When it comes to manicures, these days, anything goes. From simple, classic designs to punchy or bold nail art, the options are endless—making it all the more difficult to pick one. And what you choose to wear on your nails is a decision that will stick around for a few weeks.
If you are running low on inspiration and ideas for your next manicure—specifically looks suitable for long nails—we have you covered. Read on for 27 of the best manicure ideas for long nails, featuring shapes, colors, and designs for every taste and style.
01 Star French Manicure
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A square shape (which is less likely to catch on your clothes) looks great with elaborate nail art. When the nails are extra-long, there's more than enough space for an intricate design, like these fun black-and-white star tips. Add a few tiny nail gems to kick things up a notch.
One nail art style that is always trending is a simple linear design with a neutral base color (which creates the illusion of even longer nails). Lock in the manicure with an extra glossy topcoat to give the nails an edgy, wet look.
For a unique take on the ever-popular almond-shaped nail style, consider a white-on-nude airbrushed look that resembles snakeskin. Keeping the majority of the length in the tip with a semi-sharp finish adds a dramatic flair to this fun style.
This is the perfect bridal manicure for those who love sharp, pointy nails. An elegant take on the classic French manicure, pearls give this set an unexpected twist that's fun and sophisticated. Pairing an opaque white tip with a classic nude color draws the eyes to the length of the nails.
An intricate white swirl design is the perfect nail art for tapered square coffin nails. Most of the design lies in the tip, which lends a somewhat French manicure-like feel. This look is an easy way to take nails from zero to 100.
Not every long manicure must be perfectly square or pointy. Sometimes, an asymmetrical tip is in order. Celebrity nail artist Pria B used Sissi 3D gel to create the thick tips on these custom, gilded nails. Gold chrome helps this set mimic the look and feel of chunky gold jewelry.
07 Timeless and Sheer
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Combining a sheer "your nails but better" polish and a long almond shape makes for the perfect classic manicure. A translucent neutral polish flatters all nail shapes and lengths—from short to super long—and looks beautiful against all skin tones for a sophisticated and timeless manicure style.
When seeking a conversation starter, consider a 3D manicure. In this look, pops of raised red swirls sit atop a traditional French manicure for an unexpected twist. Intricate nail art like this works well on long almond-shaped nails because the length provides ample space for the design, so it doesn't appear smushed or cut off.
The aura nail trend, which features a hazy center color that diffuses into the base, shows no signs of slowing down. For a bright take on the look, rock neon shades of orange and pink. A few nail gems in varying sizes further play into the cosmic effect.
This black-and-white take on the trendy flame manicure starts at the nail bed and wraps around the outer edges. Thin flames as you reach the tips and a matte beige base color give the style some added edge.
11 Pink Web Aura Stiletto Nails
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Celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce gave Megan Fox this distinctive aura manicure featuring pointy stiletto tips. The set features a hot pink-red gradient fade—sponging the polish onto the nails can achieve the effect—topped with a black web-like design. The shape and length are essential here, providing ample space for the design.
Another of Boyce's takes on the trending aura manicure is this cotton candy pink and baby blue set, also designed for Fox. The sweet combination of bright, pastel hues is a unique departure for Fox, who typically favors dark, vampy, and gothic nail styles.
For a unique spin on the classic French manicure, swap an opaque white tip for a black to amplify the nails' shape. An assortment of gold balls, crosses, and pearls soften the black polish while maintaining a semi-gothic feel.
This cherry red French manicure is perfect for the holidays (or anytime you want to dress up a standard French). The look is equal parts sophisticated, sexy, and fun.
A coquette-inspired manicure like this one typically features extra-long nails with a square or sharp shape adorned with hearts, bows, ribbon designs, charms, and nail accessories. The soft pink hue makes this set all the more femme.
16 Dark Jelly Nails
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Nail piercings add an instant edge to your manicure. Here, small silver hoops sit on the side of long, square, black jelly nails. Nail artist Angel My Linh mixed black nail polish with a base coat to create the dark jelly effect.
This colorful, bright, and extra-long set is replete with cool designs and silver chrome accents, an homage to architect Zaha Hadid's work. Consider this nail art that will surely make the Pinterest board rounds.
For a fun take on Barbiecore nails, swap an all-hot pink manicure for pastel polish shades, sculpted designs, and acrylic accessories. Add a mix of pearls, rhinestones, and jelly-like translucent flowers to the nails for even more of a girly vibe.
This fun and flirty manicure alternates between solid peach gel nail polish and a neutral nail with pink and white swirl tips. A tapered square medium-length nail provides ample nail-art real estate without compromising functionality. It is the perfect manicure for when you can't decide between a solid nail color or fun nail art.
Pointy almond nails are the perfect shape for a split-color tip. For an artsy feel, paint the thumbs with an abstract design that differs from the rest of the nails.
For a modern take on the classic French manicure, swap out the expected pinky-neutral base and white tips for a dual-finish look on long square nails. Keep the tips glossy and the base of the nail matte or vice versa. Mixing and matching polish textures creates a chic contrast.
If neutral nails are more your speed, consider a monochrome design in a light color like milky white. Adding a paper-thin, minimalistic linear design allows the focus to remain on the nail shape and length without distraction. Even better? You can easily recreate this intriguing manicure at home with a few nail tools and a steady hand.
24 Colorful Brush Strokes
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A deconstructed brush stroke nail design gets a serious upgrade with a glossy black base. The darkness of this manicure is perfect to flaunt all winter long. Then, come spring, swap black polish for nude or a bright color for a fresh new look.
This French manicure features sharp, geometric patterns in an array of bright colors. You can cut nail stickers precisely to the shape of your nails to emulate this one, or a talented manicurist can create the look. We're getting major 90s-esque Tetris vibes here!
Of all the bold manicures on long nails, the easiest one to DIY is the polka dot accent nail: A nail art dotting tool can help you place each polka dot precisely. Complimenting color families, like this peach polka dot look, makes for a more uniform-looking manicure.
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