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Independence Day is coming up soon and I’m gearing up for the holiday with festive cocktails, food and crafts. I’m also thinking about my look. Since I already picked out one of the summer’s hottest hair trends for the occasion, and switched my entire wardrobe to tenniscore, all that’s left is finding the perfect red, white and blue mani. Ideally, I want something that’s patriotic and fun, without being overly cheesy.
Lucky for you, I compiled the hottest styles to wear even after July is over. I got some ideas for the minimalist (featuring chic shapes and clean lines), for the purists (hello, French manicure) and for the person that wants to get a bit creative with a starry print or snazzy flag pattern. If you need some inspo, here are the 55 best 4th of July nail designs to try now.
1. Bedazzled Stars
Upgrade your basic mani with a fun 3D design. First, choose a base coat before dropping a small dot of nail glue onto the area you want to place the star. Use tweezers to lay the it on top of the glue and press down for a few minutes. If you prefer gel, just place the gem, swipe on a clear gel and put your nails into your UV gel lamp to secure the design.
2. Negative Space
Who says you have to paint your whole nail? This 4th of July nail design leaves room for a clear base and incorporate lines or shapes for a minimalist yet chic look with one (or more!) colorful picks.
3. Tonal Wabi Sabi
Trick the ombré effect by wearing different shades of the same color on each nail from light to dark. For example, start with light rosy red on your pinky and end with a nice burgundy shade on the thumb.
4. Modern French
Switch up this classic look by layering red, white and blue lines together. Tip: Use striping tape for crisp lines and even spacing between each shade.
5. Floral Print
Floral nail art isn’t just for spring. These 4th of July nails adds a twist, painting them in red and blue polish. All you need is a dotting tool to create five small circles and voilá.
6. Nude With Stars
Stars are always a go-to pattern for this festive holiday. Let them shine by applying a nude base underneath. Then, use a thin brush to draw stars in red and blue. (Tip: To create the stars, make tiny triangles and connect them together. Here’s a tutorial.)
7. Blue Squiggles
Straight lines are so 2023. Use a thin brush to create a ripple effect, and don’t worry about making it look “nice” as you create uneven dips and curves across your nail beds. The effect should be playful, not perfect.
8. Bold Abstract
Similar to the above, this one uses blue as the base. Let your imagination run wild while making strokes, lines or whatever shape your heart desires.
9. Glittery Twinkle
Watch your nails sparkle…literally. Grab your favorite glitter polish and go to work on creating diamond-shaped patterns in varying sizes on bare nails, then finish with a clear top coat for extra shine.
10. Summer Treats
Channel everyone’s favorite summer treat for your next mani by painting on a nude base and topping it off with red and blue sprinkles. Just reach for stripping tape and show off your sweet tooth with the final result.
11. Polka Dots
What better way to wear your cute polka dot summer dress than with a mani to match? A nail dotting tool, a toothpick or a bobby pin will do the trick. Dip the tool into your nail polish and start dotting it onto your nails.
12. Blue Glitter
Fireworks aren’t the only thing shimmering on the 4th. Find a glittery polish in a single shade that keeps your nails shining bright all day.
13. Red And Blue Stripes
Some good ‘ole nail tape or a very precise brush will help create clean, straight lines.
14. Colorful Confetti
Focus on the tip of the nail and use a dotting tool to make red, white and blue circles for a playful take on 4th of July confetti.
15. Geometric Shapes
Whether it’s squares, triangles or a new shape entirely, nail tape can guide you as you turn your nails into a masterpiece. Need help recreating this 4th of July design? Watch the tutorial here.
16. Star Stickers
If the thought of drawing freaks you out and jewels aren’t really your thing, stickers are a great alternative to get creative. Just peel the sticker off, apply it onto your nail and set with a topcoat. Have fun with the placement—sometimes it’s more interesting if every nail doesn’t match.
17. Outline Accents
Stay minimalistic and focus on the outer edges of your nails only, providing a splash color with an extra thin brush. You can even accentuate the borders with tiny “twinkling” white dots that will make people do a double-take.
18. Captain America
Are you a big Marvel fan? Try a Cap-inspired look with the superhero’s go-to shades. Watch the tutorial to see exactly how it’s done.
19. Patriotic Banners
Raise your flag nails up in the air with this adorable banner art. Start with a bright blue base coat before using small circle strokes to paint on clouds. Once you’re satisfied with your summer sky, draw a curved line and three small triangles. Finish off with any designs inside the small flags.
20. Patterned Tips
Goodbye, simple French mani. Step outside of the box and play with patterns to create an artistic flag effect. I especially love the way this looks on round or almond-shaped nails, which you can create yourself using a file.
21. Color Block Hearts
Hey, they’re not just Valentine’s Day nails. Use a thin brush to outline the shape, then color it in with more polish. If you’re not comfortable with freehand, consider using paper, tape or even a bandaid to keep your lines clean. Here’s a helpful tutorial for more tips on this 4th of July nail design.
22. Statement Stars
It’s time to give one of your nails the spotlight. Whether it’s the ring finger, pinkie or thumb, add a bold pattern so it stands out on its own.
23. Vertical Stripes
Upgrade the traditional flag design by painting on vertical lines in each patriotic color. Start by painting your entire nail red, then add two white stripes. Use a deep blue polish to create an even thinner line to the right of each white stripe. As always, finish with a clear top coat so your hard work lasts.
24. White Grid
Doesn’t this remind you of a summer picnic, only more subtle? Draw vertical and horizontal lines over a clear base coat for a simplistic but stunning look. The key: Make sure your lines are evenly spaced.
25. Tie-dye
Tie-dye will never go out of style, so why not continue the trend on your nails? Add a few drops of red, white and blue polish into a bowl of cool water. Then, grab a toothpick and swirl the polishes together before dipping your nail into the bowl and slowly lifting it out to transfer the pattern onto your nail. Use remover and a brush or Q-tip to clean up the edges to finish. If you have the patience for it, do all ten fingers! If not, one accent nail on each hand is just as good.
26. Pop Art Popsicle
Have a sweet tooth? Paint your fave summer treat on one nail (or all of them), making sure the lines are clean and the polka dots are uniform to really nail the pop art style. (Psst. Here’s how to draw the cutest popsicle.)
27. Mix And Match
Another take on the updated French mani, this design breaks even more rules by making every nail different.
28. Tri-color Florals
Let summer flowers bloom…right onto your nails. Stickers, stamps or a drawing can be done to showcase the season’s florals, and creating them in red, white and blue keeps them on theme for the holiday. Check out this tutorial to design your very own flower.
29. Vivid Zigzags
Be bold and let your nails pop with bright blue and fiery red designs in a comic-like take on fireworks.
30. Variety Mix
Do you like polka dots, negative space or all of the above? Don’t limit your palette—go ahead and combine different designs together for ultimate 4th of July nails. You might be surprised how cool it turns out.
31. Paint Drips
Make a splash with a dripping effect. All you’ll need is your polish, a dotting tool and a top coat to complete the look. Need some guidance? Just check out this quick tutorial.
32. Fireworks Spectacular
FYI, this shimmering nail art is giving us major Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks vibes. While the blue polish shines bright, it’s the silver shade that makes the look pop. You can try your hand at making the lines using a brush (or reach for some nail tape to get the job done).
33. Shiny Jewels
Let’s face it: Life is more fun with a bit of bedazzling. Whether you decorate all your nails or make a statement on your ring finger, the possibilities are endless. And when the light hits just right, your nails will be on full display.
34. Cherry Bomb
I love a good fruit salad at the annual 4th party, so show your appreciation for your go-to fruit on your mani. Apply some fun stickers or attempt at creating your own with a handy nail art kit.
35. Lines on Lines on Lines
Whether they’re vertical, horizontal or diagonal, pick up a red and blue color and let the brush move across your nails in any direction. The pattern just might remind you of a sunny day at the park (with a nice picnic to match).
36. Outline Masterpiece
Negative space meets pop art with this outlined design. Use a thin brush to paint the color around the perimeter of your nail for a simple, yet striking style.
37. Translucent Blue
If you’re into the clear acrylic trend, you’ll appreciate this upgrade to the popular look. To recreate it, simply dilute your favorite blue polish with a few drops of clear top coat before applying it to your nails.
38. Reversed French
A traditional French is great and all, but how about trying it backwards by placing the design at your cuticle area instead of your tips? Apply a blue base coat before grabbing a ruby red polish and painting a contrasting line at the base of your nails. Two words: Mind. Blown.
39. Matte Nails
PSA: Matte nails are taking center stage this Independence Day. Try the look in red, white or blue matte polish or alternate all three shades on different nails.
40. Smiley Face
I can’t help but smile at this fun look. You can go the sticker route or freehand as many smiley faces you see fit. Grab a brush and go to town on your 4th of July creation.
41. Magnetic Magic
Metallic nails are trending right now, so before you head to any 4th of July soirées, deck your nails out in this design. Thankfully, the polish and magnet duo does all the work for you in creating that shimmery ripple effect.
42. Red, White & Blue Ombré
FYI, ombré will always be in style. Grab your colors, paint and blend the hues together. Need some help? Here’s a handy tutorial to get you started.
43. Fruit Salad
OK, the cherries on their own would be cute, but adding the entire summer fruit selection makes your mani even more festive. These fruity stickers come with watermelons, strawberries and more.
44. Fiery Flames
I predict the 4th will be a hot affair, so why not rock some bright red flames to celebrate the occasion? Here’s a a tutorial to guide you through the steps.
45. Checkered Print
Picnic basket? Check. The best seat for fireworks? Check. A checkered mani that’s on theme? Check.
46. Watermelon Sugar
Did you know the peak season for watermelon is July? Well, why not give the most delicious fruit the spotlight for the upcoming holiday. Use a striping brush to recreate a few watermelons on the tips of your nails and don’t forget to use a vibrant red polish to make the manicure really pop for the summer.
47. Aura Nails
While aura nails came on the scene in 2021, they’ve recently resurged this season by mixing all of the 4th of July’s staple shades. To join the trend, start by adding a drop of polish onto a sponge and pressing it down gently for the faded finish.
48. Stylish Short Mani
This short manicure is the minimal style that’s great for the 4th and requires two easy steps to follow at home. All you’ll need is some nail tape to apply it right in the middle of your nail before grabbing a striping brush and applying a thin line of polish across the tip.
49. Patriotic Press-Ons
Here’s your sign to invest in some press-on nails this summer. Once you pop on these coffin nails, following this tutorial for a step-by-step guide to turn your new lengthy nails into a chic patriotic manicure.
50. Lipstick Nails
The nail polish is key, but how about switching up your nail game in a new shape? These lipstick nails give an edge to a traditional manicure. Grab some press-ons and clip them to customize your mani or use a nail filer on your natural nail to mimic the design.
51. Marker Magic
Psst, this 4th of July nail design was done exclusively with mani markers. The beauty of this look is that it’s not so predictable. You can don a different look on each nail, from vibrant clouds to adorable cherry prints.
52. Tiny Hearts
If you’re looking for a simple look, try adding some tiny (and oh-so adorable) blue hearts on your nails. Whether you decide to draw them on yourself or simply place a few heart stickers, they’ll elevate a clear manicure.
53. Baseball Pride
America’s pastime goes hand in hand with the most patriotic holiday of the year. And if your favorite baseball team’s colors are also red, white or blue (like this Dodgers look above), this manicure is sure to be a home run for the 4th.
54. Star Explosion
This supersized starry design makes for a statement mani. Grab a striping brush and work on showcasing half of the star on your nail. If you need some guidance, here’s a step-by-step guide at the manicure above.
55. Festive Streamers
The 4th of July party is starting right on your nails. These almond-shaped tips are simple to recreate and don’t require much precision. Grab your striping brush and paint thin red, blue and silver lines.
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