25 MEDIUM NAIL IDEAS FOR GIRLS WHO LOVE A NEAT LOOK

In recent years, extra-long manicures have taken center stage. With advancements in nail extensions, achieving a full-length manicure with intricate nail art has never been easier. However, while long nails are stunning, they’re not ideal for everyone. This is where medium nails come in—they offer the perfect balance between long and short manicures. With medium-length nails, the possibilities are endless. Below, we’ve gathered 25 unique medium nail ideas to inspire you for your next appointment.

FLORAL FRENCH

This rainbow French mani is a playful twist on the classic design. Paint each tip in a different color, and complete the look with white floral nail art to tie the entire manicure together.

GEODE NAILS

This stunning mani perfectly captures the look of a geode. With a blend of purples and pinks, a touch of silver and white, and a high-gloss finish, it creates a truly eye-catching nail design.

BALANCED BLUE AND BROWN

Blue and brown make for an unexpected yet striking color combination. Create a standout accent nail by incorporating these contrasting colors into a yin-yang design.

INTERLOCKING SQUARES

Remember those optical illusion paintings? This manicure brings that concept to life with a captivating red-and-blue design. While creating this look requires some patience, the result is a true work of art on your fingertips.

SUNSET AURA NAILS

This red and orange aura manicure captures the beauty of a summer sunset right on your fingertips. For this look, you’ll need Essie Nail Polish in “Outside the Lines” and “Send a Message.”

STITCH NAILS

Alicia Torello, the nail artist behind this medium-length manicure, considers it “one of her favorite looks of all time,” and it’s easy to see why. It combines simplicity with bold statement-making design, offering the perfect blend on all 10 fingers.

JADE AND GOLD

These evergreen nails are truly glamorous. The gold accents beneath the green French tips create a striking negative space effect.

CELESTIAL FADE

This frosty manicure is definitely worth trying. The smooth transition from the pink base to the shimmering silver tips is mesmerizing, and the gold star accent adds a dreamy finishing touch.

TIE-DYE

Crocodile print manicures are very much on-trend right now. The best part is that you can achieve this look with any polish you choose—this baby blue version is absolutely stunning.

SUNSHINE SPOTS

Another simple DIY option is a dotted manicure. Use a dotting tool to place vibrant yellow dots precisely where you want them. You can leave the dots as they are or follow this artist’s example and smudge them for a cow-print-inspired effect.

CLASSIC RED

A classic red manicure is always a great choice, and this vibrant nail look is a perfect example. You can recreate it at home with Cirque Colors’ Nail Polish in Pyro.

NEGATIVE-SPACE FRENCH

Get three trends in one manicure with this look—chrome, negative space, and French tips. Begin with a clear glaze base, then use a nail brush to draw two simple lines along your natural smile line.

A BIT OF BLUE

Electric blue polish looks stunning on medium-length almond-shaped nails. To achieve this exact look, use Essie Nail Polish in “Butler Please” and “Skinny Dip.”

DOUBLE-DIPPED TIPS

This is not your typical French mani. The wave-shaped tips and sparkling gold outline give a modern twist to the classic nail design.

MINIMALIST GRAPHIC

If “quiet luxury” were to be translated into a medium-length manicure, this would be it. The combination of nude polish with subtle graphic line art adds a touch of intrigue without being overly bold.

GLAZED HEARTS

Tip accents are perfect for creating the illusion of length, and these half-heart designs will enhance your medium manicure. Begin with a pearlescent pink polish as the base, then add heart-shaped accents using a slightly deeper, opaque pink polish.

SIMPLE STARS

For nail art that doesn’t require artistic skills, try this simple golden star manicure. Paint your nails with a single polish shade—bright white, such as Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer in White Lightning, works perfectly. Then, apply star-shaped stickers, like those from Olive and June.

ABSTRACT LINES

This stunningly abstract manicure is surprisingly easy to DIY. Begin with a neutral base color, such as peach, then use a nail art brush to add fluid black-and-white strokes to each nail.

3D ACCENTS

You don’t need ultra-long nails to showcase impressive art. Medium-length nails offer a great canvas for 3D accents and provide ample space for experimenting with textures like foil and gemstones. This gold-and-pearl oyster mani takes a chrome-gray base to the next level.

TWISTED GLAZE

The “glazed donut” manicure had its time, but now nail artists are elevating the frosty look with subtle squiggles. You can keep your nail art simple with a complementary color, such as this purple-on-pink combo, or make a bold statement with two high-contrast polish shades.

NON-BORING BROWN

Chocolate brown is a versatile nail color for any season. This particular manicure uses Hermés Nail Polish in Brun Bistre, but Essie Nail Polish offers a great drugstore alternative.

BOLD GRADIENT

Can’t choose between two shades? Combine them for a bold, high-contrast fade. Deep purple and red make a striking pair for fall and winter, but this manicure is versatile enough to wear year-round.

COLORFUL FRENCH FADE

If you’re considering a French fade manicure, don’t stick to just neutrals. Using two complementary tones of the same vibrant shade—such as this peach and red combo—adds a fresh and fun twist.

DEEP FRENCH FADE

You can give a French manicure a modern twist with a brown ombré effect. Create an optical illusion by choosing an accent shade that matches your complexion. This nail look is a stylish way to embrace neutral, natural-looking polish.

EXTENDED FRENCH

Update the classic French manicure for medium-length nails by extending the lines all the way around. Nail artists love this trick because it creates the illusion of longer nails. “A deeper smile line—where the French tip curves—elongates the overall look,” says Kandelac.

CONCLUSION

Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, there’s a nail look out there for you. These 25 medium nail ideas offer a variety of styles to suit any taste. From classic French manicures to trendy chrome nails, there’s a design to complement your personality and style. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

20 RAINBOW NAIL DESIGNS ARE TRENDING IN 2024

In 2024, rainbow nail designs are making a vibrant comeback, reflecting the growing trend of self-expression and individuality in fashion. This year, nail art enthusiasts are embracing a spectrum of bold, colorful designs that go beyond the traditional rainbow stripes. From gradient fades to intricate geometric patterns, and even holographic finishes, the trending rainbow nail styles of 2024 are all about creativity and personalization. You’re drawn to minimalist accents or full-on multicolored masterpieces, this year’s rainbow nail trends offer something for every style, making them a must-try.

RAINBOW SHIMMERY NUDE NAILS

A soft nude base provides a chic foundation, while a top coat with iridescent, rainbow-colored shimmer adds a playful, shimmering effect. This combination creates a sophisticated yet eye-catching look that glimmers beautifully in the light, making it perfect for any occasion.

PASTEL RAINBOW SKITTLE NAILS

Not a nail art pro? No worries — this skittle design is the simplest way to embrace the rainbow nail trend without needing any special skills. Just paint each nail a different pastel color, and you’ll have a manicure that instantly brightens your day (and your outfit!). While you can mix and match any pastel shades to personalize your look, here are the exact colors from the manicure above: yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink.

MINIMALIST PASTEL RAINBOW NAIL DESIGN

Calling all minimalists! If you want to sport a rainbow nail design for Pride month—or any time of year—without going too flashy, this manicure is perfect for you. The pastel hues offer a subtle pop of color against a classic nude base, making it a chic and understated way to celebrate. 

MAXIMALIST PASTEL RAINBOW NAIL DESIGN

With its bright pastel colors and groovy retro swirls, it’s the epitome of good vibes—a true mood booster! Each nail features a unique design, making it not only eye-catching but also easy to DIY. Just remember to let each coat dry fully before adding the next pastel color for the best results.

DIAGONAL PASTEL RAINBOW NAILS

If you loved the rainbow nails from the first look but are craving something a bit more unique, this diagonal design is perfect for you. The geometric shape of the rainbows adds a cool, edgy twist—like pastel Pride flags for your nails! Expect to see us rocking these beauties all June long.

PASTEL RAINBOW COFFIN NAIL ART

How rad are these rainbow coffin nails?! The pastel colors have us dreaming of warm weather—perfect for manifesting your brightest season yet! The long coffin shape adds a touch of drama to this rainbow nail design, and you can easily recreate the look with these acrylic nail extensions.

PASTEL FRENCH TIP RAINBOW NAILS

Pastel rainbow hues combined with classic French tips? It’s a match made in nail heaven! This technicolor design strikes the perfect balance between timeless and trendy, making it a must-have for any manicure lover. And the best part? You can snag these exact nails from Glamnetic—they’re reusable, so you can rock this colorful look anytime you need a pop of color!

TWO-TONE RAINBOW FRENCH MANICURE

Chevron tips offer a bold twist on the classic French manicure, and they look absolutely stunning with a rainbow color palette. To add even more dimension to your rainbow mani, try combining bright and pastel colors—it’s a total obsession!

INSPIRED FRENCH TIP RAINBOW NAILS

Can we just take a moment?! This manicure, with its colorful arches ending in adorable white clouds, is a literal rainbow nail design. It’s TOO GOOD. Whether you’re celebrating April showers or the vibrant hues of the Pride parade, these nails are absolutely perfect for the occasion.

SHORT OMBRE RAINBOW NAILS

Sure, you could paint each tip with a different rainbow color and call it a day. Or, you could elevate your look with this ombre rainbow nail design! To achieve that dreamy ombre effect, paint one half of your tips with one neon color and the other half with the next color in the rainbow (like red and orange or blue and purple). Use a nail sponge to blend the two hues together, and get ready for a flood of compliments!

SIMPLE CHEVRON RAINBOW FRENCH MANICURE

If you haven’t noticed, we’re big fans of chevron French tip nail ideas, and this is another one of our favorite rainbow manicure designs. To DIY a chevron mani, use a small brush to paint two diagonal lines that meet in the middle on the tip of your nail. Fill in the rest, and you’re good to go!

NEON ABSTRACT FRENCH TIP RAINBOW NAILS

Pride month is all about positive vibes, self-expression, and rainbow hues, and this nail design nails it! It’s also a great way to showcase your artsy side. Just grab your nail art brushes and start doodling—your creativity will shine as brightly as the colors on your nails!

BRIGHT NEON RAINBOW NAIL DESIGN

We love how the rainbow French tips look like they’re dripping down these Pride-inspired nails—so rad! Everything’s better with a rainbow drip, right? To DIY this design and all your other cute Pride nail ideas, you absolutely need the neon nail polish set from Olive and June. Each color is inspired by a different snowcone flavor, and they definitely look as good as they sound!

WHITE GLITTER + NEON RAINBOW NAILS

Sprinkle a little magic on your Pride nails with this enchanting glitter and neon nail art. It looks like something straight out of our wildest dreams, featuring bright neon swirls, black celestial designs, and a generous dose of glitter. One word: dreamy.

OMBRE RAINBOW CHROME NAILS DESIGN

Ombre rainbow chrome nails are a stunning way to showcase your love for vibrant, iridescent hues. This design blends the smooth gradient of an ombre effect with the eye-catching shine of chrome, creating a look that’s both mesmerizing and sophisticated.

BLUSHING OMBRE RAINBOW MANICURE

A blushing ombre rainbow manicure combines soft, gradient colors with a delicate, blushing effect for a chic and modern look. This blushing ombre rainbow manicure is perfect for a soft, elegant twist on the classic rainbow design, making it ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions.

PEARLESCENT OMBRE RAINBOW MANICURE

A blushing ombre rainbow manicure combines soft, gradient colors with a delicate, blushing effect for a chic and modern look. Here’s how to achieve this dreamy design:This blushing ombre rainbow manicure is perfect for a soft, elegant twist on the classic rainbow design, making it ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions.

SHORT RAINBOW MICRO FRENCH MANICURE

A short rainbow micro French manicure is a stylish and understated way to incorporate a touch of color into a classic look. This short rainbow micro French manicure is a fun twist on the traditional French tip, adding a pop of color while keeping things elegant and refined.

MARBLE RAINBOW NAILS

Marble rainbow nails are a dazzling blend of elegant marble patterns and vivid rainbow colors. Picture a soft, neutral base, like a pale beige or white, as a backdrop. Over this, a stunning swirl of rainbow hues—reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples—creates a fluid, marbleized effect. The colors merge and flow together, giving each nail a unique, abstract design.

COW PRINT RAINBOW NAILS

The cow print trend is definitely a fun one, especially when it’s done in those vibrant rainbow colors! It’s a playful mix of classic and modern vibes. Even if you feel like you’re not fully in the Gen Z zone, it’s all about what makes you feel good. Plus, pairing something trendy with your personal style, like skinny jeans, can create a unique look that’s all you!

CONCLUSION

As we dive into 2024, rainbow nail designs continue to captivate with their vibrant and versatile styles. From bold neon hues and dreamy pastels to sophisticated ombre effects and chic chevrons, there’s a rainbow design to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you’re aiming for a striking statement or a subtle pop of color,