Chic Minimalist Nail Art: 15 Easy Line Designs

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 13 min read

5. Minimalist Line Design 1: The Single Stroke

6. Minimalist Line Design 2: The Double Cross

7. Minimalist Line Design 3: The Zigzag

8. Minimalist Line Design 4: The Wave

9. Minimalist Line Design 5: The Spots and Dots

10. Seal the Design with Top Coat

12. Minimalist Line Design 6: The Abstract

13. Minimalist Line Design 7: The Vertical Split

14. Minimalist Line Design 8: The Horizontal Split

15. Minimalist Line Design 9: The Diagonal Split

Imagine flaunting your nails with chic and trendy nail art line designs that are minimalistic yet attractively unique. This blog post will walk you through 15 easy line designs that will transform your nails into your new favorite accessory. From the single stroke to the diagonal split, every design you learn here will add to your repertoire of nail art skills.

1. Get Your Tools Ready

Before you dive into these nail art line designs, let's gather the tools you'll need. Ensuring you have the right equipment on hand will make your nail art journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Nail Polish: Choose from your favorite brands and select colors that you love. Remember, the star of these designs are the lines, so opt for shades that will make them stand out.
Top Coat: This is what you'll apply last to seal your design. It adds shine, protects your art, and extends the life of your manicure.
Base Coat: This will be your first layer of polish. It protects your nails, ensures better polish adhesion, and helps prevent staining.
Striping Brush: This fine, long brush is a must for creating precise, straight lines. It's the heart of nail art line designs.
Dotting Tool: This comes in handy for some of the designs we'll be exploring, like the 'Spots and Dots'.
Cotton Buds and Nail Polish Remover: For those little mistakes we all make. It's okay — no one gets it perfect on the first try!

Now that you have your tools ready, you're all set to start creating some stunning nail art line designs. Let's get started!

2. Choosing the Right Polish

When it comes to nail art line designs, the polish you pick can make a real difference. Not only does the color need to complement your skin tone, but the formula should also be smooth and easy to apply. Here are a couple of tips to help you choose the right polish:

Go for Quality: Yes, it's tempting to grab that dollar-store polish, but remember, you get what you pay for. Investing in higher-quality nail polish can result in better application, longer-lasting wear, and richer color payoff. Brands like OPI, Essie, and Zoya are known for their superior formulas.
Pick Your Palette: For minimalist nail art line designs, a neutral palette can work wonders. Blacks, whites, and grays can make for striking designs. However, don't shy away from colors. A pop of red or a dash of blue can add an exciting twist to your design. The key is to make sure the colors you choose work well together.
Consider the Finish: Nail polishes come in various finishes — from glossy to matte, glitter to metallic. When choosing your polish, consider the finish that will best highlight your design. A matte finish, for example, can give your nail art a modern, edgy look.

Remember, the best polish for your nail art line designs is the one that you feel confident and happy wearing. After all, your nails are a reflection of your personal style, so choose shades and finishes that make you shine!

3. Prepare Your Nails

Before you start drawing those chic nail art line designs, it's important to prep your nails properly. A clean, smooth canvas can make the whole process easier and the end result much more beautiful. Here's how to get your nails ready:

Remove Old Polish: If you have any old polish on your nails, it's time to say goodbye. Use a good-quality, acetone-free nail polish remover to gently take off the old color without drying out your nails.
Clean Your Nails: After removing old polish, clean your nails thoroughly. Warm soapy water can do the trick. Make sure to clean under the nail edge too. You might not see it, but any debris there can mess up your nail art line designs.
Shape Your Nails: Whether you like 'em round, square, or somewhere in between, shaping your nails is a crucial step. Use a nail file to gently shape your nails to your preference. Remember to file in one direction to prevent splitting and breaking.
Moisturize: Nail art can be drying to your nails and cuticles. So, it's always a good idea to moisturize before you start. A bit of hand cream or cuticle oil can go a long way in keeping your nails healthy and strong.

Now that your nails are clean, shaped, and moisturized, you're all set to start creating your minimalist nail art line designs. Let's get creative!

4. Paint a Basic Coat

Before you dive into creating those stunning nail art line designs, you need to lay the groundwork with a basic coat. This step not only helps the nail art last longer, but it also protects your nails from potential damage. Here's how you can paint a basic coat:

Choose Your Base Coat: Not all base coats are created equal. Look for one that suits your nail type. If you have brittle nails, consider a strengthening base coat. If your nails are a bit yellow, a color-correcting base coat can be a game-changer.
Apply the Base Coat: With your base coat selected, it's time to apply. Start from the cuticle and stroke towards the nail tip. Three strokes should do it — one down the middle and one on each side. Remember, it doesn't need to be thick. A thin, even layer will do the trick.
Let It Dry: This might be the hardest part, but you need to let your base coat dry completely before moving on to your nail art line designs. It's worth the wait, promise!

With your base coat dry, you're ready to start creating those minimalist nail art line designs. Excited? You bet!

5. Minimalist Line Design 1: The Single Stroke

Minimalism is all about simplicity, and the Single Stroke is the epitome of simplicity when it comes to nail art line designs. It's a great starting point for beginners, and a chic design for those who love understated elegance. Let's get started!

Pick Your Polish: For this design, you'll need two contrasting colors. Think a pastel pink paired with a deep navy, or a classic white with a bold red. The choice is yours!
Get Your Brush: You'll be creating a single line, so a thin, precision brush is your best bet. You can find these in most nail art kits.
Draw Your Line: Start from the base of your nail and draw a straight line to the tip. It's okay if your hand is a little shaky at first — practice makes perfect.
Let It Dry: Give your design ample time to dry before you seal it with a top coat. This ensures your single stroke doesn't smudge.

And voilà! You've created your first minimalist nail art line design. The Single Stroke is a timeless classic, and it's so versatile. You can switch up the colors to match your outfit, the season, or even your mood. Enjoy the simplicity of this design, and get ready to explore more!

6. Minimalist Line Design 2: The Double Cross

Ready for a bit more challenge? The Double Cross design is a step up from the Single Stroke, but still comfortably within the realm of easy nail art line designs. It's a great way to add a bit more personality to your nails. Let's break it down:

Color Choices: For this design, you'll need two polish colors. You could stick with a monochrome palette or go wild with contrasting hues. Remember, the key is to make it truly yours!
Draw the First Line: Start with a thin line running diagonally across your nail. You could either start from the top left and end at the bottom right, or vice versa. The choice is yours!
Add the Second Line: Now, draw a second line crossing the first one. If you started your first line from the top left, start the second line from the top right. This creates a beautiful 'X' or cross shape.
Seal and Dry: Once you're happy with your design, apply a top coat to protect it. Give it ample time to dry to avoid any smudges.

And there you have it — your Double Cross design! It's a bit more intricate than the Single Stroke, but the end result is definitely worth it. Plus, the more you practice, the more confident you'll get with your nail art line designs. Enjoy the process!

7. Minimalist Line Design 3: The Zigzag

Feeling like shaking things up a bit? The Zigzag design is a playful and dynamic approach to nail art line designs. It's not as hard as it looks, especially if you take it step-by-step. Here's how to achieve this fun design:

Choose Your Colors: The Zigzag design is best with two contrasting colors. One for the base and one for the zigzag lines. This will make your design pop!
Create the Zigzag: With your second color, start at one side of your nail and draw a line to the opposite side, creating a sharp angle. Then, draw a line back to the original side. Repeat this pattern across your nail to create a zigzag effect.
Smooth Out the Edges: If your lines are a bit shaky, that's okay! You can use a clean brush dipped in nail polish remover to smooth out any rough edges.
Finish with a Top Coat: As always, seal your design with a top coat to protect it. Be sure to allow plenty of time for drying.

And voila, you've created a lively Zigzag design! This is one of those nail art line designs that looks complicated but is actually quite simple when you break it down. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the most important thing is to enjoy the process.

8. Minimalist Line Design 4: The Wave

Feeling the call of the ocean? The Wave design is a perfect choice for sea-lovers and those who want to add a fluid, relaxing twist to their nail art line designs. Let's ride the wave and get started:

Pick Your Colors: For the Wave design, a base color and two additional colors for the waves work best. You can go for a traditional blue palette or get creative with your color choice.
Draw the Waves: Starting at the base of your nail, draw a curved line upward, then curve it back down. Repeat this pattern across your nail, adjusting the height of the waves as you like.
Add Some Depth: With your third color, draw thinner lines just inside the waves you've created. This gives your waves a sense of depth and movement.
Top Coat Time: Finish off your design with a layer of top coat to seal and protect it. Don't rush the drying process; patience is key.

And there you have it! A soothing Wave design that brings a touch of the ocean to your nails. Remember, nail art line designs should be a fun expression of your personal style. So, don't be afraid to experiment and make waves with your designs!

9. Minimalist Line Design 5: The Spots and Dots

Who says lines can't be playful? The Spots and Dots design is all about having fun with shapes while keeping things sleek and minimalist. Here's how you can create your own Spots and Dots nail art line design:

Select Your Palette: Choose two colors that contrast well with each other. One will serve as your base color and the other for your spots and dots.
Spot On: After applying your base coat, use a dotting tool or the tip of a bobby pin to create spots on your nails. You can make them as big or as small as you want.
Connect the Dots: Once your spots are dry, use a thin brush or toothpick to connect them with lines. This creates the "dots" in your design.
Seal the Deal: Once you're happy with your design, apply a top coat to help it last longer and add a glossy finish.

And there it is! An easy-to-create, fun, and chic Spots and Dots design. Whether you're headed to a party or simply want to add some pep to your daily routine, this nail art line design is sure to hit the spot!

10. Seal the Design with Top Coat

Now that you've mastered some nail art line designs, it's time to ensure they stay put. That's where the top coat comes in. Think of it as the protective shield for your chic, minimalist nail art. Let's break down the process:

Wait it Out: Before you jump to the top coat, make sure your design is completely dry. Patience is key here—you wouldn't want to smudge your beautiful creation, would you?
Choose Your Top Coat: There are many top coats available in the market—glossy, matte, quick-dry. Choose one that matches your preference and the look you're going for.
Apply the Top Coat: Apply a thin layer of your chosen top coat, making sure to cover the entire nail surface. Some people also like to 'seal' the nail edge for extra protection.
Let it Dry: Allow ample time for the top coat to dry. This might seem like a test of patience, but it's worth it for a long-lasting nail art line design.

Remember, a good top coat doesn't just add a nice finish to your nail art—it also adds durability and longevity. So, don't skip this step in your nail art journey. Your stylish, minimalist designs deserve to be seen for as long as possible!

11. Maintain Your Nail Art

Once you've sealed your nail art line designs with a top coat, it's time to focus on maintenance. Keeping your nail art looking fresh and chic isn't a tough task if you follow a few simple rules:

Stay Hydrated: Dry nails can chip and ruin your nail art. Apply a cuticle oil daily to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized.
Wear Gloves: Household chores like washing dishes can damage your nail art. Wear gloves to protect your nails during such tasks.
Avoid Harsh Products: Some beauty products or hand sanitizers can cause your nail polish to fade or peel off. Try to use products that are gentle on your nails.
Regular Touch-Ups: If you notice a slight chip or fade in your nail art line designs, don't wait for it to get worse. Do a quick touch-up to keep your nails looking their best.

Remember, the secret to long-lasting, chic minimalist nail art lies in how well you maintain it. So, treat your nails like the tiny canvases they are and they'll continue to showcase your artistic flair!

12. Minimalist Line Design 6: The Abstract

Now, let's step into the realm of abstract with our next nail art line design. It's a fantastic choice if you enjoy letting your creativity run wild. Here's how to create an abstract nail art line design:

Choose Your Base: Start with a neutral base. A pastel pink or a subtle beige can work great for this.
Plan Your Design: The beauty of abstract nail art line designs is that you can let your imagination fly. Sketch out a few rough ideas on paper to get started. You could choose to create a mix of lines, dots, and shapes, or stick to one style—it's all up to you!
Start Small: When you're ready to transfer your design to your nails, start with the smaller elements first. Thin lines, small dots, and tiny shapes are easier to manage. Use a thin brush or a dotting tool for precision.
Add Larger Elements: Once you've got your smaller elements in place, you can move on to the larger parts of your design. Remember, there's no right or wrong in abstract art—just go with the flow!

The abstract line design is a fun way to express your creativity on your nails. It may seem a bit challenging at first, but with practice, you'll be creating your own abstract nail art line designs like a pro. Have fun with it!

13. Minimalist Line Design 7: The Vertical Split

Who knew a simple line could have such an impact? The Vertical Split is a chic, minimalist nail art line design that's sure to turn heads. Here's your step-by-step guide:

Pick Your Colors: Select two contrasting colors for this design. One color will be on the left half of your nail, the other on the right. It's essential to choose colors that pop against each other.
Apply the First Color: Paint the left half of each nail with your first color. Don't worry about getting the line perfect just yet — you can clean up any rough edges in the next step!
Clean Up the Line: Once your first color is dry, use a thin brush dipped in nail polish remover to sharpen the vertical line down the middle of your nail. This will help achieve that crisp, professional look.
Apply the Second Color: Now it's time to paint the right half of each nail with your second color. Be careful not to overlap the colors along the vertical line.

Voila! The Vertical Split is a sophisticated yet straightforward nail art line design that's perfect for any occasion. Remember, practice makes perfect — so don't be disheartened if you don't get it right the first time. Happy painting!

14. Minimalist Line Design 8: The Horizontal Split

Let's switch things up a bit with the Horizontal Split, another minimalist nail art line design. This one is just as simple but offers a different twist. Let's break it down:

Select Your Colors: Just like with the Vertical Split, you'll need two contrasting colors. With the Horizontal Split, one color will be on the top half of your nail, and the other on the bottom.
Apply the First Color: Start by painting the bottom half of each nail with your first color. As always, don't stress if the line isn't perfect yet. We'll handle that in the next step.
Perfect the Line: Once your first color has completely dried, use a thin brush and some nail polish remover to create a clean, horizontal line across each nail.
Add the Second Color: Now paint the top half of each nail with your second color. Be careful to keep a clean line between the two colors.

And there you have it! You've just mastered the Horizontal Split. This nail art line design is an effortless way to add a touch of sophistication to your look. Remember, with nail art, there's no limit to creativity, so feel free to play around with different color combinations. Enjoy!

15. Minimalist Line Design 9: The Diagonal Split

Rounding up our list of minimalist nail art line designs, we have the Diagonal Split. This design gives a dynamic twist to the classic look. It's a bit trickier than the previous designs, but with a little patience and practice, you'll master it in no time. Ready to try it out? Let's get to it:

Pick Your Colors: Start by choosing two contrasting colors. With the Diagonal Split, one color will be on one diagonal half of your nail, and the other on the opposite diagonal half.
First Color Application: Paint one diagonal half of each nail with your first color. Don't worry if the diagonal line isn't perfect. We'll take care of it in the next step.
Define the Diagonal: After the first color has dried completely, use a thin brush and some nail polish remover to create a clean, diagonal line across each nail.
Apply Second Color: Now, paint the other diagonal half of each nail with your second color. Be careful to maintain the diagonal line between the two colors.

Voila! You've created the Diagonal Split, a chic and modern design that'll make your nails stand out in any crowd. Remember, the key to mastering nail art line designs is practice and patience, so don't be discouraged if your first try isn't perfect. Keep trying, and soon enough, you'll be creating stunning designs with ease. Enjoy the process!

If you're inspired by chic minimalist nail art and want to learn more easy designs, be sure to check out the 'Affordable DIY Abstract Nail Art Tutorial' workshop by Rachael Mangal. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract nail art designs on a budget, perfect for those looking to elevate their nail game without breaking the bank.