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Fun Back to School Nails

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Check out these cute and trendy back to school nails with creative school-themed nail art for teachers and teens.

Pinterest graphic with text that reads "Unique Back to School Nails for Teachers and Teens" and a collage of school-themed nail art.

We’re sharing the coolest back to school nails for teachers and teens to celebrate the start of a new school year.

Find unique and creative school-themed nail designs for every style from simple to extravagant.

And, get inspired by nail art featuring apples, notebook paper, rulers, chalkboards, crayons, and more!

Cute Back to School Nails

1. Short Academic Nails

Painted finger nails with school art, including notebook paper, a ruler, and a blackboard with chalk numbers and letters.

These bold academic-themed nails by @diamondstudionails are so sharp and eye-catching.

And we love the mascot nail that can be customized to the school of your choice.

This is the perfect nail design for teens.

2. Neon Colored Pencil Nails

A woman's hand with white painted fingernails and bright colored pencils at the tips.

These colorful and vibrant colored pencil nails are sure to stand out.

@redheadnails created magic with this striking nail art on a simple white background.

3. Extra Long Academic Nails

Long painted fingernails with back to school art, including a blackboard, paper, ruler, and pencil design.

Go big or go home! These extra long academic-themed nails by @thekeytonails_definitely make a statement for back to school.

We can’t get over the pointed pinky pencil nail (say that 5 times fast) and the ruler nail that’s almost big enough for a full 12 inches.

4. Pastel Academic Nails

White nails with school art including music notes, a notebook, and a paper plane.

How cute are these pastel colored nails with academic art from @gnarly.karly.nailz?

They’re the perfect design for teachers who want fun nail art that isn’t too over-the-top.

5. Almond School Supply Nails

A woman's hand with long painted fingernails with school art, including notebook paper, yellow pencils, and crayons.

These medium length almond-shaped nails create the perfect canvas for the back to school nail designs by @pickynailart.

The composition notebook nail almost makes us nostalgic for those formative school days.

6. Red Apple Nails

A woman's hand with nude nails and red apples on the tips.

It doesn’t get any more quintessential for back to school than this apple nail art by @azanasalonandspa.

This nail design would be perfect for a teacher.

7. Short Apples and Academia Nails

A woman's hands with painted fingernails and nail art, including, apples, notebook paper, and a chalkboard with letters.

Here’s a cute nail design by @mandysnailsx that would be great for teachers and teens.

It’s simple while still being unique and fun.

8. School Agenda Nails

A woman's hand with pink painted fingernails and book designs in blue with the days of the week at the top.

@manis_by_lar created one of the most unique nail designs on this list with pink, silver, and blue agenda-themed art.

It’s perfect for teens who love to read.

9. Red and Green Apple Nails

A woman's hand with painted nude nails with red and green apples on the tips.

Here’s another simple and cute back to school nail design featuring apples from @isabelnailedit.

The red and green apple varieties create a nice contrast.

10. Notebook Doodling Nails

Nail art with lined paper and black doodles including a cactus, mustache face, a star, and a lightening bolt.

Here’s a fun nail design for the doodlers out there by @longnailtales.

Add your favorite doodles to the lined paper background!

11. Yellow Pencil Nails

A woman's hand with painted fingernails to look like a pencil with yellow, silver, and pink polish.

We love these simple yellow pencil nails by @nathashanails.

Who knew number 2 pencils could create such a cute color combo for nails?

Inspiration from Pinterest

Here are some of our favorite nail designs from Pinterest that we couldn’t resist!

More Fun Ideas

And, here are some nail design ideas that we didn’t see around the web that will set you apart from the trends.

  • Bookworms: Paint cute little bookworms on a couple of accent nails, using bright colors for the worms and tiny books as their accessories.
  • Library Card: Paint your nails in neutral tones and use black or brown polish to mimic the look of an old-fashioned library card with lines and check-out stamps.
  • Periodic Table: For a science-themed manicure, paint each nail a different bright color and use white nail art pens to write small periodic table elements on each nail
  • Bus Yellow: Paint your nails bright yellow to represent a school bus. You can add details like black windows and wheels on a few nails to complete the bus look.
  • Reading Glasses: Paint your nails a solid color and use a nail art pen to draw small reading glasses or spectacles on a couple of accent nails for a scholarly look.
  • Backpack Nails: Create a backpack theme by painting your nails in bright, fun colors and adding details like zippers, pockets, and straps using nail art pens.
  • Calculator Keys: Paint your nails black or dark grey and use white or yellow polish to create calculator keys. You can add numbers and symbols to complete the look.
  • Plaid Patterns: Emulate classic school uniforms by painting your nails with plaid patterns. Use a mix of colors like navy, green, red, and white to create the crisscrossing lines.

Want More?

If you liked these nail designs, be sure to check out these other fun seasonal nails to inspire you throughout the year!

Your Turn

What did you think of these nail designs for school? Are there any fun designs you think we should add to our list? Let us know in the comments.