13 Half & Half Nail Design Ideas For When You Can't Choose One Color

1

Black & White

If you’re feeling minimalist, opt for an ultra-chic combination of half black and half white nails. On one side, you’ll have a lovely white French tip. Pair this with a chic stripe of black on the other, and voila — a totally chic and simple look.

You could also bring the white polish all the way down to your cuticles for a true black-and-white cookie effect.

2

Color Block

There’s no such thing as clashing colors when you’re wearing half and half color block nail art. In fact, this is your excuse to use every polish in your collection.

On one finger, paint a bright yellow next to a warm orange. On another, try pairing turquoise and red. Be bold and have fun with the combos — you can’t go wrong.

3

Perfectly Muted

Muted earth tones — like dusty rose, lilac, and olive green — will look extra cute when painted on either side of your nail. Opt for white French tips underneath for a pop of brightness, or keep the other half of your nail a clear, glossy neutral.

4

Y2K Not?

Again, if you’re loving two different nail art trends — like, say, a Y2K-inspired pink flame and cow print — then consider this the perfect opportunity to rock both at the same time. Do they go together? No. Does it matter? Absolutely not.

5

Hold The Glitter

Love the idea of the glitter nail art trend, but don’t want to fully dive in? Apply some shimmer to half your nail and call it a day. When paired with a shiny black or matte polish, it’ll serve just the right amount of glam.

6

Extra French

Half and half nails can also be done horizontally on your nails — kind of like a French tip, but thicker. Instead of placing a pop of color on the tips, bring it down three-quarters to halfway down your nail bed.

For a subtle effect, make sure the polishes are in the same color family, like this light and dark green combo. Or you can make more of a statement with bright, contrasting shades.

7

Royal Purple

Half and half nails take on an ombré flair when you use progressively darker shades of polish as you move down your hand. Keep one half of your nail the same shade of neutral, then opt for light to increasingly dark purple on the other.

8

Nearly Neon

This manicure wouldn’t be nearly as eye-catching if it weren’t for the half and half effect. The neon green and electric blue pop even more when half of the nail is neutral. Add 3D gems, like little diamonds, at the base for even more detail.

9

Two-Tone Color Story

To create an eclectic two-tone look, choose an earth-toned duo for each nail, like white and cream or brick and mauve — and then start laying down vertical lines. The result will be subtle, but still interesting.

10

Quiet Luxury

To tone down a pattern like leopard print, paint the spots on only one half of your nail and leave the rest clear. Think of it as a quiet luxury take on the trend.

11

Nouveau French

Been rocking French tips for years? Then you’ll be into this fun, vertical take on the trend. It uses the same neutral colors you’re used to, but it turns them sideways. This mani will go with everything, whether you’re wearing it to work or a wedding.

12

Candy Apple

To make a classic crimson set more unique, make it half and half. One side can be a pretty shade of Boston University red, while the other keeps it casual with ballet pink, taupe, or a clear gloss.

13

Modern Mod

Colorful half and half nails give you the perfect backdrop for extra-fun nail art, like these mod flowers. Smiley faces, mini hearts, or stars would be cute to try, too. Whatever you choose, the end result will be a head-turning work of art.