Best Dip Nail Designs 2023

Your guide to a trendy manicure.

While a treat for many, the nail salon can also be a stressful place. Deciding on a color can be a dilemma: should you go for chrome nails like Hailey Bieber or opt for sea glass nails like Megan The Stallion? Once you’ve settled on a color, there’s still the matter of choosing the length, the shape, and even the type of nails — whether it’s natural, gel, gel-x, or dip nails.

According to manicurist Juli Russell, “Dip powder nails are a popular nail enhancement technique where natural nails are coated with a special bonding agent and then dipped into colored acrylic powder. This process is repeated several times to achieve the desired thickness and color on the nails.” The beauty of dip powder nails lies in their longer-lasting and more durable results, making them a perfect choice for those leading busy lives or working with their hands frequently.

One of the major benefits of dip powder nails is their extended wear time, typically 3-4 weeks. This benefit makes them an excellent option for individuals who prefer low-maintenance manicures and don’t have the time to change their nail color frequently. Additionally, dip powder nails offer a convenient DIY solution for those who enjoy doing their nails at home and want to save on salon expenses. Another benefit of dip nails is removal is relatively easy. Simply file off the glossy topcoat and soak your nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes.

To make your nail salon experience less stressful, here are 30 inspirational dip nail designs we’re eager to recreate asap.

Looking for a touch of shimmer without committing to a full glitter nail or paying extra for chrome? Ask your manicurist for some gold flakes on top for a captivating pop of shine.

Your birthday deserves nothing less than the perfect nail design, and what better way to celebrate than with funfetti nails? These whimsical nails will add a touch of joy and festivity to your special day. Now, all you need is a slice of funfetti cake.

If you’re heading on vacation to Italy soon (just like everyone on our Instagram feed seems to be), there’s nothing more perfect than terrazzo print nails. Just imagine how jealous everyone will be when they see you, spritz in hand, sporting these dip nails.

All that glitters isn’t always gold, unless of course, it’s these glitter dip nails.

When a classic French manicure isn’t speaking to you, why not choose two of your favorite shades for a little colored French twist? There are endless ways to mix and match.

If you’re still crying over the masterpiece that is Ferrera’s monologue in Barbie, we understand; life is simply better in Barbie Land. While we can't book a one-way ticket there, we can get Barbie pink nails and act like every night is girls' night.

You can’t go wrong with jelly nails — they're fun, flirty, and this translucent lavender haze shade looks great on all skin tones.

If you prefer a nude nail but want something fun but not too fun, might we suggest adding a simple border to outline your nail?

Say your French tips suddenly decided they wanted to stray off the traditional path—you’d get these. They’re pointy rather than round and boast two bright shades you can constantly play around with.

Is there any party trick better than asking someone to hit the lights and having nails that glow in the dark? The best part about these is that they still look good with the lights on, so there’s no sacrifice to be made in the name of clout.

Why settle for one color when you can choose five different tones in the same color family? Just go down the color wheel, and you’ll know what looks good together.

Don't go chasing...nail art designs that bore you! Because you can freehand them, waterfall nails are surprisingly easy to recreate at home.

One thing remains true: animal print will live on forever. Whether it’s cow print, zebra, or cheetah, one pattern will surely be in style, depending on the time of year.

If you’re looking for a quick way to turn that frown upside down, a cute smiley face nail design might help. Lexapro dupe!

While pastels may feel very spring, there’s no rule that says you can’t sport pastel nails all year round. Just like there’s no rule against eating Peeps after Easter.

Plain black dip nails can feel a little Hot Topic, but black glitter dip nails? Chic! Edgy!

Halloween is on the horizon, and there’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than with these ombre candy corn nails. Now, please don’t attack us with your anti-candy corn rhetoric.

When gearing up for a special occasion, sometimes you just want some subdued, barely-there nail shades.

“This design is super beginner-friendly and only requires two colors,” says Russell. For tools, all you need is an old eyeshadow brush. Instead of doing a full final dip into powder, sprinkle a second color over the nail for a gradient design.

“This pink solid is one of those colors that look stunning in many skin tones,” says manicurist Patrycja. “I love the dimension that the glitter gives; it helps create contrast and dimension.”

Iman Balagam is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly five years. She has written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Harper's BAZAAR, Allure, Byrdie, Elle and more. She will try *nearly* anything and spends a lot of time looking for new ways to store her beauty products in a small New York apartment.

How to Get Hailey Bieber's Glow-in-the-Dark Nails

23 New Ways to Wear a French Manicure

40 Spooky Halloween Nail Art Ideas

4 Nails Colors to Cure Your Winter Blues

9 Winter Nail Colors to Match an Espresso Martini

13 Nail Colors ELLE Editors Are Wearing This Fall

25 Non-Literal Thanksgiving Nail Designs

16 Summer Nail Polishes To Brighten Your Day

Spring Nail Art Ideas You Haven't Tried Yet

30 Winter Nail Art Ideas

18 Fun Holiday Nail Designs

The Best Nail Polish Sets to Gift