Graduation day is a milestone that deserves celebration, and what better way to add a touch of personal style than with a perfect set of nails? Whether you’re looking for something classy, simple, or bold, there’s a graduation nail design for every taste. Let’s dive into some fabulous graduation nails ideas that will have you looking chic and ready to toss that cap in the air.
Elegant Almond Graduation Nails
As a professional manicurist, I find almond-shaped nails to be incredibly versatile and elegant, perfect for graduation. The first design features a mix of soft whites and nudes, accentuated with delicate swirls that give a sophisticated yet playful look. The balance of neutral tones makes it ideal for matching any graduation outfit while still standing out.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Nude Polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Nail Art Brush: Beetles Nail Art Brush Set
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint all nails with two coats of nude polish.
- Using a fine nail art brush, create delicate swirls with white polish.
- Seal the design with a high-gloss top coat to ensure longevity.
Glitter and Black Accents for Graduation
This nail design features a chic blend of subtle glitter gradients and black accents, making it a perfect choice for a graduation nails gel look. The glitter tips add a festive touch without being over the top, while the black details bring a bit of edge and sophistication to the overall look.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Gelish Foundation
- Sheer Pink Gel Polish: CND “Beau”
- Glitter Gel Polish: Kiara Sky “Fairy Dust”
- Black Gel Polish: Gelish “Black Shadow”
- Nail Stickers: Amazon Graduation Nail Stickers
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
- Apply two coats of sheer pink gel polish and cure.
- Use a sponge to dab glitter polish on the tips of the nails and cure.
- Add black accents with a nail art brush or stickers, then cure.
- Finish with a top coat and cure for a lasting finish.
Simple and Classy White Graduation Nails
For those who prefer a minimalist yet classy look, these white nails with delicate accents are a great choice. The simplicity of this design highlights the elegance of white nails, making them suitable for any graduation ceremony.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
- White Polish: Sally Hansen “White On”
- Fine Nail Art Brush: Winstonia Striping Brush
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a protective base coat.
- Paint nails with two layers of white polish.
- Use a fine brush to add any delicate accent lines or patterns.
- Apply a top coat to protect the design and add shine.
Classy French Almond Nails
As a professional manicurist, I highly recommend these elegant almond-shaped nails featuring a modern twist on the classic French manicure. The transparent base with a subtle ombré effect transitions seamlessly into the crisp white tips, while a single accent nail adorned with a delicate line of rhinestones adds a touch of glamour. This look is perfect for those seeking classy graduation nails that exude sophistication and timeless beauty.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Sheer Pink Polish: Essie “Mademoiselle”
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Rhinestones: Swarovski Flatback Crystals
- Nail Glue: KDS Nail Glue
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Apply two coats of sheer pink polish.
- Using a nail art brush, create the white French tips.
- Place rhinestones on one accent nail using nail glue.
- Seal the design with a high-gloss top coat to ensure longevity.
Bold Blue and White Graduation Nails
For those who want to make a statement, these bold blue nails with intricate white and glitter accents are an excellent choice. The vibrant blue nails contrast beautifully with the nude base and swirling white lines, accented by a touch of glitter. This design is perfect for graduation nails acrylic lovers who aren’t afraid to stand out.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Gelish Foundation
- Nude Gel Polish: CND “Nude Knickers”
- Blue Gel Polish: Kiara Sky “Blue-Eyed Girl”
- White Gel Polish: Gelish “Arctic Freeze”
- Glitter Polish: Sally Hansen “Disco Ball”
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
- Paint the nude base and blue gel polish, curing each layer.
- Use a fine brush to create white swirls and add glitter accents, then cure.
- Finish with a top coat and cure for a durable finish.
Chic Black and Gold Graduation Nails
These nails are the epitome of chic sophistication, blending matte black with metallic gold accents for a truly unique look. The intricate patterns and bold color combination make these nails a stunning choice for those wanting to elevate their graduation nails ideas to the next level.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
- Black Matte Polish: OPI “Black Onyx” with matte top coat
- Gold Metallic Polish: Essie “Good as Gold”
- Nail Art Brush: Beetles Nail Art Brush Set
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat.
- Paint nails with black polish and apply a matte top coat.
- Use a fine brush to add gold metallic accents.
- Seal with a top coat to protect the design.
Floral Graduation Nails
For a fresh and feminine touch, these floral nails are perfect for celebrating your big day. The delicate floral designs on a clear or nude base are both elegant and versatile, making them ideal for graduation nails almond shapes.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie First Base Coat
- Clear or Nude Polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
- Floral Nail Stickers: Amazon Floral Nail Art Stickers
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat.
- Apply a clear or nude polish base.
- Carefully place floral nail stickers on the nails.
- Finish with a top coat to secure the stickers and add shine.
Floral Pastel Graduation Nails
For a fresh and youthful look, these pastel nails adorned with floral designs are perfect for any graduation celebration. The combination of soft lavender and pink tones, accented with delicate flower patterns, creates a whimsical yet sophisticated style. This design is ideal for those who want graduation nails acrylic with a playful twist.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie First Base Coat
- Lavender Polish: Sally Hansen “Lacey Lilac”
- Pink Polish: Essie “Fiji”
- Nail Art Pens: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint some nails with lavender polish and others with pink.
- Use nail art pens to draw delicate floral patterns on the accent nails.
- Finish with a top coat to secure the design and add shine.
Modern French Tips with Silver Accents
These nails feature a modern take on the classic French manicure, with a twist of elegance and glamour. The clean white tips are accented with a sleek silver line, adding a touch of sophistication. This design is perfect for those who prefer graduation nails almond that are both classy and contemporary.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Nude Polish: Zoya “Minka”
- White Polish: Essie “Blanc”
- Silver Nail Tape: Born Pretty Silver Striping Tape
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat.
- Paint nails with two coats of nude polish.
- Create the French tips using white polish.
- Add a silver stripe just below the white tip.
- Seal the design with a top coat.
Delicate Floral Almond Nails
For a delicate and elegant look, these almond-shaped nails are adorned with tiny floral designs. The clear base allows the intricate flowers to stand out, making this design perfect for graduation nails ideas that are both subtle and stunning.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Gelish Foundation
- Clear Gel Polish: CND “Clearly Pink”
- Floral Nail Stickers: Born Pretty Floral Nail Art Stickers
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
- Apply two coats of clear gel polish and cure each layer.
- Carefully place the floral nail stickers on each nail.
- Finish with a top coat and cure to ensure durability.
Geometric Matte Green Graduation Nails
These nails are a bold and modern choice, featuring a matte green finish with geometric patterns. The combination of matte and glossy textures adds depth and interest, making these graduation nails acrylic a standout choice.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
- Matte Green Polish: OPI “Matte Top Coat” over Zoya “Wyatt”
- Nude Polish: Essie “Topless & Barefoot”
- Black Nail Art Pen: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint some nails with matte green polish and others with nude polish.
- Use a nail art pen to draw geometric patterns on the nude nails.
- Seal the design with a top coat to ensure it lasts.
Modern Green and Gold Tips
These nails feature a striking combination of green and gold, creating a modern and sophisticated look perfect for graduation. The design includes green tips with gold accents, adding a touch of luxury and elegance. This style is ideal for those who want graduation nails acrylic with a unique twist.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Nude Polish: Essie “Topless & Barefoot”
- Green Polish: OPI “Stay Off the Lawn”
- Gold Foil: Born Pretty Gold Foil Nail Art
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint nails with two coats of nude polish.
- Use green polish to create the tips and add gold foil accents.
- Finish with a top coat to seal the design.
Classy White Pearly Nails
For a timeless and elegant look, these white pearly nails with delicate pearl accents are perfect for graduation. The clean white polish exudes sophistication, while the pearls add a touch of luxury. This design is great for those who prefer graduation nails white and classy.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Pearl Nail Embellishments: Swarovski Pearls
- Nail Glue: KDS Nail Glue
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat.
- Paint nails with two layers of white polish.
- Place pearl embellishments near the cuticle using nail glue.
- Seal the design with a top coat.
Pink and Floral Graduation Nails
These nails combine a soft pink matte finish with intricate floral designs, creating a charming and feminine look. The floral patterns are detailed and delicate, making these graduation nails short ideal for those who want a sweet yet sophisticated style.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie First Base Coat
- Matte Pink Polish: Zoya “Matte Velvet Lacquer”
- White Polish: Sally Hansen “White On”
- Nail Art Brushes: Beetles Nail Art Brush Set
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat.
- Paint nails with matte pink polish.
- Use a fine brush to create floral designs with white polish.
- Apply a top coat to protect the design.
Bold Blue and Floral Nails
For a bold and vibrant look, these blue nails with floral accents are perfect for making a statement. The bright blue polish is eye-catching, while the floral designs add a touch of femininity and elegance. This design is great for those who want graduation nails square and striking.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Gelish Foundation
- Blue Gel Polish: Kiara Sky “Blue-Eyed Girl”
- Nude Gel Polish: CND “Nude Knickers”
- Floral Nail Stickers: Born Pretty Floral Nail Art Stickers
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
- Apply blue and nude gel polish, curing each layer.
- Place floral nail stickers on the nude nails.
- Finish with a top coat and cure for a lasting finish.
Delicate Floral Nude Nails
These nude nails with delicate floral designs are perfect for a soft and elegant graduation look. The flowers are detailed and add a touch of nature’s beauty to the nude base, making these graduation nails acrylic a lovely choice for those who prefer a subtle yet sophisticated style.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie First Base Coat
- Nude Polish: OPI “Dulce de Leche”
- Floral Nail Stickers: Born Pretty Floral Nail Art Stickers
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint nails with two coats of nude polish.
- Carefully place floral nail stickers on each nail.
- Finish with a top coat to secure the design.
Colorful Floral Almond Nails
These almond-shaped nails feature a vibrant floral design that is both playful and elegant. The bright colors and intricate patterns make these graduation nails almond a standout choice for those looking to add some fun and color to their graduation look.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Gelish Foundation
- Nude Gel Polish: CND “Nude Knickers”
- Nail Art Brushes: Beetles Nail Art Brush Set
- Various Colored Polishes: Essie “Fiji,” OPI “Big Apple Red,” Zoya “Talia”
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
- Apply two coats of nude gel polish and cure each layer.
- Use nail art brushes to paint detailed floral designs with various colors.
- Finish with a top coat and cure for a lasting finish.
Gold Hearts on Nude Nails
For a chic and romantic look, these nude nails are adorned with tiny gold hearts. The simplicity of the nude base combined with the elegant gold accents makes these graduation nails square ideal for those who want a classy yet understated design.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Nude Polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
- Gold Nail Stickers: Born Pretty Gold Heart Nail Stickers
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat.
- Paint nails with two layers of nude polish.
- Carefully place gold heart stickers on each nail.
- Seal the design with a top coat.
Daisy Floral Nails
These nails feature a charming daisy design on a clear base, perfect for a fresh and summery graduation look. The daisies are intricately detailed, making these graduation nails ideas a lovely choice for those who want a floral theme that stands out.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie First Base Coat
- Clear Polish: Sally Hansen “Hard as Nails”
- White Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Yellow Polish: Essie “Sunshine State of Mind”
- Green Polish: Zoya “Hunter”
- Nail Art Brushes: Winstonia Striping Brush
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint nails with a clear polish.
- Use nail art brushes to paint daisy designs with white, yellow, and green polishes.
- Finish with a top coat to secure the design.
Pink Gradient Nails with White Lace
These nails feature a stunning combination of pink gradient and intricate white lace designs, accented with pearls. This look is both elegant and feminine, making it perfect for graduation nails acrylic almond lovers. The soft pink gradient adds a touch of subtlety, while the white lace and pearls bring a level of sophistication that is ideal for a special occasion like graduation.
Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Pink Gradient Polish: Essie “Sugar Daddy” with gradient effect using a sponge
- White Polish: Sally Hansen “White On”
- Pearl Nail Embellishments: Swarovski Pearls
- Nail Art Brushes: Beetles Nail Art Brush Set
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Use a sponge to create a gradient effect with pink polish, starting from a deeper pink at the tip to a softer pink towards the base.
- Use white polish and a fine nail art brush to create delicate lace designs on the accent nails.
- Place pearl embellishments along the cuticle line using nail glue.
- Seal the entire design with a high-gloss top coat to ensure durability.
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