“Neon is always trending,” says Los Angeles-based nail artist Elle Gerstein. In the 35 years she’s created manicures for celebrities and editorial photo shoots, she’s seen neon nails repeatedly resurface in the trend cycle. What exactly makes these bright, candy-colored hues so popular? “They make any design come to life,” Gerstein says. They make a statement, whether you combine different-colored neon nail polishes or contrast them against mellow tones.
As versatile as they are, though, neon nails can be intimidating to wear. Thankfully, there’s endless inspiration on the internet — and we’ve compiled the best ones. Below, experts share what nail designs work best with neon and the most eye-catching color combinations.
Neon Animal Print Nails
Elle Gerstein
Add a splash of neon to your favorite animal design. Gerstein particularly loves creating zebra print patterns using neon nail polishes. She says you do so by using two neon nail polishes (as shown above) or one vibrant hue in place of where the black shade would normally appear in the print.
Neon French Tips
Hemi Park
Faux French Neon Mani
This nail art’s neon green lines are subtle, but striking. Try a sheer or pastel beige-pink base with a thin neon line toward the tip of the nail for an eye-catching contrast. It’s like your classic French, but a little more interesting.
Fruit-Inspired Neon Manicure
This fruit-inspired mani combines dot nail art and French tips. Jarjour used adhesive nail studs to achieve the dots’ glossy, 3D effect.
Half Neon Mani
Ignite your inner disco queen with these half-neon, half-glitter nails. Pair your favorite neon shade with your choice of shimmer and wait for the compliments to flood in.
Multi-Design Neon Nails
Try this jovial nail look, which is super easy to re-create yourself using stick-on nail studs like the ones in this pack from Amazon.
Faux French Neon Mani
This nail art’s neon green lines are subtle, but striking. Try a sheer or pastel beige-pink base with a thin neon line toward the tip of the nail for an eye-catching contrast. It’s like your classic French, but a little more interesting.
Fruit-Inspired Neon Manicure
Jelly Neon Nails
Add a transparent twist to neon nails with the jelly trend. “This is a great take on neon for those who want the impact of the bright colors but without the heavy opacity,” says Los Angeles-based nail artist Eunice Park. Brands like Aprés and ILNP have polishes that impart this glossy, jelly finish, but another way to create the look is to add a drop of your favorite neon nail polish to a bottle of clear top coat, shake it up, and you have a customized jelly nail polish.
Neon Glow Stick Nails
Neon Paintbrush Design
This manicure looks like the artist created it with a Lisa Frank paintbrush. Its brushstroke design blends a magical spectrum of neon shades.
‘90s Neon Nails
Whether you love ’90s trends or fluorescent hues, you’ll want to try this manicure. “I love using opposite colors to make the design pop,” says Park about her polish choices for this manicure. The artist also added an iridescent shimmering top coat for a subtle yet eye-catching look.
Ombré Neon Nails
This soft ombré manicure is a great way to combine two of your favorite neon colors. “The key for making neon ombré work is using a light-colored base,” says Brooklyn-based nail artist Erica Hipp. Try using a light nude or a creamy white polish in between two neon shades to facilitate that gradient.
Tie-Dye Neon Nails
This sleepaway camp-favorite design can give your manicure a fun, nostalgic vibe for summer. Los Angeles-based nail artist Bana Jarjour achieved this look by painting white ovals on each nail, followed by a rainbow of thick, neon lines on top of it. “Before the polish dries, use a thin nail art brush to drag the colors upward then downward, creating a tie-dye effect,” she says. This look is sure to brighten up your mood, whether it’s just as a French tip design or tie-dye on your whole nail.
Aura Neon Nails
Aura nails were one of 2022’s most popular manicures and the trend shows no signs of stopping. Prepare to see the paranormal-inspired design in lots of neon hues this Summer. “[Aura nails] give a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s and are reminiscent of airbrush photobooths,” says New York City-based nail artist Yoshimi Muranishi.
Neon Flame Nails
