13 Best Nail Designs (For the 30+ Set)

Nails

13 Best Nail Designs (For the 30+ Set)

There's more to nail art than rhinestone flowers and glittery tips. Proof: These nail designs are perfect for grown-ups and suitable for even the stuffiest offices

January 17, 2012 | by Sarah Carrillo | 80 COMMENTS

Love it or hate it, nail art is a full-blown trend. There are literally thousands of blogs devoted to these souped-up manicures, and there are countless nail designs -- more than you could try in a lifetime of trips to the nail salon.

But while we love ogling the creative techniques and the how-did-they-do-that nail designs, let's face it: As adorable as pink glittered bows or neon stripes are, they don't exactly fly after a certain age.

Click here to see 13 nail art how-tos for the over-30 set.

This doesn't mean we're permanently relegated to boring nude or sheer pink manis. With a little digging and some help from a few experts, we found 13 nail designs that are perfect for grown-ups. It's all about "fine art for nails," says Nonie Creme, Founding Creative Director of butter LONDON nail polish.

What does that mean? Think sophisticated color palettes, simple (yet striking) geometric designs, and minimal glitter. But don't worry. Just because these nail designs are mature doesn't mean they're boring. Keep clicking to see the most amazing -- and wearable -- nail designs we could find.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Upscale feathers

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products mentioned

Orly Detailer Brush

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Orly Striper Brush

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Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

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The New Black Floyd Ombre Nail Polish Set

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Layla Magneffect Nail Polish

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i'm over 30 and i only like the " single standout",hate the rest :(

by luxe Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 08:54AM Report as inappropriate

Love these

by Mollysunshine Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 03:44AM Report as inappropriate

Some of these are really interesting.

by Lili04 Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:54PM Report as inappropriate

Loved almost all of these :) But my favorite by far is the Jade Camo one. I LOVE how it looks!!! FYI I am in my late 30's and still do a lot of nali art.

by kodyndee Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 05:53PM Report as inappropriate

Very nice. Why can't you be over 30 and wear it? Just because you're older, doesn't mean you're dead!

by lori_testy Friday, February 8, 2013 at 08:15PM Report as inappropriate

You are never too old for nail art, but keep it fun and not all crazy looking!!!

by darkangel81 Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 10:08AM Report as inappropriate

I could see some of these working but I am not a big fan of nail art at the office.

by Sari Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 03:03PM Report as inappropriate

Nice! I really liked a lot of these. I'm definitely going to be trying some of these out!

by NillaButterfly Friday, January 25, 2013 at 06:52PM Report as inappropriate

Good info, especially since I'm in my 30's.

by MissPurple Friday, January 25, 2013 at 01:07PM Report as inappropriate

The single stand out would have to be my favorite very classy!

by allison_rodriguez Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 02:10PM Report as inappropriate

I'm a 30+, and I absolutely adore doing nail art. I have hundreds of polishes, as well as glitters, rhinestones, feathers... I definitely do not feel like I'm too old for it. We subdue a lot of things as we age - nails should not be one of them. My nails say "I am part of the grown and sexy club!"

by NailsInTheCity Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 01:28PM Report as inappropriate

These are some great nail looks and I love that it goes a step further and lets us know how to actually achieve the look!

by HeathRene Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 09:39AM Report as inappropriate

Love these! Some look way too complex for me to do at home, but so cute! The lace and ombre ones are so pretty. And the newsprint is such a creative idea!

by Erin4 Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 12:50PM Report as inappropriate

So cool! The newspaper one is easier (and cheaper) if you use rubbing alcohol instead, and then press dry strips against your nails it works great.

by amber.flute Friday, January 11, 2013 at 01:56PM Report as inappropriate

Nice

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11:49AM Report as inappropriate

i love nail art

by aishak55 Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 11:38AM Report as inappropriate

I think it's totally absurd to rule out wearing nail art just because you're 30+. I love the wonder woman design...it's so subtle yet chic!

by MizzPink Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 12:18PM Report as inappropriate

I'm in my 30s almost 40 s , I love nails art, I see nothing wrong with using it.

by mlira Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 12:35PM Report as inappropriate

Also instead of newspaper can use comic strips.

by Sonflower Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 09:27AM Report as inappropriate

imho, some of these are questionable for 30+ (guess it really depends on your work environment!) but i love other suggestions - the newsprint, the lace, the camo (maybe in a different color), and the ombre effect!

by jenstar313 Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 11:28AM Report as inappropriate

I agree the newspaper art is cool

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 06:50AM Report as inappropriate

the newsprint one is my favorite

by springsblue Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 08:51AM Report as inappropriate

Wow, if nail art is wrong for anyone over 30 then im wrong! but im going to continue with my nailart. i dont overdo it with crazy, over the top art so im gonna continue with it!

by danny54f Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 03:00PM Report as inappropriate

I'm 25, I like nail art so much. I think that like nail art is not related with the age.

by Ada87 Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 02:38AM Report as inappropriate

I'm 31 and I still wear nail art. I think it depends on the person and if your career allows it

by jillfairbanks Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 09:09PM Report as inappropriate

There are lots of great ideas but some of them look hard to do....

by Taylerbootz Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 12:36PM Report as inappropriate

I think preference depends more on the person than their age.

by alictasia Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 11:09AM Report as inappropriate

I've been doing my nails one coler except for my ring finger-a different color- for a few weeks now. I love this idea. I also love the newspaper idea. I will be trying this one soon. The ombre ideas are also cute. I like the fact that some of these ideas and designs are not compicated and can be done by anybody.

by lacole505 Friday, August 10, 2012 at 09:52PM Report as inappropriate

I've been searching for a "sophisticated" way to add lace designs to my nails and this fits the bill! I would think you could use one of the nail art stamps for this. I picked one up the other day at CVS actually It was one from those As Seen On TV and it came with a large variety of designs. You can also buy additional plates online and use with this set up.

by cwnash71 Monday, July 23, 2012 at 08:28AM Report as inappropriate

I love the ombre. I am going to try this.

by poisonberry Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 01:04AM Report as inappropriate

I was expecting to see little flowers and gems, but I absolutely LOVE these ideas. It's incredible the imagination and practice it must take to dream these up. I am absolutely going to try the newsprint, the lie detector and maybe even the Camoens. Thank you for such inventive, imaginative and creative ideas!!!!

by flirtygirl214 Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 06:55PM Report as inappropriate

I just don’t think I will be hopping on the nail art bus anytime soon. The closest I get is a single nail painted different than the others. I am very experimental with colors and textures and have a ton of nail polish but I have yet to see a nail art I would try for myself.

by caligirldotcom Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 12:56PM Report as inappropriate

These are cool and cute even if your not past 30!! great ideas

by passion4christ Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 04:39PM Report as inappropriate

I'm 51 and I still love wearing nail art! I work at home, so "office appropriate" does not apply.

by WiccanLady Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 05:15PM Report as inappropriate

love the Ring around the edges.

by todo_seria_mejor Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 11:17AM Report as inappropriate

I love nail art on any age! These are some great ideas!!

by LalaBunny Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 11:54PM Report as inappropriate

Who cares about age and nail art? I do agree there is a time and place for it though. Probably make me a little antsy if my surgeon had super neon glitter nails with smiley faces all over them, heh.

by catalinahx Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 10:32AM Report as inappropriate

There's nothing wrong with wearing nail art past the 30's, just have to know when it's appropriate.

by hananoire Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 07:02AM Report as inappropriate

I think nail art has to be very subtle when you work especially in an office setting.

by beautybody Monday, March 19, 2012 at 01:24PM Report as inappropriate

these are all quite pretty! they look kinda difficult, but might be fun to get done at a salon if i'm feeling adventurous one day =)

by mlenaei Monday, March 19, 2012 at 10:17AM Report as inappropriate

Anyone at any age can experience different things to look more beautiful.

by Kary43 Friday, March 16, 2012 at 09:16PM Report as inappropriate

The ombre nail art looked like dirt.

by Sari Friday, March 9, 2012 at 08:58PM Report as inappropriate

Why do you insist on making ridiculous statements in your headlines and subheads such as "Proof: These nail art designs perfect for grown-ups and suitable for even the stuffiest offices"? Believe me, executives and managers in "the stuffiest offices" are NOT going to consider it professional - or take you seriously - if you are wearing painted birds on your fingernails or glitter on your thumbs and ring fingers. You really lose credibility with at least some of your readers when you use hype that's obviously just plain false!

by Jewelrydesigner Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 12:32PM Report as inappropriate

I am 37 and I love nail art. I have glitters, crackles, magnetic, you name it. I think nails are a fun way of expressing yourself without any commitment! I say go for it!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 09:32PM Report as inappropriate

I have'nt worn nail art since i was a little girl, but with all the new ideas coming out lately I am feeling the urge to try something new. Summers right around the corner!

by minluv Monday, March 5, 2012 at 02:27PM Report as inappropriate

yes, of course, i always use led uv nail lamp after applying nail polish, the result is good. The brand is Aosom, famous Aosom.com

by heyanna Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 05:42PM Report as inappropriate

I LOVE the jade camo one! I agree with the comments about the age part of the title though, not cool. Maybe should've gone with "Office Friendly Nail Art" instead? Boring yes, but less offensive.

by iceflakes Monday, February 27, 2012 at 12:30PM Report as inappropriate

I think yes. As long you feel comfortable with it!!

by yestfl Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 03:00PM Report as inappropriate

i say yes if you do it tastefully with the right colors and graphics

by BerenicePonce Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 01:21PM Report as inappropriate

I really like all of these nail art tutorials. I think they are really appropriate for all ages.

by SummerOrchid Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 09:54PM Report as inappropriate

No one should be limited to having fun and doing cutesy things such as nail art due to their age. Hearing 'you're too old for this and that" is one big reason why many women hate getting older. I'm only 23 and I already have to hear that, hence me still liking Hello Kitty. Like wowwww, I'm sure gonna get it when I turn 30, hahah! I love the wonder woman nail art, I will be attempting that pretty soon...good thing I have hella painter's tape lying around from my long over due paint project, now I have another use for it :)

by LalaS. Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 01:17PM Report as inappropriate

Not sure that I would have the time or patience to try any of this nail art but the newsprint one seems like it would be fun. I wonder if I can use regular rubbing alcohol or gin

by MzWayne Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 11:28AM Report as inappropriate

I am terrible at nail art, but stamping kits are a godsend!

by TheLacqueredLady Monday, February 6, 2012 at 11:02PM Report as inappropriate

I love this! Im a huge fan on nail art and you can also use your favorite eye shadow and mix it up with clear nail polish! Its so fun.

by pd804 Monday, February 6, 2012 at 08:30PM Report as inappropriate

These are some very cool ideas. I'm not a huge fan of doing my nails in the first place, but some of these are so cool that I might want to give it a shot.

by msbrown822 Monday, February 6, 2012 at 06:14PM Report as inappropriate

All of these different nail art looks are awesome! Whoever said that wearing nail art after 30 is completely wrong. Everyone's style is different so there may be people who choose to wear something more crazy than others, but not wearing anything fun is just boring. Again, it's for some and not for others.

by LMarie27 Monday, February 6, 2012 at 03:13PM Report as inappropriate

Every woman at every age can use all this looks, all of them are great but... don´t make us believe that is wrong to use them if you´re older than 30.

by sandramot Monday, February 6, 2012 at 12:49PM Report as inappropriate

Im 42 yrs old and 1 dont look my age. This is a weird article. 30 yrs old is not old to be wearing nail art or color polish. Im wearing nail polish that is burgurdy with glitter. I work in HR. Now if your job have certain guidelines. for nail length or nail polish, thts different. But I will keep wearing many different colors of polish. I have over 30 different colors!

by Vnessa Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 11:17AM Report as inappropriate

Wow, I'm offended by the notion that anyone is too old to have fun with their nails, makeup, hair, wardrobe or attitude. Who's the narrow-minded, ageist-snob teenager who wrote this article? Maybe some styles aren't right for certain offices or careers, but AGE?? Get a grip.

by LeahStorm Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 05:08PM Report as inappropriate

The implication that being "over 30" is "too old" is a little strange, but I like the designs featured here and I would and have done some of them and gasp! Im over 30! so crazy to me because most nail artists that I remember seeing as a kid (not nowadays I suppose) were, lets say..."well" over 30. lol. AND not to mention---though I will, that it takes this long to master your nail art! I say rock it proud however you want at any age, and that sucks if you have a job that cares more about your nails than your worth.

by thriftalina Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 03:34PM Report as inappropriate

Cool ideas,but really,after 30?!No one wants to look tacky,@ least I don't, and I know that goes 4 my 33 yr. old daughter who just had her 1st baby, making me a grandma @ 55!

by gmamelly Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 12:17PM Report as inappropriate

I want to try a lot of these!

by lavenderlady07 Monday, January 30, 2012 at 09:19PM Report as inappropriate

Meh. I like the reverse French, but most of these look like tacky press-on nails.

by krycekov Monday, January 30, 2012 at 03:38PM Report as inappropriate

These are some really cool ideas that I've never really seen. I like how they give such detailed instructions on recreating the look! I want to try the newspaper print and I already paint my thumb and ring finger nails different colors.

by RoleModel Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 09:34PM Report as inappropriate

I've gotten really into nail art in the past year or two. This article was very interesting to me, because I just turned 40 in August. I use both Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips and nail decals (little stickers). However, I have to be very careful in choosing designs that aren't too "girly" or young for me. This article gave me some good ideas that I'll be trying as soon as possible.

by KrisSibyl Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 08:21AM Report as inappropriate

Love the Jade Camo with the water marbling. Have never tried it or heard of it before this article. Watched the video tutorial as well for it. Definitely think im gonna try this on mine and my daughters nails tomorrow evening for a change. We've both been wanting something new to do with our nails but could not decide what, especially since neither of us are that great of artists with the nail art brushes that we have. We normally use the nail art stickers but this article has gave me several good ideas for us to try that I know we could do ourselves. Great job!

by jslate304 Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 12:43AM Report as inappropriate

So awesome. I am so trying out some of these looks.

by laurie72 Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 08:48PM Report as inappropriate

Can't wait to try! Love nail art

by maya_brannan Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 07:54PM Report as inappropriate

love these they are great i really want to try this

by Nicole2814 Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 02:42PM Report as inappropriate

The birds are great!!

by sweettpea29 Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 01:39PM Report as inappropriate

Oh my gosh that lace is so gorgeous!

by sonatina Friday, January 20, 2012 at 11:23PM Report as inappropriate

I loved the lace!

by Mysterylady Friday, January 20, 2012 at 01:17PM Report as inappropriate

These are awesome but pretty hard to do!

by selma Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 01:31PM Report as inappropriate

Very cool. Will have to try several of these. Love the newsprint!

by laura_schulz Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 11:56AM Report as inappropriate

I want to try them all

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 10:43AM Report as inappropriate

This is the first I have heard of magnetic polishes. Really interesting! I will try to find it next time I'm buying beauty stuff. Maybe ULta will have it?

by bayoukris Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 08:51AM Report as inappropriate

my fav was n is da newspaper look! i tried it n everyone loved it!!!(:

by johnnynanii_perez Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 06:28AM Report as inappropriate

wow, the birds and newsprint are really cool!

by sportimonki13 Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 08:37PM Report as inappropriate

I think a lot of these are cool, but I just don't have the patience! :(

by volta Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:01PM Report as inappropriate

Some of these are interesting ideas, but there are very few I'd actually want to wear. I did like the ombre application technique but would do it in three related sheers, like peach, coral and tangerine to get a subtler (and, in my opinion) much prettier effect.

by Jewelrydesigner Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:42AM Report as inappropriate

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