With the lull of summer settling in, you may be finding it hard to decide on your next manicure. Maybe you’ve exhausted red nails, wearing them in every shape and shade, or are tired of seasonal fruity and beach trends. The only thing to do when manicure fatigue hits is to go back to the basics. This summer’s polka dot nail trend is sheer proof of this theory. Polka dots are one of the simplest forms of nail art. Not only are they easy to DIY, but they require only a little skill and a few tools to create them. You can easily find a polka dot tool kit on Amazon or TikTok shop. The simplicity of polka dots may have made them a household look for manicures, but creators are raising the bar with fresh takes and stylish designs. These looks are anything but basic. If you’re ready to try this nail trend, the polka dot manicures below are a good place to start.
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Denim Blue
Short nails are ideal for polka dot designs. This look uses small dots and two deep blue polishes reminiscent of denim washes. You can keep it simple or mix and match the shades for an interesting twist.
IG: @overglowedit 2 / 8
3D Cherry Nail Art
Black, white and red are a timeless combination; using them to create a polka dot design is just as classic. To give this manicure a bit more flair, the artist opted for 3D cherries, which make the polka dots feel modern and timely.
IG: @samrosenails 3 / 8
Polka Dots & French Tips
Colorful French tips are a fun twist for summer. If you want to make your nails even more alluring, try layering polka dots in contrasting shades over the French tip.
IG: @overglowedit 4 / 8
Lavender
Soft designs, such as this dainty dotted manicure, have year-round appeal. Instead of relying on bold colors and art, it embraces a cleaner look with creamy lavender polishes and a few simple dots.
IG: @bycheznails 5 / 8
Dots & Hearts
This manicure uses white polka dots against bare nails to give them a semi-sheer look. The effect is enough to catch the eye, but the tiny pastel hearts make it a real showstopper.
IG: @samrosenails 6 / 8
Rainbow Half-moon
If you’ve been on the fence about trying half-moon nails, consider this manicure a sign. Unlike the traditional design, which covers the majority of the nail, this polka dot version embraces a minimalist approach. Plus, the rainbow colors give it a fun, summery feel.
IG: @bycheznails 7 / 8
Graphic
The simplicity of polka dots works just as well for maximalist manicures. The key is to mix things up. Opt for a bold color palette, instead of classic shades and oversized dots instead of dainty ones.
IG: @samrosenails 8 / 8
Accent Nails
Not ready to commit to a full polka dot manicure? Then an accent nail look is the perfect choice. This look takes the guesswork out of the design and makes for a quick way to zhuzh up your nails.
IG: @overglowedit
