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These manicures will be the perfect compliment to your summer glow-up.
There are so many exciting things that come with back-to-school season: homecoming, football games, chilly weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course, fall fashion and beauty. You've picked your back-to-school outfits — and now it's time to pick out your back-to-school nails. 💅
Even if you tend to be a one-coat-of-polish-and-go kind of person, there's something confidence-boosting about a fresh manicure. Plus, back-to-school season is just plain fun (think Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils, pink erasers, and those uber-nostalgic composition notebooks) so why not play it up in your nail art? If you’re looking for back-to-school nails to show off when you raise your hand in class, we’ve rounded up some incredible nail art to inspire your next mani. You can either snag a couple simple nail brush sets and have an at-home manicure night with your besties, or you can take screenshots to show to your favorite nail tech. Either way, we guarantee you'll be ~serving~ with these creative back-to-school nails.
A post shared by Claudia Hernandez | NAIL ART (@claudia_hrnandez)
The colorful, serotonin-inducing Lisa Frank school supplies that TikTok revived are peak back-to-school. Lean into the magic with shades of glittery, bright polish.
A post shared by Anna Bahn (@bahnannanails)
Nothing says back-to-school like a fresh box of crayons — cut out squiggly pieces of masking tape and carefully paint over each piece in black to recreate the iconic Crayola motif on your nails.
A post shared by 𝖣𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝖭𝖺𝗂𝗅𝗌 𝖻𝗒 𝖲𝗁𝖺𝗋𝗈𝗇 𝖫𝖫𝖢♥︎🇳🇬 (@dovenailsbysharon)
Lean into the cozy browns of the leaves outside (and your piping hot morning latte) with this minimalist mix of French tips and regular polish.
A post shared by Cambria Seamons Artistry ♡ (@stylebycambria)
An apple a day keeps your nails looking totally fire — reach for your favorite shade of fire engine red for a festive back-to-school nail look.
A post shared by Hannah Leong (@han.polished)
Take two contrasting shades of polish to create these alternating heart designs, starting with the split base layer of polish and then adding little heart halves on top.
A post shared by ✿ 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐧 ✿ (@ricekittynails)
Thin stripes of blue and red polish will transform your white manicure into sheets of adorable, miniature looseleaf.
A post shared by 𝖣𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝖭𝖺𝗂𝗅𝗌 𝖻𝗒 𝖲𝗁𝖺𝗋𝗈𝗇 𝖫𝖫𝖢♥︎🇳🇬 (@dovenailsbysharon)
You can't go wrong with an elegant white-tipped French manicure. It's a classic because it'll match every single outfit you have planned out for the week.
A post shared by Emily 💅🏼🌶 (@thepolishedpepper)
Summer might be behind us, but there's no need to leave behind your favorite shades when it comes to your nails. A pop of pink is a great mood-booster.
A post shared by Prettydigits (@prettydigitsmoncton)
One of the perks of French tips is that even as your natural nail grows out, you won't be able to tell the difference. This manicure takes things to the next level.
A post shared by Melena💛🐈 (@haysalto)
A matte black polish creates the perfect "chalkboard" base for these math-themed nails. If only algebra was as fun as this manicure!
A post shared by Katie Haskins Madsen (@katiebelles_nails)
Different shades of brown (from coffee-with-a-little-too-much-milk to dark chocolate mocha) are the perfect inspo for an autumn manicure that'll match your morning brew.
A post shared by Nail Art & Tutorials | April (@bombergirlnails)
It's not back-to-school season without proper school supplies. These nail designs are surprisingly easy to recreate thanks to the straight lines — just make sure to let each layer of polish dry in between.
A post shared by Tamami Page | TAMAMINAILS🌞 (@tamaminails)
Start by painting your nails with a sheer pink polish. Once that dries, grab your nail brush along with a bottle of white polish and let your imagination run wild.
A post shared by 𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗕𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃 💅🏼 (@nails.by.liv)
You can rock your pastels all year long. We love this bright, squiggly take on art supplies nail art.
A post shared by Hope Ivekich (@that.nailplace)
All you need to recreate these candylicious nails is a bobby pin with a round dot on the end. Dip it into your polish, and voila!
A post shared by St. George’s Fav Nail Tech💅🏼 (@nailsbyashleyninh)
If you can't decide between smiley faces, a checkerboard pattern, or a trusty neutral, do 'em all in a matching color scheme.
A post shared by St. George’s Fav Nail Tech💅🏼 (@nailsbyashleyninh)
The easiest way to create a gradient on your nails is to use a makeup sponge (a disposable one, not your favorite BeautyBlender), paint the polish colors directly onto the sponge, and then softly dab the polish onto your nail.
A post shared by Magda ° creative nail art ° product photography (@redheadnails)
A little patience, a thin nail art brush, and a very steady hand will help you recreate these red, blue, and yellow colored pencils.
A post shared by Jayde Burk | Nail Technician & Master Esthetician ✨ (@estheticsbyjayde)
It's never too early to get into the Halloween spirit with a black and orange mani. Doodle little flowers, eyes, or dots to personalize your nails.
A post shared by Nailed It! By Liv (@naileditbyliv)
Once the PSL hits Starbucks, pumpkin nails are a must. Not a fan of orange? Shades of gold and rust will put a unique spin on your pumpkins.
A post shared by Nails by Ravi (@nailsbyravi_)
Pay homage to the last few green leaves of the summer with tiny leaves dotting one nail, and then sweeping across the top of another to create a French mani effect.
A post shared by Magda ° creative nail art ° product photography (@redheadnails)
Little strips of tape and lots of patience for multiple layers will help you achieve this prep-school-ready argyle accent nail.
A post shared by Georgia (@polishbyjoja)
Capture the magic of autumn in a manicure that lasts a little longer than that crispy leaf on the sidewalk. If you don't have a steady hand, abstract leaf shapes in red, orange, and green will do the trick just as well as intricate leaves.