Bust out your thin brush and acetone, because we’ve got 19 easy riffs on the classic red manicure that you can do at home. Here, 19 non-basic nail designs for red nails.
Metallic Moon
The bold red base color is amplified by the metallic moon at the base. Go for a gold sparkly color like one of these, if you’re feeling fancy.
Delicate Detail
Technically a tangerine red, but it looks so good we’re willing to bend the rules slightly. This design is topped with a delicate leaf design on the ring finger. Very subtle and pretty.
Cartoon Nails
Channel your inner Betty Boop with this design. Paint the nails a red base coat then you use a brush to outline the complete nail. Next, create the 3D effect by adding white detail to the outer edges. Cover with a glossy top coat and you’re good to go.
Red Plaid
Buffalo plaid is a fall favorite no longer confined to just flannel. To get the pattern on your nails, start by painting them a shiny base coat red. Use a lacquer like this one for the ultimate effect. Next, draw the pattern using black. For that extra look, shape your nails to a stiletto point.
Supreme Nails
Let’s file this in the advanced at-home nail art category. It can be achieved by using a red matte base and applying gold decals. Also, a small nail stencil can create the Supreme lettering or you can try white decals. If you’re a legit artist, put your white paint and thin brush to work.
Stars No Stripes
It’s fourth of July every day with this nail art. A red base coat is enhanced with oversized stars that cover the whole nail.
The Upside Down
Add an healthy dose of color by painting the underside of your nail in a contrasting hue.
Metallic Touch
Make a red nail instantly more glamorous with a metallic accent. Start with a clear base coat and then paint your half moons in gold. Let dry, then fill in the rest of the nail in your favorite red polish. Finish with a topcoat.
Varsity Stripes
Retro-inspired varsity sweaters, jackets, and sneakers are trending, and the look can be extended to your nails. But instead of going for collegiate colors, we’re digging this unexpected red-and-pink combo by the nail art salon that started it all, WAH Nails.
All-Over Print
Add a print to a basic red nail, done here by using a thin brush to paint micro lips.
Red Accents Pt. 1
Alternatively, use a pop of red on a neutral background. To get this cherry design, start with a nude base. Add pairs of red dots throughout, then use a thin brush to paint stems and leaves in green. Finish it off with a clear topcoat.
Red Accents Pt. 2
Supersize your look with a design that extends from your index finger to your pinky.
Easy Minimalism
Add a thin diagonal line in a contrasting color for a simple yet dynamic look.
Lined Up
Try an unexpected ’70s color combo in maroon, cherry, and hot pink.
Negative Space
Wear your heart on your nails with this negative nail. Outline the bare section in black to clean up any mistakes and embolden the graphic.
Red Ombre
This vampy ombre is a subtle way to celebrate your inner goth.
Petal Tips
Instead of painting a red French tip, scallop the inside edge for an abstract floral design.
Matte Contrast
After painting your nails in your favorite red, let the lacquer dry and add a horizontal swipe in a matte topcoat for a contrasting finish.
Statement Nail
Use a thin brush to add a fun statement nail or two, seen here in the form of teeny lightning bolts.
