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. Also known as "party nails," sometimes they're the best way to play with nail art if you're too lazy to do all ten fingers.

1. Metallic tape art:

chalkboardnails.com

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

2. Pretty, easy herringbone:

thebeautydepartment.com

Tutorial from The Beauty Department. Thanks, LC!

3. Yes, that's a real feather:

chloesnails.blogspot.com

Chloe's nails has the full instructions.

4. You could also use snake skin:

fabfatale.com

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.

5. Studded V-gap nail:

nailside.blogspot.com

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

6. Floral nail:

blogger.com

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

7. Another beautiful use of decals:

instagram.com

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

8. Spike nail:

copythatcopycatnails.com

Tutorial here.

9. Studded nail:

wordpress.com

Less dangerous, just as edgy.

10. Black on black:

thebeautydepartment.com

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

11. Tribal print:

nailside.blogspot.co.uk

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

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

emilydenisephotography.com

Teen Vogue has full instructions.

13. Some accent nails are fruity:

pinterest.com

PINEAPPLES!!!! Tutorial at Polish You Pretty.

14. Dandelions:

madmanis.blogspot.com

Video tutorial here.

15. A quirky moustache:

instagram.com

Moustache how-to video here.

16. Tie-dyed nails:

thepaintedponynails.com

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

17. Mixed prints:

getyanailsdid.blogspot.com

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

18. Blue-and-white freehand print:

tumblr.com

If you want your nails to look like china.

19. Gingham:

thebeautydepartment.com

Full instructions at The Beauty Department.

20. Proenza Schouler-inspired:

refinery29.com

Via Refinery29.

pinterest.com

21. Zebra!

instagram.com

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

22. Lightly bedazzled:

the-polished-perfectionist.blogspot.com.au

Tutorial at the Polished Perfectionist.

23. Heavily bedazzled:

instagram.com

Learn how to apply nail gems here.

24. Monochrome hearts and beads:

chalkboardnails.com

You could reverse this manicure as well.

25. Metallic and neon:

instagram.com

An unexpected color combo that's easy to DIY.

26. Text makes a (pun intended) statement:

as-within-as-without.tumblr.com

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

passionnailart.com

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

27. Map nails:

pinterest.com

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