58 Swirl Nail Designs for an Unforgettable Manicure

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Sometimes, we all need a break from classic, beautiful monochromatic manis. Even though they are gorgeous, there are times when we need a little more design and color.

Don’t worry! We totally understand. And that’s why we’re introducing you to fabulous swirl nail designs!

These manicures are bold, creative, and versatile! They are also a fun way to express yourself through your nails.

A woman's hand with blue and white nails swirls.

If you are looking for an exciting new manicure idea, swirl nails may be the perfect choice for one that’s eye-catching and elevates your style.

So check out our favorite swirl nail designs, and you’re sure to find one (or more!) that you’ll absolutely love!

Table of Contents

1 Why Opt for Swirl Nail Designs
2 Swirl Nail Designs: 58 of the Best Ideas
3 FAQs
4 Get That Stunning Swirl Nail Design

Why Opt for Swirl Nail Designs

So what’s the deal with swirl designs on nails, and why should you consider them?

Here are some of the reasons.

They Can Liven Up Any Outfit

Swirl nails are a great option if you need a quick way to add color and life to any outfit.

These quirky and colorful designs can perk up any OOTD and give your look extra flair. They’re also great as statement pieces for festival or holiday nails.

And since they come in various colors and designs, you can mix and match them with a wide range of looks to your heart’s content.

They Look Super Creative

Swirl nail designs also accord a lot of room for artistry and creativity.

For instance, you can opt for color blocking and bold hues if you want retro swirls.

Or if you like to keep your nails simple and cute, you can play with minimalist designs and color palettes.

Some designs can also be incorporated into French manicures or made even more glorious with chrome powder.

They Are Easy To Do

Lastly, swirl nails are hard to mess up!

You don’t need to perfect them; you can play around with the swirl nail ideas and make them uniquely you.

Most swirl manicures can also be replicated easily at home.

Swirl Nail Designs: 58 of the Best Ideas

And speaking of replicating manicures at home, if you’re looking for swirl nail design inspiration, look no further.

Check out our favorite swirl manis for your next perfect set.

Purple Swirls With Glitter

A woman's nails features vertical two-toned purple swirls adjacent to a glittery mauve swirl — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Kicking off our list is a glittery purple swirl nail design.

This set features vertical two-toned purple swirls adjacent to a glittery mauve swirl added for some gorgeous glimmer.

Nude Polish and Pink Glitter

A woman's nails features pinkish nude-colored swirls on a lighter-colored base and is accented with glittery pink swirls — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

This set is perfect if you want something a little subdued but still with that stylish oomph.

It features pinkish nude-colored swirls on a lighter-colored base and is accented with glittery pink swirls for an elegant mix of colors.

Neon Swirls and Flowers

A woman's nails with swirls are painted near the nail corners and tips in orange, sky blue, yellow-green, pink, and lilac against a nude base — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Get all the spring vibes with these bright-colored swirls. These swirls are painted near the nail corners and tips in orange, sky blue, yellow-green, pink, and lilac against a nude base.

Completing this design are pretty white flowers with rhinestones in the center.

Red and Green Swirls With Glitter

A woman's nails with nude base and vertical swirls down the center with these diagonal and vertical swirls in red and glittery green — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Opt for red and green swirl nails if you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer any time of the year!

Take a nude base, and create vertical swirls down the center with these diagonal and vertical swirls in red and glittery green. You can add a hint of yellow for some fun contrast.

Multidirectional Swirls

A woman's nails with diagonal, vertical, and horizontal swirls in violet, yellow, blue, orange, and green on a nude-colored base complemented by subtle French tips — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Want a multicolored swirl nail design?

This set uses diagonal, vertical, and horizontal swirls in violet, yellow, blue, orange, and green on a nude-colored base complemented by subtle French tips.

Colorful Swirl Nails With North Stars

A woman's swirl nail art design that features rainbow colors cascading from the cuticles to the tips and across the nails — Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

Go crazy like this swirl nail art design that features rainbow colors cascading from the cuticles to the tips and across the nails.

This set also features subtle pale-colored French tips, black dots, and North Star art with diamond accents.

Bright Swirls and Flowers

A woman's hands features diagonal swirls on a nude base in two-tone orange near the tips and two-tone pink near the cuticles — Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

This design features diagonal swirls on a nude base in two-tone orange near the tips and two-tone pink near the cuticles.

Delicate white swirls are strategically placed alongside the edges of both the pink and orange swirls, acting as a separator between the shades.

The negative space in the middle is decorated with 3D white flowers with a centric gold dot above thin gold swirls.

Pastel Swirls With Diamonds

A woman's nude base and diagonal swirls of pastel green, blue, pink, orange, and purple on the sides of the cuticles and the tips — Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

For a pretty pastel swirl nail design, take a nude base and zhuzh it up with diagonal swirls of pastel green, blue, pink, orange, and purple on the sides of the cuticles and the tips.

Then, choose any color from the same shades to paint a thin lone swirl at the center and accent it with two golden North Star art embellished with 3D nail gems.

Swirly Tips With Silver and Gold Glitter and Stars

A woman's nails pastel-colored French tips outlined in black and decorated with vertical and diagonal swirls in brown, white, sky blue, dark pink, and bright green — Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

This colorful swirl nail design features pastel-colored French tips outlined in black and decorated with vertical and diagonal swirls in brown, white, sky blue, dark pink, and bright green.

It also features silver and gold V shapes on the space near the cuticles and a nail decorated with a yellow star art for accent.

Vertical Pastel Swirls With Glitter

A woman's pale pink nails with vertical pastel swirls in purple, yellow, and pink, baby blue, white, and light green — Image courtesy of @rmnailtech

Break up the monotony of pale pink nails with vertical pastel swirls in purple, yellow, and pink, baby blue, white, and light green.

They also feature thin swirls in gold glitter to add a touch of magical and whimsical fun.

Thick Diagonal Swirls With Gold Glitter

Each nail showcases a different color swirl pattern in shades of blue, pink, orange, green, and purple — Image courtesy of @rmnailtech

Turn heads and invite stares with this set’s bold mani. Each nail showcases a different color swirl pattern in shades of blue, pink, orange, green, and purple.

The diagonal swirls are neatly painted in rows embellished with swirls in gold glitter, adding a touch of shimmer and contrast.

Orange Gradient Swirls

A woman's vertical and diagonal swirls in various shades of orange, with added glittery gold swirls — Image courtesy of @rmnailtech

This orange gradient set is pure joy if you’re looking for swirl nail designs for short nails.

It features vertical and diagonal swirls in various shades of orange, with added glittery gold swirls for stunning shimmer.

Nude Gradient Swirls

A woman's nails are decorated with swirls in different shades of brown and glittery gold, painted vertically or horizontally on the center, corners, or tips of nude-colored nails — Image courtesy of @rmnailtech

Want a classy but fun mani?

This set creates a negative space where nails are decorated with swirls in different shades of brown and glittery gold, painted vertically or horizontally on the center, corners, or tips of nude-colored nails.

Neon Pink and Peach Swirls

In this design, the neon pink and peach swirls in this set snake from the cuticles to the tips or side to side on a clear base.

Some swirls also loop in on themselves or form semi-circles.

Smiley Flowers and Swirls

A woman's nude base nails decorated with smiley pink, white, yellow, and orange flowers — Image courtesy of @nailsbycarhendy

For a bubbly and cute swirl nail design, try these nails with a nude base decorated with smiley pink, white, yellow, and orange flowers.

Add more fun by creating a couple of accent nails highlighted with swirls of the same colors underneath the smiley flowers.

Coffee Swirls With Glitter

A woman's hands with gold glitter swirls coupled with nude, tan, and white swirls — Image courtesy of @omayra.nails

If you love swirls but still want a neutral and classy mani, try this stunning set that highlights gold glitter swirls coupled with nude, tan, and white swirls.

They’re minimalist and beautiful.

Summer Swirls

A woman with mani features vertical and diagonal swirls on the tips, corners, and sides of the nails in pink, orange, yellow, sky blue, and dark blue — Image courtesy of @omayra.nails

This mani features vertical and diagonal swirls on the tips, corners, and sides of the nails in pink, orange, yellow, sky blue, and dark blue, creating a fun yet elegant summer swirl nail design.

Silvery Swirls

A woman long square acrylic nails nude and with two vertical silver chrome swirls of varying thickness — Image courtesy of @kikinails_ebeauty

For a beautiful swirl acrylic nail design, create embossed nails by painting long square acrylic nails nude and decorate each with two vertical silver chrome swirls of varying thickness.

French Swirl Nails

A woman's nude-to-clear ombré base nails with neon yellow V-tips, neon yellow and silver glittery swirls, and rhinestones near the cuticles — Image courtesy of @kikinails_ebeauty

This neon swirl nail design adds a modern twist to a French manicure by dressing up the nude-to-clear ombré base nails with neon yellow V-tips, neon yellow and silver glittery swirls, and rhinestones near the cuticles for extra flair.

Baby Pink and White Swirls

A woman's ombré pink base and subtle pink glittery French tips decorated with white dots and pretty white swirls that start from the tip and taper on the middle of the nails — Image courtesy of @kikinails_ebeauty

This mani is a beautiful pink swirl nail design.

It starts with an ombré pink base and subtle pink glittery French tips decorated with white dots and pretty white swirls that start from the tip and taper on the middle of the nails for extra flair.

Blue Swirls and Flowers

A woman's nude nails with thin dark blue, sky blue, and white swirls at the center that taper from the top or the bottom — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

Inject some life into nude nails by painting thin dark blue, sky blue, and white swirls at the center that taper from the top or the bottom.

Then, add dainty details on the side of each nail, like light blue and dark blue flowers.

Multicolored V-tip Swirls

A woman's French manicure by painting V-tips made of swirls in multiple colors — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

Steal the look of a French manicure by painting V-tips made of swirls in multiple colors.

These lines in varying lengths come in baby pink, dark pink, white, red, yellow, mint green, blue, and purple.

Pink and Red Swirls

A woman's nude nails with thick pink abstract accents on the corners near the tips and cuticles, then top each nail with two thin red swirls — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

Keep it simple and classy with this red and pink nail design!

Paint your nude nails with thick pink abstract accents on the corners near the tips and cuticles, then top each nail with two thin red swirls.

Three Color Swirls and Flowers

A woman's nails with tiny daisy on each nail juxtaposed with yellow, orange, and pink swirls on nude nails — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

This floral set features a tiny daisy on each nail juxtaposed with yellow, orange, and pink swirls on nude nails.

Green Glitter Swirls

A woman's nails in matte nude with three glittery green swirls — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

This easy swirl nail design is gorgeous and you can quickly replicate them at home.

Just paint your nails in matte nude and embellish them with three glittery green swirls for glamour and style.

Pink, Brown, and White Swirls

A woman's mani that features nails painted in coral and nude, accented by the nails in the middle, decorated with thin swirls in nude, coral, and white — Image courtesy of @1999houseofnailsnz

Looking for refreshing swirl almond nail designs?

This set is a fresh-looking mani that features nails painted in coral and nude, accented by the nails in the middle, decorated with thin swirls in nude, coral, and white.

Sweet Summer Swirls

A woman with nude colored nails and yellow, orange, blue, and glittery blue-green swirls — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

Want a perfect mani for summer?

Create a colorful textured design by painting yellow, orange, blue, and glittery blue-green swirls. Keep the base nude to make the colors really pop.

Pastel French Manicure With Swirls

A woman's mint, pink, and orange French tips by adding accent nails decorated with orange, mint, pink, and silver glitter swirls that swirl in from the top and on the bottom on alternating nails — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

Infuse more fun into mint, pink, and orange French tips by adding accent nails decorated with orange, mint, pink, and silver glitter swirls that swirl in from the top and on the bottom on alternating nails.

Rose Red and Chrome Swirls

A woman's rose red with gorgeous chrome gold by using them to create thick and textured swirls on the sides — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

Mix rose red with gorgeous chrome gold by using them to create thick and textured swirls on the sides of the nails for a bold and sexy look.

Blue, Pink, and White Swirls

Turn up the fun with diagonal blue, pink, and white swirls on nude nails.

Add rows of white dots to outline the swirls for a more unique look.

Multicolored Swirls With Glitter

A woman's nails features green, pink, orange, blue, and gold glitter swirls that either cover the whole nail or are painted on the sides — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

This bright and bold set features green, pink, orange, blue, and gold glitter swirls that either cover the whole nail or are painted on the sides — a look perfect for enjoying summer sunsets.

Neon Pink and Orange Swirls

A woman's mani features hot pink and red-orange swirls in different designs and thicknesses — Image courtesy of @mynailgirlness

Two loud colors can absolutely coexist in one nude base!

This mani features hot pink and red-orange swirls in different designs and thicknesses to create a fun and unique set.

Multicolored Swirls and Flowers

A woman's short nails and features fun vertical swirls in white, yellow, pink, and blue combined with an accent nail that showcases a lone sunny white daisy — Image courtesy of @mynailgirlness

This easy-to-recreate swirl nail idea is stunning on short nails and features fun vertical swirls in white, yellow, pink, and blue combined with an accent nail that showcases a lone sunny white daisy.

Orange, Pink, and White Swirls With Dots and Flowers

A woman's nails French tips topped with three rows of either pink or orange vertical dots with fully-painted swirls, tiny flower nail art, and vertical tapered swirls in orange, light pink, coral, and white — Image courtesy of @nailsby_harieva

Elevate a nude set with gorgeous nail art and design.

Combine French tips topped with three rows of either pink or orange vertical dots with fully-painted swirls, tiny flower nail art, and vertical tapered swirls in orange, light pink, coral, and white.

Pink French Tips With Glittery Swirl Accents

A woman's hands features pink French tips with cute accent nails in solid pink, white, and pink glitter swirls near the sides or right down the middle of the nails — Image courtesy of @nailsby_harieva

Want a pink nail set?

This design features pink French tips with cute accent nails in solid pink, white, and pink glitter swirls near the sides or right down the middle of the nails.

Teal Gradient Swirls

A woman's nails feature deep teal on both sides of each nail and two glittery dark teal swirls that frame a lighter shade of teal at the center — Image courtesy of @nailsby_harieva

This set features tapered vertical swirls in different shades of teal.

The nails feature deep teal on both sides of each nail and two glittery dark teal swirls that frame a lighter shade of teal at the center.

Dark Pink and Orange Swirls

A woman's plain nude nails with thin swirls in orange, hot pink, and magenta to the center of nude almond-shaped nails — Image courtesy of @nailsby_harieva

Add oomph to plain nude nails with thin swirls in orange, hot pink, and magenta to the center of nude almond-shaped nails, crafting an illusion of a vibrant color stream.

Yellow Gradient Swirls With Flowers

A woman's gradient diagonal swirls in yellow, pale yellow, and light ochre on a nude base, decorating each with a peeking flower nail art in white — Image courtesy of @nailsby_harieva

Dress up bright yellow nails in various hues by painting gradient diagonal swirls in yellow, pale yellow, and light ochre on a nude base, decorating each with a peeking flower nail art in white for a fresh and dainty look.

Fab Festive Swirls

A woman's hand with glittery swirls are painted vertically and come in alternating dark teal, gray, red, brass, and brass colors — Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

Bring in some Christmas cheer with these nails and their fully painted swirl design.

These glittery swirls are painted vertically and come in alternating dark teal, gray, red, brass, and brass colors.

Unicorn Swirls With White Details

A woman's features tapered cornflower blue, periwinkle, and magenta swirls decorated with white dots on the cuticles and tips, and white North Star nail art — Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

This set might do the trick for a cute and magical swirl nail design.

It features tapered cornflower blue, periwinkle, and magenta swirls decorated with white dots on the cuticles and tips, and white North Star nail art.

Bright Swirls and Pearls

A woman's bright nail set features hot pink, red, light ochre, and yellow swirls in S-shapes from the cuticles to the tips — Image courtesy of @holliebedsbeauty

This bright nail set features hot pink, red, light ochre, and yellow swirls in S-shapes from the cuticles to the tips.

Add some embellishment by adding pearls to each nail for cheeky glamour.

Ocean-Inspired Swirls

A woman's nails features stunning vertical swirls in various thicknesses in royal blue, sky blue, and white — Image courtesy of @holliebedsbeauty

This set might be right for you if you like beach-inspired manis or blue swirl nail designs.

It features stunning vertical swirls in various thicknesses in royal blue, sky blue, and white, reminiscent of the colors of the ocean.

Pastel Swirls With Glitter

A woman's colorful nail design with accent nails featuring pastel swirls in green, blue, mauve, yellow, lilac, white, and brown — Image courtesy of @holliebedsbeauty

Want a candy-inspired manicure? Try this colorful nail design with accent nails featuring pastel swirls in green, blue, mauve, yellow, lilac, white, and brown.

Add gold glitter swirls adjacent to the colored ones for more glam and style.

Blue and White Swirls

A woman's nails with nude base, mixing blue, light blue, white, and aqua swirls spaced thinly on long, square-shaped nails — Image courtesy of @nails.bylynsey

Looking for an easy but pretty swirl nail design?

This set adds beautiful color to the nude base, mixing blue, light blue, white, and aqua swirls spaced thinly on long, square-shaped nails.

Pale Pink and Yellow Swirls

A woman's hand with swirl coffin nail design features one pale pink and one yellow swirl on each nail — Image courtesy of @nails.bylynsey

This spring-inspired swirl coffin nail design features one pale pink and one yellow swirl on each nail, enhancing the look of the transparent nude base.

Pretty Pastel Swirls With Hearts

A woman's hand with pastel pink, baby blue, and lavender to accent nude nails — Image courtesy of @nails.bylynsey

Want a nail design in pastel swirls? This one’s it. Pick pastel pink, baby blue, and lavender to accent nude nails by painting vertical swirls on the center, paired with tiny white hearts on the negative spaces.

Then, paint the rest of the nails with lavender, pastel pink, and baby blue French tips.

Multicolored Swirls on French Tips

A woman's classic French manicure nails and spice it up by painting the tips with pastel pink, blue, red, orange, and yellow swirls — Image courtesy of @nails.bylynsey

Take a classic French manicure and spice it up by painting the tips with pastel pink, blue, red, orange, and yellow swirls.

Accent this set with swirls of the same colors near the cuticles extending to one side of the nail, then paint a daisy nail art on the opposite corner near the tips.

Spring-Inspired Swirls

A woman's nails where each nail with thin swirls in different colors like green, yellow, red, light blue, and lilac that snake from the cuticles to the tips — Image courtesy of @nails.bylynsey

This mani is for you if you want a simple swirl nail design.

These nude-colored nails are made fun by decorating each nail with thin swirls in different colors like green, yellow, red, light blue, and lilac that snake from the cuticles to the tips.

Flame-Inspired Swirls

A woman's flame-inspired nail art with accent nails made of pink glitter outlined in yellow — Image courtesy of @leannehaycock_

Keep it fiery by wearing flame-inspired nail art with accent nails made of pink glitter outlined in yellow.

Then, add hot pink, light pink, and yellow swirls interlaced with pink glittery swirls to complete your manicure.

Swirls in Primary Colors With Glitter

A woman's swirls using the primary colors blue, yellow, and glittery red vertically on the center of the nude base — Image courtesy of @leannehaycock_

Transform basic nails into a chic mani by painting swirls using the primary colors blue, yellow, and glittery red vertically on the center of the nude base.

Multicolored Swirls on Oval Nails

A woman's nails with swirls in light green, blue, magenta, light blue, white, and lilac in carefree swirls — Image courtesy of @mad.nice.mani

To spice up your long oval nails and nude mani, paint beautiful swirls in light green, blue, magenta, light blue, white, and lilac in carefree swirls, leaving a negative space to create contrast and drama.

White Swirls

This white swirl nail design is perfect for a wedding day or any special occasion.

It features embossed white swirls that branch from the tips to the cuticles, creating an elegant and sophisticated design over a nude base.

Swirl Side Tips

A woman's nails with lilac, pink, orange, and red glittery swirls only along the sides of the nails or the tips — Image courtesy of @nailsby__tessa

Want a design that doesn’t completely cover your nude mani? Paint lilac, pink, orange, and red glittery swirls only along the sides of the nails or the tips, like this dynamic set.

Multicolored Swirls With White Accents

A woman's polished where each nail is painted with vertical swirls in different shades of blue, pink, orange, and green, with added white swirls and glittery polish in the same color — Image courtesy of @nails.byabb

Add super sparkle to your mani, like in this multitextured set, where each nail is painted with vertical swirls in different shades of blue, pink, orange, and green, with added white swirls and glittery polish in the same color.

This set amps up the sparkle factor with white North Stars and tiny white dots decorated on the nude base.

Black and White Swirls With Glitter

A woman with nude and silver glitter nails paired with a black accent nail — Image courtesy of @nails.byabb

Go monochromatic with this stunning white, silver, and black swirl nail design. Start with nude and silver glitter nails paired with a black accent nail.

Then, add black and glittery silver swirls on the nude base and white and silver glitter swirls on the accent nail.

Rose-Red French Tips With Swirl Accent Nails

A woman's hands with rose-red French tips with magenta, white, pastel green, neon orange, and glittery teal swirls on the middle nails, all on a nude base — Image courtesy of @nails.byabb

Combine rose-red French tips with magenta, white, pastel green, neon orange, and glittery teal swirls on the middle nails, all on a nude base.

Brown Gradient Swirls

A woman's brown glitter nails with swirl nails in glittery chocolate brown, nude, glossy brown, brown glitter, and white polish for accent nails — Image courtesy of @nails.byabb

Highlight beautiful brown glitter nails with swirl nails in glittery chocolate brown, nude, glossy brown, brown glitter, and white polish for accent nails.

The result is a brown swirl nail design that’s as appealing as hot chocolate.

Full Swirl Nails With Glitter

A woman's hand with hot pink, white, gray, jet black, and light pink swirls interlaced with glittery black swirls on stiletto nails — Image courtesy of @nails.byabb

Why limit swirls to one part of your canvas when you can paint them all over your nails?

Try this set’s use of hot pink, white, gray, jet black, and light pink swirls interlaced with glittery black swirls on stiletto nails for maximum impact.

FAQs

Are Swirl Nails the Same as Zigzag Nails?

No, zigzag nails, as the name denotes, feature zigzag lines with pointed and defined edges. Swirls, however, resemble C or S shapes without the pointed edges.

Zigzag nail designs are more structured than freehand swirl nails.

How Can You DIY Swirl Nails?

Swirl nails are easy to do at home because you can create freehand swirls depending on how you want them to look.

Just follow these simple steps:

Prep your nails as you would for any manicure. Cut, shape, file, and buff as needed. Then, paint on a base coat.

When your nails are prepped, paint on your base color and wait for it to dry completely.

Once the base color is completely dry, not tacky, you can begin with your swirl nail art. Use a striping nail art brush and draw on swirls in long and curved strokes, repeating the process if you want thicker swirls.

Pro tip: Draw lighter swirls first so that if you end up making a mistake, you can just go over them with the darker colors.

When your swirls are completely dry, complete your manicure with a top coat to protect your nail art.

Get That Stunning Swirl Nail Design

Swirl nail designs are a fabulous way to elevate your manicure and get fun and unique nails at the same time.

They can be bright and bold or neutral and natural, depending on your color palette and how light or heavy-handed you draw your swirls.

So if you are looking for an exciting way to create a new type of manicure that allows you to showcase your artistic and creative side, swirl nails are perfect.

Look through our favorites for some mani inspiration, or take the elements you like from each one to create a beautiful swirl manicure that fabulously showcases your unique, individual style.

Did You Enjoy This?

Here are some more nail designs you’ll also like!

Author

Kat
Kat brings a seasoned voice to our beauty blog with 13 years of dedicated writing experience. Her deep-seated passion isn't just limited to words; she's always on the pulse of emerging makeup trends. Beyond her articles, Kat crafts hand-made crochet swimwear and sundresses, and effortlessly steps in as a muse for beauty photoshoots. Kat holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.
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