Dress Up Your Nails for the 4th of July With These Patriotic Designs

Independence Day is a time to celebrate America with fireworks, barbecues and other patriotic 4th of July activities. But why not take your festivities to the next level by sporting some fun, patriotic nail art this summer? We've rounded up dozens of ideas to get you started, from basic red, white and blue nails, to subtle stripes and simple stars, to full-blown tie-dye tips and glitter galore. Whether you're sporting natural, gel or acrylic nails, you can pull off these cute and trendy nail ideas, like a French manicure featuring the colors of Old Glory or ombre nails designed to show off your American pride. And if you're going the DIY route, make sure to follow our guide to the perfect at-home manicure. Happy birthday America!

These marble nails evoke a lazy pool day or the smoke that swirls in the sky after a firework show. These may look tricky, but it's possible to tie-dye nails using the water marble technique at home. Not to mention, they make for an adorable pedicure too.

Go for a twist on a classic style with a French manicure in two patriotic colors. Light blue makes this look even more wearable.

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Add lines to your next manicure to spice up your look. Don't be afraid to try a different nail shape, just be sure to stay on-brand with blue and red colors.

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At the end of the day, there's nothing more classic than a red manicure (just make sure the nail polish properly dries first). Wear your favorite blue and white outfit and you're all set.

If you're more of a minimalist and prefer to stick to one shade instead of three, opt for this simple nail design, a chic negative space half moon mani.

Make your manicure stand out by drawing on red, blue and white dots and stripes, and add a nail sticker to the mix to make it even more fun!

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Choose a few of your favorite blue hues this Fourth of July to create a manicure that is festive, yet adorable.

White nails are a summer staple. Amp them up by adding microscopic dots in shades of red and blue. For even more patriotism, place small silver stars on each nail.

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A red, ombre circle on a blue base coat adds dimension and will make your nails pop this Fourth of July.

Even if you're not spending this Fourth of July poolside, you can bring the pool to you with these fun, wave-inspired nails in different shades of blue.

Make your nails even more exciting than a firework finale with tons of multi-colored glitter. Try creating an ombré effect by layering more glitter polish on toward the tips.

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If you're looking for something a bit more subtle but still want to look patriotic, go for simple white stars over a nude base for an understated look that still pops.

If you're already intimidated by the idea of painting your own stars and stripes, try these foolproof decals. Simply paint your base, stick 'em on, and show off your patriotic tips!

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Nude ombré nails are sophisticated and fun at the same time. Add in a starry, glittery accent nail to get into the holiday spirit.

The more glitter and metallic shine, the better ... that's America's motto, isn't it? Keep the background simple with a peachy nude polish.

Instead of a traditional French manicure that follows the natural arch of your nail, flip it around to create a half moon. Choose colors like red and white for the holiday (and use gel nail polish for a long-lasting mani).

A Fourth of July barbecue wouldn't be complete without a few slices of watermelon to munch on. Add the summery fruit to your nails for a manicure that you can wear on the Fourth and beyond.

Evoke melting ice cream with tips that look like they're dripping in the heat. It's a nail design to be remembered!

More into dainty floral tips than stars and stripes? Opt for flowers in red, white and blue — they'll look delicate while still celebrating the holiday.

Prep your mani with a nail strengthener to repair any brittle nails. Then, try a royal blue manicure with two sparkly accent nails.

Keep one half of your nails clear and paint the other half a bold, metallic red. For the most Fourth of July spin, paint a thin, light blue line underneath.

For an abstract and understated manicure, try red swirls in all shapes and sizes around a pale pink nail.

Nothing says Fourth of July like foil in red and blue. Paint your nails an off-white color and add some white glitter to make them patriotic.

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If subtlety is your style and you opt for stripes and abstract dots more than stars, an easy way to show your patriotism is with thin, watercolor-inspired lines in tones inspired by our flag.

Add dainty gold stars to a neutral manicure. It's perfect for a holiday wedding or backyard barbecue, alike. Place small red and blue dots in between the stars so that you'll look at home at the cookout.

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Short on time? Opt for press-on nails that take the guesswork out of nail art.

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Patriotic nails doesn't always necessarily mean red, white and blue. Channel fireworks with simple, festive dots in any color. Make sure to add some sparkles!

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Keep it simple and classy with a single accent nail. A royal blue French tip adds a pop of color to any manicure.

Cherry pie is a Fourth of July staple — top a French manicure with tiny cherries to keep things sweet.

Nothing says the 4th of July like being loud and proud, so make your nails pop by adding large white stars over a bright red mani.

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Join in on the most playful trend of the summer by splashing red, white, and blue polish onto your nails for a pop of color.

Watch the YouTube tutorial.

A classic yet futuristic spin on an American mani everyone can rock.

Up your nail art game this Fourth of July with a simple geometrical design in red, white and baby blue.

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Tired of the red, white and blue? Not to worry, just sport gold stars on a base color of your choosing (and though unconventional, pink for the Fourth of July could be a vibe).

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This look will last long after the Fourth of July ends. The abstract design is vibrant, making this an unforgettable style.

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