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Heading back to school doesn’t just mean notebooks and backpacks—it’s also the perfect time to freshen up your style, right down to your fingertips. Back to school nails should be cute, easy to DIY, and totally class-ready. Whether you’re into minimalist looks or bold pops of color, these nail designs are made to match your vibe. Plus, each one is beginner-friendly, affordable, and uses tools you likely already have. Let’s start the semester strong with nails that make the grade! These nails for school will turn heads in the hallway and make you feel prepped for every subject.
10. Pencil Tips Nails
These nails literally look like pencils how fun is that? The combination of yellow, pink, silver, and graphite grey makes them instantly recognizable. I love how they bring a quirky, classroom-themed twist to your back to school nail game while still being wearable and super cute.
DIY Tutorial:
- Nails should be cleaned and filed into a sharp pencil-like point or soft almond shape.
- Yellow polish should be applied to the top ¾ of each nail.
- A pink strip should be painted at the base for the eraser.
- A silver line between the yellow and pink should be added using a striping brush.
- The tips should be painted grey with a small triangle shape.
- A glossy top coat should be applied.
Tools Needed:
- Yellow, pink, silver, grey nail polish
- Fine nail art brush
- Clear top coat
9. Chalkboard Nails
These nails mimic a real chalkboard using a matte black base and white doodles. I love how they feel nostalgic and artsy, and the designs can be totally personalized—from math formulas to cute hearts and stars. They’re the ultimate nod to your favorite classroom memories.
DIY Tutorial:
- Nails should be painted with matte black polish and allowed to dry.
- A white nail art pen should be used to draw tiny chalk-like doodles or school icons.
- Matte top coat should be added to seal in the design.
Tools Needed:
- Matte black nail polish
- White nail art pen
- Matte top coat
8. Grid Paper Nails
These nails look like lined notebook paper, complete with blue stripes and a red margin line. They’re perfect for giving off those fresh first-day-of-school vibes. I love how clean and crisp they look—and they work on both short and long nails!
DIY Tutorial:
- A white polish base should be applied and fully dried.
- Thin blue horizontal lines should be drawn using a striping brush.
- A red vertical line should be added near the left side of the nail.
- A shiny top coat should finish the look.
Tools Needed:
- White, blue, and red nail polish
- Nail art brushes or striping tools
- Clear top coat
You can find other articles related to back to school
- 15 Cute Nails for Back to School That Are Class-Ready and Trendy
Back to School, Back to Style: 12 Cute Nail Designs for Every Grade
7. Highlighter Tip Nails
Bright, neon French tips that resemble highlighter pens make these nails pop. I love the vibrant, attention-grabbing colors—they’re fun, fresh, and totally classroom-chic. These are the ultimate nails for back to school that keep things playful yet polished.
DIY Tutorial:
- A neutral or sheer pink polish should be applied to each nail.
- Neon polish should be added to the tips using a fine brush.
- A glossy top coat should be used to seal the look.
Tools Needed:
- Sheer nude or pink base polish
- Neon yellow, pink, orange, and green polishes
- Nail tape or tip brush
- Top coat
6. Emoji Accent Nails
Who doesn’t love emojis? Adding tiny smiley faces, hearts, or even a sleepy emoji makes your nails expressive and fun. I love this playful take that gives a bit of personality without overdoing it.
DIY Tutorial:
- A soft pastel polish should be used as the base.
- Small emoji designs should be painted or applied as stickers on accent nails.
- Top coat should be added for shine and durability.
Tools Needed:
- Pastel polish
- Emoji nail stickers or detail brush
- Clear top coat
5. Color Block Crayons Nails
Each nail is painted in a bold block of color inspired by crayon shades—red, blue, green, yellow, and purple. It’s a rainbow you can wear! I love how cheerful and youthful it feels, perfect for any school day outfit.
DIY Tutorial:
- Each nail should be painted in a different bright color.
- A black zig-zag stripe or crayon label pattern can be added near the tip.
- A glossy top coat should be applied for shine.
Tools Needed:
- Red, yellow, blue, green, purple nail polish
- Nail art brush for detailing
- Top coat
4. Minimal Dot Nails
These nails keep things clean and classy with tiny black or colored dots on a nude or white base. I love how they look effortlessly polished and stylish ideal for those who want a minimalist back to school nail that still feels trendy.
DIY Tutorial:
- Nails should be painted with a nude or white base color.
- A dotting tool or toothpick should be used to place a small dot in the center or corner of each nail.
- A glossy top coat should be applied for a smooth finish.
Tools Needed:
- Nude or white base polish
- Black or colored nail polish for dots
- Dotting tool or toothpick
- Clear top coat
You can find other articles related to back to school
3. School Spirit Stripe Nails
This design features stripes in your school colors—show off your team spirit in style! I like how customizable they are, and they’re a great conversation starter during the first week of school. Plus, they work great on all nail shapes.
DIY Tutorial:
- A base color should be applied that matches your school’s palette.
- Thin vertical or horizontal stripes should be added using nail striping tape or a detail brush.
- A top coat should be used to smooth out the design and add shine.
Tools Needed:
- Two or more school color nail polishes
- Nail striping tape or thin brush
- Clear top coat
2. Composition Notebook Nails
These nails look just like a classic black-and-white composition notebook! I love the nostalgic feel and cool pattern—it’s instantly recognizable and super unique. Perfect if you’re going for a bold but school-appropriate look.
DIY Tutorial:
- Nails should be painted with a black base coat.
- A white nail art brush or sponge should be used to dab on the speckled marble effect.
- One nail (optional) can feature a small white label design to mimic the notebook label.
- A matte or glossy top coat should be added.
Tools Needed:
- Black and white polish
- Sponge or nail art brush
- Matte or glossy top coat
1. Bookworm Nail Art
These nails feature cute book-themed details—mini books, reading glasses, and even tiny worms! I love this one because it’s adorable and celebrates the joy of learning in the cutest way possible. It’s a perfect back to school nail for book lovers.
DIY Tutorial:
- A light pastel base should be applied to each nail.
- Small book, worm, or glasses designs should be drawn using a fine brush or applied as decals.
- A sealing top coat should be applied to finish.
Tools Needed:
- Light pastel nail polish
- Nail decals or fine detail brush
- Top coat
