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Are you looking for some stunning graduation nails for your big day? If so, you’ve come to the right post! All of these gorgeous nail designs are the perfect way to finish off your graduation outfit.
Graduation is such a major accomplishment in any student’s life! You’ve worked so hard for this moment and it’s time to celebrate!
A huge part of planning for your graduation day is figuring out your outfit along with how you’re going to do your hair and beauty! That includes of course, getting your nails done!
That’s why we wanted to round up our favourite styles so you can get some inspiration! Think glazed donut, white, neutrals and pinks! There are so many different styles out there to choose from, which can get overwhelming. That’s why we wanted to create this guide to make picking your perfect nail design that much easier.
Do your graduation nails at home
A lot of these graduation looks can easily be recreated at home! If you’re wanting to try out a matte look or have some matte aspects, I recommend getting this matte nail polish:
To be able to hand draw on flowers, swirls and small details, we recommend these nail art brushes. They are incredibly fine, and help draw out really intricate aspects:
Want more Graduation content?
Are you graduating this year or know someone graduation? Are looking for more graduation content? Check out our related articles here:
40+ Graduation Dress Ideas For Your Big Day!
25+ White Nail Ideas You Need To Try!
Below, we’ve rounded up 40+ of our top graduation nails. There are so many different styles that will go with a wide range of outfits.
A lot of girls decide to go with a white or cream based outfit for their grad day however even if you decide to do something different (like a bright color), there’s graduation nail art in here for you!
Remember, feel free to pin any of the images below to recreate all of these designs in the future! Also bookmark this page to save it for later or if you want to bring an image with you to your nail salon.
If you’re not sure what design you like best, why not save a couple so you can reference them later!
The best Graduation nails to try out this year!
Check out all of the Instagram accounts tagged below if you’re looking for more amazing nail content! Not only do they have graduation content, they have a lot of seasonal nail designs as well.
1) Glazed by Vivian
Glazed donut nails are HUGE right now ever since Hailey Bieber decided to debut them!
They’re such a classy style, that adds just a hint of sparkle. You can easily do glazed donut nails in so many different colors. This frosty pink is so perfect for grad if you want to add a little color.
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
2) Pearls & Lines by Amber
If you’re looking to take your white swirls to the next level, add in some pearl details! Pearls are so delicate and really add some class to your manicure! You can easily re-create this at home with Pearl Gems.
You could also do this style with any sort of white abstract nail design. If you’re creating them yourself use the nail art brushes linked above to get those really thin lines!
Image and nail art via @amberjhnails
3) Unicorn Tips by Amber
Chrome nails are another trend that’s really popular right now! Using this trend as a French tip is such a unique way to add some flair to a classic French manicure. Also this color is to die for! This pearly pink is so perfect for graduation or prom!
Image and nail art via @amberjhnails
4) Muted Pink by Alison
A neutral nail is always a good idea! This pink and white combo is so gorgeous and perfect for spring and graduation! It’s the perfect way to add a little color to a grad manicure that doesn’t draw attention away from your dress!
Image and nail art via @nailsbyalsn
5) Pink Velvet by Vivian
If you’re looking to have your nails pop, try out the new velvet nail trend! It adds the perfect amount of sparkle to your manicure.
This pink color is so gorgeous and makes your nails look like liquid sparkles!
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
6) Daisy Details by Vivian
Graduation is the perfect time to try out a floral nail design!
If you’re wearing a white dress or even a solid color, an easy way to add in some flair is with a floral design. This one in white by Vivian is so cute for your special day.
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
7) Glazed French by Aby
Another amazing glazed look by Aby! This is hands down, one of my favourite designs on this list!
The combination of the shine and the French tip is so perfect. The way the light hits this manicure is so stunning and is sure to get the eye of everyone at your graduation.
Image and nail art via @nailsbyaby
8) Pink Tips by Alison
Love a good French tip? Why not try it in a color other than white? This light baby pink is so pretty and neutral for graduation.
Image and nail art via @nailsbyalsn
9) Daisy Rhinestones by Pardon My French Nail Bar
Daisy and rhinestones? Yes please! This manicure is so much fun and will definitely catch the light as your cross the stage.
The tiny daisy details can be achieved with a dotting tool and the rhinestones can be glued on with nail glue.
Image and nail art via @pardonmyfrenchnailbar
10) Glitter Outline by Sarah
Who doesn’t love a little glitter! This manicure is so subtle but so gorgeous! Outlining your nails in sparkles with a neutral nail base is perfect for grad.
Image and nail art via @heluviee
11) Short glazed by Iram
If you have shorter nails, the glazed donut style can still look so beautiful and classic! You don’t have to have long nails for this style to look amazing. I for one can never seem to keep my nails long, one of them always breaks, then I have to cute them all down.
Don’t be afraid to try out any of the designs in this post even if you have shorter nails!
Image and nail art via @iramshelton
12) Classy by Alexandra
Love a good fresh and crisp white manicure. If you’re not sure if you want a solid nail or a French why not combine the two together! It creates such a classic look while still being unique.
Image and nail art via @thehotblend
13) Rhinestone Details by Vivian
Graduation is the perfect time to break out the rhinestones and add a little sparkle to your nails! We’re loving how Vivian designed these ones.
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
14) Pearl Details by Peachi Nails
Another way to add in pearls to your manicure. The design elevates the French manicure and makes it look extra special!
Image and nail art via @peachinails
15) Thin Swirls by Vivian
Swirls are always a great idea. If you want to add in some color into your graduation nails, throw in a colourful swirl! This green and white combo is so perfect (also green is totally having a moment right now!)
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
16) Rhinestone Details by Aby
Why not try out a fun rhinestone accent nail to make your graduation nails feel more special? This design by Aby can easily be recreated and give you a little sparkle.
Image and nail art via @nailswithaby
17) Perfect Shine by Sarah
These nails have the perfect shine. Their neutral but they make your nails look so healthy and stylish!
Image and nail art via @heluviee
18) Cream Tips by Alexandra
An ivory French tip is so perfect for graduation! Ivory/cream is a softer look compared to white and is the perfect clean look for any graduation.
Image and nail art via @thehotblend
19) Swirls and Sparkles by Vivian
If you really want something unique, combine swirls and sparkles! This design looks so good and gives you something a little extra for your special day.
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
20) Sparkle Tips by Monika
These sparkle tips by Monika are so stunning. You could easily do this design with any base color to better match your outfit.
Image and nail art via @monika_nails
21) White Outline by Pardon My French Nail Bar
A unique nail design is a white nail outline! It’s a clean and modern look that goes with so many different outfits.
Image and nail art via @pardonmyfrenchnailbar
22) Baby Blue Chrome by Melanie
These baby blue chrome nails by Melanie are so trendy! Blue is such a nice color to try for your graduation. If you’re wearing white, blue easily goes with it!
Image and nail art via @overglowedit
23) Grey Chrome by Sarah
These grey chrome nails by Sarah have the perfect amount of shine. They’ll easily catch the light and glitter as you graduate.
Image and nail art via @heluviee
24) White Swirls by Vivian
For a classic, go with a white swirl! This design is trendy no matter what season it is.
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
25) Rhinestone Touches by Pegi
Pegi has create the perfect rhinestone manicure! These tiny rhinestones are so delicate and simple which makes this the perfect manicure option for a grad.
Image and nail art via @pegi_nails
26) Glittering by Vivian
Daisies, sparkles and French tips! If you’re not sure what design you like best, why not combine them all into one.
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
27) Perfect Pearls by Vivian
I love the combination of French tips and pearls! It’s an easy design you can do yourself and is super classic.
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
28) Pearly by Alexandra
This minimalistic look is so fresh as a graduation manicure! We’re loving the two toned colors that really makes this French manicure pop!
Image and nail art via @thehotblend
29) Delicate Tips by Vivian
If you try something a little different than your normal French, why not try a side French!
Image and nail art via @vivianmariewong
30) Delicate Florals by Tiffany
These delicate florals by Tiffany are so dainty and classy! If you want a more intricate design, try out this design for your grad.
Image and nail art via @tiffanyabbigailebeauty
31) Perfect Blush by Natalie
Blush nails are so popular during graduation season! If you want a more neutral design that will go with a lot of outfits try out this blush shade.
Image and nail art via @natalieholtnailartist
32) Hints of Glitter by Melanie
Love how muted this glitter is, it’s almost like a glaze! It’s such a subtle yet fun manicure idea that’s really trendy.
Image and nail art via @overglowedit
33) Chevron Tips by Bethany
Chevron tips are such a fun design to try out! They’re classic but also not as common as a French tip.
Image and nail art via @_nailsbybethany
34) Barely there by Naomi
These barely there nude nails are so perfect for any graduation outfit you pick! They just make your nails look so healthy and natural.
Image and nail art via @bynaomib
35) Pearl Tips by Aby
A fast way to upgrade your French is by adding in some pearls! It’s so simple but stunning.
Image and nail art via @nailswithaby
36) Side French by Aimee
The side French is an easy way to make a classic French manicure unique!
Image and nail art via @allnailss._
37) Vanilla Chrome by Alexandra
This vanilla chrome is such a luxurious color! It has so much shine and really pops.
Image and nail art via @thehotblend
38) Glazed Square by Bry
There’s a lot of almond nails in this post but don’t forget square! Square nails just look so classic and with this top glaze they’re sure to provide a lot of shine.
Image and nail art via @gelsbybry
39) Sparkle Details by Paulina
Sparkles are always a good idea! If you love sparkle but don’t want to overdue it try it on two nails instead of all five. Combining the sparkles with this light pink color is such a genius idea.
Image and nail art via @nailsbypaulin
40) Glitter Gradient by Wendy
This glitter ombre by Wendy is SO stunning! Your graduation is a moment to be a celebration so why not go all out with your nails!
Image and nail art via @mydumbnails
40) White Swirls by Amy
These chunky swirls by Amy are so trendy and would perfectly match any graduation outfit you pick. Pair these white swirl with a neutral base and you’re good to go!
Image and nail art via @amyle.nails
41) Iridescent Glitter by Wendy
We’re loving the use of this large chunk glitter by Wendy. It really stands out and is such a pretty look for a special occasion.
Graduation is a great excuse to do something wild and different with your manicure, so if you’ve always wanted to try out some sparkle, go for it!
Image and nail art via @mydumbnails
42) White Almond Nails by Amy
If you want something classic and timeless a white almond nail set is always a great idea! This can also be accomplished with shorter nails.
This design makes you’re nails look so long and healthy which is perfect for your graduation.
Image and nail art via @amyle.nails
43) Sparkles and Butterflies by Wendy
If you’re looking to try something unique, butterflies are so whimsical and fun for graduation nails! Butterflies can also represent starting a new chapter and spreading your wings.
When you graduate your starting a new chapter whether that be post secondary or if you’re ready to enter the work force! Huge changes are about to come and butterflies are a great symbol for that.
Image and nail art via @mydumbnails
Delicate Details by Alexandra
This subtle but beautiful manicure by Alexandra is a great option to wear to your graduation! The tiny flower detail is subtle but adds some uniqueness to your manicure.
This shade of white is also so fresh and versatile for grad!
Image and nail via @thehotblend
We hope you loved all of these stunning graduation nails that are perfect for your special day! Whether you want a little sparkle or something more classic we have all that and everything in between!
As mentioned, feel free to pin the images to Pinterest to share with friends or bookmark this page to save it for later!
If you’re trying to do your nails at home, check out our recommend nail products above to make it go a lot smoother!
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