These matte gray nail designs won me over hard. A modern twist on a more traditional colorway. From a pair of jeans to an expensive dress, this look just works.
We’ve covered matte nail styles before. From different seasons like the matte fall nails but I wanted to focus on a specific colorway. Possibly one of my favorite choices for matte nails. Too often people hear gray nails and think old or outdated but I think understated style. The matte finish gives it a modern twist too!
We’ve gone through thousands of gray matte nail design ideas to bring you our favorites. We wanted styles that could go with any look and let you show off your own chic look at the same time. Whether you want a simple look to do yourself or some inspiration for your next manicure, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s start with a simple one. Here’s a matte gray polish in the form of square nails.Or you might like long, pointy ones. This is the same style, except in stiletto nails.With a bit of crystal gem designs, your square nails can still rock. Just look at how it’s done on these nails.If you want to go for something lighter, you can try ash gray. Add a bit of silver glitters for contrast… and, of course, radiance.Apart from the silver glitters, you can also go pink on one of your nails. Light pink mixes well with ash gray, especially in matte.I bet you didn’t notice the bird immediately, and I bet you won’t believe that these are handpainted. Believe it or not, they are.Glossy black and matte gray seems to have a good combination. Why not try these nails in your next session?Clean, simple, and all-natural. The best colors are sometimes more noticeable in plain designs.If you want it really dark, though, you can try the matte gray polish she used here. Use the silver glitters for a stunning effect.Ooh, I love these nails. They look so dreamy. Do you like a combination of matte gray and ombre glitter nails, too?Feather designs are really surreal to look at. These silver feathers are a perfect match for her dark gray matte polish.I guess matte gray polish will never lose its style no matter what you design it with. It looks so elegant even with just a single black glittered nail.These nails captured my attention because of the smoke effect. Although, I need to admit I thought they were clouds at first. So cool!Those 3D black roses, beads, and crystals look so extravagant, won’t you agree? In fact, this total set looks so bombastic and brilliant.Did you notice that there are two gray colors here? I guess the artist wanted some flavor, even if it’s just a little. I love the embossed white vines.A straight line and a triangle in gold foil for a bit of flair. The artist was just trying to experiment, but it turned out so well. Do you think so, too?The accessory she used here looks like sequins beads, no? But what caught my attention are the different shades of gray. They’re really nice.I didn’t know that they called these types of nails ‘squoval’ nails. Anyway, try these leopard prints as well on top of your matte gray polish. They look good.I wasn’t sure at first if those were crystals or nail stamps as they are shining so brightly in this nail art. Turns out they are stamps. They look so regal… befitting of a queen just like you.You might want to save this set on your list of winter-inspired nails to try. That handpainted snowflake is a gem. Wait, what did I say? Handpainted?! Whoa.Matte gray nails with neon and black geometric lines are quite a catch. I should try these nails sometime.Hmm. I don’t know about you but it feels like I am looking at laces. Never thought that they would look good on nails. Plus, that sakura flower is so pure and clean.Get your nails a different look with these creepy matte gray nails. Pumpkin nail art contrast well with the gray. The artist used neon gel paint to make the orange color stand out.If you want something sassier, you can go for these matte gray ombre. They look good in coffin-shaped nails, but I guess they will still look good even on other types.Here’s an inspiration for those who’d like to try the classic ‘classy and elegant’ but ‘cheeky and crazy’ trend. Have you tried piercings before? They look so badass, in a definitely good way.You may not see it clearly in the given photo, but the design on her thumbnails are 3D chains. I went crazy when I saw them, seriously.Care for some marbled nails? You can put some action into your plain matte gray nails by adding something similar to those white marble nails.I bet you also didn’t know that pink could go so well with gray. Try this design to make your nails look more vibrant and exciting.How about some ink blots effect? Black in gray is a must at least once if you are trying matte gray nails.Big size silver glitters in fade look so dazzling, right? Oh, and I particularly love the shade of light gray the artist used here.Ok, you might think these aren’t matte, but look closely. Can you see? Yup, the gray hearts are in matte! And you can just not apply the glossy polish if you’re up for matte all the way.While I expressly stated already that I love light and ash gray, I can’t deny the fact that this darker tone is absolutely stunning. You can see clearly as well how it shines with those golden leaf nails.I am actually thinking… who doesn’t love matte gray nails? I believe everyone loves it no matter what their style and kind of nail art are.Gray and yellow? Of course, such a combination is still ravishing. I did a quick search, and it has actually been a trend for so long now.Matte black, matte brown, matte white, matte gray, and matte marble… are you going to refuse? I’m pretty sure you don’t have the guts to say yes. These nails are grandiose!Do you like dragon prints? I picked this just in case you are fond of these magical creatures. Also, I like how they look so good on these matte nails.My favorite type of abstract lines are here and they are a perfect match for these nails.This specific gray color is called ‘dove gray’ and those pearls are from Swarovski. You might want to imitate this design exactly so I’m filling you in.Matte gray tips and silver glitter combination looks so fascinating. This set is giving me fairy vibes.Sweater nails in matte gray color, anyone?Sweater nails again, but combined with candy cane and gingerbread stamps. So, this is Christmas!Can you believe that these bears and berries are handpainted? I know it’s hard, but you should. I’m not lying. Love the glitter heart details, too!V-shaped french tips will never go out of style. I’m sure of that. You can always go back to the basics if you feel like having simple nails.These gray matte pumpkins are love. Even the patterns on her middle fingernails are a blast. These are the shades of gray I’d definitely love.Won’t you agree that that silver stamp design on her middle fingernail is without a doubt one of the best designs you saw today?Lace prints mixed with this style because… why not?!These claw-like nails look dangerous, but they are also beautiful. So, is it a go or a no?
I have a soft spot for a moon and star nail design but the colorway here just makes this set for me. The detail is fantastic and the light shades make it too cute.
I really like this style myself. There’s just so much you can do with it and it’s underused. It has a little bit of something for everyone and doesn’t take too much work to get a great result.
Our inspiration photos come from user submissions and open sources and we’ll always give credit. All of the fantastic styles belong to their respective owners. If we’ve got a credit wrong or you’d rather we don’t feature you – just drop us an email.
