17 Micro Accent Nail Ideas Trending This Year

nails with a heart design — @nailsbysuman / instagram

Accent nails are often grandiose, featuring elaborate designs and colors. However, there's a noticeable shift happening when it comes to nail art. Recently, we've spotted tons of manicures decked out with tiny decorative designs (think: small flowers or dainty dots). This buzzy micro accent nail trend is perfect for those who want a minimalist mani with a bit of flair. If that sounds like you, we've got you covered with tons of inspo. Ahead, browse 17 micro accent nail ideas.

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Lone Star Nails

pink nails with black star accent — @katietaylornailartist / instagram

This simple mani gives off a "your nails but better" vibe. The single black star shines against the barely-there, glossy polish.

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Faded French Dots

faded french manicure with black dots — @swaknails / instagram

This look is beyond beautiful. Achieve the faded French look using CND Shellac Polish ($15) in Powder My Nose and Cream Puff. Add tiny black dots above each cuticle to elevate the look.

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Cute Cherry Nails

yellow french tips with cherries — @tiffanyabigailebeauty / instagram

This look is inspired by Hailey Bieber's summer-ready cherry French manicure. It features a vibrant butter-yellow tip and juicy cherry nail art on the ring and index finger.

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Orange Dot Nails

orange nails with dots — @tiffanyabigailebeauty / instagram

Electric orange nails make such a bold statement. The small dots on the middle and index finger create a striking contrast.

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Gold Bow Nails

Glittery French tips are festive and fun. The elegant gold bow nail sticker is the perfect finishing touch.

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Velvet Heart Nails

Elevate your sheer, nude nails by adding red velvet hearts on your thumb and pinky. The resulting look is lovely.

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Single Heart Nails

heart nails and french tips — @nailsbysuman / instagram

Another take on heart nails, this design features a single one on the ring finger. It's the perfect accompaniment to the creamy nude French tips.

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Nazar Nails

Nude, matte nails are cool on their own. Adding the Nazar design gives the manicure meaning. The symbol is said to protect you from evil spirits and jealousy.

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Blueberry Nails

Blueberry milk nails are trending. Add a twist by adding literal blueberry designs to your middle and ring fingers.

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Blue Heart Nails

For this look, apply BioSculpture Nourishing Nail Polish ($13) in Mute. Then, use a navy blue polish to create bold blue hearts on your pinky.

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Gold Flower Nails

gold floral designs — @tinybrushes / instagram

This look is golden and glamorous. Start with a sheer, gold glitter polish and then place gold foil flowers on your middle finger and thumb.

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Vegas Skittle Nails

casino red, black, and silver nails — @melanated.mani / instagram

Who said every nail can't be an accent nail? This red, black, and silver mani features fun Vegas-themed designs.

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Diamond Dot Nails

white nails with rose gold dots — @melanted.mani / instagram

Similarly, this nail features subtle designs on each nail. Use Olive & June's Nail Art Pen in OJSM (a rose gold metallic) to achieve the dotted design.

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Black and White Dot Nails

Nothing screams minimalist more than black and white nails. The small dots on the middle and index finger are ultra-cool additions to the manicure.

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Micro Floral Nails

blue floral nails — @saruhnails / instagram

Micro floral manicures are also trending. This take features beautiful blue flowers along the cuticles and tips.

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Comme Des Garçons Nails

comme des garcon heart nails — @nailtherapy.co / instagram

Inspired by the Comme Des Garçons logo, this design features small animated hearts on each nail. It's such a subtle yet statement-making look.

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Frosted Floral Nails

champagne floral nails — @heygreatnails / instagram

Champagne gold nail polish is quietly festive, making it the perfect go-to shade for those who like a minimalist design. Tiny flowers delicately accent the French tips on the ring and index finger.

35 Neutral, Natural-Looking Nail Designs for the Manicure Minimalist