Polka Dot Nails Are The Celeb-Approved Beauty Trend Of The Summer
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16 hours ago
All the A-listers are getting in on this mani movement
One trend we’ve spotted everywhere this season? Polka dots. From the runway to the streets – and now to the salon – this classic print is the star of the summer. Below, we dive into the polka dot nails trend, and share some of our favourite mani inspo images.
Polka Dot Nails Are Having A Moment
We’re all going dotty for, well, polka dots. These striking spots have stolen the fashion spotlight this season – and are now coming for the salon. ‘They’re playful, nostalgic, and quirky without being OTT,’ notes manicurist and Mylee Senior Ambassador, Tinu Bello. ‘Fashion has taken a retro turn lately, with the likes of pedal pushers becoming popular again, and the dots we’re seeing now are inspired by everything from 50s cool to early 00s fun.’
But don’t get us wrong – this trend might be vintage-inspired, but the 2025 take is far from old news. ‘It’s all about a fresh twist on polka dots,’ adds Tinu. ‘We’re seeing polka dots with edge – mixed sizes, off-centre placements, layered patterns and unexpected colour combinations like rust and blush or pistachio and navy.
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‘We’re also seeing a lot of negative space coming into play, like dotting over bare nails or sheer tints for a modern, minimalist feel,’ she continues. ‘Matte topcoats are big too this season as they instantly make the look feel more high fashion than cutesy.’
The options – seemingly endless – also highlight another key draw: the ability to tailor the look to your own tastes. ‘This trend allows for a truly bespoke finish so you can go full set or just use them as accents,’ says Tinu. ‘It’s totally customisable, and it works on any nail length or shape.
‘Don’t underestimate how wearable this trend is. Even if you’re not into nail art, a simple dotted accent nail can be a lovely way to introduce something a bit more creative.’
Who Is Wearing The Trend?
And if you’re still not convinced, just look at all the celebrities who have dipped their toes (and fingers) into the trend. ‘Polka dot nails have been spotted on the likes of Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter, to name a few,’ notes Tinu. ‘When celebs are seen wearing a trend like this, people always start bringing reference designs into the salon and ask us to re-create them.’
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How To Ask For Polka Dot Nails In The Salon
‘Ask for a dotted nail design, but if you’ve seen something you love, bring a photo as it always helps your nail tech understand your vision,’ recommends Tinu. ‘Mention if you want something subtle and tonal or bold and graphic. Be clear with the finish you’re looking for: the different-sized dots you’d prefer, a sheer or opaque base, or a mismatched pattern across the nails. A good tech will work with you to personalise the mani.’
How To Recreate The Look At Home
And while the manicure might look detailed and dainty, it’s surprisingly easy to replicate outside of the salon. ‘Polka dot nails are one of the easiest nail art trends to create at home, especially with the right tools,’ confirms Tinu, who recommends investing in a dotting tool. ‘Mylee’s, for example, has a double-ended design that gives you more control. One end has a larger sphere – ideal for bold, playful dots – while the smaller end gives a more delicate, defined finish. Once you’ve mastered basic dotting, you can easily move on to more intricate effects.’
Below, Tinu outlines the steps for nailing a polka dot manicure:
- Prep your nails – file, shape, and buff, then cleanse to remove oils.
- Apply your base coat and cure under your lamp.
- Paint on two coats of polish, making sure each layer is dry before adding another (and curing each layer well, if using gels).
- Dip your dotting tool into a different colour polish and gently dot onto the nail. You can use the large or small end depending on your design – go for a uniform pattern or scatter them randomly for a more playful feel.
- Let the dots settle for a few seconds, then leave to dry or cure again.
- Finish with a top coat and let it dry well, or cure to seal the design.
‘Start with a few dots and build from there,’ the nail tech adds. ‘It’s easier to add than take away. Don’t forget to wipe your tool between uses to keep your dots neat and clean.’
What Next?
As for the future, Tinu predicts even more playful manicure styles peppered with polka dots. ‘We will see more layering with other patterns like stripes or checkerboard prints, and textured dots using gel or chrome powders,’ she muses. ‘I also think dot gradients and tonal looks (using different shades of the same colour) will take off. And because this trend is so easy to personalise, I don’t see it going anywhere soon.’
10 Polka Dot Nail Ideas To Try Next
1. Classic Monochrome
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2. Soft Chrome
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3. Strawberry Glaze
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4. Summer Brights
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5. Monochrome Mismatch
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6. Mocha Polka Dot French
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7. Mismatched Dots
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8. Gemstone Polka Dot Nails
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9. Silver Cat Eye
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10. Pretty In Pink
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Featured image: @shybairnstudios on Instagram
