Unusual manicure for May 2024: 10 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 Peach Ombré
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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.
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.
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.
07 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.
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?
10 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.
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.