We’ve seen maximalist manicures take over lately, with celebrities like Cynthia Erivo and Chappell Roan sporting nail sets that took hours to complete with embellishments and a handful of colors. While we love a manicure that looks like an ornate work of art, that’s not always what we’re looking for in our day-to-day lives. Since we’re more likely to go to the office and a lowkey date night than the Grammy Awards, we tend to opt for more minimalist nails, but just because they’re more pared down doesn’t mean they’re boring. Here are seven of our favorite minimalist manicure looks that still stand out but keep it subtle and chic.
Minimalist Manicure Looks We Love
Double French Manicure
Double French manicures are a chic minimalist take on the classic trend. The sheer polish paired with fine black lines makes it pared-back perfection.

Dot Dot Dot Mani
The dainty red dots on the nail matrix level up this milky manicure without overdoing it.

Rosé Chrome Manicure
Chrome is an excellent way to dress up a minimalist mani with a bit of extra flair. We love that this set looks like bubbling rosé.

Tiny Heart Nail Art
It takes a steady hand to make hearts this tiny, but if you have a good nail artist on speed dial, this adorable manicure is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without leaning in too much.

Minimalist Flower Manicure
Floral manicures are always in for spring, but if you don’t want to go big and bold, try this subtle nail art. A few blue flower petals in the corner of the nail are really all you need to achieve a cute, unique manicure.

Linear Lines Nails
Dress up nude nails with thin black lines going horizontal and vertical on various nails.

Tiny Dot Design
These might be the daintiest dots we’ve ever seen on a nail, and we’re obsessed. The tiny black and white specks give these neutral nails a bit of an edge.

Golden Lining Nails
Forget the silver lining. These gold lines, going diagonally, curved, and vertically, are what minimalist manicure dreams are made of.
