Fight off the monotony of long autumn nights and rainy weekends by honing your freehand nail art abilities! Though it takes significant time and effort, the end result of stunning nails is well worth it. To ignite your creativity, I’m sharing a collection of hand-painted nail art ideas from skilled artists worldwide – each design is unique. While some styles may be more challenging than others, these artful creations are sure to inspire you to give it your all!
Be sure to browse through all the lovely nail designs and don’t forget to save your favorites by pinning them for future reference!
1. Detailed Flower nails
How-to: This incredibly detailed floral manicure is hand-painted with acrylic paints using the 01 Warrior brush.
2. Book-inspired nail art
How-to: This mind-blowing design is entirely hand-painted with nail polishes using 01 Warrior, 02 Needle and 04 Slayer brushes.
How-to: These beautiful nails are hand-painted with acrylic paints. Use the 01 Warrior detailing brush to achieve flawless intricate patterns like this one.
4. ’80s Birthday nails
How-to: This abstract ’80s print nail art is hand-painted with gel. Use the 01 Warrior brush for small details and circles and the 02 Needle liner brush for lines and triangle details.
5. Abstract nail art
How-to: To recreate this incredible freehand nail art, use the 01 Warrior detailing brush for small details like the stripy outlines, and the 03 Spear liner brush for edgy moon details.
6. Fairy nails
To get the look: These beautiful fairy nails were painted entirely with the 01 Warrior brush.
7. Galaxy nails (or Solar system nails!)
How-to: First create the base as for usual galaxy manicure, then paint planets and stars with a fine detailing brush – you can use gel or polish, but this kind of detailed design is best done with acrylics paints.
8. Incredible Mandala nails
How-to: This design is hand-painted with gel. Use the 02 Needle brush for outlines and the 01 Warrior for small details and to place rhinestones.
9. Beautiful Rainbow nails
How-to: Use the 03 Spear striping brush to achieve the perfect rainbow arches. If you have shorter nails, then use the 02 Needle liner brush.
10. Geode nails
How-to: Use the 01 Warrior brush for small details and to achieve the perfect realistic Geode nails look. Watch the tutorial here.
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11. Tile nails
How-to: This beautiful nail design is entirely hand-painted with gel. Use the 01 Warrior nail brush for small details, such as flowers, petals, leaves and circles, and the 02 Needle for lines and outlining details.
12. Geo Rainbow nail art
How-to: These beautiful nails are entirely hand-painted with acrylic paints. Use sharp detailing nail brush to achieve an intricate geometric pattern like this. If you’re using gel, then this design can be done using the one-stroke technique with the 04 Slayer brush.
What I love the most about nail art that there’s so much room for experiments! Any of these beautiful nail designs can be easily simplified. For instance, you can do just one accent nail instead of full set. If you’re brave enough to attempt a full on freehand manicure, I guarantee you will love the result!