These are 35 of our fave white nail art designs
From acrylics, to gels, natural, to coffin...
In case you weren't aware, the '00s are back and with that comes the return of white nails. If you're looking for designs that are brighter than your future, acrylics that border on lethal weapons, or gels that are glossier than your mum's chocolate tart, you've come to the right place.
We've scoured Pinterest and Instagram for all the inspiration you need, whether you're still trying to narrow down your Christmas manicure, or looking for the perfect bright white to show off your tan this summer. No matter the season, we've found the perfect shade and design for you.
Feeling festive? Look no further than NYC's Paintbox Nails and their beautiful gold accents. Want something a little spookier? Try recreating The Hang Edit's adorable ghost tips. Struggling to pick just one colour and one design? Kaddy From The West's monochrome mash up proves that anything really can go.
So, whether you're a nail dotting tool DIY queen who has a stash of foils and stickers to create any design you fancy from all the comfort of your sofa (jealous, much?), or you're on first name terms with your local salon, don't press reset on your manicure without scrolling through our edit first.
We just wish we could tell you how to keep your white manicure clean but that's a secret apparently only Kris Jenner knows the answer to... For now, we suggest keeping an orange stick to hand at all times and maybe a nail whitening pen, too.
Love is in the air
Is it a gender reveal? Easter? Valentine's day? How about all three!
3D chrome swirls
Khloé Kardashian's nail artist, Chaun Legend, says we're going back to the future with this extravagant set.
Classic floral
You can't go wrong with a simple touch of floral. It is spring, after all.
Kardashian glam
Want nails like a Kardashian Christmas? This is the design for you.
'00s revival
Because why not channel your inner Elle Woods and return to the most classic of manicures?
Cow frenchies
Or even put a moo'ing (soz) twist on your classic frenchies with the very-in cow print.
A light sprinkling
This wash of white with a touch of gold detailing is equal parts subtle and beautiful.
Opalescent
Enhance your trainers, or your jewellery, with a pearlescent finish.
Add Your Initials
Jazz up a white mani by adding your initials in gold.
Partaaaay time
What says party nails more than white glitter? Spoiler: the answer is nothing.
Nails gone wild
We love this intricate zebra print and we might just even be able to recreate it at home.
The swinging '60s
Our hand eye co-ordination may not be strong enough to manage these monochrome squiggles at home but your nail tech's certainly will!
Cute but spooky
Halloween may be over but these designs are cute enough to wear all year round.
Blank canvas
Add a high shine topcoat for white nails that are anything but flat.
Flame throwers
Turn up the heat and replace your regular French mani with some serious flames.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Laura is a former writer for Cosmopolitan UK, covering everything beauty and fashion related and specialises in makeup, plus-size fashion and the world of YouTube. Her favourite pastime is reminding everyone of that one time she met Charlie Hunnam and Jason Momoa. Please don't ask to see the pictures...
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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