40 Simple Nail Designs To Try in 2023

simple nail designs
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Simple nail designs are the perfect way to express your style without going over the top. From the classic French manicure to a more intricate design, natural nail designs can be tailored to fit your style.  Whether you prefer a minimalist clean look or something a little more glitzy,  we have gathered some of the best simple nail looks along with some design tips sure to give you inspiration for your next manicure. 

Scroll down to to see a video on how to easily make straight lines on nails.

Simple Nail Designs with Swirl

This swirly nail trend is a great way to add some pizzazz to your simple nail design! This look is all about creating an abstract pattern that looks like a twirling motion. All you need is two colors of polish, some tape, and a few small dotting tools.

Start by taping around each nail for a clean line and then dip the dotting tool into the lighter color of polish and create dots in varying sizes along the edges. Next, use the same dotting tool with the darker color to fill in between each light dot. Finish it off with a top coat and you’ll have an eye-catching manicure that’ll be sure to turn heads!

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Simple Nail Designs Natural Nude

Natural nude nail designs are perfect for those who want to keep things understated and chic. To create this look, choose a sheer nude or light pink polish as your base coat and layer it with one or two coats of a neutral shade.

For some added interest, add a touch of white polish along the the tips and edges. A simple french manicure can be elovated with a thin diagonal line or a smooth almond shaped nail. Finish it off with a clear top coat for a minimalist nail art design that will have everyone asking how you got such an effortlessly stylish look!

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Instagram/ nailedbychev

Simple Nail Designs with a Metallic Touch

Adding a metallic touch to your nail design is the perfect way to bring some shine and glamour to your look. To start, you’ll need two colors of polish—a base color and a metallic accent color. Start off by painting each nail with the base color and let it dry completely.

Next, use a thin brush or dotting tool to add small dots or lines of metallic silver or gold nail polish to each nail for an extra bit of sparkle. Finally, seal everything with a clear top coat and you’ll be ready to show off your shimmery manicure!

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Instagram/ ohmynailsjulia

Simple Nail Designs With Sparkle

Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? It’s the perfect way to add a little glamour to your manicure without going too over the top. To get this look, start off with a nude then use rhinestones a thin brush or a dotting tool to create intricate designs on each nail for some extra sparkle. Finish it off with a clear top coat and you’ll have an eye-catching manicure that will be sure to turn heads!

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Instagram/ nails.on.elm.st

Simple Nail Designs With Black Detail

Black is always a classic and timeless color that looks amazing in any type of nail design. Adding a touch of black detail can elevate your manicure for those looking for a sophisticated yet simple look. You could start off with a nude base coat and then use tape, stickers, or a nail art pen to create precise lines or shapes.

Once you’re done, you can add some black nail polish over the designs to finish off the look. To make it even more interesting, you could combine matte and glossy black polishes to create a unique texture. The possibilities are endless when it comes to black detail!

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Simple Black Nail Designs

Simple black nail designs are perfect for those who want to keep their look classic and timeless.  For a simple but chic look, opt for some matte black nails with thin gold or white lines or geometric shapes.

Or if you’re feeling daring, try out some glossy black tips with white details. No matter your style, there’s sure to be a black nail design that will look amazing on you!

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Instagram/ laquermetairie
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Instagram/ partiallypolished

Simple Black and White Designs

Simple black and white designs are the perfect way to add a classic and timeless look to your manicure. With such a versatile combination of colors, you can create endless looks that will never go out of style.

Start off with a black or white polish base coat and then get creative with the opposite color for your details – you could use thin lines, geometric shapes, chevron patterns, or even polka dots! 

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Instagram/ miki_belle_nails_beauty
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Simple White Nail Designs

White nail polish can be a game changer. White nails are incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a range of looks that will never go out of style. Start off by painting each nail with white nail polish and then get creative with the details.

You could add thin lines or geometric shapes in black or gold nail polish for a simple yet chic look. Or you could go for some elegant French tips for an extra bit of elegance. Whatever your style is, there’s sure to be a white nail design that will look amazing on you!

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Simple Nail Designs With a Pop of Color

Whether you’re looking for something subtle or eye-catching bright colors, there is a huge variety of polish color combinations that will look amazing on your nails. Start off with a base coat of nude and then use thin brushstrokes of color to create whatever design you desire.  Adding just a touch of color can easily take your manicure up a notch.

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Instagram/ beautybycait.s

Simple Red Nail Designs

Red is always a great way to add a bit of drama and romance to your look. For something simple yet elegant, try painting each nail with a bright red nail polish and then use thin brushstrokes of gold or silver to create delicate designs on each nail. Finish it off with a clear top coat for extra shine!

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Instagram/ nylove_nail
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Instagram/ beautybycait.s

We hope you have found the perfect simple nail look! For more nail design ideas check out these posts:

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