A hand with painted nails

3D Nails- 11 Nail Designs to Make Your Nails Pop

When it comes to your next manicure, the only limit is your imagination. Manicures are essential for taking care of your nails and keeping them strong and healthy, but they’re also a great way to show off your skills and highlight the styles you love. And it doesn’t end with flat, two-dimensional patterns, either. You have a lot of great ways to add depth and movement to your next manicure in a way that’s sure to stand out. 

Want to learn more about different ways to give your nails a whole new look? Nailboo can help. Our products are designed to bring affordable and accessible professional quality nail care to your home. And with the best products, we also want to offer the best care and guidance. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an expert at 3D nail designs, we have the resources and tutorials that can help you on your nail journey today! 

What to Know About 3D Nail Art 

In order to get lasting manicures that won’t damage your nails, it’s important to brush up on these important details regarding 3D nail art. 

You Can Do as Much as You Want​ 

There’s no rule about how much art you can add to your nails. If you like a lot of bling, you can use more pieces. But if you’re looking for a more minimalist style, there are many great methods to achieve that instead. Listen to your nail needs and apply as much 3D as you want to get the style you like most! 

Style Matters

There are many different types of nails, and the way you apply 3D nail art is going to vary depending on what type of nail you have. Options like acrylics are a good choice for nail art since they tend to be larger and you don’t have to worry about applying the art directly to the nail. You also have choices like gels and shellac, so explore the best style for your nail art needs. 

Removal Is Important​ 

You always want to take the time to remove your manicure properly, as chipping or scraping away at your nails can cause serious damage over time. That’s especially true for 3D nail art, which uses adhesives to stick to your nails. The decals need to be taken off carefully or with the support of a qualified technician. 

3D Nail Design Ideas

Now comes the fun part! Once you’ve brushed up on your nail care needs, you get to decide what kind of 3D nail look you’re going to do at your next at-home manicure. Here are a few great options that you’ll want to try out.

1. Rhinestones 

Rhinestones are a classic 3D look, and it’s not hard to see why. You can group together many different colors and shapes of rhinestones, create a cascading effect, or even use them for a thin line across the tip of your nail for a chic and elegant design. They’re extremely versatile, can match lots of colors and styles, and go on easily, thanks to their flat designs. 

2. Pearls 

Pearls are an incredibly chic way to give your manicure some extra glamour. Pair them with small gold beads or go for a stylish and elegant look that works with any outfit. Find pearls in shades of pink, white, and black, and try them out at the base of your nail, along the top, or right in the center. 

3. Flowers 

Flowers are one the best ways to create a 3D manicure that’s unique and personal every time! Here are some of our favorite floral 3D designs: 

  • 3D Center: A bead or rhinestone right in the center of your floral design can add a gorgeous sparkle to the style you love without feeling heavy or overwhelming. 
  • Flower Charms: You can make your whole flower 3D with gorgeous 3D flower charms that give your nail design height and movement in a delicate and lovely way. 
  • Interpretive Flowers: Take gems and pearls to a whole new level and create an abstract and lovely floral design in your favorite colors

4. Geometric Shapes 

If you love clean and straight lines, there’s a 3D design for your nails. Geometric 3D pieces and gems can be used in so many gorgeous ways. Create a checkerboard look, try out diamond patterns, and use squares and rectangles for interpretive floral and fluid designs. Geometric charms and beads are often available in metallic and shimmery colors, which means they’ll really make your next look stand out. 

5. Chains

Want to give your nail design a little bit of movement and edginess? Chains can be an exciting way to do so. The amount of actual chain you can apply to your nails is going to vary depending on your preferences, but there are many unique 3D nail looks that use a chain. For a truly bold look, try attaching chains between your nails. 

6. Minimalist

The best part about 3D nails is that they can be as bold or subtle as you want them to be. If you’re searching for a minimalist look, then a simple gem or pearl on an accent nail or tucked at the base of your nail can be a great way to achieve it, while still delivering on a unique and dramatic style. Having a matching color palette can help you achieve your minimalist look, as well. 

7. Bows 

Bows are an adorable charm and super easy to add to your next manicure. You can pick an accent bow that sits on one nail or go bold and add bows to all of your fingers. Bow charms come in every color you can think of, so play around with colors. 

8. Lace 

For a truly elegant look, add a little bit of lace to your next manicure. You can use lace in many different ways. Paint over a piece of lace for an authentic pattern, or adhere a small strip of lace to the tips of nails for a delicate look that’s sure to impress. 

9. Holiday Designs

What’s a holiday without glamorous or celebratory nails to match? Bows are perfect for Christmas, and geometric and pearl charms can help you to ring in the new year. But don’t forget about other great holiday themes for your nail look, like ghosts and pumpkins or fireworks for the Fourth. 

10. Animal and Insect Charms 

Insects are very delicate and beautiful, which is why they make such excellent charm options for your next manicure. Bees, butterflies, and ladybugs are just a few great charm options to pick from. You’ll also have animal charms to check out, as well. 

11. Sequins and Sparkles 

You can use glitter in a lot of different ways, but if you want to take your glitter look to the next level, then sequins may be the best style for you. Apply your favorite large and shiny sequins and don’t forget to check out pattern sequins like stars and hearts. 

 

Summary 

3D styles are an incredible approach to nail art and can be mean bold, cute, or delicate. With so many different ways to approach 3D nail art, even beginner artists can still find great options that they can try out at home with ease. 3D nail art can come in the form of pearls and rhinestones, lace and chains, geometric shapes, and, of course, cute and fun charms to match your mood or the season. 

It’s important to make sure that you’re applying and removing them properly and keeping your nails safe throughout the process. Nailboo is here to help you get those 3D nail looks you love without the fuss. We make it easy to find the products, resources, and nail care support you need for a totally unique look with every manicure. Check out our collection of guides and information and products like our dip nail kit when you’re ready to do your nails! 

 

Sources:

Tips for Healthy Nails | AAD

Acrylic Nails: How To Apply, Maintain & Remove At Home | Glamour 

The History of Checkered Prints, Instagram's Biggest Trend | Popsugar 

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