This is a sign to treat yourself to a mani-pedi.
In the heat of quarantine, we still had access to various ways to fill our beauty and fashion cravings. Online shopping became the norm, Amazon was our BFF, and everything was right in the world — even if we technically couldn’t hit up our favorite malls and boutiques.
Yet, as time went on, it became obvious that something was missing. You were able to update your wardrobe, get the latest makeup and skincare products everyone was raving about, and even touch up your hair from home (despite the fact the outcome may have been horrendous). Yet, for some reason, you just weren’t able to feel like the best version of yourself.
Well, you probably figured out what was wrong when you stopped trying to put your finger on it and realized the problem was your finger — well, at least your nails.
That’s right, it’s no secret that nail salons were hit hard by COVID-19, and those that were used to getting a fresh manicure every two weeks were feeling quite deprived of the confidence a new set of nails gives you (if you know, you know). However, now that a majority of nail salons are back up and running, a fun new set of nail trends has recently emerged amongst influencers and celebs. Below are a few that have practically taken over my Instagram feed (and probably yours too). So, let’s look through them and see which one is best for you, shall we?
Kicking off our list is no other than social media influencer and YouTuber Summer Mckeen, who has been setting trends for her 2.24m YouTube subscribers and 1.8m Instagram followers to follow for a few years now. That’s why I’m not the least bit surprised that she’s jumped on the rainbow nails bandwagon that practically every influencer has been trying out this spring. Though, can you really blame them? We’re coming out of one of the darkest years we’ve ever experienced (made even worse with dull nails) and need a pick me up. The perfect solution? A multicolored manicure that will bring you joy every time you look down.
Other fashion and beauty influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Gigi Hadid have also been showing off their colorful nails, but I decided to showcase Mckeen’s nails because she’s wrapped two nail art trends into one: the rainbow and the minimalistic nail art. If you give the photo a closer look, you’ll see her nails are topped off with smiley faces, making her already fun manicure even more amusing. Between a variety of vibrant colors and little faces that give you an encouraging grin any time you catch a glimpse of your fingers, it’s safe to say there’s little to no chance you’ll feel down in the dumps with this look.
Okay, so maybe ‘minimal’ nail art like Mckeen’s isn’t your thing and you want to take things up a notch: you may be interested in something more akin to Dixie D’Amelio’s look. After her sister, Charli, blew up on TikTok in what felt like the blink of an eye, her older sister Dixie’s fame followed closely after, leading her to wrack up a whopping 51.5m followers on TikTok, 24.3m followers on Instagram, and 7.4m subscribers on YouTube. When that many people have eyes on you, it’s no surprise you’d want to make sure you’re always looking your best — that includes ensuring your nails are on fleek.
What better way to do that than to give each of your nails their own unique pattern? That’s right, though it may be a bit much for some, this dramatic look is perfect for those wanting nails that will make people do a double-take. Even better, the fact that they’re done in black and white makes them look super classy, so even though they’re a bit busy they still look sophisticated. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that D’Amelio only snapped this pic to show off her mani for fans, so if you’re looking for a confidence boost that’ll leave you wanting to start a career in hand modeling, I think this one is for you.
Maybe you want your nails to look super low-key while also being incredibly cute, this is totally doable. In fact, fashion blogger and model Victoria Waldau’s nails may be my favorite on the list. Their thin, rounded shape and elegant length make her look like she’s royalty, and the nude color is mature, polished (no pun intended), and did I mention matches with literally everything?
However, just because her nails are on the more subdued side doesn’t mean she can’t have a little fun. Waldau’s decision to top her manicure off with tiny white hearts was nothing short of nail art genius. These nails aren’t at all loud or in your face like Mckeen’s and D’Amelio’s may appear to be for some, but I can guarantee that Waldau is still greeted with a spark of joy every time she looks at her hand is greeted with gorgeous nails with a little hint of love♡.
Watch out girls, these manicure trends aren’t just for you. Recently, male icons like Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, and Matt Healy have been showing off painted nails adds a bit of attitude and edge to any outfit. It’s obvious that TikTok star and influencer Chase Hudson, also known as ‘Lil Huddy,’ couldn’t agree more. His black manicure compliments his leather jacket, silver jewelry, and slicked back hair perfectly, and topping of his look with one red nail makes him stand apart from the majority of other guys hopping on the manicure trend but only committing to black polish (come on guys, Hudson is challenging you to step it up).
Hudson is practically the poster child for what it means to be an ‘E-Boy,’ a subculture embraced by millennials and Gen Z rooted in being edgy, alternative, and standing as the lone wolf. So, if you’re looking to embrace your E-Boy (or E-Girl) energy, going with a manicure like this is a solid first step toward success.
Ending the list is small business owner and influencer Suede Brooks, who’s putting a modern twist on a classic manicure most of our moms sported throughout the 2000s (and probably still sport now…if it isn’t broken don’t fix it, you know?). French tips are a go-to at any time — want a classy look that’s perfect for every day? Have a special occasion coming up and want your nails to elevate the elegant look you have planned? A French manicure will never let you down.
Though, if you want to make this iconic look a bit more eccentric, follow in Brooks’ lead and don’t hesitate on adding some length to those French tips. This look says “Hey, I’m classy and elegant, but also daring and spontaneous enough to take something ordinary and make it extraordinary“. Just like that, you’re instantly anybody’s dream girl — sorry, I don’t make the rules.
The Beat @APU 