19 Western Nail Ideas To Try for Cowgirl Spring

It's clear that pop culture is in its yee-haw era. Perhaps you've got Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter on repeat or you're dreaming up your own ranchhand romance à la Bella Hadid. (Or maybe you're just obsessed with the Western-inspired outfits all over TikTok.) But one idea that needs no deliberation is channeling cowgirl influence into our beauty routines—specifically in the nail department. From turquoise gemstones to hard-worn metallics and kitschy cowboy boots—you can saddle up, because we've lassoed up the 19 best Western nail art ideas to unleash your inner cowgirl.

Totally Turquoise

Turquoise—a stunning blue-green mineral known for unique shimmery veins—has been prized in the Southwest for centuries. Revered in Indigenous culture as a stone of health and protection, honor that good fortune on your nails with a jewelry-inspired design.

Modern Cow Print

Cow print gets a new life when mixed with multiple shades of brown, orange, and black, as well as with mixed metal beads.

How Now, Brown Cow?

While coco brown cows do not make chocolate milk (sad), they do make great nail inspiration. Layer warm brown splotches on a stark white base for a bolder contrast, like this set.

Itty Bitty Boots

Floral nail designs are cute on their own, but when paired with a whimsical icon (like, in this case, a coral-pink cowboy boot), they somehow become even cuter.

Choco Cow French

Who said a French manicure has to be white, thick, and solid? This negative space French stands out from the herd, with cow print forming the classic arch formation.

Cow-Girly Pink

Graphic design lovers will adore this brown and pink cowgirl set, which includes personal touches like an initial and zodiac sign nail art.

Desert Sunset

If you stare at this set for long enough, it almost feels like you're in the Mojave desert watching the sun set after a glorious horseback ride.

Sandy Swirls

A less literal approach to the wild West is best for minimalist (and DIY) cowboys. To evoke desert vibes, simply create abstract swirl art with three shades of brown.

Bandana and Cow Print Mix 'N Match

Mismatched manicures are all the rage right now, which is why we're so drawn to this warm brown set that features paisley and cow print.

Badge of Honor

Outlaws, beware—3D nail art has moseyed over to the Western side of trends with celebrity Betina Goldstein's sheriff badge set.

Watercolor Cacti

We're adding this look to the top of our spring nail art wish list, thanks to the dreamy watercolor look of these cacti.

Cowboy Hat Accent

Give a nod (or, in this case, a tip of your cowboy hat) to the West with a vibrant mix-and-match manicure that screams summer nail inspo.

Next Stop, Nashville

If this popping pink set doesn't scream Nashville bachelorette party, we don't know what does. Ask for this look before your next big trip with friends, or just when you need some cheering up.

Antique Treasures

The West is full of antique shops with found treasures from the old days, and this manicure perfectly encapsulates those vibes.

Canyon Layers

As the dust settles in Western canyons, layers of orange, brown, tan, and white sediment are revealed—much like the look of this freestyle design. The added bullrings of the pierced nail trend elevate the set further into modern territory.

Classic Red Bandana

Bandanas are often used to keep dust, dirt, and debris out of the face of a rider (or concert-goer, as is the case at Coachella). But on nails, the timeless bandana paisley print gets a boho chic makeover.

Cacti Accents

Pink nail devotees will adore this bubblegum set, which adds a dose of Western influence to your look with cacti accent nails. We especially adore how the dark pink blooms contrast against the lighter base.

Abstract Cow Print French

Embrace your inner wild side (and artist) by trying your hand at this look. All you need is black and white polish, patience, and a somewhat steady hand. What's great about this set is that there's no need to be precise—stray lines and curves fit into the unique cow pattern seamlessly.

Tonal Brown Bandanas

Square nails are back and better than ever, so you might as well fuse two trends into one. Countrify your square tips with an intricate bandana print and ride off into the sunset.

Read the original article on Byrdie.