27 Fun Abstract Nails Inspiration and Ideas to Try Out

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Lou loved getting her nails done, but when salons started shutting down during Covid, she knew she needed to expand her horizons and learn how to do her own. She quickly found that doing her nails was both relaxing and a fun form of art expression. She loves using gel polish and swears by nail health. Her passion for sharing her passions keeps her excited about sharing her nail journey and knowledge with other nail art fans!

Abstract Nails Up Front

There are so many different ways we can incorporate the abstract nail look into our manicure, from swirls and dots to bright, bold colors. However, my favorite manicure on this list has to be the trippy dotty abstract nails. I cannot get over how unique they are, and the range of techniques and colors used! Check out that design for the ultimate abstract nail art manicure.

Selection Criteria

When picking the manicures for this article, I was mindful of what the definition of abstract art was. According to the Tate, abstract art uses ‘shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect’ instead of aiming to look realistic.

When looking at nail art, I picked manicures that played with shape and colors to create interesting and unique designs.

I also wanted to pick manicures that are easy to recreate at home. All the manicures I have included on this list are done by the best nail artists from around the world, done to the highest standard.

Minimalist Abstract Nails

Minimalist abstract nails are a great starting point for abstract nails. Of course, the extremely jazzy, colorful designs are fun, but are you looking for something a little bit more sophisticated?

Here are my top picks for minimalist abstract nails.

Black and White Abstract Nails

I love the simplicity of this design, using white and black gel color to create a really interesting look. This design is perfect if you are wanting abstract nails, but like to keep your nails pretty neutral.

You can recreate this look at home with nail paint tools and gel nail pens.

White Minimalist Abstract Nails

This manicure is simply stunning, using a mix of white French tips and swirls to create a really sophisticated abstract design. If you are wanting to recreate this at home, get yourself some gel nail pens and have a go at the swirls!

Remember to use a bottom and top coat to make the nails look shiny and healthy.

Blue Minimalist Abstract Nails

This manicure is super cool, using a chic square shape as the base of the design. The nail artist has then painted a neutral pink tone onto the nails, adding blue shapes onto the nails. This look can be recreated at home easily, with gel nail pens for the blue shapes.

Arty Abstract Minimalist Nails

This manicure is beautiful, paying homage to the abstract designs of the art world. They have kept it pretty simple, using a nude color for the nails and then adding the designs with a white gel.

If you are wanting to recreate these at home, but don’t know if you will be able to pull it off, there are abstract art nail stickers that you can add to your manicures. Nail stickers are an easy way of getting the nail art you want easily and without hassle! Remember to always put a top coat on after applying the stickers to keep them in place.

Ultra Minimalist Abstract Nails

This manicure is effortlessly cool. It is super simple, but still so breathtaking. The nail artist has kept most of the nails natural, then painted on a triangle design to create an ultra minimalist look.

Abstract French Nails

The French manicure is a classic trend and is where the tips of the nails are painted with the rest of the nails left natural or painted in a contrasting color. French nails are always in style, mainly because of the different twists that nail artists have put on the trend.

So, what are some of the best abstract French nail styles to try out today?

Green Abstract French Nails

This manicure keeps it pretty simple, playing with French tips to create interesting shapes and designs. The neon green color is super summery and fun, and I love the square shape of the nails.

Splodge Abstract French Nails

Abstract nails are all about playing with shapes and colors, and these French nails do it perfectly! I love this fun twist on the French manicure, using bold splodge shapes on the tips. It is really playful, using bright colors in the design.

Black and White Abstract French Nails

These French tips really strip things back, taking a minimalist take on the trend. The long square shapes of the nails allow for a number of black and white curves, creating a super sophisticated, trendy look.

If you are wanting to recreate these at home, get some gel nail pens to add the lines and curves to your nails!

Retro Abstract French Nails

These abstract French tips are so fun, and I am getting major nail envy right now! I love the almond shape, and the beautiful colors used in the swirls. They are properly retro and done so well, giving me big 60s vibes.

Monochrome Abstract French Nails

This is a really modern take on the French nail trend, and I like how each nail is subtly different. The nail artist has highlighted the black French tips with a white line, allowing the design to really pop.

Abstract Swirl Nails

If you are looking for a fun DIY manicure, abstract swirl nails are the way to go! There are so many fun ways to express yourself using swirls and you can play with shapes and designs to create your own unique manicure!

Pink Abstract Swirl Nails

This girly take on the abstract nail trend is super cute, and I love the mix of pinks used in the manicure. The nail artist plays with negative space and adds a shimmer to the natural nail, creating a very glamourous look!

Rainbow Abstract Swirl Nails

I am a big fan of rainbow designs on nails – the more colors the better in my book! This fun, pastel rainbow design is super cute and summery, and I love the pink nude color that is used as a basis for the manicure.

By using nail art pens, you can recreate this look at home! However, there are some cute rainbow abstract nail art stickers that you can buy if you aren’t up for painting the design on yourself.

Negative Space Abstract Nails

This abstract nail design is very cool, using deep swirls to enhance the negative space trend. The length of the almond nail shape means that the artist has been able to paint on big swirling shapes, creating a very striking design.

Mint Abstract Swirl Nails

Green nail colors are trending hard right now, and the light, pastel shades are stealing the show! This mint-green abstract swirl design creates a laid-back look that is perfect for the summer months.

If you are wanting to do your nails like this, make sure you are looking after your natural nails! Because it leaves a lot of the nails natural, take care when prepping the nails. Over-prepping the nails can leave dark marks and bruises. Oh, and definitely use nail strengthening cream to make sure your natural nails are as healthy as possible.

Pastel Abstract Swirl Nails

Pastel colors on nails are a sure-fire way to create a cute and playful manicure. This nail artist has applied pastel abstract swirling shapes onto the nails, leaving some nail natural.

With nail art brushes, you can have a go at recreating this look at home. Every nail is different, and this is part of the trend, so don’t worry about the designs not looking the same! Have fun and try out different techniques to get the abstract nails of your dreams.

Doodle Style Abstract Swirl Nails

I am in love with this cute doodle nail art design! It is super playful and fun, using a range of bright colors to apply a swirling pattern.

This look may be a bit difficult to recreate at home, but if you have the patience, I would definitely give them a go!

Abstract Dot Nails

Dots are big in the nail world, and this is probably because of the simplicity of applying them. You can buy a nail art dotting tool pretty cheaply, and it allows you to apply dots to your nails with ease.

So, what are the best abstract dot nails that you can recreate at home?

Pastel Polka Dot Nails

This manicure is super simple, yet so effective! The nail artist has picked pastel colors for the dots, creating a look that is both interesting and easy to achieve. I love the way the dots get bigger in size across the nails.

Big Dots Abstract Nails

These abstract dotty nails are very cool, using huge dots to create a really interesting design. I love the dark shades used, they give me big circus vibes! These big dots can be painted onto natural nails, but remember to add a top coat in order to make them look shiny.

More Pastel Dots

Okay, I think pastel dots are super cute, and I had to include this design on the list, too! The nail artist has used a range of pastel colors and different sizes to create a stunning manicure that is summer party ready.

Trippy Dotty Abstract Nails

Okay, this manicure might be a little difficult to recreate at home, but if you like a salon trip, definitely keep this design in mind. They are super 70s, and I love the range of colors used. The nail artist has painted on a hazy big dot first, and then added more dots in different shapes.

The detailing is beautifully done, and I am in awe of the talent of the nail artist!

Colorful Abstract Nails

Are you a fan of bold, colorful designs? Let’s look at some abstract nails that incorporate a whole load of wonderful colors into their design!

Mix and Match Colorful Abstract Nails

This manicure has so much going on, with a range of colors and glitter incorporated into the design. Each nail is a work of art. The nail artist has mixed and matched different colors and themes into the manicure, yet creates an overall coherent design.

If you are looking for something a little bit out there, then this is the manicure for you! Have a play around with different colors and shapes to recreate this at home.

Camouflage Abstract Nails

This nail artist has used the camouflage design to create a really colorful, bold manicure. The shapes and colors are super fun, and I love how each nail has its own color theme going on.

Block Color Abstract Nails

This manicure is very summery, using bold block colors to create a unique design. If you are wanting to recreate these at home, I would recommend buying some nail art tape. This can be put onto the nails in order to make the lines straight, then removed after curing the nails.

Trippy Checkerboard Abstract Nails

Checkerboard nails are pretty popular right now, and I love this trippy twist on the trend. The nail artist has created a 3D, optical illusion design and is obviously super talented at what they do!

If you are wanting a manicure like this, check out the salons around you to see if any can recreate this fabulous design.

Negative Space Colorful Abstract Nails

I love the mix of negative space and colors in this manicure! Have a go at recreating this at home by using a range of colors to add shapes and swirls onto your nails, before adding a top coat to make them shiny.

Bold Abstract Nails

I am kind of in love with this manicure! By mixing the French nail trend, dots, and swirls, the nail artist has created a unique and bold design.

Colorful Arty Abstract Nails

What I love about abstract nails is that every manicure is different. This nail artist has used a mix of splodges, lines, and dots to create a super cool design. Try out these different techniques at home, and create your own arty abstract nails!

FAQs

Let’s look at some FAQs you might have about abstract nails.

Question: What are Abstract Nails?

Answer: Abstract nails refer to when a range of shapes and designs are used on the nails, creating unique designs that are reminiscent of abstract artwork.

Question: Can I do Abstract Nail Art at Home?

Answer: Yes! The fun thing about abstract nails is that they can be recreated at home very easily. Because there is no set design, you are able to play around with shapes, dots, and splodges to create the look you wish.

Question: How Much do Abstract Nails Cost?

Answer: If you are going to a salon to get your abstract nails done, you may be looking at paying a little bit more than a usual manicure. This is because the nail artist will hand paint the shapes onto the nails. You may be looking at spending 70 to 80 dollars for abstract nails.

Get Abstract Nails This Season

Abstract nails are one of the main trends right now in the nail world, and we can see why! There are so many different shapes and designs that can be incorporated into abstract nails, and each design is a whole lot of fun. Plus, they can be done at home pretty easily!

My favorite abstract nail design on this list has to be the trippy, dotty abstract nails. They are just so cool, and I have never seen any design like them! Which manicure is your favorite?

Continue reading:

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