55 Purple Nails For A Gorgeous Manicure

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Purple is a rich color that symbolizes royalty and power. It can make your nails look either luxurious or adorable, depending on the shade you choose.

So if you’ve been eyeing this color and looking for the best purple nail designs, we’ve got you covered. We’ve searched the internet and compiled 55 of the best purple nail ideas you can use as inspiration for your next manicure!

From short to long nails, from simple to complex designs, we have them all here on our list.

So read on and scroll down to find your next purple nailspiration!

Purple Nail Art Ideas

1. Almond Galaxy Marble Nails

A closeup of a woman's hands with purple and white swirls that has almond-shaped jelly nails — Image courtesy of @nailsby_avril

This design is a nostalgic take on marble nails. It uses almond-shaped jelly nails to make marbly purple-and-white swirls stand out for a unique look!

2. Lilac Moon and Stars

A closeup of a woman's nails with purple nail polish that has moon and star designs and a butterfly accent — Image courtesy of @nailsby_avril

If you want to take a break from the conventional blue and black background when painting moon and star designs on your nails, why not change it to purple? And add a butterfly accent to a few of them to make them look dreamy and whimsical.

3. Bees and Daisies

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has purple swirls, bees, and daisies nail designs — Image courtesy of @nailsby_avril

Nails with purple swirls, bees, and daisies make a pretty and unique idea for a sweet and gorgeous mani.

4. Purple and White Tips

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish that has a deep shade of purple with glitter, tiny silver hearts and clean silver outlines on the tips — Image courtesy of @nailsby_avril

This deep shade of purple with glitter gives a luxurious look. We also love the tiny silver hearts on the accent nails and the clean silver outlines on the tips.

5. Matte Lilac Coffin Nails

A woman's fingernails with a matte all-purple acrylic nail polish — Image courtesy of @minea.nails

Skipping nail art and going for matte all-purple acrylic nails is never a bad idea, especially if you wear your nails in an elegant coffin shape!

6. Geometric Shades of Purple

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish that has different purple shades on the nail tips — Image courtesy of @gocaranzanails

Pick five of your favorite purple shades and use them to recreate this stunning nail design. We love how these purple-tip nails look so clean!

7. Shades of Purple With Gold Crystals

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with different shades of purple nail polish that has gold rhinestones and floral pattern nail designs — Image courtesy of @gocaranzanails

It’s never a bad idea to play around with different shades of purple and gold rhinestones. Add an accent nail with a floral pattern to this nail design for a feminine look.

8. Chrome Purple Nail Tips

A closeup of woman's fingernails with nude nail polish base that has deep purple and wine-red chrome tips — Image courtesy of @getnaileddbybri

If you’re going for long nails, giving them deep purple and wine-red chrome tips is a chic way to make a statement.

9. Purple Glitter

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with different shades of purple with glitter nail polish

If you want an all-glam look during prom, go for purple nails with sparkles. All the purple tones work so well together, and the glitz adds a wonderful textural element.

10. White and Lilac Chrome

A woman's fingernails with purple nail polish that has white swirls nail designs — Image courtesy of @kikinails_ebeauty

When in doubt, go for simple purple nail art. This white and lilac color combo creates a mystical vibe that looks amazing!

11. Purple Flowers

A woman's fingernails with purple and nude nail polish that has few flowers on select nails — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

For cute purple nails, adding a few flowers is the way to go! These short purple nails are perfect for spring and summer.

12. Blue Purple Art

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with bluish-purple nail polish that has white swirls nail designs — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

Trendy and artsy, this gorgeous bluish-purple manicure gives off funky vibes.

13. Purple and Silver With Heart Accents

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with different shades of purple nail polish that has clean silver outlines and beautiful hearts nail designs — Image courtesy of @1999houseofnailsnz

This nail idea with beautiful hearts is something you would want to wear on Valentine’s Day. The deep and light shades of purple complement each other in this design. We also love how the clean silver outlines add some chicness to it.

14. Bright Purple Cow Print

A woman's fingernails with purple and white nail that has purple animal prints nail designs — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz

Using bright purple nail polish to paint animal prints helps you make a cute nail design to wear that won’t go out of style.

15. Purple Almond Nails With Multicolored Accents

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with purple nail polish that has black and white polka dots and gold foil flakes — Image courtesy of @nailsby_harieva

Adding speckles of colors and designs like black and white polka dots and gold foil flakes on a few nails is a cute way to make your purple manicure playful and eye-catching.

16. Glossy Marbled Nails With Silver Glitz

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with metallic purple nail polish that has pink, purple, and white marble designs and silver glitter — Image courtesy of @tiptoenailstudio1

Looking for inspo for metallic purple nails? Use pink, purple, and white marble designs on your accent nails, and add silver glitter to the rest of the purple nails! We love how the colors balance nicely together in this look.

17. Turquoise and Purple Doodles

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with turqoise and purple nail polish that has doodly hearts, tiny petals, and small lines and dots nail designs — Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

Who says short nails can’t be fun? Recreating this design is a fun way to mix and match colors. Also, you can add nail art like doodly hearts, tiny petals, and small lines and dots for vibrant and colorful nail art!

18. Pastel Pink and Purple

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with pink and purple nail polish that has eaves and gold glitter nail designs — Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

Want a purple-and-pink nail design? Try this purple manicure with pink accent nails that are decorated with leaves and gold glitter. It’s a great way to add elegance to your overall look.

19. Purple and White Swirls with Gold Accent

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude and purple nail polish that has white swirls and gold flakes nail designs — Image courtesy of @holliebedsbeauty

These purple nails with swirls feature a contrasting color combo of nude pink and white that brings attention to your nail art. The added gold flakes also add a touch of elegance.

20. Dark Purple Nails with Colorful Flowers

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with purple and nude nail polish that has pink, green, and yellow floral nail designs — Image courtesy of @sjpolished

Pairing high-contrast colors like pink, green, and yellow with purple gives you a manicure with a festive vibe. Get inspired by this nail idea that gives you a unique way to add florals to your mani.

21. Dark Metallic Purple Glitter

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with glittery purple nail polish — Image courtesy of @nails.bylynsey

Subtle sparkly nails are a foolproof way to wear purple or any other color to match formal and casual outfits.

22. Every Purple Hue

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with glossy different purple shades of nail polish — Image courtesy of @bysarahnailartist

Can’t decide which shade of purple to use? This nail art shows a stylish way to use various shades of purple to paint each nail.

23. Lavender Silver Flakes

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with glossy purple and white nail polish that has silver flakes nail designs — Image courtesy of @bysarahnailartist

Instead of sparkly glitter, why not use silver flakes on a nude accent nail? This will give your light purple mani a little more glamor. This look is something we’d love to wear to a birthday party!

24. Light Orchid Nails With Daisies

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glossy purple nail polish that has flowers nail designs — Image courtesy of @bysarahnailartist

For your next mani, why not use light orchid polish on all your nails? Then paint flowers on the accent nails to bring out the nail artist in you!

25. Mauve & Silver Heart

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with purple and white nail polish that has a silver heart accent — Image courtesy of @bysarahnailartist

The color mauve sets up a romantic mood. You can add flair to your mauve nails by painting one nail nude and topping it off with a silver heart accent.

26. Dark Purple Galaxy Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with dark purple marbled galaxy design — Image courtesy of @bysarahnailartist

There’s something mystical yet classy about this mani. It’s addicting to look at the marbled galaxy design on the accent nails!

27. White Lines On Purple Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with purple nail polish that has white sleek lines in different patterns nail designs — Image courtesy of @polishedbykiah

Add oomph to your matte purple nails by painting clean, sleek lines on them in different patterns for a statement-making look.

28. Pink and Swirl White Outline

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with purple nail polish that has light colored swirls nail designs — Image courtesy of @polishedbykiah

Simple purple nail ideas using light colors like this one will surely make your nails pop!

29. Pink and Purple Plaid

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with different shades of purple nail polish — Image courtesy of @leannehaycock_

A bright pink-and-purple nail design like this one is something Barbie would choose if she got her nails done. So if you want your mani to have a vibrant pop of color, try this one out!

30. Fairy Princess

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with lighter and darker purple nail polish that has rhinestones and 3D flowers nail designs — Image courtesy of @dips_drinks_diamonds

Want to feel like royalty? Embellishing your purple nails with rhinestones and 3D flowers is your best bet. We recommend wearing this mani to a wedding, prom, or any formal occasion.

31. Amethyst Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with different shades of purple nail polish that has glitter and rhinestones — Image courtesy of @dips_drinks_diamonds

Chunky purple glitter and rhinestones only mean one thing: sparkles! It’s an elegant look you can wear if you want subtle glitz.

32. Square Lavender Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with purple nail polish that has glitter on select nails — Image courtesy of @nailsby__tessa

This design is ideal if you’re looking for inspo for simple lavender nails. We love how the nail artist used a plain pastel purple color and added one glittery accent nail. It’s just soothing to look at!

33. Blue-Violet Glitter

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with blue-violet glitter nail polish — Image courtesy of @nailsby__tessa

These nails are perfect for those who want a simple blue-violet manicure. We also love how these nails shine and shimmer from every angle!

34. Shades of Blue With Purple Glitter

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with shades of blue nail polish that has purple glitter — Image courtesy of @nailsby__tessa

If you love both blue and purple, combine them in one nail design. Then add some chunky glitter on one blue and one purple nail to make them stand out!

35. Assorted Purple Nail Art

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish base that has flames, flowers, crocodile print, and paint splotches nail designs — Image courtesy of @nails.byabb

If you have a nude-colored mani, top them with different nail designs like flames, flowers, crocodile print, and paint splotches for a unique look.

36. Periwinkle and Salmon Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has tiny flowers nail designs and salmon and periwinkle nail tips — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Looking for floral summer nail ideas in purple? Here’s one to consider. The salmon and periwinkle combo will remind you of summer sunsets. We also love the details of the tiny flowers near the tips!

37. Purple and Silver Glitter Swirls

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with long nails and purple nail polish that has purple swirls and silver glitter nail designs — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Nails with purple swirls are already beautiful. But add some silver glitter swirls to make them look more fabulous.

38. Floral Periwinkle

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with purple nail polish that has flower art and sugary glitter polish — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Adding flower art and French tips to your periwinkle nails using sugary glitter polish allows you to create an elegant purple nail design. We love how these designs look embossed on the nails, giving them added texture.

39. Purple Ombré Nails with Floral Accent

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with purple nail polish base that has flower resin artwork nail designs — Image courtesy of @studio_c_k

This nail art reminds us of stunning flower resin artwork we use for home decorations. We dig the subtle purple ombré and the faded effect of the flower patterns.

40. Royal Purple & Gold Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has different shades of purple nail tips and gold outlines — Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

This design’s purple French tips with gold outlines will make you feel like a queen!

41. Outlined Purple Hearts

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has red or pink for painting hearts nail designs — Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

If you’re tired of using red or pink for painting hearts on your nails, go paint them in purple. We love how these hearts look like stickers with their gold outlines.

42. Dreamy Purple Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with white nail polish that has cloud and the stars and purple nail tips — Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

Glittery purple-cloud tips? Yes, please! The clean outlines of each cloud and the stars make it hard to believe that you can put this design on nails.

43. Enchanted Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has star stickers and intricate silver chrome swirls and purple tips — Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

If you want to wear a celestial design, go for this manicure. The vivid colors, star stickers, and intricate silver chrome swirls make you feel like you’ve been transported to a fantastical world.

44. Black And White Polka Dots

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has two different shades of purple and a black-and-white polka dot design — Image courtesy of @rmnailtech

This design is for minimalists. Make your purple accent stand out by using two different shades of purple and a black-and-white polka dot design. Then paint the rest of your nails with nude-colored polish.

45. Electric-Purple Nails

A closeup of a woman's glossy fingernails with electric-purple and pink nail polish that has pink and purple blossoms nail designs on select nails — Image courtesy of @sdsnailsandbeauty_x

If you want to tone down the intensity of electric-purple nail polish, try painting two nails a matching shade of pink. Then, add some pink and purple blossoms to make the mani bloom.

46. Glitter Outlined Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glossy purple nail polish that has silver glitter nail designs — Image courtesy of @sdsnailsandbeauty_x

Shorter nails tend to always look best with simpler designs. Although it looks easy to make, this mani with pastel purple nails lined with glitter outline manages to wow us.

47. Purple Halloween Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glossy dark purple nail polish that has black leaves, thick glittery black tips, and thin silver lines — Image courtesy of @_iwnails

Black leaves, thick glittery black tips, and thin silver lines on deep purple nails give us some Halloween vibes. So why not wear this mani during that holiday?

48. Gold and Purple Marble

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has gold glitter outlines and marbly lavender designs — Image courtesy of @arellyys_nailss

These nails are long yet easy on the eyes. The marbly lavender designs flawlessly blend with gold glitter outlines on a nude base to create an elegant manicure.

49. White, Pink, And Purple Swirl Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has pink, white, and purple swirls nail designs — Image courtesy of @arellyys_nailss

If pink, white, and purple are your preferred rainbow colors, use them for swirl nail art to achieve a whimsical nail design that reminds you of unicorns!

50. Painted Stars And Diagonal Tips

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a different shades of purple nail polish that has wavy diagonal tips and white stars — Image courtesy of @lamournailsnz

We love how different shades of purple paired with white can complement each other. For a unique look with wavy diagonal tips and white stars that sparkle without glitter, go for this one!

51. Dark Purple and Magenta Almond Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glossy different shades of purple nail polish that has ombré chunky glitter on select nails — Image courtesy of @maddz4dips

Ombré chunky glitter and glossy nail polish go well together, especially in this nail design with a dark-purple-and-magenta color combo.

52. Purple & Gold Butterflies

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nail polish that has pastel purple polish, gold flakes and butterflies nail designs — Image courtesy of @nailsbyjenny_az

On your next trip to the nail salon, show this gorgeous design to your nail tech. The pastel colors look magical, and the gold flakes and butterflies make you feel like you’re in fairyland!

53. Purple Nails With Iridescent Butterflies

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with different shades of purple nail polish that has light and dark purple polish that has cute little butterfly stickers nail designs — Image courtesy of @nailsbyjenny_az

Paint your nails with a mix of light and dark purple polish, then use clear nails for your accent nails and decorate them with cute little butterfly stickers. Take this design for example; we love how it makes you look like you’re wearing a dome of butterflies!

54. Purple Maleficent Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with dark purple nail polish that has glitter

These are the nails to go for if you want an edgy appeal. The arrowhead nail shape really suits the deep violet color on this one!

55. Glossy Aubergine Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with glossy dark purple nail polish

Go for dark purple nails for a bold yet simple look, then add a shiny top coat to give it some gloss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Nails

What does purple nail color symbolize?

Aside from royalty, purple also symbolizes ambition and sophistication. Historically, this color has been associated with nobility, so use this color if you want to channel your inner queen.

Do purple nails look good?

The color purple looks great on almost any skin color. Just match the shades with your skin tone to find the perfect hue to use.

If you have pale and medium skin, go for rich purple shades like aubergine or amethyst. But if you have dark skin, pastel shades like lavender or lilac may suit you.

What goes well with purple nails?

Purple nails pair well with many colors. It depends on the theme and style of your design. You can pair it with contrasting colors like green, orange, and red. Or you can mix it with nude or pink to create a laid-back color combination.

You can also combine it with different shades of purple to create a monochromatic color scheme.

Wear the Best Purple Nail Designs For Your Next Manicure!

Purple nails are popular, and it’s easy to see why! Your nails can look cute, artsy, elegant, or luxurious by experimenting with different shades of purple and pairing them with different designs.

Just make sure to choose a shade of purple that goes with your skin tone. Plus, pick a design that you can wear all year round. You can also go for a mani that’s suitable for a special occasion.

Choose the ones which you like best, and wear them alternatively to mix and match with your outfits.

Want more nail art ideas?

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Author

Shai Urbano
Shai is a licensed pharmacist with a Bachelor of Arts in Pharmacy. She uniquely intertwines her medical expertise with a fervent passion for beauty. With an intrinsic understanding of ingredients and formulation, she's the proud creator of her own line of products designed exclusively for naturally curly hair. Over her four-year writing career, Shai consistently delivers content enriched by her distinct blend of knowledge and enthusiasm.
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