Kimberly Peta Dewhirst
Theres a huge reason why we love getting our nails done and trying out new designs—they make us happy! Whether we opt for a classic French manicure and pearl appliqués or go for neon manicures and Baroque nail designs, a fresh set always does the trick. However, if we really want to lean into the dopamine-boosting mindset, there are a bunch of happy nail designs to choose from.
When thinking of happy nails, we immediately go to bright colors, smiley face designs, and funky prints. Whats so great about them though is that you can make them whatever you want. So, for example, if cherries are your favorite fruit, you can apply cherry nail decals over a solid base coat and call it day. Alternatively, if your favorite color is pink (hi Barbie!) you can color coordinate each of your nails so each one dons a different shade.
Below, weve rounded up 20 of our favorite happiness-boosting nail designs to serve as inspiration for your next manicure. Instant pick-me-ups, coming right up.
1. Smiley Face Nail Art
@overglowedit
Colorful with playful prints, this mani is the definition of a serotonin-boosting nail look.
2. Bright Aura Nails
@lolo.nailedit
Aura nails are all the rage, and for good reason. They allow people to show off their feelings while creating a minimalistic and happy design.
3. Pastel Nails
@oliveandjune
Who doesnt love a good pastel rainbow vibe?
4. Happy French Tips
@imarninails
We love throwing together a bunch of different yet complementary ideas, and we adore how in this look the smiley face is reserved for a subtle French tip. So fun!
5. Cherry Nail Art
@aliciatnails
These peach-toned cherry nails scream summer aesthetic.
6. Bright Squiggles
@brushedbyb_
TKTK
7. Mismatched Nail Colors
@jinsoon
If you cant decide on one happy color, just go ahead and do a little of everything.
8. Color-Coordinated
@peachinails
An easy way to make a colorful impact is by painting your nails a bright color and then adding a darker shade in the same color family on top.
9. Cloud Nails
@stephstonenails
This dreamy mani makes us want to lie in the grass and watch clouds.
10. Bright & Bold
@lolo.nailedit
Make a statement by combining a bunch of your favorite bold nail polish colors. We love how they look in this almost lava lamp-esque design.
11. 70s Waves
@chillhouse
Its groovy, baby!
12. Floral Nail Art
@peachinails
Recreate this look by swiping on a nude base and adding some floral accents.
13. Gold Bands
@aliciatnails
We love the way this chic, minimal design combines these vibrant, multicolored tips.
14. Solid Glitter
@oliveandjune
Theres no mani a little glitter doesnt improve.
15. Negative Space, Positive Vibes
@paintboxnails
The 80s called, and we refuse to give back this deliciously retro manicure.
16. Tie Dye Nails
@lolo.nailedit
Tie-dye is the undeniable happiness-boosting print. We loved it back in the 90s and we sure as hell love it now—in any form it presents itself.
17. Rose Gold Glitter
@paintboxnails
Pink glitter? Dont mind if we do.
18. Smiley Face Accent
@brushedbyb_
Pair bright nail art with a bright base coat for a totally standout manicure.
19. Polka Dots
@chillhouse
The bright coral dots bring some fun to this otherwise simple light pink mani.
20. Wink, Wink
@aliciatnails
These quirky eyelash designs will have you smiling every time you look down and notice them.