41 Chic Nude Nail Designs To Try Now

There is something oh so satisfying about nude nails. They are clean, fresh and utterly elegant. They also make for the perfect base, so if you end up deciding to get experimental, you can always build on top of what you have. Make no mistake, nail designs come in their plenty. They can be long or short, square or round, chrome or clear, bedazzled or left perfectly plain, the list goes on and on. With all that's on offer, you're not to blame if sometimes things can get a little confusing. And if you ever find yourself in that position, we have one piece of advice: revert back to those nudes.

Nude nails go with just about every outfit, so you never need to worry about a clash. It's no wonder nude nails have wracked up over eight million posts on Instagram. In fact, they are so popular, brands have sought to meet the demand by launching collections that cater to the nude appetite. Vegan and cruelty-free brand Peacci's Nu Nudes collection (a nude nail polish set featuring 12 stunning flesh-tone shades) enable each of us to find our very own perfect hue. Genius.

Also, I'm a beauty editor and I rarely sway away from nude nails myself, so I know a thing or two about what works for me. Take my go-to shade (below) created by So.Shell salon. I like to opt for a grey-toned nude that doesn't emphasise my red under-tones.

But how to choose the best nude nail polish for your own unique skin tone?

'Choosing the best nude polish for your skin tone involves considering undertones,' explains nail experts Yana Galiyeva and Maria Sharova, the owners of top London salon So.Shell. 'If you have warm undertones, opt for nude shades with peach or yellow undertones. For cool undertones, go for nudes with pink or beige undertones. Testing shades against your skin can help find the most flattering match.'

After nude nail ideas? Scroll through our edit below of the best nude nails designs to try now.

Best Nude Nail Designs 2024

1. Nude Lipgloss Nails

High-shine nude lipgloss nails can be worn alone for a fresh, classy and put-together look. It's 2024 and the demand for natural minimal nails show no sign of waining. And when they're this good we're not exactly surprised.

2. Nude Wedding Nails

Harriet Westmoreland uses the varnish BIAB 18 to achieve this wedding ready manicure. If your salon doesn't stock this exact shade then ask for a sheer, rose toned pink to mimic the look. It's a classic for a reason.

3. Nude Marble Nails

Need nude nail inspo? Tones of white, pink and nude will emerge from a set as delicate and intricate as this, the effects of which are guaranteed to impress. Add a touch of sparkle for an extra bit of glam.

4. Minimalist Nude Nails

Queen of nude, barely-there nails Mateja Novakovic will show you how it's done. Her perfect nude set are a dreamy choice to wear come rain or shine - ask for pink with a sheer, white undertone.

5. Milky Nude Nails

An elevated nude if you like. Milky nails are an unwavering craze for good reason. They are soft, delicate and sees a seamless marriage between pink and white, without borders. Ask for a short, circular manicure.

6. Iridescent Nude Nails

The sheen on this set will be a sure crowd pleaser. Simply pair a chrome powder on top of a pink-toned nude for an effortless look. Opt for a gel polish over traditional to ensure longevity.

7. Nude French Nails

We challenge you to find a better pairing than the French mani with a nude base. Timeless and classic, no matter the trends on your explore page, this style will always reign supreme. Tips yellowing? If you've used gel polish then swipe a cotton pad soaked in nail varnish remover over the top - it'll refresh the colour.

8. Short Square Nude Nails

Minimalist and classy, this is our go-to manicure when we can't make up our mind - and for when we face the devastation of a broken nail. Short, square shapes feel the epitome of elegant - just don't forget a generous dose of cuticle oil every night.

9. Nude Nails With Stars

This beautiful celestial manicure is the epitome of classic with a twist. Starry nail art looks best on longer nails. Acrylic extensions, for example, allow for more nail space and more room for bespoke art work. Consider nail stickers to get the look until you perfect your skillset.

10. Nude and Brown Nails

Brown nails are having a moment right now, and when teamed with a nude design it's not hard to see why. Add a long, square shape to the mix and you'll have a look that's as elegant as it is sexy. Consider this your cue to screenshot ahead of your next appointment.

11. Nude Nails With Flowers

These delicate daisy designs are a beautiful addition to spring - the pop of colour make this set Easter nail ready. Your salon can no doubt work magic here, but consider tapping into nail stickers if you're attempting to recreate the look from home - you just can't go wrong.

12. Long Nude Nails

Elegant and lengthening, this beautiful pink-meets-nude mani plays well with acrylic extensions or a BIAB finish. No time to pop into the salon? Consider acrylic look stick-on nails which can be the next best thing - they've come a long way since your teenage years and are much more realistic. Could this even inspire your next birthday set? We think so.

13. Nude Nails With Glitter Tips

More is more with this dazzling take on the French manicure. The pretty, sheer nude, teamed with a sparkling micro-tip makes this one a party season go to. The colour pairings are endless. Plus this almond acrylic shape is incredibly flattering.

14. Nude and Red Nails

If you look closely you'll see this set is adorned with some delicate holly nail art. It's never too early for Christmas nails where we're concerned, but if you're not quite ready (fair enough) then play with the combination of nude and red on its own - it's a beautifully modern manicure.

15. Nude Nails With Pearls

Another modern French manicure, this delicate look is perfect for brides to be - it's subtle, but oozing with all the necessary bridal wow-factor. Again, keep your mani going with regular applications of cuticle oil all over the nail bed. A little goes a long way.

16. Nude and Burgundy Nails

This adorable manicure with bow detailing taps into the coquette trend - we love the deep wine hue paired with the subtle nude. Gems add the perfect, glistening finishing touch and we predict the compliments will come rolling in.

17. Pale Pink Nude Nails

The perfect pink does exist. Ask for a pale, baby pink hue and don't be afraid to ask your manicurist to apply a few different options to each nail. This means you can compare the various undertones against your skin. Most salons will be happy to do so, and can even give their advice on which colour works best for you.

18. Nude Nails With Hearts

Fancy a fun nail design that doesn't err on the kitsch side of manicures? Elegant, muted hearts make for a seriously Valentine's Day worthy mani - without so much of a hint of red or pink overkill. Nude nail inspiration? Sorted.

19. Nude Nails With Cherries

...and if going kitsch is your thing then look no further. A red French manicure with glittering cherries makes for a nail look that's as sexy as it is playful. If you're a fan of this look then we predict your style oozes cool girl.

20. Ombre Nude Nails

Ombre nails have quickly become the easiest way to add a fun spin to your nail game - it's become a top spring nail trends of 2024. While it works well when teamed with pastel tones like yellows, lilacs and pinks, it also works well as a gradient French design, too.

21. Nude and Blue Nails

Who says nude needs to be boring? Trust us when we say this does not need to be the case. Simply adding a pop of colour to the mix makes a serious statement - like this starry blue design. There's no denying that this creative set is giving serious Euphoria vibes.

22. Natural Nude Nails

Minimalist in tone but maximalist in length, this set is both elegant and feminine. We love this sheer, glossy polish with its peachy, high-shine top coat. It really transcends the trends.

23. Nude Coffin Nails

Coffin nail designs AKA Ballerina nails feature a square tip instead of a pointed tip like the stiletto nail does. Nude nails with white lines also look good when teamed with the coffin shape. Ask your artist for a graphic, fine line finish.

24. Nude Chrome Nails

Hailey Bieber would approve of these subtly pearlescent chrome polish. The trend is as strong as it ever was, and manicurists are forever churning out new iterations. While chrome polish was traditionally all out silver, these days its all about nude with a faint, silvery undertone. Dreamy.

25. Square Nude Nails

Celebrity manicurists like Iram Shelton, Harriet Westmoreland and Julia Diogo all covet natural looking nail designs with a square tip. Dreaming of long nail beds like this set? Ask your nail artist to pay extra attention to cuticle work to achieve this elegant look.

26. Yellow Nude Nails

Forget mustard and marigold, this season is all about the muted yellow nail. Consider it a nude with just the faintest hint of sunshine. Plus, if Iram says it's in, then it's most definitely in - she's directly responsible for a sparking a myriad of nail trends the world over.

27. Nude Nails With Diamonds

Understated yet glamorous all at once, this is the perfect manicure for a special occasion - it proves that diamonds will never go out of style. Finish with a glossy top coat for unrivalled shine. Oh, and ensure your nail glue is super strong.

28. Nude Nails With Black Tips

Spruce up a simple nude base with a coloured tip - we love the contrasting black which makes for a more modern and fun take on the French mani. Even the most conservative of nail polishers may be swayed by this one.

29. Nude Nails With Red Heart Design

Take inspo from this look and add a few statement red hearts for a cute, kitsch finish that doesn't feel too out-there. Love the tapered almond shape? If you're not blessed with long, strong nails then consider acrylic extensions or BIAB.

30. High Shine Nude Nails

Short, square nails and a thin coat of a pinky nude polish is the epitome of timelessness - you just can't go wrong. And keep hands feeling soft and supple with a hyaluronic infused hand cream - pop it in your handbag and apply on the go.

31. Brown Nude Nails

You're familiar with milky pink nails but how about milky brown? Search for brown nails is sky-rocketing right now and this pretty manicure takes nude-marbled nails to a whole new level. Extra long extensions add a touch of drama.

32. Nude Nails with Nail Art

Add a celestial touch with a smattering of gems and star designs. Consider this one a party season go to that you can mix and match to any outfit. Whether green gems, blue gems or pink gems, the possibilities are endless.

33. Nude and Gold Nails

Step it up a gear and line the edge of your nail with gold foil, keeping the centre of the nail as nude and bare as possible. It makes for a dreamy contrast and an ultra expensive look that's bound to turn a few heads for all the right reasons.

34. Nude Bridal Nails

Elegant, romantic, feminine, and timeless, this pink-toned nude set by celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland makes for the perfect wedding day manicure. Less really is more sometimes, and this is the perfect example.

35. See Through Nude Nails

See through nude nails can be achieved with traditional varnish and some gel polishes. Ask your manicurist for something that lets your natural nail colour shine through - without being streaky. Two coats should suffice.

36. Gothic Nude Nails

Gothic and chic? Why of course! Long, claw shaped acrylics make this drippy black and nude design really pop while the addition of a nail charm adds serious cool points.

37. Grey Nude Nails

This grey, shell-toned set is perfect for those with darker complexions and cooler undertones. Consider it a white-meets-nude hue that's softer and less harsh than the brighter more traditional tone of white. It's a look we're adding to our Pinterest board.

38. Glazed Nude Nails

Okay, we'll admit it - we're still aboard the glazed doughnut nail bandwagon. But when they're this chic there's no excuse not to be. Why not add a delicate nail design for an extra touch of cuteness? Daisy nail art could work well here.

39. Soft White Nude Nails

Forget harsh white nails - add a touch of nude for a softer, more chic take just like Julia Diogo. Use a glass nail file to achieve this short, neat shape without fraying. And, as ever, don't forget the cuticle oil and hand cream - it can make or break a look.

40. Nude and Neon Nails

Add a splash of colour to a muted set with a neon tip. It's a look that TikTokers and pro-manicurists have been creating in preparation for the sunnier summer months. In need of holiday nail inspiration? Well need no more.

41. Nude and Green Nails

An unexpected combo? Maybe. But we're absolutely sold. Green and nude combined with a dreamy high-shine finish ticks serious trend boxes. And as for those sharp, almond acrylics? We're calling it the mani of the season.

Main image Instagram @iramshelton and @matejanova

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Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.