Blue is the one color that works on every hand. These blue nail designs run from deep navy to icy baby blue, with ideas for French tips, chrome and glitter, and safer-manicure tips from dermatologists.
Which blue should you pick?
Blue splits into four moods. The deeper the shade, the more formal it looks, and the paler it is, the softer it feels.
If you have never worn blue, start with navy. It looks like a neutral, goes with everything and hides chips better than a light shade.
Seven blue nail designs.
1. Navy on short nails.
A glossy navy on short, rounded nails is dressy without effort. Add a clear top coat, and skip nail art so the color stays the point.
2. Navy French tips.
Paint a thin navy line on a sheer nude base for a French manicure that is easy to live with. Use a nail guide to keep the line straight if you paint it yourself.
3. Cobalt on every nail.
Cobalt is the one to wear with a white, grey or camel outfit. Because the color is so bright, a simple shape such as a short square or round suits it best.
4. Pale blue chrome.
Chrome powder over a pale blue base gives a glossy, mirror-like finish. It needs a gel top coat, so it is usually a salon service.
The one I would book
I would book a pale blue, because it is the easiest shade to wear for a month and the one people compliment most.
5. Icy blue with glitter.
A frosted blue with a hint of silver glitter looks like winter. Keep the glitter on one or two nails so it does not look heavy.
6. Blue nail art.
Small details, such as swirls, dots or a single tiny cloud on a pale blue base, look soft and personal. Start with one accent nail.
7. Teal and sea blue.
Teal sits between blue and green and looks good against a tan. If you want a greener tone, see these green nail designs.
Blue and white nails with a few shell or starfish details are a good beach idea. Keep the rest of the manicure simple.
What do you wear with blue nails?
Blue nails work with denim, white, camel and black. A matching knit sleeve, as in the photo below, looks deliberate.
Avoid wearing the exact same blue on your sleeves, because a slightly different shade looks more interesting. For other bold choices, see our purple nail designs, and for more trends, our guide to uncommon nail trends.
How do you keep gel and dip nails safer?
Blue chrome and glitter often need gel or dip powder. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises asking your nail tech not to cut or push your cuticles, since this can lead to a serious infection (AAD dip powder tips). It also says to avoid double dipping into powder containers that other people have used.
The AAD also suggests testing one nail first, because adhesives are the main allergy culprit. Wait 7 days, and if there is no reaction you can have the rest done. After removal, it advises waiting one month before another gel or dip manicure, and wearing regular polish in the meantime.
Dermatologists treat acetone as the most effective remover, but it is hard on skin and nails. Give your nails a break from polish for one to two weeks or longer (AAD gel manicure tips).
Blue nail questions, answered.
What blue nail color is best?
Navy is the easiest to wear, and pale blue is the most flattering for most hands. Cobalt is the boldest choice.
Do blue nails suit every skin tone?
Yes. Blue works on every skin tone, so choose the shade by mood: navy for dressy, pale blue for soft, cobalt for bold.
How long does a gel manicure last?
Many last two to three weeks, but give your nails a break afterward. The AAD advises waiting one month before another gel or dip manicure.
