25 Blue Nail Ideas That Will Add a Pop of Color to Your Manicure

While there are various nail theories floating around TikTok persuading us to try specific colors, there is one shade that caught our eye recently. According to Pinterest, the search for “fun blue nails” is up by 260 percent, as more people are looking to the bold hue for mani inspiration. Whether you’re into cobalt, navy or teal, this shade is going to be everywhere this year, which is why we gathered a list of 25 blue nail ideas to take your manicure to the next level. 

Blue is often associated with the evil eye symbol, which is used to ward off bad intentions. So, if you want positive vibes only, use a nail art brush and a mix of blue, white and gold polish to recreate this design on your tips as a talisman. 

Here’s an option for the non-artistic folks out there. Stickers are incredibly easy to use, so if you were eyeing the first design but not feeling confident about your free-handing skills, grab this sticker pack instead. 

This tropical manicure will be great for your next vacay. The cerulean plants and baby blue lines pair nicely with the green palm trees displayed on each nail. 

No crystals are needed to recreate this marbled design that resembles popular gems like apatite, azurite or even blue topaz. The key here is to layer on different shades of polish before using an electric nail filer to create the ripple effect. (Need more help? We found a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.) 

Add a pop of color without taking over the entire nail. Once you’re sporting a glossy white base, grab a dotting tool and place small blue circles along the base of each nail. 

We’ve slowly transitioned away from a traditional white French tip style in favor of bolder hues. Exhibit A: This chic navy manicure that pairs nicely with an almond-shaped nail. 

If you’re searching for spring nails, this floral design should be on your radar. The contrasting blue shades offer a dimensional finish—plus, the pop of gold offers an elegant touch.  

Speaking of florals, this design uses different shades of blue to anchor your two statement nails, which make it even more versatile for any occasion. 

Did you know that blue represents calm and inspiration? All the more reason to consider the shade for your next mani. Once you apply a base coat, use a mixture of white and blue polish to create the marble design. (Psst, here’s a handy tutorial to get you started.)

The negative space look is a classic technique that requires nail tape, blue and white polish and a striping brush to get the thin strokes just right. 

If you’d rather not worry about painting thin, straight lines, grab your favorite blue hues and try your hand at this design, which is intentionally uneven. You’ll be left with a cool masterpiece that deserves to be featured in an art museum. 

This mani reminds us of spring—and yes, it’s simple enough to recreate on your own. Apply a white polish as your base before using a nail art brush to draw grayish blue boxes on top. 

As this photo shows, a chrome finish can really elevate your mani. Use nail tape as a guide for painting the tips for a modern French look. 

Benjamin Moore declared “Blue Nova” the color of the year, which they say “captures the spotlight with endless classic appeal.” Coat the entire nail in the hue and consider adding gold detailing for a sophisticated finish. 

You can never go wrong with a matte finish. Pick up your go-to blue polish and apply a matte top coat on top—or, you can pop on some press-ons (like the ones above) to save time. 

This design lets you rock two shades at once. First, coat your entire nail in one color before placing a strip of nail tape down the middle. Apply the second color on one side, let it dry for a minute or two and remove the tape to marvel at the contrasting shades. 

There’s a party going on and your nails are invited. Once your base is dry, grab a dotting tool and place colorful dots all around the tips of your nails. 

If you’re looking for a mani that will shine bright at any function, consider using any blue glitter polish in your collection to add some sparkle to your look.

Aura nails continue to be popular and blue is a great shade to incorporate into the design because it symbolizes trust and connection. While professionals typically use an airbrush to get the gradient look, you can try to recreate it at home by adding a small drop of polish onto a wedge sponge and pressing it down gently over each nail. Note: You want to press it down a few times to get the faded effect. 

ICYMI: Blue squiggles are officially in. Use a thin brush to create charming little dips and curves across your nails. Have fun and don’t worry about making them look so perfect.

Ready to become the ultimate artist? Have a nail brush ready to test out different strokes, lines and angles to mold your mani masterpiece to your liking. 

Give the outer edges of your nails all the attention. Simply use a thin brush to outline the nails in blue, before adding a smattering of small white dots to further bring out the hue. 

Whether you decorate all your nails or prefer a statement finger, jewels are a great addition to any manicure. 

This design has a cool jelly effect to it, which you can create by diluting blue polish with a few drops of clear top coat to get that translucent finish.