The world of nails is not short of options. There are a copious amount of nail designs out there, as well as different lengths, finishes and nail shapes to further diversify your style. For decades, acrylic nails have been a popular go-to for nail obsessives and celebrities alike. They’re enjoyed for their lengthening and durable benefits, and are a great nail option for creating a larger, more even canvas for intricate nail art. If they’ve caught your attention (they’re hard to miss on social feeds), keep scrolling for everything you need to know about acrylic nails, plus our edit of Grazia approved nail designs to take to the salon.

What are acrylic nails?

Acrylic nails involve the application of artificial nail extensions made of acrylic plastic, which form the tip of the nails and are adhered to your natural nails. Acrylic nails can also be formed with a combination of a liquid acrylic monomer and a powder acrylic polymer, which when mixed becomes a blob of gloopy dough that is bonded to the natural nail, before being moulded into the desired shape. If the liquid monomer to powder polymer ratio is correct, you can create acrylic nails without the need of a form or tip. ‘Thanks to its composition, there is no need to cure acrylic nails as the mixture will air dry in the matter of seconds,’ says nail expert expert Alexandra Teleki.

The difference between acrylic and gel nails

Both acrylic nails and gel nails feature a durable and strengthening quality to the nail, but gel nails require a UV lampto cure nails and there is no false extensions involved, just gel polishes. Gel nails are great for a natural look, and BIAB nails are an even better option for those looking to add strength and structure to nails. But if the focus is to extend your nail, acrylic nails are best – whether you’re opting for a modern coffin shaped mani, or a classic almond shaped nail look.

How long do acrylic nail tips last

Wondering how long do acrylic nails last? With proper care you can expect them to last up to five weeks before you’ll need to consider an infill.

The Best Acrylic Nail Designs 2024

1. Graphic Acrylic Nails

Spruce up a classic ɴuᴅᴇ acrylic base with a graphic design – we love this swirling blue design which is a more graphic take on the French mani. Of course you could switch up the colour – green nails are having a moment, too.

Image credit: Instagram @_nailsbyelisha/

2. Matcha Acrylic Nails

‘A matcha manicure is so aesthetically pleasing,’ explains celebrity manicurist Milly Mason. ‘It’s the perfect transitional colour and it looks great on all nail shapes.’ And we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re opting for a french tip or a more graphic design, it’s the perfect way to add interest to your acrylics.

Image credit: Instagram @_nailsbyelisha

3. Pink Acrylic Nails

2023 was the year of Barbie, and 2024 looks set to be no different – our penchant for pink nails shows no sign of waining. ‘I love this vibrant pink hue,’ says Rachael, Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor. ‘It’s very eye-catching so I think it works well with a shorter nail shape. I actually broke two nails in this picture, my ring finger and my middle finger, so used acrylic extensions to recreate their natural length. It’s a total misconception that acrylics are obvious and fake looking – I use them to repair broken nails often, and, when applied correctly, they’re virtually undetectable. I then topped off with a shade of Essie’s Lovie Dovie’

Image credit: Instagram @rachael.alice.martin

4. French Acrylic Nails

There’s been many iterations of the classic French manicure over the past year, including micro French and rainbow French –  look to the Instagram feeds of celebrity manicurists Iram Shelton, Harriet Westmoreland and Julia Diogo for proof. Where acrylics are concerned you can keep things minimal and subtle, or go all out with a sharp stiletto shape and a thick white type. @glam_housesydney shows us how.

Image credit: Instagram @glam_housesydney

5. Floral Acrylic Nails

Florals for spring. We know. Ground-breaking. But daisy nail art is pretty and feminine, working beautifully with acrylic nails – where there’s more nail space, there’s more room for creativity. Your salon can no doubt work their magic with bespoke art work, but consider nail stickers if you’d like to tap into the trend from home.

Image credit: Instagram @dream.nails_x

6. Ombre Acrylic Nails

Ombre almond nails look set to dominate the spring nail trends of 2024. Choose sweet, feminine pastel tones like yellows, lilacs and pinks. Of course, this look works beautifully on almond shaped acrylic nails – there’s plenty of nail space to work with.

Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_

7. Natural Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails may conjure up images of the OTT nail designs of the ’90s for some – did someone say a duck manicure? However, this is not always the case. Nail artists can create shorter, more elegant shapes that mimic the look of longer, more natural nails. This shade of milky pink sets off the look perfectly.

Image credit: Instagram @tammynails_design

8. Marble Acrylic Nails

Not one for those who prefer subtle nail designs, this look is the embodiment of more is more. Crazy length? Check. Rainbow bright polish? Check. A high-shine finish? Check again. A true work of artistry, and not one suited to wallflowers.

Image credit: Instagram @adoreaxo

9. Jet Black Acrylic Nails

Black nails continue to be a classic choice for many – beautifully glossy and bridging the gap between gothic and glam, it’s a look bound to reel in the compliments. And when you add a long, sharp acrylic shape to the mix? It’s a look that’s as sleek as it is Sєxy. Take inspiration from Iram’s elegant look. While hers have been created with natural nails, it’s a length that can be easily recreated using acrylics.

Image credit: Instagram @iramshelton

10. Rainbow Acrylic Nails

The French manicure continues to show its versatility – this look has a bit of everything. Think neon shades and nail diamonds that wouldn’t look out of place on an episode of Euphoria. More is more when it comes to these bright, summer ready acrylics. ScreensH๏τ and bring to your salon, but do book in extra time – this look has a lot going on.

Image credit: Instagram @_nailsbyelisha/

11. ɴuᴅᴇ Acrylic Nails

@_nailsbyelisha/ calls this graphic manicure “50 shades of ɴuᴅᴇ,” and we applaud the finished look. Created with The Gel Bottle ɴuᴅᴇ Collection, £174 there’s a shade suited to each and every skin tone.

Image credit: Instagram @_nailsbyelisha/

12. Cherry Acrylic Nails

Suited to Valentine’s Day and beyond, these sweet Cherry nails have been hand-painted by @magicalgirlmanis. Pink acrylic and feminine nail designs is always a good idea. Could this inspire your next birthday set?

Image credit: Instagram @magicalgirlmanis

13. Graffiti Acrylic Nails

Creativity needn’t mean perfection – this graffiti-esque manicure ticks serious boxes. Ask your manicurist for almond shaped acrylics to mimic this look.

Image credit: Instagram @tipsandtoesoc

14. Disney Acrylic Nails

A work of art if there ever was one, @artmuva is one of the most talented nail artists around. Taking inspiration from The Little Mermaid, pearls, sparkles and considerable artistry have all gone into creating this look.

Image credit: Instagram @artmuva

15. Chrome Acrylic Nails

Made popular by Hailey Bieber (her glazed doughnut look is still much requested the world over) chrome nails are the epitome of classic-with-a-twist. We love this sheer white polish with its pinkish, holographic top coat.

Image credit: Instagram @flamantnailboutique

16. Green Acrylic Nails

Proving a block colour needn’t be boring, this fun green set makes use of texture and meshes together a matte and high-shine finish. Lashings of jewels complete this almond acrylic look. @alyshanailartist called this one out as ‘the colour of the season’ – and we’re inclined to agree.

Image credit: Instagram @alyshanailartist

17. Gold Acrylic Nails

Sharp, square acrylic nails look great with this swirling metallic design that proves silver and gold will never go out of style.

Image credit: Instagram @jackulondon

18. Stiletto Acrylic Nails

Typically the most dramatic nail shape, stiletto nails make a sharp statement. This set is a softer take on the trend thanks to muted colours and pearlescent tips which help keep the look wearable.

Image credit: Instagram @jackulondon

19. Blue Acrylic Nails

Royal blue nails are flattering on all skin-tones. Make like @pegi_nails and add a few statement hearts for a cute, kitsch touch.

Image credit: Instagram @pegi_nails

20. Leopard Print Acrylic Nails

Pink and grey combine for a fun take on leopard print. As for that cuticle work? We know a Russian manicure when we see one.

Image credit: Instagram @pegi_nails

21. Neon Acrylic Nails

Neon summer nails never looked so good. For an even bolder ‘pop’ apply a layer of white polish first – it’ll make the neon really stand out.

Image credit: Instagram @pegi_nails

22. Fun Acrylic Nails

If you’re a fan of this look then we predict your style is all about standing out from the crowd. This set features cow print, stripes and smiley faces – a total more is more vibe.

Image credit: Instagram @janeinailstudio

23. Extra Long Acrylic Nails

Impractical (but an undeniable statement) these sheer, extra long pink acrylics tap into the Mob Wife trend.

Image credit: Instagram @morellolondon

24. Tortoise Shell Acrylic Nails

The glossy tortoiseshell manicure effect emulates the sheer warm-toned look of an expensive pair of sunglᴀsses. Pair this brown, marbled look with sleek, almond shaped nails for an elegant finish.

Image credit: Instagram @morellolondon

25. Red Acrylic Nails

Red nail theory, anyone? ‘Red is a shade that can suit any nail length, shape or style,’ says Teleki. ‘People can opt for a simple classic red block colour, French or Italian style tips or even an exciting nail art set.’

Image credit: Instagram @pegi_nails

26. Easter Acrylic Nails

A mini egg mani that’s good enough to eat. Achieve the look with muted, pastel shades and flecks of black.

Image credit: Instagram @pegi_nails

27. Lilac Acrylic Nails

Lavender chrome never looked so good.

Image credit: Instagram@overglowedit

28. Bow Acrylic Nails

2024? The year of the bow. And we’re not mad.

Image credit: Instagram @overglowedit

29. ʙuттerfly Acrylic Nails

A sharp square shape, ɴuᴅᴇ base, and colourful ʙuттerflies make this manicure something straight out of a ’90s rom-com.

Image credit: Instagram @morellolondon

30. Pastel Acrylic Nails

‘Pastels are the perfect pantone for the spring/summer season,’ says session manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, ‘as the sun starts to shine, we all want to brighten up a little.’ Make like pegi_nails and add a few flecks of sheer glitter too.

Image credit: Instagram @pegi_nails

31. Elegant Acrylic Nails

If you’re not blessed with long, strong nails then acrylics could be the way to go to achieve this look by kkdnails. Ask for a glossy, sheer pink and a tapered almond shape.

Image credit: Instagram @kkdnails

32. Brown Acrylic Nails

Matte meets high-shine. While we think this particular look is on natural nails (lucky for some) we’re taking design inspiration for our next acrylic set.

Image credit: Instagram @kkdnails

33. Halloween Acrylic Nails

It’s never too early to start thinking about your next spooky set – Halloween nails can be a vibe all year round after all. @nailsbykhristy shows us how it’s done with this gloriously nightmarish manicure.

Image credit: Instagram @nailsbykhristy

34. Glitter Tip Acrylic Nails

‘This is my most requested set,’ says @nailsbykhristy – and we can’t say we’re surprised. A sheer ɴuᴅᴇ, coupled with a sparkling micro French manicure makes this one a party season go to. The best part? You can mix and match the colour pairings depending on your outfit. The possibilities are endless.

Image credit: Instagram @nailsbykhristy

35. Blue Chrome Acrylic Nails

Long, claw shaped acrylics make this blue chrome design pop.

Image credit: Instagram @prissyjnails

36. Yellow Acrylic Nails

This manicure? Utter joy! You can’t go too far wrong with a sunny shade of yellow. Delicate daisy details add an extra touch of cuteness.

Image credit: Instagram @prissyjnails

37. Black And White Acrylic Nails

Mimic this black and white monochromatic look by asking for long, almond shaped acrylic extensions. Don’t forget the cuticle oil after – it’ll make your manicure last considerably longer.

Image credit: Instagram @loulas_nailsxx

38. Grey Acrylic Nails

Who says grey nails needs to be gloomy? While this look would be a classic on its own, the addition of a glitter accent nail makes for a glamorous touch. It’s a manicure that looks great with long, square acrylic extensions.

Image credit: Instagram @loulas_nailsxx

39. 3D Acrylic Nails

These sea-shell inspired acrylic nail extensions are a true work of art. From the beautiful textures to the addition of glimmering pearls and diamonds, this is a manicure sure to inspire your next salon visit.

Image credit: Instagram @nailsbykhristy

40. Festival Acrylic Nails

Looking for nail inspiration ahead of your next holiday? Consider this festival set your go to. Bright, bold and embossed with 3D gems this look is sure to turn heads. Extra long acrylic extensions make this one an all-rounder for those who love to make a statement with their mani.

Image credit: Instagram @nailsbykhristy

41. Baby Pink Acrylic Nails

While milky pink nails are always trending, few could forget the allure of a sweet, candy floss shade. Teamed with flawless cuticle work (we’d expect nothing less from @prissyjnails) this is one you’ll want to save and pin.

Image credit: Instagram @prissyjnails

42. Gothic Acrylic Nails

Blue and black combine for the ultimate gothic manicure that resembles a cats-eye. Add a sharp, claw like acrylic extension for the perfect finish. Obsessed.

Image credit: Instagram @prissyjnails

43. Star Acrylic Nails

Bored of asking for hearts? Consider a bold star design. This two-toned purple manicure is unusual, and lots of fun.

Image credit: Instagram @nailsxhales

44. Abstract Acrylic Nails

For summer manicure inspo look no further than this swirling, abstract design by @charsgelnails_Think a sharp, almond shaped acrylic extension and clashing shades of coral and pink.

Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_

45. Half Moon Acrylic Nails

Half moon nail designs are a modern take on the classic French – think a super-sized tip with just a half-moon shape remaining at the base.

Image credit: Instagram @prissyjnails

46. Comme Des Garçon Acrylic Nails

Tap into the designer inspired logo nails trend with this sweet Comme Des Garçons inspired manicure. Our advice? If attempting yourself, ensure to have some remover at the ready – you’ll need a steady hand.

Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_

47. Rainbow French Acrylic Nails

‘A colourful French nail design is such a fun, wearable look for summer,’ explains celebrity manicurist Milly Mason. ‘Think of it as a classic with a twist.’

Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_

48. Short Acrylic Nails

Nail biter? Show your manicurist this picture by mel.loves.nails – they’ll be able to recreate this short, square, natural looking length using acrylic extensions.

Image credit: Instagram @mel.loves.nails

49. Reverse French Acrylic Nails

Sick of French? Try the reverse option. The colour options are endless, too. Try  baby blues, bright oranges, magenta pinks and vibrant neons -more is more when it comes to this trend.

Image credit: Instagram @mel.loves.nails

50. Lemon Yellow Acrylic Nails

Dainty lemon nail art? Check. The perfect base colour? Check. A high shine finish? Check again. This look by nail artist Charlotte is bound to be pinned and saved the world over. Ask for long, almond shaped extensions to mimic this zesty manicure.

Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_

51. Purple Acrylic Nails

This gorgeously glossy deep purple shade makes a great argument for not overcomplicating your nail designs. You just can’t go wrong.

Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_

52. Evil Eye Acrylic Nails

Designed for protection and healing, the Evil Eye design is thought to ward off bad energy. We adore this baby blue and ɴuᴅᴇ combination. Ask for shorter, square acrylic extensions to recreate this length.

Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_

53. Olive Green Acrylic Nails

Green is having a moment right now from matcha to neon. Our pick? It’s got to be olive, in all it’s beautiful, earthy glory.

Image credit: Instagram @theH๏τblend

54. Swirly Acrylic Nails

The grooviest, most disco ready manicure we ever did see.

Image credit: Instagram @theH๏τblend

55. Pink and Gold Acrylic Nails

Bright coral, sheer pink and gold foil combine for a feminine manicure that’s utterly Pinterest worthy.

Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_

56. Lace Acrylic Nails

This spidery, lace inspired set is giving serious gothic glamour.

Image credit: Instagram @theH๏τblend

57. Minimal Acrylic Nails

After the perfect, most sheer manicure inspiration? This elegant look isn’t to be missed. Ask for long, almond acrylic extensions and a sheer milky pink. It will match with every outfit.

Image credit: Instagram @theH๏τblend

58. Velvet Acrylic Nails

If you like something different then consider asking for a velvet nail colour on top of your acrylic extensions. It’s often made using a magnet for that signature fluid finish. You’ll have seen the TikTok vids, we’re sure.

Image credit: Instagram @miiiiisn

59. Spring Acrylic Nails

Few could recreate such beautiful nail art as Misaki who hand painted this intricate floral design. The gradient effect is also a more modern take on the ombre nail trend.

Image credit: Instagram @miiiiisn

60. Stiletto Acrylic Nails

Super sharp and extra long, stiletto shaped acrylics ooze glamour.

Image credit: Instagram @dovenailsbysharon

61. Bronze Acrylic Nails

A more vampish take on gold, a bronze toned polish is a slightly more pared back take on high impact glamour. Attending a formal event? Consider a bronze manicure your best friend.

Image credit: Instagram @dovenailsbysharon

62. Diamond Acrylic Nails

Who needs jewellery when you’ve got sparkles on your fingertips? Nail gems are a great way to add interest to any look, including a French manicure. Mix and match colours or stick with trusty silver – the options are endless.

Image credit: Instagram @dovenailsbysharon

63. Black French Acrylic Nails

French manicures aren’t all about white and pink combinations. Why not consider black tips for an edgier look as shown by marblissnail.

Image credit: Instagram @marblissnail

64. Autumn Acrylic Nails

Autumn nails may often mean utilising deeper, moodier shades of polish – think chocolate browns, berry reds and bottle greens.  But it needn’t be boring – @dovenailsbysharon shows us how with this reptilian pattern that looks great on long, claw shaped nails.

Image credit: Instagram @dovenailsbysharon

65. Holographic Acrylic Nails

Looking for the perfect wedding day manicure? This beautiful pearlescent set could be just the ticket. Elegant yet modern, it’s bound to set off your engagement ring.

Image credit: Instagram @miiiiisn

66. Christmas Acrylic Nails

Is it ever too early to start planning in our Christmas manicures? We think not. Go for candy cane stripes, pops of red and lashings of glitter and diamonds. ‘Tis the season, after all. Well, almost.

Image credit: Instagram @marblissnail

67. Tomato Acrylic Nails

Yep, you heard us correctly. ‘Tomato Girl’ was trending this summer in all its wholesome, outdoorsy glory. And now? Well jenilea has only gone and created tomato girl nails. We’d recommend asking for long, square acrylics so there’s plenty of nail space for your artist to work on.

Image credit: Instagram @jenilea

68. Porcelain Acrylic Nails

jenilea strikes again with these toile nails ‘inspired by a plate.’ Lush.

Image credit: Instagram @jenilea