Heading to a gallery opening in SoHo? Maybe you’ve got a business lunch uptown. No matter what’s in your diary, you’ve likely given your look a fair bit of thought.
Coco Chanel says it best: “Elegance is refusal,” which is why minimalist nail art complements any and every look with quiet elegance.
Below, we explore some of the most-loved minimalist nail art styles our clientele are obsessing over at Gilded Ritual, the best nail salon in New York.
Negative Space
One of the most sophisticated ways to embrace minimalism is to let your natural nail peek through. You could go for half-moons at the cuticle for a sleek, architectural look or diagonal cuts in your polish. Single-line accents, placed just off-center, can also create a hint of asymmetry that is classy but interesting.
The One-Line Wonder
Sometimes, all it takes is a single stroke. Our go-to line art styles include tiny abstract line drawings on a nude base or single metallic stripes that catch the light.
Dot it Down
Dots are cute and playful while still being classy. We could place a single dot on each nail in the center of your nail or near the base. Trailing dot gradients that flow from small to large are also popular this summer. If you want to play up the drama a little more, metallic dots add a little shine to your look without going full glitter.
Modern French Tips
We take the classic French tip and strip it down to its most refined form in a lot of our designs. Our minimalist takes include micro-French tips, with the thinnest line of white, black, or metallic. If that’s not for you, we can do diagonal French tips, where the tip runs at an angle to add an edgy twist to your style. Looking for that “something different”? Try color-block French tips, using muted tones like sage, sand, or stone.
Subtle Symbols
Just because you prefer a minimalist look doesn’t mean your nails can’t carry meaning. Tiny hearts, stars, or moons placed delicately on an accent nail; tiny initials or runes drawn in ultra-fine lines; or minimal florals, like a single petal or sprig, can add a pretty, personalized touch to your look.
Once you’ve decided on which minimalist nail art suits your style and personality best, book an appointment with Gilded Ritual, the best nail salon in New York
