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Olive green might not be the first thing you think of when picking out a polish shade at the nail salon. However, there are thousands of Google searches for that very color each month, so there must be something to it.
We decided to do a bit of research on the subject to see what all the fuss was about. As always, we're here to share our findings. And trust us, after seeing the pretty inspiration shots below, you'll be just as on board with the unconventional color as we are. From light mint to rich emerald, with an extra emphasis on olive, ahead you'll find our favorite green manicures from the 'gram.
Whichever you choose to recreate, just remember: The key to DIY-ing a gorgeous manicure is to start with a base coat, end with a top coat, and regularly reapply cuticle serum during the life of your nail look.
Now, with that in mind, keep scrolling to find your next manicure with these 28 olive green nail ideas.
Green Diagonals
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Why choose one green when you can wear two? The trick to creating these crisp diagonal nails is to use striping tape. Once your base layer dries, stick a piece of tape diagonally across your nail and paint against it with a green color of your choice. Once dry, remove the tape and finish with a topcoat.
Graphic Shapes
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This graphic design in two shades of green is one of our favorites. Best of all, it looks more difficult than it really is. To create the look, you can use long, thin striping brushes or layer tape over the dry base color to create triangle stencils you can easily paint within.
Negative Space
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Thinking you might like to try a negative space option? This one will require a bit more time and patience, but if you have both of those things, it's worth giving a try. Use tape to your advantage when painting the mint green details before finishing with a coat of dark green over the tip.
Down to Earth
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Earth tones are very in right now, and we love how this manicure starts with a warm neutral base and uses olive green as a fun accent.
Art Deco Accent
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We love the way this olive mani incorporates an accent nail—it helps make the dusty green color pop. Plus, how fun is the art deco pattern? It resembles paint swatches in the best way possible.
Olive Marble
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Here's another way to pair white with olive polish. The duo makes the perfect pair in a marbled design, sure to look stunning at golden hour and beyond.
Wavy Accent Nail
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Ah, the power of an accent nail. With four super-simple nails on each hand, you'll have extra time to dedicate to an accent. The easiest way to recreate the design is by using a striping brush to create the gold, green, white, and black waves.
Geometric Nails
Can you tell we're suckers for sharp edges? These tri-colored nails are undeniably chic, and they're easy to DIY, to boot. Use tape to create crisp lines and take your time cleaning up the edges afterward.
Olive Trim
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Sometimes creating a statement-making mani is as simple as painting your nails one color and creating a contrasting trim. Pretty chic, huh?
Crossing Corners
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These light olive and gold nails are sure to earn endless likes. With two simple corner accents intersecting, how could they not? It's like decadent jewelry for your nails.
Sage Stunners
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These sage nails offer a lighter take on the olive trend. With two simple dots on each nail, they're both decorated and understated. Use shimmery polish or glue a gem to each nail to create delicate dots.
Olive Tips
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ICYMI, French manicures are very in. These offer a modern update on the classic look by layering two shades of green at the tip of each nail. What's more, they're layered on in an arc, which gives them a fun retro vibe.
Evergreen Details
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If you prefer a darker olive hue, opt for evergreen. These nude nails with dainty evergreen details are undeniably eye-catching. To create the look, use a striping brush dipped in the dark green polish of your choice.
Simple Sage
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Sage goes a long way when it comes to rocking unconventional green nails. It's part green, part gray, and fully chic. With gold dots and trimmed tips, these nails are demure enough to basically be a nude.
Negative Space Half Moons
These chunky French tips give us all the feels. With negative space half-moons and dark edges, how could they not? To create the look, use a circle sticker at the cuticle of each nail to create an arced edge to paint against.
Green French Tips
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Check out these mixed-finish Frenchies. With a matte base and glossy tips, this manicure has definitely caught our attention. To create the look, start with a matte base and finish with the glossy tip. Use tape to create even lines across each nail.
Turquoise and Black Tips
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We're partial to this easy-to-DIY design. All it takes is turquoise, half black tips, and subtle black lines to create an unforgettable look.
Understated Emerald
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These dark green negative space nails offer a moodier finish to your manicure. Skip the classic olive shade and take it up a notch with this edgy-chic design.
Shades a Plenty
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Let your green thumb come out to play with this sweet, multicolored mani. The varying shades work nicely against the one yellow nail for a summer-fun gradient look.
Golden Green
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A dash of gold against a deep green base color strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and fun.
Negative Space Sparkles
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Honestly, we're totally down for sparkles and this delightful negative space take has us swooning already.
'70s Chic
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Olive green looks great alongside a '70s color palette of brown, cream, and orange. The designs are so fun, too.
Abstract Art
Mix white, black, and gold polish with succulent green for a splash of color. This abstract, fun design is easy to do and works with any color combo.
Earn Your Stripes
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Kind of abstract, kind of wild, we love how the olive green base stands out against white, zebra-inspired stripes.
Orange Tree
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This graphic design uses negative space to its advantage, mixing a bright spring green with sweet orange. Again, apply tape after your base coat dries to create polished shapes.
Golden Sage
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This reverse French manicure incorporates sparkly golden tones against an already stunning sage base. Use a detailing brush to sweep the gold polish against the opposite end of your nail.
Green Ombré
Make the most of this ombré design by adding a few rhinestones to boot.
Earth and Sky
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This mani makes us think of a bright, cloudless sky against a green, rolling field. Plus, the negative-space aspect is a full-on win in our books.