Before going to the salon, many people puzzle over what kind of manicure to do this time. After all, there are a lot of options: from classic nude to bright shades, from minimalism to complex decor. To make your choice easier, we've compiled the top 10 designs that are currently at the peak of popularity. And which one to choose is up to you.
Top 10 types of manicure design
The nail industry also has its own trends, and they change every year, just like fashion. What was popular yesterday may give way to new shades, techniques, and designs today.So, what kind of manicure should you do? Let's look at ten design options, among which everyone can find an idea for themselves.
1. Easy manicure design
Are you thinking about what kind of manicure you can do? Pay attention to the light design. It is characterized by small accents in the form of thin lines, small dots, geometric shapes, or patterns applied to a monochromatic coating. This option is ideal for short oval or square-shaped nails. This design does not overload the look, and it is always in trend.
2. Manicure with inscriptions
This manicure design provides a great opportunity to express yourself. Currently, short words, initials, or motivational phrases are at the peak of popularity, which are applied to the nails by hand or with stickers or stencils. Most often, the inscriptions are made on a nude or transparent base in black, white, or neon colours This design looks great on medium and long nails.
3. Milk manicure
What kind of manicure can be made to suit any style and occasion? Of course, milk. This is a classic that will never go out of style. In 2025, this delicate shade (from white to cream) is used as a base for minimalist designs or as a standalone coating. This design is suitable for any shape and length of nails.
4. Transparent manicure
Transparent manicure is a trend for those who love naturalness. Its main feature is that it is almost invisible on the nails. For its implementation, shades that are as close to natural as possible are used. The design can be complemented with glitter, geometric lines, or abstract strokes.
5. Uncoated manicure
This manicure design is also called «naked» nails, and it is now breaking all records of popularity, because naturalness is in fashion now. Its characteristic features are a neatly processed cuticle, minimal nail length, and a polished plate with a slight shine. This result can be achieved using the Japanese technique.
6. Bright manicure
What kind of manicure can do if you are a bold and energetic girl? Of course, a bright one. This design allows you to fantasize and show your personality to 100%. In 2025, neon shades (yellow, green, pink) and saturatedcolours (blue, red, purple) are in trend. Such a manicure can be made monochromatic or accented with sparkles, abstract patterns, and geometric lines.
7. Wine manicure
Perhaps every fashionista knows that this season a rich wine shade is in trend. And the nail industry has not been spared. Noble and rich colours (Burgundy, Bordeaux, Marsala, cherry) are used to create this design. It looks equally luxurious with a glossy and matte finish. This design is often complemented with gold foil or contrasting patterns.
8. Manicure with a hole
This is a modern interpretation of the classic French manicure. In 2025, the holes (the crescent at the base of the nail) are highlighted in a contrasting colour left transparent, or decorated with sparkles. Popular combinations include nude and gold, black and white, or pastel and neon. This design looks stylish on any nail length.
9. Manicure with dried flowers
Dried flower manicure is a great option for those who love natural motifs. Real dried flowers are fixed under a transparent gel, creating a three-dimensional effect. This design looks great on long nails.
10. Marble manicure
Marble manicure is an elegant design inspired by nature. It imitates the texture of natural stone, with characteristic veins on the nails. This season, milk, gray, and black shades with gold or white accents are in vogue. The technique is suitable for any nail length and looks stylish in a matte or glossy finish.
What kind of manicure can be done at home?
It is quite possible to make a stylish manicure at home, the main thing is to have the desire, basic skills, and the necessary set of tools and instruments. Yes, the process may take longer than in a salon, and the finish may not be as perfect, but with practice, you can achieve better and better results.
What kind of manicure to do at home? For home performance, you should choose simpler options without complicated techniques. It can be:
- Light minimalist design.
- Milk manicure.
- Transparent manicure with glitter.
- Manicure with a hole.
Let's take a step-by-step look at how to create a light design with a nude base and small accents, such as dots or stripes:
- Treat your hands and tools with an antiseptic (alcohol or a special spray will do).
- If there is an old coating, remove it with a special liquid or a nail drill bit (if you have such a tool).
- Apply a remover (softening agent) to the cuticle and wait for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
- Gently push back the cuticle with an orange stick or pusher. Do not press hard so as not to injure the skin.
- Remove the remaining skin with a cotton pad; if necessary, refine the cuticle with scissors or nippers.
- Use a nail file to shape your nails into an oval, square, or almond shape.
- Buff the surface of the plate for better adhesion to the gel polish.
- Degrease the surface of the nail with alcohol or a special product.
- Apply a thin layer of transparent or milky base and let it dry in the lamp (UV — 2 min, LED — 30-60 sec).
- Apply coloured gel polish to the nail plate and dry this layer in the lamp.
- Take a contrasting varnish (black, white, gold) and a toothpick or a thin brush.
- Put 2-3 small dots on one or two nails (for example, on the ring and middle nails) or draw a thin stripe along the edge.
- Dry the pattern in a lamp.
- Apply a clear glossy or matte top and dry it.
- Remove the sticky layer.
- Moisturize the cuticle with oil (with almond or jojoba) and apply the cream on your hands.
This manicure is ideal for beginners. It looks stylish and doesn't require any complicated skills. Over time, you will be able to add more details, such as glitter or stickers. The main thing is practice and the desire to experiment.