If, like us, you’re obsessed with nail art ideas, you’ve come to the right place. While a slick of solid colour can certainly do the trick, if you ask us, nail art is even more joy-inducing. 

It’s really come back into fashion with a vengeance and the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing colours, nail shape, design… but if you’re as indecisive as we are, choosing what nail art you want to commit to next can be difficult. So, to help you along, we’ve collated a list of visually pleasing nail designs to take to your next appointment – or if you’re feeling particularly brave, to try yourself.

From Hailey Bieber’s now-viral glazed doughnut nails, neon French tips and abstract squiggles through to intricate florals and cute tortoiseshell, keep scrolling to find your new favourite design…

The ideal choice if you want a little hint of something without going OTT – we can’t get enough of the tiny hint of neon here. J’adore.

We’ve got Hailey Bieber to thank for the global obsession with ‘glazed doughnut’ nails – a sheer, milky base topped with chrome powder that catches the light beautifully.

If you’re tempted by tortioseshell but don’t want to go all out, opt for this compromise instead. Plus, the pop of orange really finishes the look off.

Ideal for the indecisive amongst us, the bright blue tips combined with pretty flowers are the best of both worlds.

A colourful take on flame-inspired nails, we love the unexpected – but still complementary – combinations used here.

Skinny French tips have been a big trend for some time now, but we’re especially fond of this updated bright and natural design for summer.

Beauty influencer Melanie, aka @overglowedit, is known for her picture-perfect nail art. Here, she’s gone for a 70s vibe, with colourful florals that are deceivingly simple to recreate. Swipe to the right to see exactly how she does it. 

Undulating and fluid, these statement squiggles by Shelly Hendricks are a simple way to elevate a natural nail base. Use the smaller end of a nail art tool or a thinner, pointed brush dipped in colour.

Bright and fresh, this cooling blue-and-white acid wash manicure by @paragonnails feels abstract and modern. Start with your base colour (in this instance, it’s white), followed by splotches of a contrasting shade and finished with small flicks of black.

Another variation on the modern French manicure, these gemstone pastel tips by Lauren (aka @lolo.nailedit) feel soft and magical for balmy summer days. Start with the base colour before applying small swipes of other shades to emulate the light reflecting from a precious stone.

Who doesn’t love an iced bun? Pale washes of colour paired with a white “iced” wavy line in the centre makes this simple nail design by Hang Nguyen really stand out. A steady hand and small brush will help to define and perfect the line.

Glossy and unexpected, these snake print nails by Danielle at @hardasnails_studio are an aesthetic way to pair monochromatic colours to maximum effect. One of the more advanced techniques, start with your base colour, applying two coats to build up the colour. Then, either using a stencil and sponge (the easiest way), or a steady hand and small, square brush, create grids using a darker or contrasting colour.

One of this summer’s most popular nail designs, checkerboard designs are kitsch and quirky. Whether you choose a classic combination like black and white or trending variations such as pink and red or pink and green (like these by Maleah at Hard As Nail Studio), checkerboard nails are always a good idea. Start with two coats of your base colour and allow time for it to dry. Then, using a small brush, create a clean grid-shaped pattern over the top.

When painting abstract shapes onto the nails, the larger the shape is, the easier it tends to be, which is why these 80s style pink and blue triangles by @paintboxnails are a good place to start for any nail art novices.

Over the past two years, nail artist Alicia Torello has taken to Instagram to walk followers through a handful of nail art tutorials. Our favourite — and mainly because it’s so straightforward — is this two-tone tip design. This is where a striping brush would definitely come in handy.

It’s hard to tell what we love more: Betina Goldstein’s enviable collection of gold rings, or her nail art skills. Recently she’s created intricate wave patterns and cow print designs, but we love the simplicity of these tiny black stars. And thankfully, she’s filmed a very easy-to-follow tutorial, too.

Tie-dye clothing is everywhere right now, but as @stephstonenails rightfully points out, if you don’t have the tracksuit, wear the trend on your nails. Here, she’s sponged green, blue and pink polish onto a solid white base.

Imarni’s sparkly heart design looks a lot more complicated than it actually is. After a base coat, follow by painting on a tiny heart in red — you can even use the tip of a pencil dipped in polish to achieve this. Then finish with a clear, glitter-laced top coat.

Negative space nails are having yet another moment, which is why we especially like Alicia Torello’s glitter-ringed nail design. Use your polish to trace the outer edge of the nail, and then take a lip brush dipped in nail remover to tidy up the inside. Easy!

You can easily add a little interest to a plain mani by painting a solid stripe over the top in a clashing colour. This burgundy-and-cornflower blue combination by @paintboxnails shouldn’t work, but it totally does.

Have zero faith in your own hands? Rather than painting on a design, try sticking it on instead. Here, LA-based nail artist Amy Le attaches tiny star-shaped sequins onto naked nail beds. Mac does incredible holographic stars, available here.

@Gelcream’s nails are so satisfyingly perfect, but we’re sure these tiny glitter dots would look great even on less well-manicured fingertips.

We’ve long been fans of the gradient nail trend, largely due to the fact it takes minimal effort for maximum results. And Betina Goldstein is arguably the best at putting together chic monotonal colour palettes. Case in point, this selection of muted hues.

Switch up your French tips with this summery multi-coloured mani. It’s pure joy. 

Nail art doesn’t have to mean intricate designs – sometimes, an easy and chic way to update your mani is to switch up the shades you use. We’re obsessed with this milky mint manicure. 

Main image: @thehangedit / Hang Nguyen