27 Matte Nail Ideas to Level Up Your Manicure

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Of all the year's biggest nail trends, there's one that everyone on social media is suddenly raving about again: matte nails. That's right, the manicure finish is officially in its comeback era. Think of it like the edgier cousin of the high-shine looks you know and love that can make textures and nail-art designs really pop.

Unlike newer trends like the "rich girl" nails you've been seeing everywhere, matte nails are timeless. The satiny finish adds a flatness to any nail look and is versatile enough to pair with all designs, including hearts, swirls, smiley faces, and even the classic french manicure. All it takes is a swipe of matte nail-polish topcoat. The best part? This style is a year-round staple, with colder months displaying darker shades like burgundy, emerald green, or deep brown, while the warmer parts of the year often see it in mood-boosting shades.

Now that we're entering springtime, you can expect to see matte nails with glitter, pastels, neons, and florals take over your social feeds, and you may even spot some out-of-the-box designs like clouds or geometric shapes. Whether you want to go bold or keep things simple and classic, there are no limits to what you can do with the matte nail look. Here's everything else you need to know about the comeback trend.

Best Matte Nail-Polish Topcoats

What we really love about matte nails is how easy it is to create the finish at home or, if you'd like a more complicated design, take it to the salon. Giving yourself a DIY manicure doesn't mean you have to stock up on matte colors, either. Grabbing a topcoat with a matte finish will provide equally flawless results while allowing you to continue using your favorite shades. Some of our favorites include the Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish ($13), OPI Matte Top Coat ($11), Beetles Gel No Wipe Matte Top Coat ($7, originally $20), and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Matte Top Coat ($9). For anyone on a budget, we also recommend the Wet n Wild Matte Top Coat ($1, originally $5).

Best Matte Nail Colors

There is no limit to the color options for this staple trend; you can adapt them to your aesthetic. For a more grungy look, consider reds and black; opt for pastels or neutral shades if you're after a soft, delicate look. Neon colors will brighten your entire look and allow you to add bold patterns and designs to your manicure. You can even level up your french manicure with a matte finish for a more muted take on the timeless look.

Matte Nail Ideas

Scroll through the slides ahead for our favorite matte nail ideas to bring as inspiration to your next salon visit.

Black Matte Nails

Matte finishes and black polish go hand in hand, but just like with a little black dress, basic doesn't have to mean boring. This black matte nail design, which features a glossy gel texture, is a great example.

Red Matte Nails

Why pick just one finish? This red manicure features a matte topcoat with a glossy topcoat to deliver the best of both worlds.

Pink Matte Nails

Whether you prefer pastels or more saturated shades, pink matte nails are always on trend.

Matte Nails With Glitter

While grown-out nails usually signal the need for a a manicure refresh, adding glitter to the cuticle area like these blue matte nails adds a bit of pizzazz.

Nude Matte Nails

Neutral nails already look edgier with a matte topcoat. Throw in various line designs, and you've got a one-two punch.

Blue Matte Nails

Blue nails are always fun, but they can be pure elegance with the addition of pearl-like accents. Add a small star for an even more gorgeous result.

Purple Matte Nails

These purple matte nails get a velvet paisley finish for the perfect spring manicure.

White Matte Nails

It doesn't get more simple — and therefore wearable — than a solid white nail polish. Pair it with a matte finish, and you've got a timeless look that transcends seasons.

Black Matte Nails With Chrome

The answer is always yes to glitter mixed with black polish. Add some chrome details, and your matte nails will be hypnotic.

Neon Matte Nails

Pick a neon color, any neon color, and add a matte topcoat for the ultimate spring manicure.

Green Matte Nails

If soothing green colors are your vibe, you'll love this matte nail look with dainty white flowers and sage-green accents.

Negative-Space Black Matte Nails

For a simple yet cute look, add a nude base coat with black hearts in the center.

Gray Matte Nails

If subtle is your preferred style, add different shades of gray for a neutral look that works any season.

White Matte Nails With French Manicure

White matte nails might sound boring, but pair them with diamonds and french-manicure details, and it levels up your entire look.

Matte Nails With Geometric Shapes

The splatter in this manicure looks like fresh brushstrokes, while the geometric rectangles add a modern twist.

Pastel Matte Nails

Keep things simple yet eye-catching with a mix of light pastel hues you can pair all your outfits around.

Matte Nails With Swirls

Consider the black notes like ink splatter on a freshly painted abstract canvas.

Floral Matte Nails

This matte nail idea combines many trends into one: the french manicure, floral decals, and matte polish.

Pink Matte Nails With Cheetah Print

Even Barbie will be giving these a second look with their notes of fuchsia and always-in-style cheetah print.

Blue Matte Nails With Clouds

These airy nails feature fluffy clouds, giving you clear-sky views every day.

Red Matte Nails With Hearts

Hearts look good no matter what type of shade or shimmer they're applied with.

Stiletto Matte Nails

One way to make a statement with your already-standout stiletto nails? Try swirls of mismatched colors.

Brown Matte Nails

Rather than go for a plain manicure, just adding some clear, shiny flames will have your brown matte nails looking fire.

Neon-Pink Matte Nails

This matte nail idea uses a neon shade for the basecoat and tips, then uses a lighter shade to decorate with lines.

Polka-Dot Matte Nails

Make those dots really pop by decorating them on top of a flat matte shade like white and black.

Pink-Chrome Matte Nails

These nude matte nails will emphasize any other trend you combine them with, including these shiny metallic accents.

Flower Matte Nails

Carry florals wherever you go and incorporate bright, '70s-inspired colors to make a statement.