Nail Ideas

31 Blue Nail Ideas We’re Taking Straight to the Salon

written by ISABELLA KICKLIGHTER
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Source: @gelsbybry
Source: @gelsbybry

In an effort to break away from my usual neutral nail color—sorry nude pink, you will be missed—I have decided it’s time for a change. After hours of scouring the internet for the latest nail trends, I have discovered that blue is slowly becoming my new neutral, providing a variety of colors and muted tones that offer that timeless feel of a neutral nail for any occasion. However, blue nail designs don’t stop there. If you’re looking to make a statement, the electric blue shades bring a vibrant energy to any fresh manicure. Want more of a French girl aesthetic? Then a light blue micro french manicure is the crème de la crème. The possibilities really are endless.

From maximalist abstract designs and bold chromes to more minimalist solid colors and micro French manicures, there’s a blue manicure for everyone. Ahead, discover 30 blue nail ideas catered to every style and occasion—your next set of nails will make you feel blue-tiful.

1. Blue Micro French Tips

Source: @matejenova

A slight twist on a classic look, these light blue tips allude to blue skies. These nails are perfect as they are or they can be switched for any blue hue of your choice.

2. Blue with White Flowers

Source: @gelsbybry

Who doesn’t love a good dainty flower moment? Light blue nails with white painted daisies paired with classy silver jewelry? UGH! It’s just too good.

3. Blue Moon Glitter

Source: @lolo.nailedit

This mesmerizing color is great for anyone who loves the mermaidcore trend but doesn’t want to commit to a wardrobe overhaul to give it a try.

4. Ultramarine Blue

Source: @matejenova

This vibrant shade gives your nails a pop of color that will compliment any outfit. Electric in looks, ultramarine blue is so bold on its own, that it doesn’t even need a design.

5. Metallic Blue Half Moon

Source: @lolo.nailedit

If you want a look that’s simple but makes a statement look no further, this metallic blue half-moon design provides the perfect peek-a-boo effect.

6. Cotton Candy Blue

Source: @matejenova

This color is the blue to Barbie’s pink. Perfect for Summertime, this nail color is both light and bright.

7. Cool Blue Outline

Source: @themaniclub

This less traditional style is the perfect combination of minimalist and unique. A design like this gives our Cool girl aesthetic lovers a unique blue nail idea to share with their manicurist or try at home.

8. Navy Blue

Source: @gel.bymegan

For the girlies who love to wear dark colors—who said black nails are the only option? This moody navy blue is a great year-round shade.

9. Minimalist Evil Eye

Source: @kimberly_oates

This subtle evil eye is for the girlies who want to subtly ward off bad vibes. What I love about this design is that it’s so easy to do yourself at home—no expensive appointment required.

10. Aquamarine Shimmer

Source: @themaniclub

This color brings me back to my childhood. For anyone wanting to revisit their inner child this fun color is the perfect ode to little you. Plus, look at that shimmer!

11. Baby Blue French with Heart

Source: @gelsbybry

She’s flirty, classic, and blue! French tips are a more simple choice, but combined with the adorable heart and light blue color, this design is a triple threat.

12. Blue Flirty Heart

Source: @themaniclub

For those who don’t want to stray too far from the tried and true neutrals, this flirty heart design is perfect for a little pop with a classic nude base.

13. Alternating Blue Hues

Source: @paintedbyjools

Does anyone else remember doing this design as a kid? If you can’t pick just one blue, why not use them all?! This color-block nail design displays all your favorite shades of blue at once.

14. Marbled Deep Blue

Source: @gel.bymegan

It’s that blue espresso! These deep blue nails give the look of a fresh-poured espresso for all our coffee lovers. 

15. Blue Checkered Design

Source: @lolo.nailedit

Queen’s Gambit anyone? This negative space take on a classic design is a true work of art. Make it your own by switching up the shades of blue to your favorite hues.

16. Cloudy Blue-Gray

Source: @gel.bymegan

For those who enjoy more muted and neutral tones but are maybe looking to branch out (just a smidge!), this muted blue shade offers a hint of color… but not too much.

17. Whimsical Blue Designs

Source: @lolo.nailedit

For our maximalists, this set has it all—from tie-dye to evil eye and French tips. This mix-and-match design can be copied as is or altered with other designs depending on your style.

18. Corn Flower Blue

Source: @polishedby.chloe

A classic spring color, cornflower blue is a versatile shade that can be worn year-round. This polish pairs great with denim, creams or tans, metallics, and spring neutrals.

19. Color-Blocked Shades of Blue

Source: @lolo.nailedit

This minimalist look is an artsy approach to negative space designs with alternating blues and a nude base. This design can be mixed and matched with any blue of your choice.

20. Blue Spring Flowers

Source: @gelsbybry

These dainty flowers are perfect for any trips to the farmers market in the spring and summertime. Change the flowers to snowflakes, stars, or moons and they can be worn all year long!

21. Dark Blue and Gold Midnight Sky

Source: @by_hannahtaylor

Any ACOTAR fans? This starry night set is a dreamy pairing between the deep blue of the midnight sky and glittering gold stars. Kind of reminds you of Velaris, right?

22. Periwinkle and Cherries

Source: @megs.nailnook

These adorable cherries are a great pairing with the classic periwinkle blue. Swap the fruit and shade of blue to truly make this design your own.

23. Ultra-Blue Aura

Source: @nailsbypheobe22

These nails are luminous! The vibrant blue blending into the light center makes this set perfect for giving off good blue energy.  

24. Blue Leaves

Source: @megs.nailnook

Plant girlies, it’s your time to shine. I love how these nails play with using the same color palette in different ways on each hand. While these leaves are to-die-for, don’t be afraid to use this style as inspo and switch out the leaves for something more you.

25. Pink and Blue Abstract

Source: @by_hannahtaylor

Anyone remember the iconic 90s Jazz design cups? These nails are such a fun throwback to that style.

26. Cobalt Micro French Tips with Star

Source: @kimberly_oates

NASA called…they love these nails! The subtle french tip is a favorite classic design, but the star gives the manicure that little something extra.

27. Orange and Blue Flowers

Source: @by_hannahtaylor

Did we mention blue goes with practically anything? These playful and bright nails are a fun combination. Giving us everything from double French to dainty flowers. These nails are an amazing statement piece.

28. Light Blue Chrome

Source: @gelsbybry

Chrome nails have taken the manicure world by storm and this light blue take does not disappoint. They remind me of pretty blue sea glass. In a word? Obsessed.

29. Steel Blue

Source: @polishedby.chloe

For the fierce girls who need a color to reflect their personality, this steel blue screams successful, independent woman.

30. Minimalist Blue Swirls

Source: @gel.bymegan

This design can be mixed and matched in a thousand different ways to match your personal style, with different shades of blue lines and a complimentary base coat from nudes and white to neon orange!

31. In Between Blues

Source: @matejanova

For the girls who can’t decide between a light or a dark blue but need something perfectly in between, this mid-blue tone is a great meet-in-the-middle color.