16 Easy Ways To Add Texture To A Mani

In my humble opinion, there's nothing quite so satisfying as a simple, single color manicure. Classic nail looks match with literally every outfit, and they're definitely not something you're likely to tire of quickly. Even though I'm a sucker for a glossy, burgundy manicure, there are those times when I feel the need to rock an edgy, patterned, unique nail look. And what better way to try out a nail look of this description than with a little bit of texture? There are so many ways to add texture and dimension to a manicure, and you likely already have many of the materials needed to create these looks. 

From stones to glitter to intricate patterns, texture is a sure way to shake up a basic manicure. Ready to experiment with your nails and be the envy of all your friends? Keep scrolling for a list of 16 easy ways to add texture to any manicure. #8, #10, and #13 are especially speaking to me. Which looks are you dying to try out?

1. Gold Leaf

A base polish and some pieces of gold foil are all it takes to create this stunning, subtly textured manicure look! The mossy green base polish was an excellent choice here. 

2. Rhinestones 

Add some bling and dimension to your manicure with a few rhinestone encrusted accent nails. Just look at that sparkle and shine! 

3. Milani Texture 

Don't have the time or the patience to create DIY textured manicures? Try out a more instant look with Milani Texture nail polish! 

4. Fuzzy Nails

This sounds a little odd, but you can create soft-to-the-touch nails using a base color of your choosing and nail fuzz! 

5. Mermaid Scales 

This is such a fun, easy way to get textured nails! For a DIY mermaid scale manicure, place a piece of netting on top of nails, then apply different polish colors to a sponge and dab it over the netting. 

6. Lace 

Try out this gorgeous design by placing pieces of lace (trimmed to the size of your nails) over nail beds and sealing them with a clear top coat. Too much work? Try out a lace nail stencil instead! 

7. Liquid Sand 

For a sand-like manicure without the hassle or mess, try OPI's line of Liquid Sand nail polishes! 

8. Glitter Ombré 

Glitter ombré nails are a perfectly pretty way to add texture to your manicure. Slap on a base color of your choice, then dab glitter polish over top, slowly fading it as you reach the other end of your nail. 

9. Gold Studs 

This is such a simple yet totally stunning nail look. All this manicure consists of is a black base polish and some tiny, gold stud appliqués! 

10. Sequins 

Sequins are for much more than jean jackets, sneakers, and crafts. Add some sequins over top of a complementary base polish for a girly, glamorous nail look! 

11. Snakeskin 

You don't need to use real snakeskin to get shiny, scaly nails. This look was achieved by placing a piece of tulle over top of nails, then painting a few metallic polishes on top.

12. Rock Crystal

Rock crystal or geode nails are so mesmerizing and look completely three-dimensional. Although you can definitely try this look out yourself, letting a professional manicurist do the work is a safer bet. 

13. Stars 

This is such a magical, totally beautiful nail look. This manicure was created by placing tiny gold stars on top of a swirl-accented, black base polish. I know what I'm doing tonight...

14. Polka Dots 

These bright polka dot nails totally remind me of cupcake sprinkles! Recreate this look by using a dotting tool to apply a variety of polish colors to your nails. 

15. Splatter

How very Jackson Pollock. Get these fun, paint splatter nails by flicking different colors of polish over top of your nail beds! Applying tape or liquid latex to the skin around your nails will make this process far less messy! 

16. Feathers

This is such a cool, whimsical nail design. Trim artificial feathers (you can find these at any craft store) to the size of your nails. Seal them with a clear top coat and voila!