While there are certain tips and tricks that can help mature hands appear more youthful, that doesn’t mean you have to adhere to them! Sure, basic neutrals and naked nails are deemed more “appropriate” for older women. They’re often suggested because the muted colors can help smooth the appearance of any wrinkles instead of making them stand out. However, if you prioritize a fun and fresh mani over any pressures to appear more “youthful”, you’ve come to the right place!
Women of a certain age are more or less expected to dress and act a certain way, but what fun would it be if everyone followed those stipulations? Not very much at all, in our opinion! Which is why we would like to celebrate the fact that any woman of any age can pull off any look she wants, including any manicure or makeup look. Now, there are trends that are more practical for certain ages or careers, like shorter nails for those who type all day or tend to a garden, or more detailed and dramatic nails for artists showing off their skills, but you are the only one who should be in charge of dictating which trends you stick to.
That being said, keep reading to discover the trendiest nail looks for women over 50 right now and decide if they’re right for you!
50 Best Nail Ideas for Women Over 50
Pastels
1. Ombré Pastels
This short and sassy mani is perfect for those who love a good rainbow nail moment, but is also understated enough to be classy.
Related: 35 May Nail Ideas for Your Most Polished Season Yet
2. Rainbow Pastel
Rainbow nails are a big trend right now, and this shorter, yet still lengthy, almond-shaped set will surely show off your fun side!
3. Alternating Pastels
This bright pastel set is a gorgeous mixture of alternating colors. The possibilities are endless!
4. Grey Lilac
A subdued grey lilac color is perfect for spring and summer, and can even be worn in winter! There’s really no bad time to choose such a lovely set.
5. Bubblegum Pink
Pale pink is one of those colors that’s considered neutral in the nail world. It’s laid-back enough to be classy, yet bright enough to be a lot of fun. It’s the perfect combination!
6. Cotton Candy Glitter
At what age does it become less fun to wear glitter? Never, in our opinion! Pastel glitter nails are understated and fun.
7. Gradient Pink
Add a bit of whimsy to your nails with a gradient set like this pink one. A touch of glitter never hurts either!
Related: For Peep’s Sake! 35 Easter Nail Designs To Upgrade Your Spring Mani From Boring to Egg-citing
Coral and Fuchsia
8. Short Coral
Short and rounded sets are perfect for busier lifestyles, and that gorgeous coral color is a great option for the upcoming summer months!
9. Pretty Fuchsia
Fuchsia is such a versatile color, and this subdued version is perfect for spring!
10. Blooming Coral
Give yourself the gift of bright, vibrant blooming flowers with a set like this one from @_thejadeaesthetic.
11. Coral and Yellow
This cute set from @madnails.ut features a pretty coral color with yellow polka dots, and the opposing colors on the opposite hand. It’s abstract and fun!
12. Fiery Coral
This bright and fiery coral color is not for the faint of heart! @_thejadeaesthetic offers a perfectly applied gel mani in a classic square almost short coffin shape that looks so clean.
13. Coral and Fuchsia Chrome
Bright red corals and pink fuchsias combine in this mani from @_thejadeaesthetic in not only a fun ombré, but an eye-catching chrome finish!
14. Fuchsia Ombre
How cute is this fuchsia ombre set from @madnails.ut? The subtle ombré to bright pink tips is stunning!
15. Coral and Gold
This light coral set from @_thejadeaesthetic features a chic gold trim around the edge of the nail.
Related: 21 Best Butter Yellow Nails That Are Perfect for Spring, Warmer Weather and New Beginnings
Turquoise and Bright Green
16. Bright Aqua
This short round set is so cute and the bright aqua color is fresh and fun!
17. Minty Ombre
A bright green fades into a minty white on this gorgeous ombre set.
18. Turquoise Sunset
Who says older women can’t have designs on their nails? This turquoise sunset mani from @nails_by_3llie is so cute and a lovely choice for summer!
19. Lime Green Glitter
This bright lime green set with glitter is sure to be a conversation starter!
20. Turquoise Chrome
This bright turquoise chrome set from @madnails.ut reminds us of the cotton candy sky during a summer sunset.
21. Green Checkerboard
Checkerboard nails are very on trend right now, and so is the color green! You can’t go wrong with a set like this one from @nails_by_3llie.
22. True Turquoise
This super shiny set of turquoise nails is eye catching and such a bright fun color.
23. Bright Green
What’s more fresh for spring and summer than a bright green set to match nature coming back to life?
Related: 30 Green Nail Ideas—From Emerald to Sage—To Give Your Everyday Style a Perfect Pop of Color
Milky Nails
24. Neutral Milky
The slight milky effect on this neutral set makes for a natural look with some pizzazz.
25. Short and Milky
This set of translucent white milky nails is a perfect choice for a classy and clean mani.
26. Milky Combo
Why not combine a matte milky color with shiny accent nails? It’s the best of both worlds.
27. Golden Pearls
A truly milky white set is accented by golden stripes topped with a single pearl detail. How darling is this manicure?
28. Milky Rose
This dusty rose color has been a classy mani option for quite a while. Add the milky effect and it’s trendy and hip!
29. Pale Pink and Glitter
This milky pale pink set has the slightest amount of glitter accent and we’re here for it!
30. Pearlescent Glitter
A milky white base is topped with a pearlescent glitter for a truly pretty effect.
31. Milky Matte
The palest pink set is finished off with a matte milky effect for a stunning look!
Related: 35 May Nail Ideas for Your Most Polished Season Yet
Metallic
32. Mauve Metallic
Much like chrome nails, metallic sets are eye-catching and just so pretty! Simple colors like this muted mauve offer a laid-back metallic look.
33. Lime Metallic
Not only does this set follow the bright green trend, it also has that lovely metallic finish.
34. Purple Metallic
This deep purple iridescent color is reminiscent of butterfly wings and is oh so spring, but versatile enough to also work for fall and winter!
35. Seashell Set
The great thing about this set from @madnails.ut is that the seashell effect looks like it would be textured on the nail, but they’re actually smooth! Perfect for a no-fuss mani.
36. Copper Nails
Copper is such a warm and inviting color, and the metallic sheen of this set makes it all the more alluring!
37. Stunning Silver
Silver is such a classic metallic look and will pair perfectly with any outfit!
Related: 75 Best French Tip Nail Ideas for a Classy and Timeless Manicure
Classic Red and Burgundy
38. Deep Red Chrome
You can’t go wrong with a classic red set, and this one from @_thejadeaesthetic with the chrome finish is stunning!
39. Round Red
A short round set is very practical yet stunning. This classic red from @houseofflourishnails is just beautiful.
40. Red Cat Eye
Cat eye nails are so captivating, and the coloring on this red and deep burgundy set from @houseofflourishnails makes it all the more thrilling.
41. Jelly Red
The translucent effect on this set from @houseofflourishnails is nothing short of amazing!
42. Red Tortoise
This beautiful combo of bright red and classic tortoise from @madnails.ut is such an eye-catching look!
43. Matte Red with Shiny Tips
Add a bit of va-va-voom to your mani with this matte red set and shiny tips from @houseofflourishnails!
Related: The 13 Best Press-On Nails, Tested by Celebrity Manicurists
Beige and Chrome
44. Purple Over Beige
This beige taupe set from @houseofflourishnails is made extra exciting with a lilac chrome finish!
45. True Neutral
A classic short square shape meets the lightest neutral beige to combine for a truly classy set.
46. Brown Polka Dots
This neutral brown set from @_thejadeaesthetic is so cute with the bright white polka dots and a chrome finish.
47. Chrome French Tip
Nothing beats a clean French tip set, and the translucent chrome makes this set all the more exciting!
48. Square Beige
A more natural looking beige set combines with a perfect square shape to make for one clean mani.
49. Shiny Neutral
What makes a good beige nail that much better? This shiny and barely shimmery set from @_thejadeaesthetic definitely hits the mark!
50. Beige Chrome
The subtle French tip on this beige chrome set is stunning. Sometimes simple really is better!
Up Next:
Related: 31 Best Neutral Nails for a Classy Manicure in 2025
