Birthday manicures come in many colors, patterns, and lengths. “My personal philosophy when it comes to picking a birthday set is do whatever makes you feel good versus doing what the trends are dictating,” says manicurist Sigourney Nuñez. “But if you need some inspiration and love astrology, a manicure inspired by your sign is never a bad idea.” Manicurist and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna says that confetti designs, glam accents, cute details, and glitter galore lend to a fun, party-ready nail look. In essence, anything goes. You just have to determine what kind of birthday vibe you want to put forth on your fingertips. To help you do just that, we rounded up over a dozen birthday nail ideas fit for a celebration. Check them out, below.
Bright Skittle Mismatch Nails
Nailing Hollywood nail artist Hang Nguyen created this eye-catching mix-n-match mani. With cow print, rainbow, evil eye, smiley face, and sparkle accents, it’s a kitschy, happy nail look that harnesses the good vibes of birth month.
Jelly Glitter Skittle Nails
All the colors for all the birthday fun! To recreate this look, opt for colorful jelly glitter nail polishes or start with the jelly polish of your choice on each nail, then top it off with a clear confetti topper.
Neutral Glitter Heart Nails
Prefer neutral nail looks? Spruce up your standard taupe mani with a hint of champagne sparkles. The minimalist heart accents can be created with a fine-lining nail art brush.
Holographic Confetti Star Nails
We love the look of this holographic confetti nail look. To get the look, start with a pastel jelly base on each nail. Then, apply a holographic confetti topper or hand-place the shimmery sequins for your perfect end look. When working with thicker confetti pieces, Hanna says to use builder gel as a final step to seal them in and prevent lifting.
Holographic Gold Glitter Leopard Nails
Leopard print is having a major moment here in 2024. Give it the birthday treatment on your nails with a chunky gold glitter base and holographic confetti topper. To ensure it lasts, finish it off with a thick glossy top coat or builder gel.
Short Iridescent Bling Nails
Can you say birthday bling?! “If you want your birthday nails to really stand out, opt for eye-catching 3D nail art with a touch of glam,” Hanna says. “Morgan created this look using smaller rhinestones as the base with huge rectangular rhinestones in the center. To keep your gems from popping off of your nails, use a strong nail glue to apply them or a clear builder gel. Clear builder gel works great for any nail art that has the potential to fall off.”
Iridescent Holographic Glitter Ombre Nails
For a softer glam effect, consider an iridescent glitter shade shift. You can recreate this look with ultra-fine holographic pastel glitter nail polishes.
Multichrome Glitter Flame Stiletto Nails
Hoping to go all out with your birthday nail look? Start with a holographic rainbow chrome base, then top it off with matte gold glitter flames. Just remember: The more length you have, the more stunning this nail art will look.
Nebula Nails
Celebrate another lap around the sun with this cosmic nebula nail look. It was crafted using a cat-eye nail polish. These polishes use magnets to manipulate the glitter pigments, making for an instantly eye-catching end result.
Pastel Multicolor Aura Halo Star Nails
Feeling bright and bubbly this birth month? Showcase that mood on your nails with a multicolor aura base paired with bright white sparkle nail art. You can DIY the sparkles with a dotting tool and/or nail art brush. Start with a hefty dot of white polish, then drag it out four ways to create the points.
Pink Ombre Heart Aura Nails
Feeling grateful for another year? This aura heart nail look is an adorable way to translate the mood. “If you love a cute aesthetic, your birthday is the perfect time to try out a cute and colorful nail look,” Hanna says, applauding this dainty heart nail art by Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Joseph.
Pink Velvet French Tips
A simple way to elevate your go-to French manicure for birth month? With ultra-shimmery tips. “A glitter French is the perfect birthday look for those who want just a touch of glam,” Hanna says.
Purple Glitter Star Nails
It’s your birthday and you’re the star. Put forth that energy with a monochrome, dual-finish star manicure. While this one was perfected in purple polish, it’s one nail look that stuns in every shade of the rainbow.
Radiant 3D Chrome Heart Nails
3D accents instantly elevate any nail look. For your birthday, consider this pastel rainbow chrome stiletto manicure with radiating heart nail art. You can DIY the look by starting with an iridescent chrome base. Then, use builder gel to create the heart design.
Silver Chrome Disco Tips
Ready to dance the night away? Celebrate your big day with disco nails fit for the occasion.
Sprinkle Skittle Nails
Here’s another cute nail art idea perfect for birthday celebrations. You can create the sprinkle nail art using a nail art brush.
Confetti Sprinkle French Tips
Looking for smaller sprinkle details? A colorful confetti polish will help you get the look.
Iridescent Multicolor Star Confetti Nails
Meanwhile, if you want the confetti to really stand out, try pairing it against a jet black base. Then, finish with a thick glossy top coat to keep everything in place.
Teal Shimmer Zodiac Nails
“Your birthday month is the perfect time to get a mani inspired by your sign,” Hanna says. “You could pair the color of your birthstone along with nail art elements inspired by your sign for a cohesive look.” If you’re not confident in your DIY abilities, Hanna recommends using nail art stickers, as many Zodiac packs exist.
Butterfly Nails
Last but not least, we have butterfly nails. Birthdays are a time for transformation and butterflies are the perfect motif for such a celebration.
