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Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a celebration of life, memory and family, often expressed through colorful decorations, face painting and rich cultural traditions.
If you’re looking to embrace the spirit of this holiday in a unique way, your nails may be the perfect canvas.
From intricate skull designs to bright floral patterns, there are plenty of ways to incorporate the bold and beautiful elements of Día de los Muertos into your manicure.
Whether you’re looking for something subtle or want to go for vibrant, detailed art, these 19 nail designs capture the essence of the holidays with every stroke.
Each of them is a small tribute to the vibrant culture behind the celebration, allowing you to take its festive and meaningful spirit with you.
Read on to find the perfect look for your Day of the Dead celebrations.
19 Nail Designs for Day of the Dead
1, Skull and flowers on red and white glitter nails
These nails feature a striking combination of red and white glitter with intricate skull and flower designs.
The vibrant colors and shimmery base make this a bold yet festive look, perfect for celebrating Día de los Muertos.
Skulls honor traditional sugar skulls, while flowers add a beautiful touch of elegance and meaning to your manicure.
2. Matte black nails with orange floral accent
Matte black nails provide a dramatic and elegant base for this design, complemented by bright orange floral accents.
The contrast of dark and light hues evokes the traditional marigolds used during Day of the Dead celebrations.
These nails are perfect for those who want a sophisticated yet festive design for the holidays.
3. Vibrant Mexican-inspired nails
Celebrate the rich culture of Día de los Muertos with these vibrant, Mexican-inspired nails.
Bright colors like red, orange, yellow and blue are used to create stunning flowers and patterns.
This design is an artistic and bold tribute to the festive traditions of Day of the Dead, perfect for anyone who wants to stand out.
4. Nude and black nails with small floral and skull accents
A chic combination of nude and black nails with delicate floral and skull accents.
This subtle design is perfect for those looking for a more understated nod to Día de los Muertos while still incorporating the iconic elements of the holiday.
The small details give it a refined and elegant look.
5. Red French tips with gold cross, sacred heart and skull
This sleek take on classic French tips features a rich red polish accented with gold crosses, sacred hearts and skulls.
Intricate details pay homage to the spiritual roots of Day of the Dead, blending traditional symbols with modern nail design for a striking and meaningful manicure.
6. Nails with a ghostly dog motif
Celebrate the spirit of Día de los Muertos with these adorable ghostly dog accent nails.
Featuring the beloved spirit guide dogs often depicted in Mexican folklore, this design is both playful and festive.
Paired with white nails, these decorative pieces add a cute and whimsical touch to your Day of the Dead look.
7. Matte purple nails with skulls and colorful flowers
Matte purple nails make a bold statement while serving as the perfect backdrop for intricate, colorful skulls and floral designs.
This playful yet elegant manicure captures the essence of Día de los Muertos with its vibrant details, making it perfect for anyone looking to add a festive touch to their look.
8. Glow in the Dark Dia de los Muertos Nails
Take your Day of the Dead nails to the next level with glow-in-the-dark designs!
These nails feature traditional Día de los Muertos elements like skulls and flowers that come to life when the lights go out.
Perfect for evening festivities, this design adds an extra layer of fun and intrigue to your look.
9. Day of the Dead Tile Pattern Nails
Inspired by traditional Mexican tile patterns, this nail design is a celebration of color and culture.
Featuring bold geometric shapes and florals, these intricate designs will make your nails stand out.
Perfect for those looking to show their love for Mexican art and Day of the Dead traditions.
10. Orange and black glitter nails with spider web and Dia de los Muertos accent
These striking orange and black glitter nails feature a white spiderweb pattern on the orange nails and Día de los Muertos skull accents on two nails.
The mix of Halloween and Day of the Dead elements creates a bold and eye-catching look, perfect for the season’s festivities.
11. White and Nude Nails with Intricate Day of the Dead Designs
Sleek white and nude nails get a festive makeover with intricate Day of the Dead designs including skulls, flowers and sacred symbols.
This subtle yet detailed manicure is ideal for those who want a sophisticated way to celebrate the holidays without overwhelming the look with color.
12. Purple Ombre Nails with Dia de Muertos Art
The gradient effect of purple ombre nails makes a perfect backdrop for detailed Día de Muertos art.
Featuring skulls, flowers and cultural motifs, this design captures the vibrant spirit of the celebration while keeping your nails chic and on-trend.
13. Black nails with vibrant flowers and tiny skulls
These black nails serve as a dramatic canvas for vibrant floral designs and tiny skull accents.
The bright flowers provide a beautiful contrast to the dark base, capturing the lively spirit of Día de los Muertos.
This design is perfect for those looking to combine elegance with cultural touch.
14. Red and black nails with Dia de los Muertos designs
Bold red and black nails come to life with intricate Día de los Muertos designs including skulls and floral motifs.
This high-contrast manicure is perfect for anyone who wants a fierce, festive look that’s deeply tied to the rich traditions of the holiday.
15. Black French tips with a Day of the Dead twist
Classic black French tips get a festive upgrade with Día de los Muertos accents.
The flowers are delicately placed on select nails, adding just the right amount of holiday flair without overpowering the elegant, timeless look of the French tips.
16. Nude nails with subtle Dia de Muertos accents
For a subtle and elegant nod to Day of the Dead, nude nails with minimalist Día de Muertos accents are perfect.
Small floral motifs are delicately added to create a refined and understated tribute to the holidays that is suitable for both everyday and festive occasions.
17. Neon purple nails with a bright Dia de Muertos design
Neon purple nails serve as a vibrant canvas for bright Día de Muertos designs.
Skulls, flowers and intricate patterns bring this energetic manicure to life, making it the perfect choice for those who want to embrace the bold and festive essence of the holidays.
18. Dark blue gel nails with candles, cross and sacred heart
These dark blue gel nails capture the spiritual side of Día de los Muertos with candles, crosses, and sacred heart designs.
The deep, rich color adds elegance, while the religious symbols pay homage to the holiday’s deep cultural roots, making this manicure a meaningful tribute.
19. Coconut Day of the Dead Inspired Nails
Inspired by the beloved film CoconutThese nails bring to life the vibrant colors and heartwarming spirit of Día de los Muertos.
Featuring playful skulls, flowers and iconic elements from the film, this design is perfect for fans of Coconut you’re looking to celebrate the holidays in a fun and creative way.
