23 Pretty Shellac Nail Art Designs and Ideas

Shellac nails are a form of a durable nail polish that is kinder to your natural nails because it lasts longer and is easily removed. When you go to the nail salon, you will often see gel and shellac. But you may also be wondering what is the difference? Well, we are here to help. Both manicures are safe and will give you beautiful results but there are different advantages and today we are going to share what you need to know.

SHELLAC VS. GEL NAILS

1. Shellac can be easily removed.

Shellac is thinner than gel polish so removal is so much easier and it takes a lot less time.

2. Shellac polishes last.

Even though the polishes are thinner, you still get the toughness of gel and generally your nails with last a couple of weeks.

3. Shellac can be better for nails

Shellac can be kinder to nails because it can be used on all nail lengths and shapes. It is not used to lengthen your nails so it is just a durable polish. As we mentioned earlier, removal is easier and the products used are better for nails compared to gel. So, your nails will be in better condition after shellac because nails can get damaged during gel removal.

Now that you know some of the benefits, let’s take a look at some amazing shellac nail designs!

1. Light Pink Shellac Nails

First up, we have this light pink nail look. This mani features soft pink nail color that is painted on a chic round nail shape. It is an easy to wear color and it will suit everyone. You can keep your nails simple like this or you could jazz them up with rhinestones and glitter. This mani was created with CND shellac polish in shade cake pop.

2. Fun and Colorful Nail Idea

Give your nails a colorful and fun makeover with a design like this one. Each nail is painted in a different color including pink, blue and orange. It is a stylish mani and it would be perfect for the summer! You can recreate this look or use five different colors. Maybe even try five pastel colors or five neon shades. Either way, your nails will look amazing.

3. Nude Shellac Nails

If you love nude nail colors, then this idea is for you. For this look, three different shades have been used. Most of the nails are a light nude and the other two nails go a few shades darker. It is a stunning color combination and it is so chic and elegant. Nails like these will look gorgeous for any occasion. It would be a great mani for a wedding.

4. White Polka Dot Nails

Next, we have a unique nail idea to show you. Here we have light and short nails with a cute accent nail. The accent nail features a small orange carrot. We love this cute idea and it is perfect for those who like to wear trendy nails. It is also great for those who love Easter. You can buy carrot or bunny nail stickers online and recreate a similar look yourself at home.

5. Navy Shellac Nails with Sparkle

The next nail look is one of our favorites! This manicure features a dark navy color that also has a subtle silver sparkle too. The soft glitter and navy color are such a stunning combination. A nail color like this would be perfect for the fall and winter seasons. It is very glamorous and it would be great for a special occasion. You can recreate this look with CND shellac polish in shade Midnight Swim.

6. Nude Nails with Neon Tips

Love the color orange? If so, you need to check out these cute nails! For this look, all of the nails are a light nude shade with neon orange tips. We love this because you get to wear orange but it is kept classy and chic because of the nude color. A mani like this is perfect for those who want to try a bright color without being too bold. You can recreate this or you could even try nude with a different colored tip. Blue or purple would be fabulous as well.

7. Black Glitter Shellac Nails

Next, we have another glam nail idea to show you. This time most of the nails are black and glittery and there is one accent nail. The accent nail is white with stunning leaf nail art. Recreate this look or you can just have all black sparkly nails. You could also try using other colors for the leaf accent nail. A silver leaf would look gorgeous with the black glitter and white.

8. Elegant and Light Nails with Glitter

The next nail idea is another sparkly one. For this look, most of the nails are painted in a beautiful nude color and there is one sparkly pink accent nail, and a simple white nail. The nude color looks gorgeous and the glitter adds some glitz and glamour. This is another mani that is perfect for parties and special occasions. You could even add more rhinestones to the design, that would look stunning.

9. Shellac Neon Nail Design

Be bold and try a bright neon nail design like this! Most of the nails are painted in a different vivid and vibrant shade. There are two accent nails as well. One features a pink, red and yellow smoke design while the other nail has pink, green and yellow shades. The neon shades compliment the smoke design perfectly. You can recreate this or we think the smoke design would look amazing on its own as well.

10. Nude Shellac Nails with Sparkle

If you want a beautiful mani for a special occasion, then this is perfect for you! For this look, majority of the nails are a chic nude color and there are two accent designs with gold sparkle! One accent nail features gold glitter and the other is nude with two gold glitter lines. The nude and gold looks so elegant and luxurious together. Nails like these are great for parties, weddings and the holiday season.

11. Red Nails with Glittery Nail Art

Bright red is a stylish, popular and classic color. This next mani shows how to wear it in style! Most of the nails are a glossy red shade and there are two accent nails. Both accent nails are red with a sparkly gold triangle near the cuticle. The red and gold is another amazing color combo. It would be perfect for Christmas. You can recreate a similar look with red shellac polish, nail tape and gold glitter. Just paint your nails, create a triangle with the tape and paint the gold glitter on the inside.

12. Cute Nail Design

This next idea is another one of our favorites! Here we have a shellac mani with a stylish and cute cactus design. Four nails are matte green, one is light pink with a green cactus design and the other nail has a black heart print. We love the color combination, it’s perfect for summer. You can find tutorials online that can show you how to hand-paint these designs with ease.

13. Dark Nails with Glitter

Next, we have another nail idea that is perfect for the fall. This manicure features a dark and rich purple shade that is painted on four of the nails. One nail is all pink glitter and the other has a glitter accent. The color is gorgeous and it is a must-have for the fall while the glitter adds a touch of glamour. You can, of course, recreate a similar look with or without glitter.

14. Light Blue Shellac Nails

If you are looking for stylish nail art, then you need to check out this next idea. Here we have light blue shellac nails and there are two accent nails. Both accent nails feature a simple white design. The simple design is jazzed up with rhinestones in light pink and blue colors. You can create a similar design with colors of your choice.

15. Nude Nails with Trendy Nail Art

Loving the nude nail designs? If so, take a look at this mani. These nails are painted in a soft and elegant nude shade and there is one accent nail. The accent nail is nude with a thick black stripe with silver glitter down the center. We love this because the black nail art is so striking with the light nude color. This is gorgeous look that would be perfect for a party. You can recreate the stripe with similar nail colors and nail tape.

16. Glam and Pretty Shellac Nails

The colors used for this next mani are so glam and pretty. Most of the nails are a chic light pink shade and there is also a sparkly accent nail. It is a beautiful nail design that will suit everyone and it will suit any occasion. Nails like these are perfect for prom, weddings, graduation, etc.

17. Black Coffin Nails

Black is such a chic and trendy color. Next, we have a cute way to wear black. For this look, all of the nails are glossy black. As you can see, black and coffin shaped nails look amazing together. This is a stylish and easy to wear look. It would be perfect for parties. Recreate this or you can add a pop of glitter or rhinestones for a more glam look.

18. Trendy Nail Color with a Glitter Accent Nail

Next, we have a trendy shellac manicure to show you. The nails are painted in a stylish and cool grey tone and one nail is silver and sparkly. We love the color combination and a grey polish like this will suit all occasions, nail shapes and lengths. You can recreate the glitter and grey for a glitzy look or just wear the grey for a chic and minimal mani.

19. Stylish Blue Nails with Sparkle

If you love the blue nail looks, then you need to see this next idea. Here we have nails that are all painted a bright metallic blue. Two nails also feature glitter art. This is a fun, bold and trendy mani that will suit everyone. A blue color like this will be perfect for the summer and it can be worn with or without glitter. To recreate the blue mani, you will need CND shellac polish in Lost Labyrinth.

20. Elegant Shellac Nails with Pretty Nail Art and Glitter

The next nail idea is another one that would be perfect for the fall season. Three nails are painted in a dark red shade, one has pretty leafy nail art and the last nail is covered in gold glitter. This is an elegant nail design that uses colors and nail art that are inspired by the fall. These nails can be worn any season though but maybe just use the red and gold.

21. Matte and Glossy Purple Design

Purple is another popular color and with nail designs like this, we can see why! Two nails are a matte and dark purple while the other three nails are glossy purple. The purple tones are stunning and the different textures are so trendy. Purple colors like these will suit all seasons and occasions. Recreate this look or try just one purple texture.

22. Navy Nails with Blue Glitter

Next, we have another blue look. This time most of the nails are dark blue and there is one sparkly accent nail that is a lighter blue shade. The blue colors are beautiful, bold and stylish. It is a fun nail design that will really jazz up your look. Wear both colors or your nails will look gorgeous with either blue color on its own.

23. Red Sparkly Shellac Nails

The last nail design that we have to show you will be perfect for fall, winter and the holiday season. These nails are all painted in a beautiful and rich dark red shade. The red color used is sparkly too. It is so glam and gorgeous. A mani like this would be great for Christmas day. This look was created with CND shell polish in shade Garnet Glamour.

We hope you have been inspired by these shellac nails!