33 Creative Nail Designs Using Tape: Easy DIY Ideas

Sharing is caring!

When people think of beautiful manicures, they think of lots of time, effort, and tools.

But did you know you can create jaw-dropping nail art using an item you likely have in your desk drawer?

That’s right; you can create nail designs using tape!

Tape can be used to create so many incredible nail designs.

They can easily create clean lines, geometric patterns, and other unique designs, making it an excellent tool for beginners and more advanced manicurists.

Want to design Instagram-worthy manis using tape but need some help in the inspiration department?

Keep reading! This article shares plenty of nail designs using tape ideas – you’re sure to find one you love and can recreate at home!

33 Best Ideas For Nail Designs Using Tape

Check out this line-up of 30 nail design ideas using tape!

It’s hard to believe that these nail designs were created using tape, isn’t it?

1. Crystal Clear: Transparent Nails with Gold Tape Art

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: lily_nails_nyc

2. Elegant Edges: French Manicure with Gold Tape

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: henrynails1990

3. Chic and Cheerful: Colorful Nails with Gold Tape Details

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: sunnysunkuku

4. Trendy Triangles: Geometric Tape Designs on Bright Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: charlylouisenails

5. Lavender Flower Nails with Silver Lines

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: kelsgels

6. Geometric Glamour: Color Block Designs with Silver Rainbow Lines

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: speakeasynails_

7. Futuristic Flair: Metallic Tape on Animal Print Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: kelsgels

8. Ethereal Elegance: Pearlescent Nails with Silver Tape

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: k.glamourr

9. Sophisticated Stripes: Metallic Lines on Matte Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: nailartbymami

10. Classic Chic: Black and Salmon Pink Tape Nail Art

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: k.glamourr

11. Subtle Shine: Nude Nails with Delicate Silver Rainbow Stripes

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: kimborruso_beauty

12. Orange Color Blocks with Black Tape

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: thenailclinicxo

13. Luxurious Lines: Rose Gold Ombre on Pastel Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: taylormade_salon

14. Midnight Magic: Black and Leopard Gold Tape Nail Art

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: nailtique_lounge

15. Modern Masterpiece: Abstract Art with Metallic Tape

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: nail.apy

16. Cool Contrasts: Blue Ombre with Silver Tape Details

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: anitagetmynailsdone

17. Playful Patterns: Cow Prints and Tape Lines

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: apsaranailsbyjj

18. Sleek and Stylish: White Nails with Gold Tape Design

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: kiki_chicago

19. Neon Nights: Black with Neon Tape Highlights

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: the_nail_galore

20. Daring Designs: Bold Colors with Contrasting Tape

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: beebrightnails

21. Rainbow Radiance: Color Block Nails with Rainbow Effect

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: loveyournails_suffolk

22. Metallic Marvels: Gold Lines on Purple French Tip Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: madamisan

23. Bold Brilliance: Neon Nails with Square Tape Accents

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: mani_by_jojo

24. Bold and Beautiful: Color Block Nails on Nude Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: teddynailshop

25. Modern Minimalism: Black Accents on Nude Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: nicoleteehan_nails

26. Glittering Geometry: Blue Nails with Silver Lines

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: nails_de_wok

27. Enchanted Evening: Dark Nails with White Tape Patterns

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: thenailc.e.o

28. Soft and Subtle: Pastel Nails with Green Geometric Accents

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: heymichellelee

29. Glamorous Grids: Grid Pattern Nails with Gold Tape

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: gin_satsu

30. Artistic Allure: Multicolored Color Block Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: kaellyilene

31. Festive Flair: Playful Nails with White Stripes

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: rikkis_nails_

32. Vibrant Vibes: Pastel Color Blocks

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: lavendernails45

33. Black Accents on Emerald Short Nails

Nail Designs Using Tape
Instagram: 44brebre

Geometric Designs

Geometric nail designs are always in style.

Many fashionistas appreciate their artistic, modern approach.

Are you a gal with a passion for geometric designs?

You’ll be glad to know that this is one of the most popular nail designs using tape ideas – and you can do it at home in ten minutes or less!

Three of the top geometric designs you can create using tape include triangles, chevrons, and stripes.

  • The key is to start with a single nail polish color and cover the entire nail bed with it. 
  • Wait for the polish to dry completely. 
  • Then, place the tape strategically to create your geometric design. 
  • Use a different shade to bring the pattern to life. 
  • Again, wait for the polish to dry *entirely* before removing the tape.
  • Finish with a top-notch top coat to lock in the pattern and make it glossy!

Color Blocking

Color blocking is a new, cool, and edgy way to showcase contrast—from subtle to extravagant and everything in between.

If you’re obsessed with color blocking (hey – I know you have a few color block shirts in your arsenal!), you should make color block nails using tape at home.

Again, the process is pretty simple:

  • Swipe your nails with a single nail polish color.
  • Wait for it to dry.
  • Use tape to create your color block style.
  • Apply nail polish to create a color contrast.

There are so many excellent color combos to make your nails pop.

Some people love the classic black and white, while others may enjoy the brightness of neon shades.

You can keep it subtle with two different tamer shades, too, such as two types of pink.

French Manicure Twists

French manicures are timeless; there’s no doubt about that.

But the traditional French mani is beginning to take a step back in this day and age, paving the way for more exciting and new-age approaches.

If you’re ready to hop on the “new and improved French manicure” train, you can do it using tape!

How do you do this?

You’ll need to start by creating the “traditional” French manicure.

Of course, you don’t have to use the “traditional” shades, though. You can start with spicy and exciting colors.

From there, you can add interest to the tips. Think: diagonal lines, curves, and asymmetrical designs!

Tip: You can vary the look of your tips by simply changing the width of your tape.

Negative Space Art

Do you love the futuristic look?

While negative space art manicures tend to look complex, they don’t have to be.

They can even be made with tape at home!

Much like geometric designs, color blocking, and other nail designs using tape ideas we’ve mentioned, it all comes down to utilizing tape to block off areas and create attractive, eye-catching patterns.

The main difference is that you’ll show off your natural nail bed to create the negative space “artwork” for your manicure.

So, pick a single shade to add the pizazz, or use a different color for every nail.

It’s up to you!

Glitter and Texture

Last but not least, we couldn’t end this list of the top nail designs using tape ideas without mentioning glitter and texture.

After all, what girl doesn’t love a little glitter and texture in her life?

Tape can be used as a stencil to add glitter, texture, and other embellishments to your manicure.

You can also consider layering tape and polish to build up textured effects or gradients.

Yes, this is a bit more tricky and advanced, but it’s worth all the extra time and hassle.

Everyone will want to copy this fascinating style!

Tips for Using Tape in Nail Art

OK, these nail designs using tape ideas are pretty incredible – right?

Unfortunately, though, using tape to create eye-catching manicures can go wrong if you’re not careful.

I’m here to help cut down on the mishaps by sharing my top three tips for success:

Make Sure To Choose the Right Tape

To be completely honest, you can use regular ole scotch tape if you want.

However, the main drawback is that this tape is pretty sticky, and you risk pulling off the polish.

Painter’s tape is a little less sticky, making it the better choice.

The top pick, though? Actual specialty nail tape, of course.

This tape is designed to be easy to use, impossibly flexible, and not leave residue behind.

It’s ideal for bringing your designs to life!

Proper Tape Placement

When applying tape to your nails, you need to be extra careful with placement.

Don’t rush things, or you won’t be satisfied with the result.

Placing and Removal

When placing and removing your tape, it is crucial to allow your polish to dry completely before attempting to remove it.

Otherwise, you will end up with unsightly blotches and streaks.

Don’t rip the tape off, either. Using the “low and slow” approach is best!

Conclusion

OK, ladies, let’s face it – if you want to experiment with fabulous nail designs, you need to grab some tape and get to work!

Mix different techniques and colors to create a unique and stylish nail design that suits your personality and style.

Oh, and don’t forget to share your designs with others – you’ll likely inspire more than a few nail art lovers along the way!

Love it? PIN it for Later!

Lindsey Harris
Author
Lindsey is a professional nail artist based in Utah, US. Her specialties are party and occasion nails, she loves to work with glitter and gemstones in her nail studio. She loves sharing her knowledge of the nail industry and curating the latest nail design trends. She is contributing to a number of other industry related magazines.