The Best Western-Inspired Nail Art For Your Cowboy Era Manicures

This ain't Texas, ain't no hold 'em. So lay your nails down, down, down, down. You probably already know that the likes of cowboy boots, fringe featuring fashion, and the coquette cowgirl aesthetic have been dominating our wardrobes, so it really was only a matter of time before we entered our cowboy manicure era.

But don't fret at the thought of taking it to the wild west with your manicure. Although the cowgirl aesthetic can seem a little daunting (especially if it's not your usual style), there's more to it than fringe and horseshoes. One of the best sources of inspiration is Mrs. Cowboy Carter herself, Beyoncé, who showed us how to make western aesthetics glamorous in the visuals for her "Cowboy Carter" album. Then there's of course, former country princess Taylor Swift, who's still flirting with the country girl look on her "Eras Tour." We've taken a dash of inspo from those two superstars, as well as the internet to find the very best Western-inspired nail art that'll have you yee-haw-ing your way to your next nail appointment.

What's more cowboy-esque than a lasso, a cactus, and cowboy boots? Adding on-the-nose designs like these adds a playful kitsch factor to the cowboy manicure trend. To put your own spin on the look, choose colors you're most used to having on your nails so you won't feel too out of your comfort zone. That could be anything from feminine pinks to more sophisticated shades like dark blues or greens.

Cow-print nails have been on trend for a while now, and they really do fit perfectly into the western manicure styles that are perfect for your cowboy era. Try an all-over black-and-white print for the classic look, or apply the black spots only on the ends of white tips for a fun twist on the classic French manicure. You could even add a brown lasso line, or experiment with different colors to make this idea your own.

It doesn't get anymore western than good ol' denim? After all, Beyonce has a song dedicated to "LEVIIS JEANS." Denim inspired nails had a bit of a moment in winter 2023, but now they're back under a new aesthetic. To really make this iteration western-inspired, try adding 3D nail charms like shoot 'em up cowboy pistols or hats.

If you really want to go all out with your Western-inspired nails, then there's little more traditionally western than a stag skull. Of course, this design won't be for everyone (and it may take a little work to perfect) but it's a creative to get the look. You could add smaller skulls to each nail, or have one big one painted onto your middle finger with its horns stretching onto the surrounding nails.

For a more "Cowboy Carter"-esque inspired manicure, look no further than the Stars and Stripes. Embrace the Americana-themed look, there are a few different ways to do it. Of course, you could go full-on and paint the whole intricate flag on your nails, or you could make it a little simpler by focusing on just one part of the nail. Try layering red, white, and blue diagonally or horizontally over a nude base to really let your nail art have its moment.