By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

@akikonails_nyc / Design by Camden Dechert

In a world where gel manicures seem to reign supreme, you may have forgotten about their equally, if not more so, long-lasting cousin, acrylics. Acrylic manicures are renowned for their rock-solid durability and extra length, both of which allow for some pretty eye-catching nail art.

Not sure what you'd want besides a solid coat of color? Allow us to lend you a hand. Ahead, you'll find 40 cool acrylic nail ideas that are sure to turn heads no matter the season or occasion. We have a funny feeling you'll find more than a few you'll want to keep tabs on for your manicures in the weeks and months to come.

If you've yet to try your hand (er, fingers) at the cow print nail art trend, now's your chance. Lucky for you, when working with acrylic nails your manicurist will be able to create even more dots and spots to make a can't-miss style statement.

All American and avant-garde, these acrylic nails are quite literally the cherry on top of a perfect mani. If you don't love the summery delight, consider swapping them for berries, coconuts, or your favorite citrus fruit.

Prefer slightly shorter, more neutral nails? These almond-shaped rose quartz nails will give you all the good vibes.

We're loving the royal vibes of this milky mani. The hue is on the border of blue and purple, and we guarantee it'll look good no matter the season.

Sometimes things really are as simple as black and white. Case in point: these gorgeous black and white marble acrylic nails.

If you're a Barbie girl in a Barbie world, you likely already have your manicurist on speed dial over these swoon-worthy clear pink acrylic nails. The jelly finish creates a see-through allure that simply can't be overlooked.

We're in love with this simple acrylic nail design that mimics the elegance of a line drawing. Find some stencils you love, or go freehand if you're looking to work your art skills.

A star nail design is simple but fabulous, and it never goes out of style. That's just the case with these acrylics that have a way of fitting with any season.

We love this modern take on a French manicure, with a rainbow of neon colors streaming down the top of each acrylic nail.

In case you missed it, pink ombré nails are a major fixture these days. If you want to test out the look, bring this acrylic beauty as inspo.

You don't have to wear these rainbow acrylics during Pride month to show off your spirit. Needless to say, we love.

We're off to the races with this nail design, which looks as if you dipped each finger into a different shade of the checkerboard flag found at finish lines. A champion acrylic nail idea, indeed.

We don't know what we love more about this nail design: the rich blue shade, the fluffy clouds, or the star detailing interspersed throughout.

Perfect for a summer pool day, these neon digits will make a head-turning statement.

Pretty in pink (hot, pastel, neon—you name it): Just consider this another take on the beloved Barbie nail look.

Pink, almond-shaped, and slim—a simple everyday look that deserves all the recognition. Just be sure to file your edges to keep your lengths intact.

The multi-hued ombré manicure has been incredibly popular as of late, and it's showing no sign of slowing down. To get in on the look while it's still topping the nail art charts, consider this acrylic sunset manicure as your inspiration.

Butterflies remind us of all things bella—Bella Hadid and a beautiful life, that is. If you're all about the fluttery, flirty look, consider trying this acrylic nail idea.

A pale pink manicure with tips in shiny silver instead of the traditional French? Um, yes, please.

Why not embrace jade as a cheery neutral for your nails? These pale green acrylics make our crystal-loving hearts skip a beat.

Need an acrylic design that leaves you able to do everything you could with bare nails? We totally get it. This design packs both tortoiseshell and checkerboard onto a smaller canvas—what more could you want?

Maybe it's just us, but these metallic, almond-shaped nails remind us of all things Sailor Moon. You too? You know what to do.

Like a bold red lip, these bright red acrylics never go out of style. Pair with a stiletto shape for a show-stopping finish.

We love a designer moment as much as the next person. Mix a classic brand with modern neon and you have yourself a match made in nail heaven.

Here's another example of how the mismatched nail trend doesn't have to be bold to be noteworthy. With a neutral color palette and minimalist decorations, this manicure is simple and eloquent.

Two words: groovy, baby. Especially since these negative space acrylic nails ensure that grow-out will be hard to notice.

We can't keep our eyes off this mermaid-inspired design, which goes above and beyond with silver glitter scales. We're here for this.

Pink tips? Check. Holographic confetti? Check. Need we say more?

These acrylic ballerina nails might look low-key and neutral, but two butterfly wings make the look a bit more bold without going overboard. The intricacy of these wings is almost as beautiful as butterflies themselves.

Oxblood makes our autumn-loving hearts all warm and fuzzy. Luckily for us, the rich hue can be worn all year long, and it feels even more festive with some added bedazzling.

We love the modern white take on a classic orange flame. Subtle and bold all at the same time, this white hot acrylic nail idea can work all year round.

If you feel like you've tried everything under the sun when it comes to acrylic nail art, it's time to take things to another dimension. The bubble texture and deep iridescence will have everyone staring, and is great for around Halloween or any time you want something more avant-garde.

Solid nails are pretty and all, but when you add a few gemstones to the mix, you're left with a gorgeous manicure that's that much more stunning. The subtle butterflies and slightly mismatched shapes here only add to the allure.

White acrylics go from simple to royal with tiny flecks of gold. We're dreaming about all the ways we can incorporate this must-try nail look into our going-out outfits.

When recreating this look on your own, opt for gold flake appliqués (which stick to your nail polish and are set with top coat) instead of trying to hand-paint the details on your own.

While these acrylics are longer than long, the idea remains the same: You simply can't go wrong with the jelly nail art trend. Whether you wear it in a coffin, square, almond, or squoval shape, you're sure to fall in love with the unique nail look.

Can't choose between a glossy or matte finish? You don't have to. With this acrylic nail idea, you can see how stunning pairing the two can be.

One of the best parts about acrylics is that you can achieve things that would be impossible with natural nails. Amidst a matte, dusty rose manicure, this design's clear accent nails achieve a unique look via internal flowers and gold foil.

Why stop at one neon color when you can play with two? Here, neutral matte polish pairs with neon green and yellow hues for a nail look fit for a '90s-loving queen.

Keep your neutral manicure anything but boring by getting acrylic nails with iridescent tips and a base of pearls. With a design like this, you just may have the best-accessorized hands in the house.

If you really want to make a statement, consider acrylics that glow in the dark. These look fairly normal during the day, but you'll be the life of your next party or night out when everyone sees the nails' true power.

Here's Proof Acrylic Nails Don't Have to Be Long

31 Elevated Nail Designs For Special Occasions

30 Valentine's Day Nail Designs That Are Far From Cheesy

Spring 2022 Nail Trends: Mani Bling, Gold Accents, and More

The Coolest Black-and-White Nail Designs, According to Instagram

23 Super-Bright Neon Nail Looks to Try

40 Red Nail Ideas and Designs to Wear All Year Long

30 Natural Nail Designs for the Manicure Minimalist

20 Ways to Wear the Coffin Nails Trend (AKA Ballerina Nails)

20 Clear Nail Designs That Are Anything But Boring

40 Best Thanksgiving Nails: Fall Nail Ideas & Designs

25 Pretty and Delicate Floral Nail Designs

30 Impossibly Pretty, Spring-Ready Nail Designs

29 Matte Nail Looks That Prove Black Is the New Black

These Simple Nail Art Looks Are Perfect Year-Round

30 Best Red and Gold Nail Ideas For the Holidays