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Polka Dot Nails Are the Vintage Manicure Trend Taking Over This Summer
Mazz Hanna, a manicurist and CEO of the boutique talent agency Nailing Hollywood, further defines that twist: “The way people are wearing dots now—with minimal spacing, muted colors, or just a few accents—makes them feel current,” she says.
The nail world has been inundated with milky manicures, soap nails, and glossy sheers for the last few years. But the emergence of polka dots could be a sign that the tide is shifting back to something more playful. “The clean-girl, glazed donut, and neutral manis will always be on trend,” says Gerstein. “But I think people are craving more personality and fun in their nails again.”
She’s noticed a return to nail maximalism, with ombré, cat-eye, color blocking, smiley faces, and cherries being dominant themes. “Nail art is becoming more expressive again,” Gerstein continues. “I’m loving anything that feels like a wink—graphic shapes, mix-and-match designs, and art that tells a little story. People have always used their nails to show personality.”
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How to get polka dot nails at home
“All you need is a dotting tool,” advises Ganzorigt. Dotting tools are widely available and inexpensive, but a toothpick or bobby pin can also work. To create your dots, Hanna recommends dipping your tool of choice into polish and lightly pressing during application to make the dot shape. “Less pressure gives smaller dots, more pressure gives bigger ones,” she advises. “Let the base color dry fully first to avoid smudging. If you want clean placement, start with one dot in the center, and build out from there.”
Polka dot nail inspiration
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the most colorful, cheeky, and classic polka dot manicures to inspire your next summer set.
Vintage-inspired polka dot nails
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Sparkling polka dot nails
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Black and white polka dot nails with ladybugs
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Black and white polka dot nails
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Mismatched polka dot nails
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Polka dot nail polish ideas
You’ve got an infinite palette to work from, as polka dot nails can be subtle and sheer or bright and colorful. “What I love about the trend is that there’s no right or wrong color,” Ganzorigt says. Hanna likes “unexpected” color combos like cream and chocolate brown, lavender and pale gray, and matte black over a neutral. “Even a glossy, clear base with tonal dots, like blush on blush, can give the effect without looking too bold,” she says.
- Zola Ganzorigt is a manicurist based in Los Angeles.
- Rita Remark is a manicurist and Essie global ambassador based in New York City.
- Elle Gerstein is a manicurist based in New York City.
- Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood, a boutique talent agency based in Los Angeles.
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