16 Accent Nail Ideas That Will Instantly Elevate Your Manicure

If your manicure has been feeling a little blah recently, one of the best ways to elevate your look is with the best accent nail ideas. Designed to break up your manicure and add another layer of visual interest, accent nails are a great way to experiment with different colors, shapes, and textures without committing to a full-on nail design.

“An accent nail is the statement piece of a manicure, the one detail that instantly draws the eye,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of luxury nail salon Townhouse. “It’s usually when one, or sometimes two, nails are painted in a contrasting shade or elevated with nail art. It creates a chic focal point and is such a stylish way to dip into trends or showcase your personality. Think of it as the jewelry of your manicure, that finishing touch that ties everything together.”

Which finger should be an accent nail?

The most common finger for accent nails is the ring finger. “It naturally catches the eye; if you are wearing a special ring, it acts as the perfect frame,” says Huber-Millet.

However, the beauty of accent nails is the amount of options. Julie K, a celebrity manicurist and Kiss Nails ambassador, encourages clients to tailor their choice around their personal style or upcoming events. “It can really be on any finger,” Julie says. “I like to switch it up—one hand will have maybe a ring finger accent, and one hand will have a thumb. That way, if they’re shooting content or they’re traveling and want to take a photo of their food or drink, they have one nail with the accent design on it that’s holding the glass.”

Gina Edwards, celebrity manicurist and imPress Mani ambassador, also recommends the index finger and pinky finger for accent nails.

Can you wear more than one accent nail?

You can definitely wear more than one accent nail. According to Huber-Millet, it’s a great way to switch up the vibe of your mani. “For some, a single accent nail feels chic and understated, while others prefer experimenting with two or more for a bolder effect,” she says. “Accent nails allow you to be playful and creative while still keeping your manicure polished.”

Should an accent nail use light colors or dark colors?

This all depends on the type of look you’re going for. “It can go either way,” says Edwards. “If you have a light-colored manicure, a dark nail will stand out and it works the same in the reverse. Just be sure to keep the colors cohesive and in the same grain as the color palette.”