Are you still not over pink, even though the Barbie fever died down a year ago? TBH, we can relate. Read ahead to learn how you can experiment with pink nail art designs to stray away from the monotony of neutrals.

Pink is the undisputed colour of the season, and we could not be more thrilled. The hue started sweeping social media platforms ahead of the release of Margot Robbie’s Barbie [2023]. We thought the pink frenzy would die down with the Barbie craze now behind us, but no. With Hailey Bieber's inventive take on the strawberry girl makeup, the feel-good chroma is back to ruling the chart. While the fun and flamboyant shade traverses the entirety of beauty space, today, we are looking at the trendiest pink nail art designs. From delicious pink French manis to subtle and subdued blush nails, scroll further to sink in pink. The best part? Many of these nail art designs have received the stamp of approval from your favourite celebrities.

So, without further ado, let’s look at a few (okay, not just a few, but 15) pink nail designs that you can try on Indian skin tones. We know a lot of people shy away from pink nails, courtesy of colour theory ; pink shades tend to suit lighter skin tones and those with pinkish silver-ish undertones. But trust us, when it comes to the nails, pink is a flattering shade to pick no matter what your complexion is. Unlike makeup, nail paint is applied on dead skin cells – nails which don’t have any pigmentation or texture of their own to absorb and react, hence, brown skin + pink nails is a match made in heaven.

1. Metallic Pink Nails

If you want to sport a pink-powered manicure with a slight edge, might we suggest opting for this metallic nail design? The splash of colour on the bed is enhanced by a reflective, almost glass-like texture that is bound to elevate the feel of your outfit. Take a cue from the internet’s favourite girl, Jenna Ortega, who sported a rendition of chrome nails adorned with diamond-shaped rhinestones. The beautiful manicure added a layer of nuance to the Wednesday (2022) star’s rather coquette makeup and 'do.

2. Blush Nails

It is no secret that quiet luxury has taken over fashion and beauty after the mega success of HBO's venture Succession [2018]. If you too are a fan and want to jump on this trend bandwagon, try out the blush nail trend. Invented by the nail technicians of Korea, this nail art mimics the natural flush of the face with a twinge of subdued pink on the nail bed. This manoeuvre is followed up with a generous, even coat of high-shine nail lacquer. The blush nail has debuted on the Western beauty scene, with a thundering response for its understated elegance, with a side of insouciant air.

3. Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glazed Donuts

Earlier last month, the Rhode Beauty Founder declared a Strawberry girl summer, and we couldn’t keep calm. This unique aesthetic, which calls for an intense, peppy burst of pink on the cheeks, nose and lips – has now translated into a soft, romantic manicure trend. But not without a twist. The swipe of strawberry pink on the nail is glazed, inspired by Hailey's long-time muse, the delectable Krispy Kreme doughnut.

4. French Manicure With A Pink Twist

We are soft for a Barbie twist on the classic French! This pink nail art design has also won the approval of A-listers like Nicola Pertz Beckham and real-life Barbie, Margot Robbie. The ‘Barbie Frenchie’ gives you ample room for experimentation — whether you only want to sport pink-hued tips or create a slight contrast with a bath of baby pink on the bed. If you wish to jazz up this pretty pink nail art, don’t shy away from using a sprinkling of glitter or a boatload of rhinestones in the mix.

5. Pink Power

If you wish to wear pink on your nails without any razzle-dazzle, we are here to help! Opt for a wash of a bold, brilliant variant like a flamingo, fluorescent, or magenta pink to make head turns. Actress-singer-entrepreneur Selena Gomez appears to be a fan of this simple yet striking look. The Rare Beauty Founder took to her Instagram stories to post a snap of her gorgeous pinki-fied nails that exude major spring energy. For her 31st birthday, Gomez flaunted bubble-gum pink on the nails, courtesy of Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik.

6. Pink Goes Moo

This may just be the cutest pink nail art design out there. It’s a design that can be created with a pink base and white patches to replicate a cow’s natural print. It’s a fun and playful twist on pink and white combined with a prairie aesthetic.

7. On Cloud Nine

Another white-on-pink pair is the cloud print. Better yet, it’s easier to pull off at home since the shape of clouds is ambiguous. I, for one, am obsessed with clouds, and a cumulonimbus cloud is my favourite, given its dramatic, fluffy appearance.

8. Manic Pixie Camo

If you are a Mean Girls [2004] fan, we assume you forced yourself to watch the sequel Mean Girls 2 [2011], where Claire Holt playing Chastity Meyer sports pink camouflage during a scene. Pink camo nails are so iconic; it’s giving girly-pop incognito.

9. Abstract Pink

Are you a symmetry-loving, planned-my-whole-trip-out, traveller-not-a-vacationer, hyper-organised baddie? If yes, then this pink nail art design with geometric lines is perfect for you. While you can pick and choose any colour, pink as the base balances out the design.

10. Lovestruck

Pink nails featuring mini red hearts should be on your summer wishlist already. Try this nail art design with your girlfriends and paint the hearts in asymmetrical sizes for an extra dose of fun. Feel free to add polka dots to the mix, too!

11. Galaxy Pink

If you desire out-of-this-world nails, this galaxy nail art should top your list. To cop the design, pick a pink base and add a thin coat of silver glitter. You could also add stars or comets with their burning tails for intergalactic gorgeousness.

12. Rock It In Pink

The natural topography of geodes and quartz is so beautiful that it deserves a spot on your nails. Not only are they pretty, but pretty easy to do, too. They mimic waves on your nails with lines of shimmer.

13. Pink Tie-Dye

Tie-dye has been on the DIY scene since the ’90s, and for all the right reasons. It is simple to do since there is freedom of patterns, colours, and designs. Even on the nails, you can use a thread or a small chain to create pink swirls.

14. Polka Power

Both pink polka dots on a white base and white polka dots on a pink base work wonders. The quintessential retro pattern manifested on the nails is super easy to create and maintain. If you are looking to spice up your manicure with limited time and effort, opt for pink polka funk.

15. When In Doubt, Go Neon

Neon lights are all the rage these days; channel this obsession into your manicure and rock fluorescent nails like a pro. A blush pink shade is perfect for a casual brunch or soirée, and can take you from desk to drinks in no time.

Parting Thoughts

If you are feeling experimental and have some time on your hands (pun intended), try these nail art designs to make your nails the talk of the town. With some celebrity inspo and Pinterest references, you, too, can try stylish nails this season. Just make sure you take good care of your nails before and after the nail art. Alternatively, you could opt for clip-ons or acrylic nails that don’t run the risk of chipping or smudging.

FAQs

1. How to take care of your nails?

   Make sure you apply cuticle oil and regularly trim and file your nails to maintain basic nail hygiene and fortify the nail bed. According to a study, the topical application of plant oils can reduce inflammation and redness around the nails to increase their stability and reduce brittleness.

2. How many coats of nail polish should I apply for longer-lasting nail art?

   Apply two coats of the base nail lacquer followed by a thin layer of the decorative print, pattern, or design, and then a generous layer of top coat to seal the art in place. 2–3 coats should last at least a week without chipping.

3. How long does it take to do nail art?

   It should take no longer than 20–30 minutes to do nail art at home, unless, of course, you are opting for intricate designs. Nail art is pretty simple to do and a fun activity to bond over with your girlfriends.

4. Do I need special tools for nail art?

   To get precise and clean patterns, you will need a nail art pen and other applicators. We recommend the Bronson Professional Nail Art Kit for intricate designs, even for beginners!

5. Which are some of the best pink nail polishes?

   Here are some of the best pink nail polishes with respect to drying time, pigment pay-off, and overall quality:

   O.P.I Nature Strong Nail Paint - Knowledge Is Flower

   Nykaa Breathable Nail Enamel - Slow Love - 315

   Renee Cosmetics Mattitude Nail Paint - Royale Rose

   Lakme Glitterati Collection Nail Polish - Blushing Pink

   Faces Canada Splash Nail Enamel - Pink Punch 130