Unlocking The Secrets Of The Russian Manicure Technique

Key Takeaways
  • The Russian Manicure is a specialized nail care technique known for its precision and attention to detail.
  • It involves using an electric file, often with a diamond or ceramic bit, to clean, shape, and smooth the nails, resulting in a flawless and natural look.
  • The Russian Manicure is famous for creating a clean and even nail surface, making it ideal for gel or acrylic nail applications..
  • This technique minimizes damage to the nail bed, cuticles, and surrounding skin, promoting healthier nails in the long run.

Green is the color that represents growth and positive energy. Explore this list of 27 of our favorite green nail designs to welcome prosperity into your life!

Choosing a color scheme for your nails always feels like an intense commitment, so picking a shade that makes you happy is important.

You also have the option of selecting a hue with a deeper meaning to it to give your fingers a deeper meaning.

While deciding on a single color may feel restricting, there is so much you can do with just a single hue.

One may think that neutral tones are the only colors that go with any ensemble, but even traditionally bold colors like green can be wearable.

Depending on the design, you can find a set that makes you feel red-carpet-ready, or dressed-down enough for your basic everyday look.

During your next nail appointment, take a pick from one of these designs that will leave anyone who sees your hands green with envy. 

Why Wear Green Nails?

In this day and age, it seems as though all nail designs are neutrally colored or classically styled.

While we love sticking to the classics, it seems that sporting bright colors is slowly being put on the back burner. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone and going for a green set of nails is a fantastic way to reintroduce some color into your look, and it comes in such a range of hues and shades that you can make your design as subtle or as bright as you’d like!

1. Summer Watermelon Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @summernailsandbrows via Instagram

Pay homage to the most popular fruit of summertime with this gorgeous watermelon-esque nail design!

Simply start with a light green base, and use a thin dark green striper to draw on some lines and dots wherever your heart desires.

The best part about this nail design is that there’s no rhyme or reason to the squiggles and lines you draw on.

There’s no need for preciseness, as the skin of the watermelon doesn’t come in any set pattern.

We love this set for those who are just starting on their nail art journey and want something cute, but forgiving enough for any possible mistakes.

RELATED: 25 Envy-worthy Dark Green Nail Design Ideas to Try This Summer

2. Sea Green Geometry Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @nails_bykalli via Instagram

If there’s one nail trend you can always rely on, it’s the accent nail. You can add your own touch of personality to any design, and make an otherwise basic set of nails look complex and intricate.

We love the look of this geometric accent nail on this set of sea-green nail design. When paired with complementary colors, it’s an easy way to bring a cute color scheme to your fingers.

For those interested in trying out this look for themselves, we suggest choosing very rich polishes paired with a precise nail art brush- it will keep your design neat, and thin enough to dry quickly.

We absolutely love the gold shade they paired with this color, as it gives the look an air of luxury that we all need in our lives.

3. Star Light Green Nail Design

Image by @_omorfianails via Instagram

Red and green are the unsung colors of the holiday season, but you don’t need to rock both of them in to give your hands a wintery touch!

Here, a dark, glittery green polish works in tandem with carefully designed snowflakes and sparkles to evoke that magical holiday spirit! 

Though this look works well on short nails, we think that those with longer nails can use the extra space to draw on more snowflakes and sparkles to stay even more on theme.

If you plan on trying this look out, we seriously recommend looking for a glittery polish like the one pictured, it’ll give your hands that glamorous touch that sets it apart from other holiday designs.

4. Crystalline Green Nail design

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @summernailsandbrows via Instagram

If you don’t want to carry around physical crystals for energy, you can always recreate the complex geode designs on your nails!

The different shades of green, ranging from a cool-toned mint to deeper ocean shade, give the design depth.

This type of nail art looks deceivingly complicated when in reality, it’s just a couple of layers of meticulously placed lines and stripes.

You may think that this design is a little bold, but it’s entirely personalizable based on what you’re comfortable with.

Simply use fewer colors for a more muted design, or, utilize a glitter striper in a contrasting color to really tribute the faceted designs of natural crystals.

5. A Very Mod Christmas Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @paragonnails via Instagram

Break away from the nail designs of Christmas past by opting for a more retro design this holiday season!

This nail art calls on the geometric art of the 50s to give your fingers that traditional feel.

While reminiscent of the past, this design is still totally wearable today and can be paired with different colors to be wearable all year round.

This nail design calls on a careful hand to make sleek lines. The key is using the thinnest nail brushes and stripers possible to keep the design looking pristine.

Once you have the technique down, you can add as few or as many geometric touches to each nail as you want to make the look entirely your own.

RELATED: 32 Unforgettably Stylish Blue Ombre Nails 

6. Moonrise In Jade Town Nails 

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @paragonnails via Instagram

Marble nails are all the rage, and we don’t expect them to go out of style anytime soon!

The beautiful part about choosing a green color for marble nails is that you’ll also emulate the beautiful look of jade.

While this type of nail art looks difficult to recreate, the only tools you need are a singular nail brush, green polish, a milky-white polish, and a careful hand.

What truly sets this design apart from other marble green nail design is the addition of gold decals on the moon of the nail.

It adds a delicate, feminine touch to an already striking design that truly elevates the look into something dynamic.

If you don’t have physical decals, you can recreate the design with a thin stripe of gold polish for a softer look.

7. An Autumn Touch Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @jazzedandjelledbyjess via Instagram

Green may be a color primarily associated with springtime, but when done right, you can use it to showcase the cozy feel of autumn in a new way!

Paired with gold decals and warm sparkles, there’s no question that this set of nails would look beautiful when carving pumpkins or wrapped around a mug of hot cider.

8. Slither In Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @topnotchnails_az via Instagram

Want a look with a little bit of edge? No animal balances secretive and elegant quite like the snake, and they are unbelievably easy to draw on your nails!

Though you can use any shade of green to recreate this design, we love the rich green in the photo above. It makes the design look more mature, rather than cartoony. 

The accent nail is the showstopper of this design and can be done with the assistance of a nail brush and dotting tool.

Don’t forget the touch of pink to give your snaky friend a little tongue! You can use any color background on the statement nail, but the silver gives the hand a more elegant finish.

9. Lookin’ Green Nail Design

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @_beautynextdoor via Instagram

With there being countless shades of green to choose from, committing to one to be the central focus of your nails may be challenging!

Put your worries aside by rocking every shade you can think of all at once! They’re all within the same color family, so you don’t have to worry about shades clashing or looking messy.

To really add harmony to the look, choose a nail on each hand to recreate a marble nail.

This nail will feature all of the colors you used on the rest of your fingers to tie the look together and keep everything feeling cohesive. Use a gradient of colors to add depth to the design.

RELATED: 33 Christmas Nail Designs That Will Get You Excited About the Holiday Season

10. Abstract Elegance Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @thehivenailhub via Instagram

For a simple look twitch an artistically modern touch, try out this simple nail design! Also beginner friendly, all you need is a green polish with a paddle brush to recreate these clean strokes.

To keep the design looking smooth, try to do each line in a single swipe. For more complexity, you can enlist the help of a small nail brush to create a dripping effect.

The use of negative space in this look makes it on-trend. You have the option of a clear base or thin white base to create this same design, but we implore you to play with the idea of using a contrasting color (like orange) as the base for a more catching look!

11. Under The Sea Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @this.nail.life via Instagram

Call on the sand and water as inspiration for your next green nail design! This look is definitely elegant and would pair beautifully with gold jewelry.

Like other designs on this list, this set of nails uses different shades of green to create a unique look!

Unlike the other marble nails on this list, we leave the bottom of the nail open to give a hint of the base.

12. Fairly Odd Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @vspatriciabeauty via Instagram

Green and pink may seem like two colors that don’t go together, but we think they’ll add that Cosmo and Wanda touch to your hands, especially if the shades you use are complimentary.

To make sure the look doesn’t look busy, ensure that both colors are in the same family: both warm, both cool, both neon, etc.

To give the look more personality, you can choose a sparkly pink to add some glitz (just like the picture above!).

We think that this look is so simple, yet the colors chosen make it so unique. This is a set suited for someone who isn’t afraid to be bold with an offbeat style.

13. Green Lines Design

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @nailologist_x via Instagram

Opt for a more preppy feel by choosing bright shades and geometric lines.

This set of nails is so crisp and spotless, perfect for someone trying to perfect that “clean girl” aesthetic.

The sage green color of the accent nails in this look pairs perfectly with the minty blue shades on the other fingers. 

Use a striping tool to remake the lines in this design. For the curved lines on the base and tip of the nail, simply lay the brush down and move your finger for a more precise curl.

If you have trouble with this, you can always keep the lines straight- it won’t compromise the clean finish of this look at all.

RELATED: 34 Irresistible Rose Gold Nail Looks

14. Matte About You Green Nail design

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @chealseaallen27 via Instagram

Though the colors may look bright and happy, the design of these nails brings a touch of edge!

This is definitely a super unique look, and one that looks like you spent hours on too. Use complementary colors to keep the design looking harmonious, and don’t forget the addition of metallic polish to give the set a touch of glamor!

To achieve the design of the accent nails, place a dot of polish on the tip of the nail, and use a thin nail brush to gently pull the color onto the body of the nail.

Use a small dot so you have better control of the lines! Afterward, lock in each nail with a matte topcoat for a sharp-looking finish.

15. Forget The Blurred Lines Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @montanasugarnails via Instagram

If there’s any look on this list that invokes peace and harmony, it’s this one!

First things first, we have to express our love for the fact that this nail art is presented on a set of short nails (though this design would look equally as stunning on any sort of nail shape). What gives this set of nails so much complexity is the gold nail stripes.

16. Once Upon A Lime Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @nailsbynicola__ via Instagram

This look is so light and refreshing that you almost want to take a bite out of them!

It seems as though nail designs have gotten so intricate lately that no one ever just wants a simple manicure like this, but a classic manicure will always be in style.

Though most people opt for neutral colors with this look, we suggest stepping out of the box and going green!

It may be hard to find colors in this shade that are opaque enough to require only two coats. To avoid too thick of a finish, start with a white base coat to really showcase the lime green color in just a single swipe!

RELATED: 37 Hot Pink And Black Nail Designs To Try Right Now

17. It’s All Glitz And Glamor Nails

GREEN NAIL DESIGNS

Image by @obsessedwith_nails via Instagram

If you’re looking for a design that’ll help you get in touch with your inner diva, look no further!

Paired with this sharp nail design and glossy finish, there’s no way that this look won’t turn heads.

There are no intricate lines or designs with this set of nails, so you can achieve the entire look with just 3 polishes.

You can swap out the colors in this look with any ones you like, but the traditional pairing of emerald green with gold is a classic that looks good on any skin tone.

If this design is a little too basic for your liking, you can always add gold decals or green swirls onto the white nail for added detailing.

18. Girl’s Best Friend Nails

Image by @obsessedwith_nails via Instagram

Here’s a little something for the extra luxurious! This is a set of nails that goes to show you how important details are when it comes to creating a unique design.

From the gold nail foils to the intricately designed jewel accent finger, these simple touches add an extravagant feel to an otherwise common nail design.

19. All That Glitters, Grows Nails

Image by @bareftbeautician via Instagram

Put your artistic talents to the test by adding a strand of leaves to your nails!

This design may look difficult to achieve, but it doesn’t require anything other than patience and a steady hand.

The trick is using a super thin nail art brush to execute those clean lines. If you like things simple, you can leave the design at that.

However, if you’re looking for that princess feel, the addition of fine-grained silver glitter will give you that Cinderella touch that will catch the sun beautifully.

Place it on an accent nail, as well as on the leaves of your design to give your set some cohesiveness.

20. Sweet Greens Nails

Image by @by_dawapalmu via Instagram

We think that what makes this looks so special is the shape of the nails. A rectangle-shaped nail is professional and timeless, giving anyone rocking them a mature feel.

When paired with a soft green like this, you can balance your classic look with a sweet feel.

However, as we mentioned earlier, these shades can be difficult to find in an opaque formula. 

To create your perfect hue of pastel green, you can manually mix green and white polish you already own to personalize your shade.

This works especially well with gel polish formulas, as they don’t dry out as quickly as a standard polish.

RELATED: 4 Simple Ways To Remove Sticky Residue From Gel Nails

21.  Stay Sharp Nails

Image by @nailsonpoiint via Instagram

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with embracing your dark side every once in a while, and what better way to than with an edgy nail design like this one?

There are tons of striking things about this look that we could talk about, but we’ll mention the shape of the nails first!

Though you could go super sharp like the photo, this set would look great with any shape.

22. Garden Party Green Nail design

Image by @blushingmoonnails via Instagram

When you become more comfortable with a plethora of simple nail designs, you can put your skills to the test by putting them together for a look like this one!

Featuring stippled glitter, french tips, and dotting tool flowers, this set of nails looks like the product of hours in the salon when you could very easily do this look at home!

With the warm colors chosen in this look (the eggplant shade and the yellow gold), we think this set would look particularly striking during the fall.

However, you could use bright colors to invoke a summertime feel, pastels for a springtime air, and even cool-toned colors and silver glitter for something fitting for the winter months.

23. Feeling Sparky Nails

Image by @ariel-colemanluxenailcare_ via Instagram

You may have seen flame nails done in the past, but never like this!

Upon first glance, this may look like a standard nail look, but upon closer inspection, you’ll see details that you’ve probably never seen before!

The glitter flecked flame shape is something we rarely see, and the varying nail shapes on each finger add a subtle dynamic. 

To properly executed this look, outline the flame shape with a layer of orange polish.

Don’t worry too much about the opacity of the design, we just want a base shape to work with. Afterward, use a thin nail brush to fill the shape with some nail glue. Brush on some loose glitter in a corresponding color.

24. Oldies Floral Nails

Image by @mamanailart via Instagram

For a nail art design that’s sure to get people talking, use each finger as your canvas. This is a look for those with a careful hand, a lot of patience, and maybe an art degree!

If you want to achieve this look an easier way, purchasing nail art stickers in the same style can save you a couple of hours per nail.

Another way to emulate this look is by stippling different shades of green onto the tip of your nail.

This will fill in the space, so you don’t have to draw on too many plants. Then, use a dotting tool to design flowers in bright colors.

You can make this as intricate as you’d like. Finish off with some bird nail tattoos or corresponding stickers- and there you go!

25. High-Class Gloss Nails

Image by @aquafeel_nail via Instagram

Instead of showcasing the green hues of your design through a marble look, pair deep emerald shades with white marble for an undoubtedly lavish look- but why stop there? Go even more glam by painting a thin jade polish on a statement nail, and gluing on some gold nail chains.  

It’s a style that works with any look for any occasion and is so simple you’ll find yourself asking for it every single nail appointment.

With a couple of simple tweaks, like switching up the decals and colors, you can wear a new style every week while maintaining that extravagant air to your hand.

RELATED: 50+ CLEAR NAIL DESIGNS FOR ANY AESTHETIC

26. Shimmer And Shine Green Nail Design

Image by @teressab_love4nails via Instagram

If you love glitter but want to wear it more subtly, always choose a fine-grain glitter polish for an understated flair.

You’re more likely to find these sorts of glitter polishes during gel applications, so this is a great green nail design for those who are trying to grow out their natural nails. 

The encapsulated confetti on the statement nails is also something more easily achieved with gel nails.

For those who want to recreate this look on their natural growth, simply sponge on a thin silver glitter on your nails, and use a thick glossy top coat on the nails with confetti.

Make sure to reapply your top coat every 3 days to keep the design looking gel-like!

27. Fairytale Stories Nails

Image by @nail_diva101 via Instagram

There’s something about the style of butterflies on this nail art design that takes us back to our childhood.

Thankfully, the design isn’t too intricate, so it’s something that novice nail artists can easily achieve on their own.

For that fairytale feel, look for a polish with a shimmery undertone, and square your nails off for a polished look.  

Ariel Coleman
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