28 Almond Nail Designs You're Going To Want To Try

There are several nail shapes to choose from. Before acrylics existed, most of us simply used our natural nail shape as a guide — but thanks to fake nails, we can choose any shape we want. Some of us like a long, dramatic coffin nail, while many of us keep ours short and round.

Lots of us, though, like an almond nail. An almond nail is halfway between round and stiletto. It's usually got more length than a round nail but less of a point than a stiletto. It's chic and tailored and shouldn't cause any harm to your skin or eyes.

Almond nails are a great shape for designs, too. There's plenty of real estate for an assortment of fun designs that'll have you completely obsessed with your nails. If you're in need of some inspiration, look no further. Whether you're headed to the salon or giving yourself an at-home manicure, here are 28 almond nail designs you're going to want to try.

Is there anything more whimsical on a nail than a cartoon design? The cartoon trend has permeated several spaces — baking, home decor, and even beauty. Perhaps you've seen makeup artists giving themselves a cartoon eyeshadow look, or maybe you saw a full face à la cartoon. That same look can be applied to nails, and it only requires a couple of extra steps and colors. Once you've finished your design, outline your work in black polish and follow up by adding exaggerated highlights in white. It's simple, totally cute, and can be done with any design.

Graphic is the word. It's easy enough to slap on some nail polish and call it a day, but it's more fun to imbue some personality into your nails. Try a graphic nail look with bold color pairings, standout patterns, and mismatched nails. It's especially daring on an almond nail — the cool graphics create a nice juxtaposition against the most sophisticated of the nail shapes. It shows major personality and makes your nails the star of the show.

If your nail tech asks if you want a themed design around the holidays, say yes. It's a darling way to add some festivity, especially for holidays that last an entire season, like Halloween, Christmas, or Easter. And there are several ways you can take a festive design — it doesn't have to scream holiday. Opt for a simple mix and match of the holiday's quintessential colors, or limit the kitschy design to one nail rather than all 10. Even a simple design will get you in the holiday spirit.

Animal print is always classy, even on your nails. Whether you opt for tortoiseshell, leopard, cheetah, or otherwise, it's a classic look that you won't tire of. Since animal prints naturally come in nudes, they're a great option if you're bored with your neutral nails. But on the flip side, if you're after something fun, animal print can be painted with bright colors for a bold look. Opt for jewel tones for a more subdued look and neons for something totally outrageous. However you spin it, animal print is a good look.

Nails don't have to sport only paint — there are dozens of other materials that can be used to create nail art. If you've exhausted all other nail designs, ditch the paint and go 3D. Add gemstones or little pearls. Find tiny plastic toys and glue those on. Experimenting with nail accessories adds a whole new dimension — literally — to your nail art. If you're going 3D at home, be aware that you'll need some extra supplies, like glue and possibly tweezers. But once you're properly armed, you'll have a brand new arsenal of nail designs.

If you're tired of the same old solid color look, changing just one nail is an easy way to mix things up. Leave the rest the same solid color and choose one nail to have a cute design. The design doesn't have to be intricate —the difference will be playful enough. But you can make it totally wild if you'd prefer. The trick, however, is choosing the right nail. Most often, it's the ring finger, but it could be others. Just be sure it makes sense aesthetically.

The sartorial transition of galactic print should be studied. What was once considered a costume print has become unequivocally fashion-forward. If you like the print but don't want to commit to an entire outfit, try it on your nails. It might look difficult to achieve, but it's easier than you might think. Start with a black base, then use a sponge to create a gradient with blues, greens, and violets. Top your nails with sparkles, and you've got yourself a galaxy. If you're not confident doing it at home, see a professional.

We should be taking nail inspo from everything around us, including our clothing. This won't become a go-to nail choice — it's more reserved for seasonal and special occasion nails — but it'll be a fun respite from your regular designs. One way to incorporate your clothing into your nail design is by adding a sweater pattern. It's perfect for fall and adds dimension. You can also use argyle to inspire a pattern, which is great for a golf tournament or Masters weekend. If there's a print you like on clothing, paint it on your nails.

If you're struggling to find inspiration, go with florals. Florals are fun in every season and work for every occasion. For a whimsical look, opt for some cartoon daisies. For something more sophisticated, try a realistic rose or incorporate some greenery. In late summer, paint a sunflower or two; in the winter, choose darker colors. There's never a wrong time to paint flowers on your nails — just pick designs and colors that suit the time of year. You can paint them at home or give your nail tech some creative license.

Life imitates art; therefore, your nails should, too. With so many epic pieces of art in the world, there's endless inspiration for an art-imitated nail look. Swirl some black or white lines for a Picasso-inspired look. Splatter paint onto your nails à la Jackson Pollock. Go full Renaissance like da Vinci or Michaelangelo. If those are too difficult, offset some primary colors with white boxes and outline in black to imitate Piet Mondrian's work. Your nails are simply small canvases waiting to be turned into art.

White space is a powerful art technique that allows for bold colors to stand out even more. It's tried and true on wall hangings, and it makes for just as stunning nail art. And don't let the name fool you: White space doesn't necessarily mean white. On a canvas, it typically means white since that's the color of the canvas. But on a nail, white space just refers to open space that doesn't have pigment painted on it. Use black and neon to create a bold, graphic look with white space.

Speaking of symbols, another fabulous design feature for your nails is a star. Stars look great on nails. They're graphic without looking harsh. They're cute without looking immature. They're versatile, too — you can fill stars in or keep them open, or you can show the entire star on your nail or place it on the edge and only reveal a portion. Stars can come in all colors and fit many other patterns. Graphic, galactic, or natural designs can all utilize the celestial symbol.

We've given you tons of options for flashy nail designs, but there's nothing wrong with paring things down and opting for a chic minimalist manicure. Simple doesn't mean boring — you can still imbue your personality into your nails without choosing something stale. Try a subtle marble look, or give the magnetic trend a whirl. Pair a unique color with an interesting finish. These are all simple nail designs that still look beautiful.

If you're thinking of mixing and matching your nails in any way, try a color family look. This can be done in multiple ways. You can choose five solid colors and paint each nail something different. You can also choose a couple of different solids and offset those with designs that are in the same color family. This can be done with any color on the spectrum, and it'll look good, especially on a stunning almond nail.