Neon nails have exploded in recent years. Instagram, Coachella, Ibiza, Mykonos and the associated aesthetic is probably the reason! Whatever the reason, I’m here for it!
I love neon nails, especially in Summer or for a holiday. They make skin look more tanned and they just brighten up your mood!
I have found some of my favourite design ideas for neon acrylic nails, below and have tagged all the artists. I will be picking my favourite for a tutorial soon, so stay tuned!
Neon Tips
I love this, especially in Lime! This set by @elize_nails is so well done, I love the different shades around the tip curve. It can be done using any neon colour, it could also be done with an ombre effect!
This set would be amazing for a holiday, it could also be achieved with shorter tips if you aren’t a fan of long nails. I love the matte effect which has been used on this set, but shiny would be just as dreamy.
Neon Rainbow
A rainbow effect lends itself really well to neon acrylic nails! It can be achieved in loads of different ways, and the best bit about rainbow nails is it can be done in messy ways too, so don’t worry if you want to achieve this look but don’t feel like you have the best nail art skills.
This set was done by @nailsbyaccident with a gradient effect, this can be achieved by painting each colour in lines and then dabbing with a sponge, or in smooshing (is that a word?) it with a brush to blur the lines! It can take some time. Another option would be to leave the lines, or to incorporate it into a marble type of pattern!
Transparent or Jelly Neon
Neon is a definite 90s trend and the jelly or see-through neon effect is SO 90s and I ADORE IT! It doesn’t require anything special, just a clear tip and it looks amazing.
This can be achieved by using a very thin layer of coloured acrylic, mixed with clear acrylic, over a clear tip. It can also be achieved using either a jelly gel colour over the clear acrylic nail. You can create your own jelly gel by mixing a colour with lots of clear top coat until it is the desired transparency! I think that is what has been done with this amazing pink set by @lbnailartist.
Highlighter
Neon nails look amazing when they are used to compliment or highlight more muted tones, such as nude. They also look INCREDIBLE with animal print, of all types! Cow, snake, leopard, zebra! You name it!
That is why I am so here for this amazing set by @polishedbygeorgia – which includes neon pinky coral, which is one of my all time favourite nail colours. I love the pink with the cow print in particular, it really sets off the black and white and makes every element pop!
Neon Glitter
This one excites me greatly, because it combines my two favourites… neon acrylic nails AND glitter! It is just so extra and I am just a huge fan.
This set by @beautywithchantelle is amazing and combines different colours, which I love. The neon glitter could also be used to offset more muted colours. I did a set last year with neon coral glitter ombre with nude, it was one of my proudest moments! This style has no rules, do whatever you feel, get some neon poppin and sprinkle it with glitter! YAS!
Lots of love,
S&G x
