Easy Nail Designs For Beginners

Nail art is no longer reserved for salon pros. It’s become a fun outlet anyone can try. From glossy gradients to playful polka dots, there are endless beginner-friendly nail art ideas waiting to be tried. In this article, we’ll show you how to create simple manicure designs that let you unleash your creativity and show off your unique personality!

1. Classic polka dots

An all-time favourite and an easy nail design for beginners to master. Dip a dotting tool into contrasting polish to create even, round dots. Mix up the sizes for a playful effect or go uniform for a clean, retro vibe. Feeling creative? Try alternating pastel tones for a cute spring mani or metallic dots over a matte base.

2. Shimmering French tips

Add a modern twist to this simple nail art design by swapping the classic white tips with metallic gold or silver. Once your base coat is dry, paint the nail tips with your accent shade using short, curved strokes that follow your natural nail shape. Keep the lines sharp by using tape or nail guides.

3. Soft ombré

This is one of those easy nail art ideas that looks professional but takes minimal effort! Apply two coordinating shades onto a makeup sponge and lightly dab onto your nails to blend the colours together for a dreamy, gradient effect. Think blush pink fading into nude, lilac melting into white or coral blending into peach for that beachy summer vibe. Take your time with gentle dabbing and seal the design with a glossy top coat.

4. Diagonal two-tone nails

If you love bold colour combos, this cute nail design for beginners is your go-to. Use a striping brush or nail tape to paint a second colour diagonally across half of the nail, right over your base coat. Go soft with pastel pink and periwinkle for a dreamy duo, or try contrasting shades like navy and white or coral and tangerine. 

5. Glittery sprinkle

A little sparkle never hurts! This nail art for beginners adds instant drama to any look. Use a small sponge to gently press glitter polish onto the tips for that soft, “sprinkled” shimmer. You can also dust fine, loose glitter over wet polish to catch the light in just the right way. Go silver for cool, icy tones, gold for something warm and luxurious or holographic for a fun, party-ready finish.

6. Bling nails

For days when you’re feeling a little extra, bling nails are a great choice. Choose a solid base shade like nude, blush pink or jet black to make your gems stand out. While your top coat is still tacky, use tweezers or a dotting tool to place rhinestones, pearls or tiny studs onto your nails. Go full glam with clusters on long coffin nails or keep it subtle with a single gem accent on shorter nails.  

7. Negative space

This is one of those easy nail art for short nails that proves less really is more. Start with a clear or nude base, then use striping tape to outline clean shapes or sections you want to leave bare. Paint the remaining areas in bold shades like black, white or deep red. Once the polish dries, gently remove the tape and seal everything with a glossy top coat. It’s artistic, minimalist and effortlessly chic!

Create trendy DIY nail designs for beginners with NSI Australia

Ready to bring your nail inspo to life? NSI Australia offers all the essential nail art tools you need, from gel kits and decals to silicone practice hands. We also offer online courses to help you learn step-by-step nail designs from the pros.

Shop now and create salon-worthy nails from the comfort of your home!