27 Ideas For Awesome Accent Nails

Next time you’re in the mood for nail art, paint all ten nails and try giving just one of them a little extra pizzazz.

1. Metallic tape art:

Nail art with tape is surprisingly easy and awesome. Find this tutorial at Chalkboard Nails.

Source: chalkboardnails.com

2. Pretty, easy herringbone:

Tutorial from The Beauty Department. Thanks, LC!

Source: thebeautydepartment.com

3. Yes, that’s a real feather:

Chloe’s nails has the full instructions.

Source: chloesnails.blogspot.com

4. You could also use snake skin:

Instead of doing all ten, as pictured, you might try just one. And you don’t have to skin any snakes — Fab Fatale recommends getting some skin a snake has already shed from a local pet store. Tutorial, with video, here.

Source: fabfatale.com

5. Studded V-gap nail:

Will we ever run out of things to stud? Tutorial here.

Source: nailside.blogspot.com

6. Floral nail:

This is just a decal; get detailed instructions on applying those here.

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com

7. Another beautiful use of decals:

Next time you pick some up, get the same pattern in different colors.

Source: instagram.com

8. Spike nail:

Tutorial here.

Source: copythatcopycatnails.com

9. Studded nail:

Less dangerous, just as edgy.

Source: polishyoupretty.files.wordpress.com

10. Black on black:

This is where matte polish comes in handy. Full tutorial here.

Source: thebeautydepartment.com

11. Tribal print:

This was done freehand, but you could fake it with a decal.

Source: nailside.blogspot.co.uk

12. A little bit retro, a little bit modern.

Teen Vogue has full instructions.

Source: emilydenisephotography.com

13. Some accent nails are fruity:

PINEAPPLES!!!! Tutorial at Polish You Pretty.

Source: pinterest.com

14. Dandelions:

Video tutorial here.

Source: madmanis.blogspot.com

15. A quirky moustache:

Moustache how-to video here.

Source: instagram.com

16. Tie-dyed nails:

Wear ironically if you must. At The Painted Pony Nails.

Source: thepaintedponynails.com

17. Mixed prints:

Get Ya Nails Did explains this mix-and-matched process.

Source: getyanailsdid.blogspot.com

18. Blue-and-white freehand print:

If you want your nails to look like china.

Source: 

19. Gingham:

Full instructions at The Beauty Department.

Source: thebeautydepartment.com

20. Proenza Schouler-inspired:

Via Refinery29.

Source: refinery29.com

Source: pinterest.com

21. Zebra!

Another idea easily attainable with nail stickers. Sally Hansen has a great selection available at drug stores.

Source: instagram.com

22. Lightly bedazzled:

Tutorial at the Polished Perfectionist.

Source: the-polished-perfectionist.blogspot.com.au

23. Heavily bedazzled:

Learn how to apply nail gems here.

Source: instagram.com

24. Monochrome hearts and beads:

You could reverse this manicure as well.

Source: chalkboardnails.com

25. Metallic and neon:

An unexpected color combo that’s easy to DIY.

Source: instagram.com

26. Text makes a (pun intended) statement:

You can write with a Sharpie, or use newspaper strips for nails. Tutorial here.

Source: as-within-as-without.tumblr.com

You can also use regular newspaper. Tutorial (in French — use Google translate) here.

Source: passionnailart.com

27. Map nails:

All ten fingers might be overkill, but try doing one map nail at a time. Video tutorial here.

Source: pinterest.com