Nail trends are taking a walk on the wild side in 2026; but if you still like a little order in your nail art, polka dot nails are the perfect middle ground. They feel more fun and elevated than a solid shade, but they’re dainty enough to stay subtle if needed. Dotted nails also strike the balance between timeless and trendy—Retro polka dots have been one of the biggest fashion trends of the last year (just ask Ariana Grande, Kylie Jenner, and more of our faves).
The style trend quickly made its way to our manis. Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, and Hailey Bieber are a few of the many stars who’ve been spotted in polka-dot nails recently. A quick scroll through dotted inspo shots will show you just how many ways there are 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 a just a few accent ones.
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Ahead is everything you need to know about the polka-dot nail trend, including how to create the look at home and plenty of reference shots to show your nail artist. 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?
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. The list goes on. You can style them however you’d like, but Lim loves a few in particular: 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 fashion crossover, why is this mani trend gaining so much traction in 2026? “I think polka dots have become popular because they give a mod feel to your classic manicure,” says Lim. They give a retro-inspired 1960s vibe and deliver a playful-yet-sophisticated energy.
And why have so many celebs hopped 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 is how easy they are to create, whether you’re a nail artist or an at-home DIY manicurist. “Polka dots are beginner-friendly, but you can take your art to an expert level by perfecting the placement of each dot,” says Lim. And if you’re not comfy creating your own nail art, you can opt for press-on nails instead.
To get 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-sized dots, make sure to use a different-sized 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.
