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Summer trends are meant to be whimsical and carefree to match the season, and lucky for us, polka-dot nails check both boxes. A nod to summer’s hottest clothing trend, polka-dot nails are equal parts fun and fashionable. We’ve seen celebs from Kaia Gerber to Kylie Jenner in dotted dresses and capris, so it was only a matter of time until the trend would make its way onto our fingertips.
And now that polka-dotted nails have made their appearance, there’s no stopping them. Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, and Hailey Bieber (who’s worn them twice!) are just a few of the many stars who’ve been spotted (ha, get it?) in polka-dot manicures this summer. If you love a retro, vintage feel to your nail art, polka dots will be right up your alley. The best part? There are countless ways to wear them, whether it’s on short nails or long almond nails, with black-and-white dots or multicolored, or on all your nails or just a couple accent nails.
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Ahead, everything you need to know about the polka-dot nail trend, including how to create the look at home and tons of inspo pics to screenshot and show your nail artist at your next appointment. Plus, we got expert insight straight from Evelyn Lim, chief educator at MiniLuxe’s Paintbox studio in New York City, to learn more tips and tricks.
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What are polka-dot nails?
From glass nails and milk-bath nails to soap nails and jelly-gloss nails, there are a lot of mani trends to keep up with. Though most of them have been leaning more minimalist lately, the surprising (but welcome) popularity of polka-dot nails are just the pop of nail art we’ve been craving. They arrive on the heels of the massively popular polka-dot fashion trend, where dotted dresses, capris, bikinis, and more are reigning supreme all summer long. We love to see a beauty-fashion crossover.
Polka-dot nails are, unsurprisingly, exactly what they sound like. The manicure features any color nail base (or even a French manicure base) with polka dots on top. The beauty is in the versatility: They can be lined up or randomized, multicolor or single color, one size or varying sizes, and the list goes on. You can style them however you’d like, but Lim particularly loves a few: Her favorite colorways include “black and white, cherry red and white, coral and hot pink, or navy and honeydew,” she shares.
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Why are polka-dot nails so popular?
Besides the fact that polka dots are the go-to fashion pattern at the moment, why is this mani trend gaining so much traction so quickly this summer? “I think polka dots have become popular because it gives a mod feel to your classic manicure,” says Lim. They give a 1960s vibe, delivering a playful yet sophisticated energy that we all can likely use a bit of.
And why have so many celebs cosigned on the trend too? “Dua, Hailey, and Sabrina often pull inspiration from retro beauty trends,” says Lim. “Polka dots fit their aesthetic perfectly.”
How do you create polka-dot nails?
Polka-dot nails just keep getting better. Our favorite part? They’re incredibly easy to create, whether you’re a nail artist or an at-home DIY manicurist. Even beginners can get in on this. “Polka dots are beginner-friendly, but you can take your art to an expert level by perfecting the placement of each dot,” says Lim. If you’re not comfy creating your own nail art, you can opt for press-on nails instead.
To create the look, all you need is a nail-dotting tool. After painting your desired base color onto each nail, “With a dotting tool, dip into polish and lightly press onto the nail,” says Lim. “Repeat steps each time for equally sized dots.” However, if you want various-size dots, make sure to use a different-size dotting tool throughout.
Don’t have a tool? Not a problem. “If you do not have a dotting tool, try the tip of bobby pin or a ballpoint pen,” recommends Lim. This will work in a pinch!
You can also create 3D polka dots by adhering circular rhinestones or pearls onto your nails for an even more creative take on the trend.
Polka-dot nail art inspiration
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Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.