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Okay, I'm of the belief that there's never a bad time to treat yourself to a fresh manicure. That said, if I had to pick my favorite occasion for trying a cute new nail trend, it would definitely be the back-to-school season. Think about it: Showing up to the first day of class—even if that's on Zoom—with a bomb-ass manicure is an easy way to feel confident as all hell. And thanks to the fact that there are so many pretty DIY ideas out there right now, you don't even have to book an appointment at a salon if you don't want to or don't feel ready to.
And to prove it to ya, I went ahead and found the 20 coolest back-to-school nail ideas of all time, including gradient manicures, stick-on designs, and even a few statement-making picks that'll look excellent on your Instagram feed. Don't forget to screenshot your favorites, k?
P.S. Want access to all the latest nail trends? Sign up for Cosmo Unlocked today.
1
This Multi-Colored Mani for School
TBH, you can never go wrong with a multi-colored mani—back-to-school nails included. Recreate this look by filing your nails into a soft, rounded shape and painting alternate shades of peach and pink.
💫Try it with: OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish in Got Myself Into a Jam-Balaya
2
These Floral Back-to-School Nails
The coolest thing about this back-to-school manicure? It's made with stick-on nail strips. Translation: You can get pro nail art with, like, zero effort—and there's no need to worry about chipping.
💫Try it with: Artips Vera for Anthropologie Perennial Gel Nail Strips
3
These Checkered Nails for School
Out of all the IG nail trends on my feed right now, checkered manicures might be my favorite. Go for a neutral color for your back-to-school look, like this powder-blue idea.
💫Try it with: Deborah Lippmann Iconic Treatment-enriched Nail Polish in Blue Orchid
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4
This Simple Back-to-School Mani
French manicures are alive and well, but why not take it to a cooler level for your back-to-school nails? Slightly angled white tips will add a bit of excitement to the clean and classic look.
💫Try it with: Ella+ Mila Love Collection Nail Polish in Pure Love
5
These Earth-Toned Nails for School
Sure, you could paint your nails one shade of green, but how pretty is this dual-toned manicure for school? Don't be afraid to play around with curved lines and negative space to make the look your own.
💫Try it with: Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Wild
6
This Abstract Back-to-School Mani
Down for a more abstract vibe for your back-to-school nails? Get inspired by this super-pretty manicure with mixed polishes, wavy lines, and paint-like strokes. There's no wrong way to do this one, so have fun with it.
💫Try it with: Pear Nova Classic Lacquer in My Candy rain
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7
These Cloud Nails for School
Sorry, but how freaking dreamy are these back-to-school nails? The sky-blue polish and fluffy cloud detailing will make you smile every time you look down at your hands.
💫Try it with: Pacifica Plant Magic Polish in Blue Moon
8
These Mixed-Print Nails for School
Trust me when I say these back-to-school nails will be a g'damn conversation starter. I mean, how do you look at this cute mix of prints and polishes and not strike up a convo?
💫Try it with: Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Velvet Velour
9
These Yellow Back-to-School Nails
Prefer something a bit more muted for your back-to-school manicure? Go for a creamy, soft yellow polish and short nails—it's a classic (but super pretty) pairing.
💫Try it with: Olive & June Nail Polish in JLR
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10
These Negative Space Nails for School
An easy way to level up your manicure? Go for a negative-space design, like this one, for the back-to-school season. Don't you just love this combo of pink nail polishes?
💫Try it with: Zoya Nail Lacquer in Presley
11
This Ribbon Manicure for School
IMO, this manicure gives off back-to-school vibes in the best way possible. The apple-red nail polish and the ribbon design make it a super-cute option for the first day of class.
💫Try it with: People of Color Nail Polish in Rodeo Drive
12
This Pink Back-to-School Mani
What do you get when you combine bubblegum-pink polish with a few pastel polka dots? This pretty back-to-school manicure, obvs. Pro tip: If detailing is out of your skillset, throw on a few nail stickers instead.
💫Try it with: Olive & June Nail Stickers in On the Dotted Line
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13
This Delicate Mani for School
Back-to-school nail art can be super understated too, as evidenced by this delicate, abstract design. Clean white lines on top of a glossy base is always a winning combo.
💫Try it with: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Top and Base Coat
14
This Stick-On Mani for School
Another option for at-home mani newbs, these stickers are a great way to level up your back-to-school nails. Pick alternating designs for each nail to really spice up the look.
💫Try it with: ManiMe x Alicia Torello in Cow Town
15
These Flame Nails for Back-to-School
No better way to kick off the semester than with a bold flame manicure, right? This look is especially great for longer nails, so make sure you have a good file on deck.
💫Try it with: Ulta Crystal Nail File
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16
This Purple French Mani for School
If traditional French manicures feel a bit too boring for your back-to-school nails, try this purple version instead. A lilac base with dark-plum tips is kinda genius, right?
💫Try it with: Suite Eleven Nail Lacquer in Lilac It Like That
17
These White Back-to-School Nails
Take your white-polish manicure up a tiny notch by throwing in a few peach lines on each nail. Promise everyone will be complimenting your back-to-school nails.
💫Try it with: Duri Nail Polish in 788 Staycation
18
These Cherry Nails for School
How sweet is this cherry manicure? I love the idea of combining a printed design with bright-red tips—so cute for back to school.
💫Try it with: Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer in Massai
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19
These Groovy Back-to-School Nails
Go for a '70s theme for your back-to-school nails with this groovy, wavy design. Swirl together a few shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green to really bring the look home.
💫Try it with: Àuda B Vegan Nail Polish in Penthouse
20
This Dainty Nail Art for School
You can still get in on the floral manicure trend without going super over the top. Try a back-to-school design with delicate white florals and a neutral base coat.
💫Try it with: Orly White Tips French Manicure Nail Lacquer Tip
Ruby Buddemeyer
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
