Unusual manicure for May 2024: 21 out-of-the-box ideas for May holidays
Can you believe it's already May? That's almost halfway through yet another year. But instead of getting caught up in an existential crisis about how fast time flies, allow us to turn your attention to May nail art ideas. Where some months, like March, October, and December, are synonymous with specific polish colors and designs, May offers a bit more room for interpretation. Whether you equate the month of May with fresh flowers, bright colors, or the unofficial start of summer, we've got you covered with plenty of pretty manicures to recreate in the days and weeks ahead. Keep reading to uncover over a dozen May nail art ideas that will have you ready for warm, sunny days galore.
01 Royal Abstract
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Looking forward to pool season kicking into full gear? Show off your love of this time of year with a vibrant blue mani like this one. Since it's royal blue, it doubles as a great idea for those who enjoy following the UK royal family, given the coronation is on May 6.
Vivid orange is one of the most popular colors this year, so opting for any form of peach, papaya, or tangerine nails this May is a good idea. We love the sun-kissed feel of this ombré design, which allows you to balance out muted neutrals with a heated pop of color.
You don't have to stick to blue, as May is a time when you can embrace every color of the rainbow, especially if you want to get a head start on Pride, which is in June. We love the look of this micro French mani with abstract borders.
Red, white, and blue nail art ideas work well for May, as well, given the timing of Memorial Day. If you want to switch things up from a straightforward flag or fireworks design, consider this folksy, scallop-bordered mani.
If you prefer more neutral nails, sticking to a bare base accented with tiny pops of color might be more up your alley. We love the look of this dainty floral design.
Mercury is in retrograde for half of May, so if you want to tap into your astrology-obsessed side, perhaps you'll consider a vibrant, aura-inspired mani. We love this rainbow version by nail artist Brittney Ellen.
10 Mermaidcore French Tips
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Mermaidcore is one of the biggest trends of summer 2024, so if you want to lean into it a bit early, consider recreating this metallic turquoise French mani. You can also easily adapt this to whatever reef-ready color suits your fancy, be it green, purple, or salmon pink.
11 Vivid Swirls
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12 Maximalist Floral Nails
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One of the best ways to create a May mani is to think of all the prettiest colors that come back into sight this time of year, then put them on your nails. One way to do so is by recreating this abstract multicolor floral mani.
Still hanging onto spring's pastel palette as you begin leaning towards summer? Mixing pastels and brights will help you make the transition.
14 Floral Grid Nails
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15 Coral and Chrome
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16 Aura Drops
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If you like the idea of aura nails but prefer more neutral nails overall, consider this rendition. While still colorful, more of your natural nail will shine through. Plus, how cute are the dewdrop-inspired rhinestones?
17 Pressed Florals
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As precious as hand-painted flowers are for May manicures, check out this shimmery ombré situation showcasing real pressed blooms. Consider us impressed!
18 Groovy Blooms
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Greens and blues may not seem like your classic May palette, but think about the world around us. Freshly cut grass, bright blue skies, more daylight—these colors track.
Watermelon nails have been making the rounds on socials, so we couldn't leave them out—especially since the fruit is a staple for many Memorial Day cookouts. This design mixes together hot pink, an aura base, and baby French tips, so you can tackle multiple trends in one mani.
Thermo gel lacquer is a special type of gel lacquer that is able to change its shade depending on the ambient temperature and body heat. This unique effect creates a beautiful and harmonious gradient that gives nails a special charm and individuality.
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