Showing up to the first day of class—even if that’s on Zoom—with a bomb-ass manicure is an easy way to start the year off right. My favorite occasion for trying a cute new nail trend is definitely the back-to-school season. If you’re looking for a cute manicure to show off when you raise your hand in class, try any of these 15 really trendy back-to-school nails to inspire your next mani.
Need a reason to get stoked for the new semester? Right this way.
There are so many exciting things that come with back-to-school season: making new friends, exploring new topics, homecoming, fall, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course, fall fashion and beauty. I bet by now you’ve carefully thought out your first day of school outfit, now it’s time to pick out your back-to-school nails.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration to take to your nail technician or you want to have a go at creating these designs yourself, these back-to-school nail ideas will get you excited about the new school year. I’ve included a lot of DIY ideas so you don’t even have to book an appointment at a salon if you don’t want to.
So grab your favorite fall nail colors and get to painting before the first day of school — because, after all, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
1. Vanilla Girl Milky Nails
There’s a new It Girl on TikTok.
From wardrobe essentials in a neutral palette to makeup must-haves that achieve a barely-there look to scented candles and cozy bedding, the vanilla girl trend shows vanilla doesn’t always have to be boring. For a manicure that looks expensive and elevated try adding a white or creme nail laquor to your nail polish collection.
To recreate this look at home, I recommend following my milky nails tutorial explaining which nail polishes you need to achieve this look. Or try any of the nail polishes linked below.
MEMEDA Milky White Gel Nail Polish
Essie Sheer Pale Pink, Ballet Slippers Nail Polish
Beetles Neutral Gel Nail Polish
2. Brown Swirls
I guarantee you’ll be ~serving~ with these creative back-to-school nails.
Lean into the cozy browns of the leaves outside (and your piping hot morning latte) with this minimalist mix of swirl nails with white and brown polish.
3. Jelly Nails
For a nail idea that is guaranteed to turn heads in class – make sure to try the insanely viral jelly nail trend. To recreate this look, I recommend following this step-by-step guide to DIY Jelly Nails at home on a budget.
4. Mermaid-core Nails
Bubbles, swirls, and pearls, oh my! This look is a slightly more understated way to say, “I would rather be diving for seashells than doing math homework right now.” Are they shells? Are they rays of light? Or are they just a great conversation starter? Add the mermaid-core nail design to your must-try manicure to-do list.
5. Gold French Tips
Gold French tips are one of the most elegant and glamorous nail designs out there. They’re perfect for a date night, homecoming, or any day you want to feel fancy.
6. The Classic French
You can’t go wrong with an elegant white-tipped French manicure. It’s a classic because it’ll match every single outfit you have planned out for the week.
7. Aura Nails
Aura nails is a trendy new nail design that I’ve seen all over TikTok. To achieve this look, your nail tech will use an airbrush or a piece of foam to create that dreamy, diffused gradient of color on your nails.
To recreate this look at home, I recommend following Kayli Boyle’s step-by-step guide on Youtube.
8. Double French
Down for a more abstract vibe for your back-to-school french manicure? Get inspired by this super-pretty manicure with mixed polishes. There’s no wrong way to do this one, so have fun with it.
9. Daisy Back-to-School Nails
Savor the last few weeks of summer with these ditzy daisy nails. Sprinkle a few dotted blooms on a few (or all!) nails for a cute and feminine flowery look.
10. A Delicate Barely-There Mani for School
Back-to-school nail art can be super understated too, as evidenced by this delicate, nude mani.
11. Barbie Pink
Hello Barbie let’s go party! The talk of the town is the new barbie movie, so make sure to try out these pink manicure ideas to bring out your inner barbie.
12. Glitter
Whether it’s an ever-so-slight sparkle or a full-on bedazzlement, glitter nails will always have a place in our hearts and on our Instagram feed.
13. Gradient french back-to-school nails
The easiest way to create a gradient on your nails is to use a makeup sponge (a disposable one, not your favorite Beauty Blender), paint the polish colors directly onto the sponge, and then softly dab the polish onto your nail.
14. Smiley Faces
There’s nothing better than getting a smiley face on your assignment. Channel that energy into bright neon-colored tips.
15. Checkered Back-To-School Nails
Out of all the IG nail trends on my feed right now, checkered manicures might be my favorite. Go for a fun lilac and purple set for the ultimate back-to-school mani.
