As the dog days of summer give way to the crisp autumn air, many of us are gearing up for the new academic year. Whether you’re a student heading back to school or a teacher preparing to face a fresh crop of students, there’s no denying that this time of year can be both exciting and overwhelming. But what better way to ease into the routine than with some fun and creative nail art designs?
And the best part is, you don’t have to break the bank or spend hours in the salon to achieve the look – simply grab some nail polish, decals, and a few basic supplies, and get ready to turn heads. In this post, we’ll explore some of my favorite back-to-school nail ideas, featuring bold colors, clever designs, and more. So why wait? Let’s dive right in!
Crayons, Apples, and Rulers
Incorporating the spirit of back-to-school season into nail art, this design brings together a medley of symbols that evoke memories of academia. The Crayola crayons, apples, mathematical equations, lined paper, and rulers all make an appearance, blending together in a vibrant celebration of learning.
Disney’s Winnie the Pooh
What You Need for These Disney Themed Back to School Nails
Maple Leaf Nails
With an abundance of options available, it’s easy to find the ideal back-to-school nail design to match your autumnal vibe. For those who want to make a statement, Amazon offers an impressive selection of creative and festive designs.
Maple Leaf Nail Decals and Base Coat Nail Colors
White Graffiti Art
How to Get This Graffiti Art Look for Back to School Nails
Back to School Inspo!
Bring some playful flair to your back-to-school manicure with this creative idea. By combining long, geometric shapes with classic French tips, you can create a unique design that’s perfect for the new academic year. To take it to the next level, incorporate fun details like lined paper and math equations, along with a mini pencil or pen. This whimsical touch adds a clever nod to school supplies, making your nails both visually appealing and intellectually stimulating.
Red Apples
Get These Apple Smart Back to School Nail Decals/Stickers and Nail Polish
Yellow Maple Leaf
Get these Fall 2023 Nails for Back to School
Green Maple Leaf
For those who are looking for inspiration to get their nails ready for the new academic year or the fall season, this product is a great starting point. With its versatility in catering to various nail art styles, it’s perfect for creating bold and playful designs that reflect the excitement of going back to school, as well as more subtle looks that evoke the cozy atmosphere of autumn.
Get These Green Base Coat and Maple Leaf Nails for Back to School
Nude Brown
As the new academic year approaches, many students and parents are looking for a fresh start, and one way to achieve this is by embracing neutral colors. These understated hues can bring a sense of calm and serenity to any space, making them perfect for back-to-school preparations. Whether you’re decorating a bedroom or creating a cozy corner in the classroom, neutral colors like beige, gray, and taupe can help set the tone for a successful school year.
And, if you’re looking for some inspiration, Eternal’s Wild Nudes color palette is a great place to start.
White, Pink, Red, and Brown Cow Print
Get These Fun Back to School Nails
Fun Blue and Silver Stripes
With a burst of whimsy and playfulness, these vibrant blue and silver nails instantly capture the eye. Their understated elegance belies their undeniable charm, making them an absolute delight to behold.
Fresh Lemon Nails and Polka Dots
Brighten up your back-to-school manicure with these delightful lemon-themed nail wraps, designed to bring a burst of sunshine to your fingertips. Perfect for adding a playful touch to your autumnal look.
Summer Fruit
Kick off the new school year with a sweet and simple nail design that’s perfect for little learners. A bold red base coat provides the foundation for this adorable look, which can be easily customized with playful cherry-shaped nail stickers. For a quick and easy DIY approach, head to Amazon to find your favorite red polish and fun nail embellishments.
Bright Pink Nails with Popsicles
Ditch the notion that summer has to come to a screeching halt just because the academic year begins. Instead, celebrate the joy of learning and the warmth of sunshine with a splash of fun and brightness on your nails. Try incorporating hot pink hues into your back-to-school nail art for a vibrant and playful touch.
Teacher Inspired with Apples
Ideal for both high-achieving students and educators, these apple-themed nail wraps perfectly capture the essence of a new academic year. Their vibrant red hue is reminiscent of autumn leaves and the excitement of returning to the classroom.
Hearts and Clouds
The irresistible charm of these nail wraps lies not just in their subtle design, but also in the undeniable ‘cuteness’ factor. While they may not be explicitly ‘back to school’ themed, their endearing quality is undeniable – a perfect blend of style and whimsy that’s sure to brighten up any day.
DIY Crayola Crayons
Capture the essence of a teacher’s style with these vibrant Crayola-inspired nail art designs, perfect for the new academic year. The tutorial to achieve this colorful look can be found here.
Crayola Nail Wraps
For a quick and effortless way to achieve stylish back-to-school nails, consider shopping on Etsy for rayon nail wraps. A convenient alternative to traditional manicures, these DIY-friendly wraps offer a range of designs to suit different tastes. Simply apply them over your existing nail polish or go au naturel for a subtle look.
Pencils and Paper
Enhance your nail art skills and give yourself a creative outlet by attempting these adorable back-to-school-inspired nail designs. The perfect way to kick off the new academic year!
Popping Pink
The charm of these nail wraps is undeniable, making them a perfect choice for a fun and playful back-to-school manicure. The image above from Etsy captures the whimsical essence of these adorable designs.
Energetic and Warm Pink
As we dive into the final weeks of summer, why not bring some vibrancy to your back-to-school look? A fun and bright nail polish can instantly elevate your style. For a bold and playful approach, I highly recommend Big Bloom Energy as an August-worthy color choice.
Rainbow Checkerboards
For those seeking a playful twist on their back-to-school look, Amazon offers an array of fun and quirky nail options. One standout choice is the oval-shaped acrylic nails featuring a vibrant rainbow checkerboard design that brings back nostalgic 80s vibes. This eye-catching pattern makes for a fantastic and easy way to add some personality to your back-to-school style.
Flower French Tips
For a chic yet playful touch, consider these elegant flower French nail tips. Perfectly capturing the essence of ‘back to school’ style, they seamlessly blend sophistication with whimsy. The end result is a look that’s equal parts refined and youthful.
Blue Swirls
While the phrase ‘back to school’ might evoke images of loud, bold nail art, there’s no rule that says your summer vibes have to fade away with the start of the new academic year. A more subtle approach can be just as effective, like a soothing blue hue with darker swirls that evoke a sense of sophistication and playfulness at the same time. This understated design is perfect for those who want to make a statement without being too loud or over-the-top.
Fun and Sparkly
Get These Fun and Sparkly Back to School Nails
Owls
Get These Cute DIY Back to School Nails with Owls
Base Coat and Top Coat Nail Polish for Back to School DIY Nails
To get the most out of your chosen nail polishes, it’s essential to establish a solid foundation. Start by applying a reliable base coat, which will help protect your nails and promote even polish adhesion. This crucial step sets the stage for a flawless finish that lasts. In addition to the base coat, consider finishing off with a top coat to seal in the color and add an extra layer of protection to your newly manicured tips.
Base Coat Nail Polishes for Back to School Nails
Applying a base coat of nail polish prior to your chosen color serves as a safeguard against premature chipping, protects the natural nail from damage, and effectively prevents staining. Interestingly, you don’t need to break the bank on a high-end base coat; I find that OPI’s offerings provide excellent results without the hefty price tag.
Top Coat Nail Polishes for Back to School Nails
A top coat plays a crucial role in enhancing the appearance of your nails, providing an extra layer of shine and protection against chipping. Its application becomes even more vital when using nail decals or stickers, as it prevents the design from peeling off prematurely. In my experience, OPI and Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel top coats are reliable options for achieving a salon-quality finish.
It’s essential to note that while Seche Vite may receive glowing reviews, its inclusion of toluene – a toxic ingredient linked to serious health concerns – makes it an unwise choice. As someone who values beauty and wellness, I’m wary of products containing harmful chemicals.
How to Apply Back to School Nail Decals
Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to using nail decals – they’re incredibly straightforward. To get started, begin by applying a base coat and allowing it to fully dry before moving on to the next steps. Next, carefully place your chosen nail decals or stickers onto your nails, followed by a top coat application to seal everything in place.
For a quick and easy guide, check out this 2-minute YouTube video that walks you through the process of applying nail decals for a professional-looking finish.
Summary
When it comes to back to school nails, you’re spoiled for choice. You could opt for a fun and playful design that incorporates symbols of education, such as apples, school buses, or crayons. Alternatively, you might prefer to stick with the warm, sun-kissed vibes of summer by choosing a bright and cheerful nail color. Or, if you’re ready to welcome the new season, you could go for an autumn-inspired look featuring leaves or other seasonal motifs.
For inspiration, be sure to check out our curated Pinterest boards, which showcase a range of creative back to school nail ideas and cute nail art designs.
More Nail Ideas
As the seasons change, it’s time to update your nail color repertoire. If you’re looking for some inspiration, consider these must-try fall hues: a deep crimson red that evokes autumn leaves, a rich chocolate brown that complements fair skin tones, or a muted mauve that adds a touch of sophistication to any look. And don’t forget about Halloween – a spooky black cat design or a cute pumpkin-themed manicure are sure to turn heads.
When you’re ready to get back into the swing of things, consider these back-to-school nail art ideas from Very Easy Makeup, featuring clever designs and fun themes that will have you feeling like a kid again.
