aesthetic. In beauty, A-listers like Selena Gomez and Alicia Keys have opted for the all-natural, no-makeup-makeup look. If you're looking for a fun way to join the trend, consider clear nail designs.

Most clear nail designs are minimal. Still, you can use clear nail art designs to showcase your personality. A transparent base is the perfect opportunity to use metallic and chrome accents to make a statement. Bright pops of neon will turn heads when people take one glance at your French manicure.

Coachella-inspired sets and vibrant shades powered nail trends throughout this spring and summer, but with autumn officially in, there's never a better time to simplify your nail art. Whether you want your nails to whisper "old money" or prefer a more lively manicure, read ahead for 35 clear nail-art designs. Get ready to text your nail tech tons of screenshots as inspo.

Strawberries and French

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @SATURNAILSTUDIO

These nails are too sweet. Instead of going for a fruit-only look, use two shades of pink to accent the tips of two fingers.

Bold Accents

 INSTAGRAM @ELENA_WISE023

You'll love this manicure if you like to keep things short and sweet. Bold royal-blue dots and vibrant gold accents are sprinkled around each finger. It allows the subtle nail shade to shine through.

Drippy Chrome

INSTAGRAM @BYJAEX

Barbiecore is everywhere! Put a metallic spin on sweet bubble-gum pink nails with these dripping accents.

Natural French

INSTAGRAM @MATEJANOVA

French tips are the perfect way to elevate a clear manicure, especially on short, natural nails. Use a vibrant red polish to trace the outline of your nail.

Flower Power

INSTAGRAM @MATEJANOVA

Professional manicurist Mateja Novakovic knows a thing or two about clear nails. She created this flower Barbie manicure using Milky White, Pink Paradise, and Coral Reef Flowers from plant-based polish brand Manucurist.

Go Grease Lightening

INSTAGRAM @LONDONNAILS1

French tips are always a fierce set. Create a callback to the classic musical Grease with a fiery, smoky lightning bolt as an accent nail.

Blushing Outlines

INSTAGRAM @AMYS.CLIENTS

In case you were wondering, you can totally rock the blush nail trend when your nails are clear. For a little extra shine, use a glitter polish to outline your nail bed. For blush nails, use a neutral pink shade at the center of your nail.

Evil Eye

INSTAGRAM @HERBLKNAILS

Use two shades of blue to repel bad vibes with this evil eye-inspired set.

Glitter and Gold

INSTAGRAM @AMYS.CLIENT

If you're a maximalist, then this set will make your heart smile. Use gold glitter and shining gold chrome to turn your clear nails into a statement set.

Royal Tips

INSTAGRAM @HERBLKNAILS

Here's another take on a minimal French manicure. Swipe on thin blue lines across the tips of your sheer nails to achieve this sleek and sophisticated look.

Subtle Specks

INSTAGRAM @LONDONNAILS1

It doesn't get more minimal than this. Use light strokes of a glistening clear polish to add subtle specks to your mani.

Airy Pastels

INSTAGRAM: URBANBEAUTY_NZ

Get your dotting tool and fine brush to create whimsical accents in pretty metallic and pastel shades.

Chrome Swirls

INSTAGRAM: @NAILSBYSKYELINH

When in doubt, add chrome! Give your clear nails an upgrade with metallic swirls.

Glistening Dots

INSTAGRAM: @MATEJANOVA

This low-key manicure screams minimalism. Draw subtle white dots at the bottom of your nail bed for a dainty touch.

For the Lovers

INSTAGRAM: @MARIAVNAILS

There's nothing wrong with wearing your heart on your sleeve—or on your fingertips, for that matter. Put a little extra love into your next set by creating colorful hearts with bright polish shades.

Virgo's Groove

INSTAGRAM: @MAGIANEGRANAILS

Whether you're well-versed in birth charts or casually read your horoscope, you'll live for this celestial nail set. Pair holographic French tips with beaming gold accents to achieve this dreamy manicure.

Spooky Set

INSTAGRAM: @MARIAVINAILS

This manicure is perfect for spooky season. Vampy red lines scattered across your nails give the illusion of dripping blood. How frightening!

All Eyes on You

INSTAGRAM: @MAGIANEGRANAILS

For an eye-catching look, use black nail polish to paint swirling lines, circles and ultra-realistic eyes. This manicure is a conversation starter, so prepare for endless compliments.

Colorful Swirls

INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ

Make your clear nails pop with these colorful details. Vibrant shades of gold, blue, orange, and yellow are the perfect accents.

Silver O-Rings

INSTAGRAM: @SARADYA

Chrome is having the ultimate resurgence (thanks to Beyoncé and Renaissance). Channel "Alien Superstar" vibes with these silver O-shaped rings.

Silver Renaissance

INSTAGRAM: @TAYLOREBEAUTY

When you're in the mood for a Renaissance, one design might not be enough. Accent each finger with larger-than-life designs courtesy of some sliver chrome polish.

Tortoise Shell Swirls

INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ

This tortoise-shell set is bold on its own. The added gold accents make the design appear more intricate.

Rosettes

INSTAGRAM: @DORA_E_ARTE

We're all about giving yourself the flowers you deserve. If seeing your favorite celebs and influencers in rosette chokers has you inspired, simply add two rosettes the next time you're getting a clear mani.

Neat Negative Space

INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ

Dress up short natural nails with vibrant shades. Abstract negative space designs make bold colors shine even brighter.

Geometric Shapes

INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ

How cool are these abstract details? Give your clear nails an artsy feel with colorful geometric shapes.

Celestial Glow

INSTAGRAM: @MARIVAVINAILS

Load up on star power. Set this luminous manicure against long, almond-shaped nails for a celestial glow.

Emerald City Sparkles

INSTAGRAM: @HERBLKNAILS

You've got to be seen in emerald green. Green chrome polish paired with a bare base makes the vibrant hue glisten even more.

Glitter Jewles

INSTAGRAM: @URBANBEAUTY_NZ

Paint layers of shimmering glitter nail polish over your natural nails. Apply a small rhinestone to the end of each nail to elevate this subtle set.

Lavish Lines

INSTAGRAM: @DORA_E_ARTE

Obsessed with line art? This set gives the illusion of a glamorous face and body.

Precious Blooms

INSTAGRAM: @NCBEAUTYDUBLIN

Calling all flower enthusiasts! Let your love of delicate florals shine through when you get your favorite blooms painted onto your transparent nails.

Moooooody Mani

INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ

French manicures are classic! Colorful cow-print tips are the perfect contrast to soft, clear nails.

Little Mermaid

INSTAGRAM: @NAILSBYSKYELINH

You can't go wrong with an underwater-inspired mani. Nothing screams, "Under the sea," like cute shells and water droplets.

Gold Frenchies

INSTAGRAM @SARADYA

If glistening French manicures are your thing, you'll swoon over this lively gold set. These subtle nails combined with a pop of color make for the chicest nail art.

Dazzling Galaxies

INSTAGRAM: @MAGIANEGRANAILS

This manicure is another win for the astrology lovers. This realistic manicure will look like you're staring off into the night sky thanks to dazzling stars, galaxies, and black swirls.

Sprinkles of Glitter

INSTAGRAM: @NCBEAUTYDUBLIN

Minimalists, this manicure is just for you. Simply add a top coat of glitter against a glossy bare nail to achieve this look.

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