Abstract nail designs are having a major moment right now. Serving as the perfect antidote to minimalist manicures, the trend embraces colour, creativity and a healthy dose of individuality.
If my algorithm is anything to go by, nail art fell out of favour a few years ago. In its place, a wave of sheer milky hues, glossy finishes and neutral nail trends came to the fore. The timing coincided with the rise of the ‘clean girl aesthetic’, where all of a sudden everyone coveted that healthy, fresh and put-together look. It was the era of barely-there manis – the nail equivalent of 'no-makeup makeup'.
But if you’re growing tired of seeing the same, cookie-cutter minimalist manis all over your feed – it could be a sign to switch things up and throw out the rulebook. Enter: abstract nail designs. For the bold, for the fun and the downright adventurous, abstract nails are entirely unique. You can clash colours, play with texture and combine an assortment of shapes to create mini works of art.
The beauty of abstract nail designs is that there really are no rules. A celebration of individuality, you can go as understated or as experimental as you like. Opt for a cohesive look with matching waves in ice-lolly hues or treat each nail as its own canvas and create a gallery of abstract looks. Think polka dot French tips, colour blocking, metallic swirls and gemstone embellishments.
If proof were needed that maximalist manicures are making a comeback, look no further than the celebrity set. Long before abstract nail designs started creeping back onto our feeds, Dua Lipa was championing statement nail art, regularly stepping out with everything from crystal embellishments and confetti-inspired tips to graphic swirls and playful colour clashes. Much of the credit goes to her go-to nail artist Michelle Humphrey, whose creations have helped put artistic, personality-filled manicures firmly back on the beauty agenda.
And while abstract nail designs might sound intimidating, they don't have to mean neon colours and over-the-top embellishments. The trend is surprisingly versatile, spanning everything from minimalist squiggles and negative-space details to painterly brushstrokes and graphic monochrome designs. Whether you're looking for something subtle or salon-stopping, there's an abstract nail design to suit every aesthetic.
Ahead, we've rounded up the chicest abstract nail designs to screenshot before your next salon appointment.