It’s back to school season again!
As summer comes to an end, it’s time to trade in beachy brights for classy, polished nails.
While your outfits and backpacks get an upgrade, don’t forget to give your nails a back to school makeover too.
This season, nails are all about making a statement.
To help you get those A+ nails, I’ve rounded up 13 of my favorite back to school nail designs.
They’re perfect for the fashion forward students who want to stand out.
So get ready to take notes, because class is in session!
Glittery Galaxy Print
First up in my back to school nail designs is this out of this world glittery galaxy print. It’s a fun look that’s equal parts edgy and girly.
The dark background makes the neon pops really stand out.
I love how the scattered glitter looks like exploding stars in the night sky. It’s so mesmerizing!
To get this galactic look:
– Start with a base coat in a deep blue or black. Make sure it’s completely opaque.
– Next, sponge on bright neon polishes like yellow, pink and green randomly. The messy look gives it a cool space effect.
– Use a detail brush dipped in silver glitter polish to add little star bursts. Concentrate the glitter near the tips and cuticles.
– Finish with a fast drying top coat to seal in the glitter.
The glittery galaxy design is perfect for day or night.
It’s definitely an eye catching option if you want your nails to look otherworldly.
People will think you have star power when they spot this stellar mani!
Negative Space French Nails
Add artistic edge to classic french tips with these cool negative space nails.
Instead of white tips on neutral nails, this reverse design has nude tips over a white base.
The inverted color blocking effect is so chic and modern.
Follow these simple steps to get the look:
- Start by painting all nails with two coats of bright white polish.
- Next, tape off the nail tips before painting over the base with nude polish.
- Carefully peel off the tape to reveal the negative space white tips.
- Finish with a glossy top coat to smooth and seal the design.
- These negative space french nails will earn you serious style points at school! Their graphic look pairs perfectly with geometric prints, leather accents and sleek ponytails.
- For added flair, use metallic polishes for the “french” tips. So on trend!
The creative color blocking effect modernizes traditional french tips in a cool artistic way.
Tip: use liquid latex instead of tape for ultra fine lines.
Switch up the base and tip colors for fun twists on this back to school nail idea.
Royal Purple Holographic Nails
Get ready to rule with regal purple holographic nails!
With its jewel toned shine, this back to school nail idea is fit for a queen bee.
The rich purple shade looks so luxe and lavish when paired with opalescent holographic powder.
It’s the ultimate mix of bold color and flashy sparkle.
Here’s how to DIY these royal nails:
– Start by painting your nails with 2-3 coats of a creamy purple polish. Make sure there’s no streaks or bald spots for the next step.
– While the polish is still wet, use a small brush to pat on iridescent holographic powder. Focus on the tips and center of the nail.
– Once dry, apply a top coat to smooth out the powder and add extra shine.
These dazzling purple nails will be your crowning glory all season long.
Pair them with preppy plaids or dress them up with dark denim.
Either way, you’ll rule as the queen of cool with this regal mani. It’s just begging to be your go-to for football games and fall parties.
Matte Black Nails with Glossy Tips
For the edgier students out there, this matte and glossy black mani is for you.
The combo of matte black and high gloss tips is so striking and cool.
It reminds me of expensive luxury cars with their shiny black paint.
Here are the steps to DIY this daring mani:
– Start by painting your nails with 2 coats of deep matte black polish. Let each layer dry completely before moving on.
– Next, use a makeup sponge to create a straight line across your nail. Make sure the line is super crisp and even.
– Paint the tips with a glossy black nail polish. The juxtaposition of the matte base and shiny tips is so chic.
– Finish with a layer of quick dry top coat to lock in the look.
This mod black mani pairs perfectly with classic neutrals and modern metallic accents.
Whether you’re wearing this edgy look to school or going out for the night, it’s guaranteed to turn heads.
Go ahead and swipe right to sport these matte and shiny nails all season long!
Rose Gold Marble Nails
Marble nails will never go out of style, but this rose gold twist feels so fresh and current.
By mixing soft rose gold shimmer into classic white marble, you get a romantic mani that flatters any skin tone.
The overall effect is both glamorous and trendy for fall.
Follow these easy steps to marble at home:
– Start with a base of white nail polish. Make sure it’s completely dry before moving on.
– Next, place drops of rose gold polish across the nail and use a toothpick to swirl it into the white base.
– Continue swirling and mixing the colors until you get the marble effect you like.
– Finish with a fast drying top coat for a smooth salon-like finish.
These marbleized rose gold nails are guaranteed to impress. Pair them with flirty florals for a feminine vibe.
Or edge them up with faux leather and moto jackets. However you wear them, these pretty pink marble nails will earn you serious style points!
Geometric Nude Nails with Gold Cutouts
If you want your nails to stand out without a lot of color, take inspiration from this nude and gold geometric design.
The classy beige base keeps it neutral enough for school, while the triangular gold cutouts add just a touch of glam.
Here’s how to get this look:
– Start by painting your nails with 2-3 coats of your perfect nude polish. Make sure there’s no streaks before moving on.
– Next, use tape to section off triangles at the base of your nails. You can do one big triangle or a row of smaller ones.
– Paint the exposed sections gold. Try a shimmery polish so it really pops against the nude.
– Carefully remove the tape to reveal super sharp edges. Finish with a fast drying top coat.
Thanks to the neutral palette, this mani will complement any outfit. It transitions seamlessly from the classroom to a night out.
Tip: add an extra coat of top coat to the gold sections to help the polish last longer without chipping.
Pink Ombre Skittle Nails
Think pink with these playful ombre skittles nails!
Each nail is painted in cotton candy inspired shades that fade from light to dark pink. When put together on all 10 fingers, it creates a fun rainbow effect.
The gradient pink colors are oh so sweet.
Here’s the scoop on getting this look:
– Start by painting each nail a different light and dark pink polish combo. Do your pointer finger in lightest pink, moving to darkest on your pinky.
– Next, apply the polishes diagonally, starting below the cuticle and ending at the tip to create an ombre fade down each nail.
– Use a makeup sponge to softly blend the edges for a seamless transition.
– Finish with a layer of top coat to smooth and set the gradients.
These pink ombre skittles nails are perfect for showing your sweet side at school.
They’re playful enough for class, but polish enough for a night out after.
Tip: use a base coat first to prevent staining from darker pinks.
Chic French Tip on Matte Nails
Ooh la la, get ready to fall in love with this chic matte nail design!
A classic french tip mani gets an ultra modern makeover on a velvety matte base.
he contrast between the polished white tips and matte nude base is so elegant and cool. It’s the essence of Parisian girl chic.
DIY your own at home with these easy steps:
– Start by painting your nails with two coats of matte nude polish. Let each layer dry before applying the next.
– Use tape or a makeup sponge to create a crisp white french tip on each nail. Make sure the line is straight and even.
– Remove the tape or sponge carefully to keep your white tips pristine.
– Finish with a matte top coat to seal in the velvety effect.
This matte french mani is great for school or any fashionable occasion.
Tip: apply lotion first to keep your nails from getting dried out by the matte polish.
Add an extra layer of top coat over the tips to protect the whites longer. Ooh la la!
Metallic Gold Leaf Nails
Get gilded with gorgeous gold leaf nails!
Real gold leaves are applied over a black base to create shimmering works of nail art.
The gold foil reflects light for a dazzling disco ball effect.
These glitzy nails are guaranteed to be the highlight of homecoming!
DIY your own golden glam mani with these tips:
– Start by painting nails black and letting them dry completely before moving on.
– Next, use a small detail brush to apply a thin layer of clear top coat where you want the gold leaf to stick.
– Carefully press a small gold leaf onto the tacky polish and smooth gently with your finger.
– Once dry, finish with another 1-2 coats of fast drying top coat to seal them in.
These glam gilded nails are perfect for dressed up events and occasions.
Tip: Apply polish thinner if the gold leaf starts to wear down to keep them shiny longer.
Pair your golden nails with an LBD for a black tie beautiful look!
Modern Checkerboard Nails
Stay on trend with these sleek matte checkerboard nails.
They put a modern minimalist spin on classic checkered print with chic shades of black, white and grey.
The graphic black and white design looks so edgy and fashion forward.
Follow this nail art tutorial to get the look:
– Start by painting alternating nails black and white. Make sure coats are completely opaque.
– Next, use thin strips of tape to section off small squares or rectangles on each nail.
– Fill in the opposite color and remove the tape. For grey, mix equal parts black and white polish.
– Finish with a layer of matte top coat to smooth and set the pattern.
These matte graphic checkerboard nails will earn you serious street cred at school.
Pair them with moto jackets, minimal jewelry and sleek ponytails for a futuristic fashionista vibe. So on trend!
Glitter Heart Nails
Spread a little love and happiness with these playful glitter heart nails.
Pink and red hearts are scattered over a sheer pink base for a flirty, feminine look.
The sparkly glitter finish and sweetheart shapes make this mani so lovable.
It’s an easy nail idea for showing your affection at school!
Here’s how to get this girly look:
– Start by painting nails with two thin coats of sheer pink polish. Let dry.
– Next, use a detail brush dipped in red and pink glitter polish to paint on little heart shapes randomly.
– Focus most of the glitter near the base and tips of nails.
– Finish with a top coat to smooth and seal in the glitter.
These glitter heart nails are the perfect way to show your affection for school crushes and BFFs!
Tip: Apply a base coat first to prevent staining from the pink polish. Use different color glitter for holidays!
3D Flower Nails
Spring into fall with gorgeous 3D flower nails.
Actual fabric flowers are applied on top of nude nails for an ultra dimensional effect.
It brings a fresh pop of color and texture perfect for back to school.
You’ll have a green thumb for style with this DIY floral mani!
Here are the steps for blooming great flower nails:
– Paint nails with two coats of a pale nude polish. Make sure surface is smooth.
– Brush on a layer of glue across the nail where you want the flower positioned.
– Press the fabric flower onto the nail gently. Hold for 30 seconds to allow it to adhere.
– Once dry, seal in flowers with a glossy top coat. This protects the petals so they last longer.
These fabric flower nails will earn you rave reviews!
Mix different flower types and colors for fun variety.
Try tying a different bloom to each nail for a mismatched look. So playful and pretty!
Holographic Unicorn Nails
Unleash your inner unicorn with this magical holographic mani!
A prismatic range of hues blends together for a dreamy, futuristic effect. It’s just the right balance of glittery, edgy and girly.
These unicorn-inspired nails will make you feel positively fantastical at school!
Here’s how to get the look:
– Start by painting nails with 2-3 coats of hi-shine holographic polish. Let dry between each layer.
– Next, sponge on pink, purple and blue in a rainbow pattern randomly across nails.
– Turn nails diagonally and repeat sponging with the opposite colors over top.
– Finish with a layer of clear top coat for extra sparkle.
With its kaleidoscopic shimmer, this unicorn mani complements any color combo or outfit.
Tip: Use iridescent glitter polishes for extra multidimensional color!
Whether you’re a unicorn at heart or just love rainbows, this mani is pure magic.
The best part is all these trendy looks are easy to DIY at home with basic tools. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own too.
Why not add your school colors, initials or fun shapes? The possibilities are endless when you’re armed with these tutorials.
So what are you waiting for?
Give your nails a back to school makeover and flaunt those fingers proudly.
Trust me, having on trend nails will make you feel put together and give you an extra boost of confidence at school.
Here’s to another year of stylish nails and A+ looks! Let me know in the comments which design you can’t wait to try.
Now go out there and show off those gorgeous nails. You’ve got this!
