If our new favorite manicure is anything to go by, individuality is very much in. We keep catching glimpses of mix-and-match nails on the fingers of the most followed nail artists and their clients, where each digit offers an opportunity for a different expression.
We’re invested, because nail regret is the worst. Who wants to commit to one design across all nails when you’re still half-tempted by the other three or four you’ve got saved on your mood board—especially when it’s gelled on for the next three weeks? That’s where mix-and-match nails are bringing all the options.
As for what mix-and-match nails actually are? In a nutshell, they are a freestyle mani for when you’re not sure which aesthetic to choose. It’s an eclectic edit of all your favorite designs, scattered across different fingers, all in one manicure. There’s also no “right” way to wear the style, either—which is kind of the whole point. It’s all about individuality and what speaks to you personally.
If you’re looking for inspiration, however, multiple major nail influencers have given us plenty. Imarni, who’s created designs for Emma Chamberlain and Maisie Williams, has showed off her own takes on mix-and-match nails for some time, and has become our go-to for bright, bold, statement squiggles, smilies, and nazar (evil eye) talismans.
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As the trend has evolved, we’ve seen it capture and blend other trending accents too. Melanie from Overglow Edit‘s most recent rendition incorporated chrome and 3D details.
Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt also gave her longtime client Hailey Bieber a colorful Murano-glass and animal-print mix of designs last summer, and we’ve seen similar spins multiple times since.
Elsewhere, we’ve seen mash-ups of croc-print alongside tie-dye, 3D motifs, swooshes, and bow details. We’ve seen checkerboard print combined with doubled-up Frenchies, flames with florals, and jelly textures with mixed metals, glitter, and airbrushing. Minimalism could never—so, much like the return of big hair, maximalism has taken the driving seat for this one.
