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The 13 Best Simple Clear Nail Designs to Try for 2024

Clear Nail Designs

The best simple clear nail designs are a balance of sophistication and minimalism with a little fun thrown in. Their transparency makes them a versatile base for all sorts of creative and elegant nail art suitable for any occasion. The fact that the nails are clear makes even the simplest of designs stand out.

Moreover, transparent designs showcase the natural nail. That means they are a good reason to have healthy nails to begin with!

There are all sorts of possibilities for transforming a clear base into a stunning work of art. Check out the best simple clear nail designs below.

Top Clear Nail Designs

Clear Glitter Nails

Clear Glitter Nails

Whether it’s a French manicure with new nails and glitter tips, or just a little sparkle added to transparent polish, clear glitter nails are easy to do at home. What’s more, you can let your imagination run wild. Subtle glitter accents with delicate rhinestones will add a touch of glamour. Or you could make it fun by encapsulating chunky glitter under nail tips.

Negative Space, Positive Outlook Nails

Negative Space, Positive Outlook Nails

Sometimes this type of design is called a cut-out with negative space, and other times it’s a checkerboard. Either way you look at it, you’ve got colored polish interspaced with clear. If you’re worried about getting perfectly straight lines, try using a stencil or a nail stamp.

Long, Clean, and Clear

Long, Clean, and Clear

Whether you use acrylics or soft gel tips, you’ll amaze onlookers with your perfectly groomed nails. Be sure to use transparent adhesive and take extra care while doing nail prep as there’s nowhere to hide mistakes. Then make them look like crystal with a glossy top coat. May we recommend:

Lavis Gel Diamond Top

Lavis Gel Diamond Top

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Save time with this no-wipe top coat that cures in seconds. It only takes one layer to leave your nails with a diamond shine. It’s perfect for doing clear glass nails or for bringing out the color of the polish underneath.

Clear Marble Nails

Clear Marble Nails

Marble nails are challenging to do if you’re trying to keep clear nails as much as possible. But you don’t have to limit yourself to nudes and sheer colors if you use blooming gel. Apply a thin coat of LDS Blossom gel polish over the base coat. Before you cure it, dab it with a drop of colored polish and watch the color spread slowly across the nail. Then cure and repeat for a layered effect.

Clear Ombré Nails

Clear Ombré Nails

If you're a nail novice, you might fill hesitant about trying this trick. You'll leave part of the nail clear while blending shades in a gradient effect over the rest. Pro tip: it’s easier to leave the base clear and blend colors at the tip. (And yes, you can do this with neon shades!)

Black & Clear

Black & Clear

It’s super easy to do black and clear nails at home and the results are stunning! All you really need is transparent nail polish and stickers! Or if you’re using gels, line art polish comes with a thin brush in the bottle ready to draw detailed designs.

Clear 3D Nails

Clear 3D Nails

How do you give clear nails a 3D texture? It all depends on what you want. For example, you can add raindrops with builder gel or acrylic. Or you can make clear nails more glamorous with rhinestones or dried flowers.

Clear Nails with Gold Accents

Clear Nails with Gold Accents

All you need is a clear base with a dash of gold polish, glitter, or gold foil, and a high-gloss top coat. For instance, if you want a distressed look, apply flakes of gold foil. Or use gold embossing gel for dots, squiggles, or smile lines.

All Clear with Stars

All Clear with Stars

Here’s another project for the nail novices out there who want a cute and quick manicure. Brush on clear polish and don your favorite little star stickers. Finish with a quick-dry top coat.

Colored Swirls on Clear Nails

Colored Swirls on Clear Nails

The clear base makes bright colors pop. Use a thin nail brush or similar tool to add swirls of color in your favorite shades.

Jelly Clear Nails

Jelly Clear Nails

You’re never limited to opaque polish when you have access to jelly nude gels. Check out this collection:

Lavis Jelly Nude Gel Collection - Set of 24 Colors

Lavis Jelly Nude Gel Collection - Set of 24 Colors

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It’s hard to know where to start when you’ve got two dozen shades to enjoy! Each glossy color deepens with every coat you add. And since they are Lavis gels, they flow onto the nails like a dream. Expect the long-lasting shine to last for two weeks or more.

But even if you don't have jelly polish, it's possible to make transparent colors by mixing a clear top coat with another shade. Try a starting ratio of two parts clear to one part color if you’ll be doing jelly nail designs.

Snow and Ice Nails

Snow and Ice Nails

Clear nail designs are popular in winter because they look beautiful with white snowflakes. We also found ice cube stickers with an iridescent cast to make your nails frosty and fresh.

Matte Clear Nails

Matte Clear Nails

These are nothing more than a transparent base coat with a matte top coat. Still, they look so elegant like velvety ground glass.

Suggestions for Better-looking Clear Nail Designs

You need your nails to be at their best if they aren’t hiding under a coat of opaque polish. That’s where nail strengthener comes in handy:

LDS Gel Strengthener

LDS GEL STRENGTHENER - 0.5 OZ

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You can fix weak nails with the help of this gel polish. It fortifies the natural nail and protects chipping and damage. Since it's compatible with all brands of soak-off gels, it's perfect for any type of clear nail manicure. All you need to do is brush it on after the base coat and cure it before adding a top coat.

When you finish your clear nail design, give it a professional finish by using cuticle oil. It adds extra gloss to the skin and nails while helping repair damage caused by polish remover and everyday life.

Conclusion

It’s time to embrace the elegance of simplicity! The possibilities are endless when it comes to the best simple clear nail designs. We hope you have fun finding new ways to express yourself with clear nails. Meanwhile, be sure to check out our deals to stock up on all your nail care needs.