27 Matte Nail Designs and Ideas
27 Matte Nail Ideas to Level Up Your Manicure
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- Matte nails are a versatile look you can achieve at home or in the salon.
- The classic finish can be paired with any colour, design, and nail shape.
- Popular matte nail ideas include dark goth shades, pastels, flowers, and glitter textures.
Of all the year's biggest nail trends, there's one that everyone on social media is suddenly raving about again: matte nails. That's right, the manicure finish is officially in its comeback era. Think of it like the edgier cousin of the high-shine looks you know and love that can make textures and nail-art designs really pop.
Unlike newer trends like the "rich girl" nails you've been seeing everywhere, matte nails are timeless. The satiny finish adds a flatness to any nail look and is versatile enough to pair with all designs, including hearts, swirls, smiley faces, and even the classic french manicure. All it takes is a swipe of matte nail-polish topcoat. The best part? This style is a year-round staple, with colder months displaying darker shades like burgundy, emerald green, or deep brown, while the warmer parts of the year often see it in mood-boosting shades.
Now that we're entering springtime, you can expect to see matte nails with glitter, pastels, neons, and florals take over your social feeds, and you may even spot some out-of-the-box designs like clouds or geometric shapes. Whether you want to go bold or keep things simple and classic, there are no limits to what you can do with the matte nail look. Here's everything else you need to know about the comeback trend.
Best Matte Nail-Polish Topcoats
What we really love about matte nails is how easy it is to create the finish at home or, if you'd like a more complicated design, take it to the salon. Giving yourself a DIY manicure doesn't mean you have to stock up on matte colours, either. Grabbing a topcoat with a matte finish will provide equally flawless results while allowing you to continue using your favourite shades. Some of our favourites include the Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish ($13), OPI Matte Top Coat ($11), Beetles Gel No Wipe Matte Top Coat ($7, originally $20), and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Matte Top Coat ($9). For anyone on a budget, we also recommend the Wet n Wild Matte Top Coat ($1, originally $5).
Best Matte Nail Colours
There is no limit to the colour options for this staple trend; you can adapt them to your aesthetic. For a more grungy look, consider reds and black; opt for pastels or neutral shades if you're after a soft, delicate look. Neon colours will brighten your entire look and allow you to add bold patterns and designs to your manicure. You can even level up your french manicure with a matte finish for a more muted take on the timeless look.
Matte Nail Ideas
Scroll through the slides ahead for our favourite matte nail ideas to bring as inspiration to your next salon visit.
Black Matte Nails
Matte finishes and black polish go hand in hand, but just like with a little black dress, basic doesn't have to mean boring. This black matte nail design, which features a glossy gel texture, is a great example.
Red Matte Nails
Why pick just one finish? This red manicure features a matte topcoat with a glossy topcoat to deliver the best of both worlds.
Pink Matte Nails
Whether you prefer pastels or more saturated shades, pink matte nails are always on trend.
Matte Nails With Glitter
While grown-out nails usually signal the need for a a manicure refresh, adding glitter to the cuticle area like these blue matte nails adds a bit of pizzazz.
Nude Matte Nails
Neutral nails already look edgier with a matte topcoat. Throw in various line designs, and you've got a one-two punch.
Blue Matte Nails
Blue nails are always fun, but they can be pure elegance with the addition of pearl-like accents. Add a small star for an even more gorgeous result.
Purple Matte Nails
These purple matte nails get a velvet paisley finish for the perfect spring manicure.
White Matte Nails
It doesn't get more simple — and therefore wearable — than a solid white nail polish. Pair it with a matte finish, and you've got a timeless look that transcends seasons.
Black Matte Nails With Chrome
The answer is always yes to glitter mixed with black polish. Add some chrome details, and your matte nails will be hypnotic.
Neon Matte Nails
Pick a neon colour, any neon colour, and add a matte topcoat for the ultimate spring manicure.
Green Matte Nails
If soothing green colours are your vibe, you'll love this matte nail look with dainty white flowers and sage-green accents.
Negative-Space Black Matte Nails
For a simple yet cute look, add a nude base coat with black hearts in the centre.
Gray Matte Nails
If subtle is your preferred style, add different shades of grey for a neutral look that works any season.
White Matte Nails With French Manicure
White matte nails might sound boring, but pair them with diamonds and french-manicure details, and it levels up your entire look.
Matte Nails With Geometric Shapes
The splatter in this manicure looks like fresh brushstrokes, while the geometric rectangles add a modern twist.
Pastel Matte Nails
Keep things simple yet eye-catching with a mix of light pastel hues you can pair all your outfits around.
Matte Nails With Swirls
Consider the black notes like ink splatter on a freshly painted abstract canvas.
Floral Matte Nails
This matte nail idea combines many trends into one: the french manicure, floral decals, and matte polish.
Pink Matte Nails With Cheetah Print
Even Barbie will be giving these a second look with their notes of fuchsia and always-in-style cheetah print.
Blue Matte Nails With Clouds
These airy nails feature fluffy clouds, giving you clear-sky views every day.
Red Matte Nails With Hearts
Hearts look good no matter what type of shade or shimmer they're applied with.
Stiletto Matte Nails
One way to make a statement with your already-standout stiletto nails? Try swirls of mismatched colours.
Brown Matte Nails
Rather than go for a plain manicure, just adding some clear, shiny flames will have your brown matte nails looking fire.
Neon-Pink Matte Nails
This matte nail idea uses a neon shade for the basecoat and tips, then uses a lighter shade to decorate with lines.
Polka-Dot Matte Nails
Make those dots really pop by decorating them on top of a flat matte shade like white and black.
Pink-Chrome Matte Nails
These nude matte nails will emphasise any other trend you combine them with, including these shiny metallic accents.
Flower Matte Nails
Carry florals wherever you go and incorporate bright, '70s-inspired colours to make a statement.
