Nowadays, when it comes to manicure, everything is fine. From simple, classic designs to dramatic or bold nail art, there are countless options that make choosing one even more difficult. And what you choose to wear on your nails is a decision that will last for several weeks.
If you’re running out of inspiration and ideas for your next manicure—especially looks that work with long nails—we’ve got you covered. Read on for 30 of the best manicure ideas for long nails, in shapes, colors and designs to suit every taste and style.
The square shape (which clings less to your clothes) will look great when paired with elaborate nail art. When nails are too long, there’s more than enough space for an intricate design, like these fun black and white star tips. Add a few little gems on the nails to make things stand out even more.
All shades of blue nail polish—especially darker colors—are trending. The dark blue glitter polish lends a luxurious and sophisticated feel to extra-long gel nails. It makes a statement in its own right, without the need for nail art or accessories.
This matte Easter egg painting is the perfect manicure to wear in the spring. Metallic studs add sparkle and another layer of dimension to this pretty manicure.
One nail art style that’s always on trend is simple line designs with a neutral base color (creating the illusion of longer nails). Finish your nails with a glossy coat of polish to give them an edgy, wet look.
For a unique take on the trending almond manicure, consider a white airbrush on a nude base that resembles snakeskin. Keeping most of the length at the top with a slightly edgy finish adds a dramatic flair to this fun style.
This is the perfect bridal manicure for those who love sharp and pointed nails. An elegant take on the classic French manicure style, pearls give this manicure an unexpected, fun and sophisticated twist. Combining opaque white tips with a classic nude color will draw the eye along the length of the nail.
The intricate white swirl design is the perfect nail art for tapered square coffin nails. The majority of the design is at the tip of the nail, giving it a somewhat French manicure feel. This look is an easy way to take nails from 0 to 100.
Not all long nails have to be perfectly square or pointed. Sometimes an asymmetrical top makes sense. Celebrity nail artist Pria B used Sissi 3D gel to create thick tips on these custom gold-plated nails. Chrome gold helps this set mimic the look and feel of chunky gold jewelry.
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The combination of the “your nails but better” polish and the long almond shape creates the perfect classic manicure. The translucent neutral polish flatters all nail shapes and lengths—from short to super long—and looks beautiful on all skin tones, for a sophisticated and timeless manicure style.
When looking to start a conversation, consider getting a 3D manicure. In this look, red swirls appear on top of the traditional French manicure for an unexpected twist. Intricate nail art like this is suitable for long almond-shaped nails because the length gives ample space for the design so it doesn’t smudge or get cut off.
Unexpected color combinations—like the combination of chocolate brown and navy blue—make for an interesting manicure. This French set features animal print tips and small rhinestones for a playful look.
The halo nail trend, with a matte center color that spreads into the base, shows no signs of slowing down. For a bright look, choose neon colors like orange and pink. A few precious stones on the nails of different sizes will contribute to creating a cosmic effect.
This black and white take on the trendy flame manicure style starts at the base of the nail and wraps around the outer edges. The flare is thin when you reach the tops and the matte beige base color gives the style that extra edge.
Celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce gave Megan Fox this special halo manicure with pointed tips. The set features a hot pink-red gradient—applying the polish to the nail can achieve the effect—topped with a black spiderweb-like design. Shape and length are essential here, providing ample space for design.
Another of Boyce’s takes on the halo nail trend is the cotton candy pink and baby blue set, also designed for Fox. The sweet combination of bright pastel colors is a unique departure for Fox, who often favors dark, vampy and gothic nail styles.
For a unique, classic French manicure, swap the opaque white tips for black to accentuate the shape of the nail. A series of gold balls, crosses and pearls soften the black polish while maintaining a semi-gothic feel.
This cherry red French manicure is perfect for the holidays (or anytime you want to dress up in standard French style). The look is sophisticated, sexy and fun.
This type of manicure-inspired look often features extremely long nails with square or sharp shapes decorated with hearts, bows, ribbon designs, charms, and nail accessories. The gentle pink tone makes this outfit more feminine.
Nail piercings will instantly accentuate your manicure. Here, small silver bracelets sit next to long, square, black jelly nails. Nail artist Angel My Linh mixes black nail polish with base coat to create a bold jelly effect.
This colorful, bright and long set is full of eye-catching designs and silver chrome accents, paying homage to the work of architect Zaha Hadid. Consider this nail art that’s sure to make your Pinterest board pop.
For fun with Barbiecore nails, swap out hot pink nails for pastel polishes, sculptural designs and acrylic accessories. Add a mix of pearls, rhinestones, and translucent jelly-like flowers to your nails for an even more feminine feel.
This seductive blue combined with the popular chrome manicure with a matte finish offers something fun and unexpected.
This fun and glamorous manicure alternates between a solid peach gel manicure and a neutral manicure with pink and white swirl tips. A tapered, medium-length square nail provides plenty of space for nail art without compromising function. This is the perfect manicure when you can’t decide between a plain nail color or a fun nail art.
Pointed almond-shaped nails are the perfect shape for multi-colored nails. For an artistic feel, paint your thumb with an abstract design that’s different from the rest of your nail.
For a modern take on the classic French manicure, swap out the neutral pink base and white tips as intended for a two-layer look on long square nails. Keep the tip glossy and the base matte or vice versa. Mixing and matching glossy finishes creates luxurious contrast.
If you prefer more neutral nails, consider a monochromatic design with a light color like milky white. Adding a minimalist, paper-thin linear design allows focus on nail shape and length without distraction. Even better? You can easily achieve this attractive manicure at home with a few nail tools and a steady hand.
The revamped brush stroke nail design gets a serious upgrade with a glossy black base. The dark color of this manicure is perfect to flaunt all winter long. Then, when spring arrives, swap out the black paint for a flesh tone or light color for a fresh look.
Combine matte espresso nails with white, gold, and dark brown accent nails to ensure a fresh look.
This French manicure has a sharp geometric pattern in a variety of bright colors. You can cut nail stickers exactly to the shape of your nails to simulate this look, or a talented nail technician can create the look. We’re getting major 90s Tetris vibes here!
Of all the bold manicures on long nails, the easiest to DIY is the polka dot manicure: An artistic polka dot tool can help you place each polka dot precisely. Adding color groups, like this peach polka dot style, will help your nails look more uniform.
