There are so many super easy nail designs you can do yourself to transform the look of your mani. However, sometimes you want to change things up with something a little more complicated. That’s where the swirl nail trend comes into play.
While it’s possible to create minimalist swirl nails at home, many swirl nail ideas are so layered and precise that they require the steady hand of a professional manicurist (or at least the right tools). Professional nail art tools such as nail brushes and dotting pens) come to life. Despite how long it may take to turn these attractive nail art ideas into reality, there’s no denying that swirl nails add a certain je ne sais quoi to any outfit. Ready to see for yourself? Ahead, find more than a dozen swirly nail art ideas to inspire your next manicure.
Here, nail artist Jeanette Flores combines the swirl nail trend with a viral velvet manicure. Result? The array of colors stunned us. To create the look, Flores used Charme Gel Soak-Off Cat Eye Gel Polish ($19) in the colors Athena, Venus, Apollo, Xanthe, Gaia and Artemis.
If you love the idea of glitter swirl nails but prefer glitter over velvet, consider this colorful idea from nail artist Brittney Ellen. She used Cirque Colors Nail Polish ($15) in the shades Pele, Bird of Paradise, Shaka, Mermaid Grotto, Wipe Out and Ohana for this set.
Purple and burgundy might not seem like the most logical combination, but here, you can see how beautiful the colors look together. To recreate the look, start with your lightest colors (peach, baby blue, and lavender), then move to darker colors (black and burgundy). Apply the white stripe last to ensure it looks sharper.
How cool is the retro ’70s feel of this multicolored negative space swirl nail idea? To create the look, nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens used Gucci Glossy Nail Polish ($35) in Melinda Green, Dorothy Turquoise, Peggy Sunburn, Cecilia Ivory and Lucy Baby Blue.
If you prefer a less colorful look, try this lighter brown, white, and yellow manicure. This is one of the easier swirl nail art ideas to recreate because the swirls are quite abstract (which means they’re harder to mess up). The secret to perfecting thin lines is to use a nail brush with a fine liner, such as Le Mini Macaron Le Petit Brush ($10).
Barbiemania continues to inspire fashion and beauty trends throughout summer 2023. With that in mind, take a look at this Malibu Barbie-inspired swirl nail art idea. Considering the details in this look, you might want to make an appointment and take this photo as inspiration to your artist.
You don’t have to cover your nails from cuticle to tip to start the swirl. Instead, consider a more in-depth approach to your French tips. Choosing a square shape will make it look bolder.
The beauty of swirly nail art is that it doesn’t have to be showcased on long nails. Here you can see a trendy manicure on short nails.
While many swirl nail art ideas incorporate multiple colors, this is proof that it can work with just one color. Bonus: When you choose a nude base in a single color (like matte black) to create a swirl, you’ll be more likely to be able to perfect the manicure look yourself. Just be patient and start using the nail brush.
This fun nail look combines the ombré gradient trend with swirls and we’re here for it. While this example shows shades of red, you can master this manicure with any color of the rainbow.
BRB, we’re swooning over this vibrant blue and neon mani. For a similar look, use Quick Dry Intense Color ($14) in Ultramarine by Manucurist Paris paired with Le Mini Macaron Gel Polish ($13) in Party Babe.
Speaking of neon yellow nails, turn your attention to this Halloween-friendly swirl manicure. With swirls of black, orange, baby blue, and neon yellow on a spooky white base, this manicure is perfect for the spooky season.
Are you still thinking about Barbie? Here’s another way to incorporate hot pink into your swirly nail art. To recreate the look, grab bottles of Gel Bottle Inc. nail polish. ($21) in BIAB19, Central Perk, Pastel V001, Carrie’s Cosmo, Miami and Peach Shades.
We love the double layered manicure and this swirly manicure completes it. While the pinky and thumb have a bit of shine, the middle three fingers have a moody matte finish.
Do you see how beautiful light purple, lime green and sky blue look together? We love how the swirls on this nail create an ombré effect.
Simple swirl nails
Are you looking for a super simple swirl nail art idea? This lavender and plum manicure will take you less than 10 minutes to complete.
Chartreuse is one of the hottest colors of 2023 and we love its use in this swirly set. The exact shades used here are OPI Nail Polish ($12) in How Does Your Zen Garden Grow? and Pear-adise Cove.
This is another swirly nail look for beginners and minimalist manicure lovers alike, featuring a milky white base accented with light and dark green swirls and A few gemstones for accent. Doesn’t get easier than that.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have this super intricate and fun swirly rainbow nail art idea. There’s no doubt about it: You’ll need to make an appointment to realize this beauty.
Swirls don’t have to be thin—they can also be tough and bendy. Here you can see how larger swirls create a more engaging effect.
