By ELLE.COM
Bust out your thin brush and acetone, because we’ve got 19 easy riffs on the classic red manicure that you can do at home. Here, 19 non-basic nail designs for red nails.
Metallic Moon

Design by @paintboxnails
Delicate Detail

Design by @oliveandjune
Cartoon Nails

Design by @nailsbymei
Red Plaid

Design by @nailjob
Supreme Nails

Design by @asabree
Stars No Stripes

Design by @aliciatnails
The Upside Down

Design by @whitneygnails
Metallic Touch
Make a red nail instantly more glamorous with a metallic accent. Start with a clear base coat and then paint your half moons in gold. Let dry, then fill in the rest of the nail in your favorite red polish. Finish with a topcoat.
Design by @nail_unistella
Varsity Stripes

Design by @wahnails
All-Over Print
Add a print to a basic red nail, done here by using a thin brush to paint micro lips.
Design by @wahnails
Red Accents Pt. 1
Alternatively, use a pop of red on a neutral background. To get this cherry design, start with a nude base. Add pairs of red dots throughout, then use a thin brush to paint stems and leaves in green. Finish it off with a clear topcoat.
Design by @aliciatnails
Red Accents Pt. 2
Supersize your look with a design that extends from your index finger to your pinky.
Design by @cassandrew__marie
Easy Minimalism
Add a thin diagonal line in a contrasting color for a simple yet dynamic look.
Design by @paintboxnails
Lined Up
Try an unexpected ’70s color combo in maroon, cherry, and hot pink.
Design by @vanityprojects
Negative Space
Wear your heart on your nails with this negative nail. Outline the bare section in black to clean up any mistakes and embolden the graphic.
Design by @dollydayinn
Red Ombre
This vampy ombre is a subtle way to celebrate your inner goth.
Design by @karengnails
Petal Tips
Instead of painting a red French tip, scallop the inside edge for an abstract floral design.
Design by @jinsoon
Matte Contrast
After painting your nails in your favorite red, let the lacquer dry and add a horizontal swipe in a matte topcoat for a contrasting finish.
Design by nataliepavloskinails
Statement Nail
Use a thin brush to add a fun statement nail or two, seen here in the form of teeny lightning bolts.
Design by @mpnails
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