@disseynails / instagram
Minimalist manicures are having a moment—baby French nails, clear nails, and lip gloss nails are just a few prime examples. However, as of late, dainty dot manicures have emerged as the newest (and coolest) minimal mani on our feed. As the name suggests, this nail design features small dots, typically placed along the cuticle or tip of the nail (but the trend is infinitely customizable). Ahead, weve rounded up 18 dainty dot nail ideas that will fulfill your minimalist mani dreams.
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Electric Dots
@melanated.mani / instagram
This vibrant manicure combines a really subtle French tip with dainty dots. The red and yellow color combination truly makes this look pop.
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Burgundy and Black Dots
@disseynails / instagram
Here, the burgundy French tips paired with the simple black dots make this manicure a perfect fit for fall. Use Lights Lacquer Nail Polish ($11) in Tuxedo Mask and OPI Nail Polish ($11) in Got the Blues for Red to bring this look to life.
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Mismatched Dots
@nailsbysuman / instagram
Mismatched manicures are always bound to be eye-catching—and this look is no exception. One hand features striking black dots, while the other has multi-color stripes. While its an unexpected combination, it totally works.
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Black and Yellow
@pop_polished / instagram
Sheer, black dots paired with a beautiful marigold yellow make this design perfect for the minimalist looking for a splash of color. Recreate this look using Cirque Colors Nail Polish ($13) in Nirvana and NSFW Jelly.
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Brown Dots
@iramshelton / instagram
When paired with a nude base, the colorful dots instantly become the star of the show. The brown dots featured here make this mani perfect for fall.
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Faded French Dots
@swaknails / instagram
A faded French tip offers such a fresh take on the traditional manicure. The black dots on each cuticle make the look feel extra luxe and unique. Use CND Shellac Power Polish ($15) in Powder My Nose and Cream Puff to recreate the diffused nail look.
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Classic Dots
Star Donaldson
Short nails are trending for fall, and what better way to adorn them than with equally simple nail art? This look by Sundays Studio features a high-contrast look comprised of a nude, glossy base and a perfectly-centered black dot.
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Baby Blues
@iramshelton / instagram
This nail design is another example of how stunning nude polish looks with a dash of color. The baby blue dots at the base of each nail are perfectly placed.
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Green Dots
@iramshelton / instagram
This design is a bit more intricate, but it still fits into the minimalist vibe. The green French tips make this manicure incredibly unique, while the tiny dots complete the look.
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Ombré Dots
@brushedbyb_ / instagram
You can further elevate a dainty dot manicure by adding an ombré effect to each nail. Here, various shades of brown were used to create a gradient dot look.
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Black and White Dots
@betina_goldstein / instagram
Nothing beats a classic black-and-white manicure. The solid black nails anchor the look, while the dotted accent nails give it a modern feel. Use Chanel Longwear Nail Color ($32) in Insomniaque and Le Diable En Chanel to achieve this nail design.
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Boldly Minimal Dots
@chalkboardnails / instagram
This nail look is bold yet minimalistic at the same time. The cream polish serves as the perfect backdrop for the burgundy dots and black stripes on each nail.
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Twin Dots
@the_minimalist_manicurist / instagram
These two-toned blue and orange dots placed delicately at the center of the nail bed perfectly capture how beautiful this minimal mani can be. The barely-there nude polish serves as the perfect base for this bright nail design.
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Double Dots
@oliveandjune / instagram
If youre looking for a statement mani, opt for this design. The blue double dots against the milky pink base are the perfect pair. You can easily DIY this look using Olive & Junes Long Lasting Polish ($9) in CCT and CNH.