19 Day of the Dead Nail Designs for a Bold, Festive Look

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a celebration of life, memory, and family, often expressed through colorful decorations, face paintings, and rich cultural traditions.

If you’re looking to embrace the spirit of this holiday in a unique way, your nails can be the perfect canvas.

From intricate skull designs to bright floral patterns, there are so many ways to incorporate the bold, beautiful elements of Día de los Muertos into your manicure.

Whether you’re going for something subtle or you want to go all out with vibrant, detailed art, these 19 nail designs capture the essence of the holiday in every brushstroke.

Each one is a small tribute to the vibrant culture behind the celebration, allowing you to carry its festive and meaningful spirit with you.

Keep reading to find the perfect look for your Day of the Dead celebrations.

19 Day of the Dead Nail Designs

1, Skull and Flowers on Red & White Glitter Nails

These nails feature a striking combination of red and white glitter with intricate skull and floral designs.

The vibrant colors and shimmering base make this a bold, yet festive look perfect for celebrating Día de los Muertos.

The skulls honor the traditional sugar skulls, while the 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 stylish base for this design, complemented by vivid orange floral accents.

The contrast of dark and bright hues evokes the traditional marigolds used in Day of the Dead celebrations.

These nails are perfect for those who want a sophisticated, yet festive design for the holiday.

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 the Day of the Dead, perfect for anyone wanting to stand out.

4. Nude and Black Nails with Tiny Floral and Skulls Accent Nails

A chic combination of nude and black nails featuring 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 tiny details give it a refined and elegant look.

5. Red French Tips with Gold Cross, Sacred Heart, and Skull

This elegant twist on classic French tips features rich red polish accented by gold crosses, sacred hearts, and skulls.

The intricate details pay homage to the Day of the Dead’s spiritual roots, blending traditional symbols with a modern nail design for a striking, meaningful manicure.

6. Ghostly Dog Accent Nails

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 playful yet festive.

Paired with white nails, these accent pieces add a cute and whimsical touch to your Day of the Dead look.

7. Matte Purple Nails with Colorful Skulls and 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 festive flair 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 alive 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 flowers, these intricate designs will have your nails standing out.

Perfect for those looking to showcase their love for Mexican art and Day of the Dead traditions.

10. Orange & Glitter Black Nails with Spider Web and Dia de los Muertos Accent

These striking orange and glitter black nails feature a white spider web design on the orange nails and Día de los Muertos skull accents on two nails.

The blend of Halloween and Day of the Dead elements creates a bold, eye-catching look that’s perfect for the season’s festivities.

11. White & Nude Nails with Intricate Day of the Dead Designs

Elegant 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 holiday without overwhelming the look with color.

12. Purple Ombre Nails with Dia de Muertos Art

The gradient effect of purple ombre nails sets 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 trendy.

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 flair.

14. Red & Black Nails with Dia de los Muertos Designs

Bold red and black nails come alive with intricate Día de los Muertos designs, including skulls and floral patterns.

This high-contrast manicure is perfect for anyone wanting 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.

Flowers are delicately placed on select nails, adding just the right amount of holiday flair without overpowering the sleek, timeless look of French tips.

16. Nude Nails with Subtle Dia de Muertos Accents

For a subtle, elegant nod to the Day of the Dead, nude nails with minimalistic Día de Muertos accents are perfect.

Small floral patterns are delicately added to create a refined, understated tribute to the holiday that works for both everyday wear and festive occasions.

17. Neon Purple Nails with 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, celebratory essence of the holiday.

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. Coco-Inspired Day of the Dead Nails

Inspired by the beloved movie Coco, these nails bring the vibrant colors and heartwarming spirit of Día de los Muertos to life.

Featuring playful skulls, flowers, and iconic elements from the film, this design is perfect for fans of Coco looking to celebrate the holiday in a fun, creative way.