32 Cool Prom Nail Ideas You Won't See Everywhere
Every detail matters on prom night.
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There's a lot to think about in preparation for prom night. First, you have to figure out your prom dress or suit style: Are you into beads or lace? Long or short? Bright colors or a classic neutral? Once you've settled the outfit, you need to find killer shoes (and to learn how to actually walk in them without murdering your feet). Plus, there's the hair and makeup looks to plan.
But no look is complete without a totally on-point, prom-worthy mani. The right nail look can help you channel your inner celeb and give you the confidence to totally own the dance floor on prom night. From colors and nail shapes to glitter or matte nails, the options are endless. Whether you do a DIY-mani night with your girls or go to the salon to treat yourself, here are 32 nail art ideas perfect for prom. Keep scrolling for the cutest nail inspo to impress everyone on your big night.
Full Glitter Nails
Whether your outfit is head-to-toe glitter or a neutral look, glitter nails are super fun and will make you feel like a million bucks.
Minimalist Glitter
If full glitter nails are a little too extra for you, try this subtle touch instead. This soft glam mani is def more understated, but still has a cool glitter accent to keep things interesting.
Multicolor French
French tips are a prom classic. Take your mani to the next level with a bold color combo instead of the tired old white.
Rhinestone Nails
If this rhinestone french mani is good enough for Selena Gomez, it's totally approved for your prom night. The stones and nude shade are the ideal combo of classy and cool.
Tonal Ombre
The tonal ombre trend is one of the most wearable manis out there, but it's still chic AF for prom.
Arch French
Clean white nails are so sophisticated for prom, and this cool arch French adds an extra layer of elegance.
Reverse French
If a regular French manicure feels a little dull for you, try it reversed instead. There are so many color combos to choose from, but this blue-glitter one is a good place to start!
Gold Tips
You can't go wrong with gold embellishments for prom, and this mani is subtle enough to rock for class the next day.
Diagonal French
If you prefer one-color manicures, but still want something special for prom, this simple geometric design is the way to go.
Rose Gold Nails
We can't think of anything more ~prom~ than a touch of glitter (especially the rose gold kind).
Tie Dye
Your nails are just as much a statement as your purse or earrings, so why not go big with these epic tie dye nails?
Fun Shapes
Who says prom nails have to be neutral? Try something different for prom with a funky geometric design like this one. Pro tip: negative spaces manis are great for short nails!
Swoop French
Polished yet unique, this swoop French manicure will guarantee tons of compliments from all of your friends.
Stormy Matte
Give neutral nails a twist for prom with a shard of glitter. Paint your nails with black polish, then cover with a matte finish. Once that dries, tape off everything but a small triangle on each nail. Fill it with gold glitter polish, then peel off the tape.
Pearly Bubbles
Rocking pearls for prom night? Create a mani to match. Grab a white polish and dot bubbles along the base of each nail. While the paint is sticky, poke on tiny gold beads for a shimmery accent. Cover the look with a clear polish to keep the beads in place.
Statement Dots
Tone down girly polka-dot nails with this modern nail art. Instead of doing all-over dots, make one big one on the side of your nail in whatever color best matches your dress. Go over the look with an extra coat of glitter, just to be safe.
Pick up some glitter polish here.
More: 50 Life-Changing Prom Beauty Tips You Haven't Heard Before
Bright Shards
Add a pop of color to your negative-space mani by first covering your nails with strips of tape. Apply them in random directions for an abstract geometric effect. Peel off the tape and fill in the space with a new color each time.
New to neon? Try this bright yellow polish.
Caviar Tips
Apply two coats of navy, then gently dip your wet nails into white crystal beads. Follow with a topcoat to keep the crystals in place. Apply temporary cuticle tattoos for extra edge.
Shimmer Triangles
Edge up a glam shimmer mani with pointy half moons. Start with a metallic gold base, and once it dries completely use clear tape to create a triangle stencil at the base of your nail. Fill it in with a dark, sparkly shade, and gentle pull off the tape while polish is still damp.
Metallic Starburst Nails
Show everyone how much of a star you are with this gold and gray design. Start with a soft purpley-gray base, then use a gold nail art pen to draw starbursts at the corners.
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