16 Accent Nail Ideas That Will Instantly Elevate Your Manicure

If your manicure I've been feeling a little out of place lately and one of the best ways to elevate my look is with the best accent nail ideas. Designed to spice up your manicure and add another layer of visual interest, accent nails are a great way to experiment with different colors, shapes, and textures without going full-on accent. nail design.

“An accent nail is a spectacular element of a manicure, the only detail that instantly attracts the eye,” says Juanita Hubert-Milletfounder of a luxury nail salon Townhouse. “It's usually one, or sometimes two, nails painted in a contrasting shade or adorned with nail art. It creates a chic accent and is such a stylish way to jump into trends or show off your personality. Think of it as embellishing your manicure, that finishing touch that ties everything together.”

Which finger should the accent nail be on?

The most common finger for accent nails is the ring finger. “It naturally attracts attention; if you wear a special ring, it becomes the perfect setting,” says Hubert-Millet.

However, the beauty of accent nails lies in the number of options. Julie K.famous manicurist and Kiss Nails ambassador, encourages clients to tailor their choices to their personal style or upcoming events. “It really can be on any finger,” Julie says. “I like to switch it up so one hand can have the ring finger accent and the other the thumb. That way, if they're shooting content or traveling and want to photograph food or drinks, they have one accent nail that holds the glass.”

Gina Edwardsfamous manicurist and Impress Mani Ambassador also recommends using your index finger and pinky finger for accent nails.

Can you wear more than one accent nail?

You can definitely wear more than one accent nail. According to Hubert-Millet, this is a great way to change the vibe of your manicure. “Some people find one accent nail chic and understated, while others prefer to experiment with two or more for a bolder effect,” she says. “Accent nails allow you to be playful and creative while keeping your manicure looking polished.”

Should an accent nail use light or dark colors?

It all depends on what image you want to create. “It could go either way,” Edwards says. “If you have a light manicure, a dark nail will stand out, and vice versa. Just make sure the colors are cohesive and have the same texture as the color palette.”