Star-Emblazoned Nails Are An Out-Of-This-World Trend You Can Rock Right Now
Friends, there's a new nail trend we're seeing pop up on the scene, and it's out-of-this-world cute. That's right — we're talking about star nails, and they're the trend we're rocking for any (and every) occasion. Believe it or not, star nails are surprisingly versatile, as there are loads of different types of stars you can draw on your nails. Thinner starburst designs offer a slightly more sophisticated look, while the standard chunky five-point star is great when you want to make a bold statement.
Before you head over to your favorite salon to ask for a star manicure, though, you're going to want to have a general idea of what you want since star nail designs can vary so widely. The stars could be the main part of your nail design or just an accent, and you can do them in pretty much any style or size you want. Lucky for you, you don't have to stress over coming up with the perfect design. Draw some inspo from one of our favorite star nail designs below for a look you'll find yourself getting at the salon again and again.
Do each nail a bit different
Can't decide on one design? Luckily, with this trend (and any nail trend, tbh), you don't have to! Take a page from the book of the above artist and vary the number and size of stars on each nail. You could even invert the colors of your stars and background, add French tips into the mix, or only do stars on some of your nails — when it comes to star nails, the world truly is your oyster.
Make the star an accent
If you don't want stars to be the highlight of your manicure, let them fade into the background, like in the above Kirby-inspired nail look. Star designs make a lovely accent to nearly any nail, and cute cartoon ones are a bonus when you're using your manicure to feature your favorite character. Make them ultra subtle by drawing just the outline of a star, using a color similar to the base color of your nail, or just letting it shine.
Use multiple colors
When you can't decide on just one color for your star-emblazoned nails, don't — there are no rules here. Opt for a stunning black and silver, black and gold, gold and silver, white and gold, or any color combo under the sun for your star look. Let them sit on their own against a nude base or add French tips (or even do a double French manicure) depending on whether you're going for a minimalist or maximalist feel.
Make it minimal
Even the smallest of stars can hold their own against a cacophony of background noise, like in the manicure pictured above. Sure, the tiny starbursts are only on one nail, but by no means does that minimize them — after all, some things are best savored in small doses. Opt for a minimalist star-nails look when you want to rock the trend without getting tired of it too quickly.
Do it in chrome
If the standard star nail just isn't cutting it for you, go big and bold chrome, like with the pink Barbiecore metallic nails pictured above. This look, while simple, is anything but boring and is one that'll have all your friends talking (mostly to ask you for your nail tech's contact info).
Use empty space
It's always an option to incorporate stars into other nail designs, but why not let them stand on their own? Space your stars far enough apart that there's plenty of empty space between them. This design is minimal but still visually interesting. Bonus points if you do a nice milky white, pink, or nude background on your nail base to let the empty space shine.
Paint a white background
No matter what color stars you want to put on your nails, make them shine against a white background. This look can be particularly striking when paired with black stars, but any color star will stand out well against a white background. If you wanted to go super subtle with it, paint bright white stars against a milky white background for an understated, elegant look.
Do it with a French tip
If a French manicure is your go-to salon appointment, spice it up the next time you go in by adding some stars to the mix. You could add a star design to just one or two nails, and you can keep it in the same color as your French tip or contrast it. If you want to get really wild with it, let the star overlap the French tip.
Two-tone it
Want a subtle yet still striking look that you'll probably see all your friends sporting after they see it on you? Then a two-toned star mani is the way to go. To achieve this look, pick one color for the base of your nail and then grab the same color in a few shades lighter or darker to paint your stars. You could do a few simple five-pointed stars, or you could go all-out with several smaller starbursts for a more delicate look.
Do them in different colors
This is a look for when commitment just isn't your vibe. Go all out with all the colors you want to use for your stars — there are no limitations here! We do have a few guidelines, though. If you want to make sure your look stays put together, use colors that go together well. That could be as simple as sticking to just pastels or just jewel tones. Then, use your star colors elsewhere throughout your nails so none of them look out of place.
Invert the colors on each hand
TBH, we're obsessed with the above square nails that invert the colors of the star manicure on each hand. It's a stunning look to go for when you want something put-together but still a little wacky. Your invert could be as dramatic as the dark and light shades used above, or you could make it more subtle by inverting two light or two dark shades.
Color them for summer
Star nails are a great look to go for when summer rolls around, especially when you theme the colors around the season. Bright colors like orange, yellow, green, and pink are great options when the summer months roll around. Pick pastel shades if you want your nails to be more subtle or brighter shades if you want everyone to notice your new manicure.
Do it as a starburst
As you know by now, five-pointed stars aren't your only option. If the standard star is too chunky for you, tone it down by opting for a starburst design. A starburst offers a mystical edge to the star nails trend and is a great option when you're looking for a more sophisticated look or are trying to mimic the night sky.
Make it three-dimensional
When you want your star manicure to really stand out, make it three-dimensional! Three-dimensional star nails are a look you're not likely to see any of your friends sporting, but they're a stunning look all the same. We recommend making the three-dimensional stars an accent and keeping the rest of your star designs flush to the nail so your look isn't overwhelming.
Play with pinks
If pink is your favorite color, this look is for you. Pair a bright pink star with a milky pink base shade for an elegant, girly look perfect to wear to the theater when Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" releases. Or, do a hot pink base with a light pink star for a more dramatic look.
Draw the stars in glitter
Who doesn't love glitter? Personally, we think glitter should be a staple in everyone's nail arsenal, and star nails are no exception. The above baby boomer nails with glitter starburst accents are an effortlessly elegant look, perfect for any formal occasion you might have looming on the horizon.
Make it look like midnight
Alternatively, why not theme your star nails after their natural habitat — the night sky? An iridescent midnight blue (or purple, or even black) makes for a fabulous base for this look. Do stars on all your nails or have the night sky part to reveal them.
Just outline it
If you really love whatever base color you're putting on your nails, don't muck it up by drawing a whole star on top of it — just outline it! An outline of a star is just as much a star as a filled-in one, and it'll let your base color shine while providing just the slightest bit of visual interest.
Draw some moons
What other shape goes great with stars? Moons, of course! The next time you get some star nails done, why not add in some moons to match? Personally, we're digging the black and gold color palette of the above look; if you want to tone yours down, opt for a midnight blue base and silver star and moon accents.
Do them patriotic
Is any look more perfect for the fourth of July than star nails? We don't think so. To make this look match the Independence Day theme, incorporate the colors red, white, and blue. You can use them in any combo you wish — personally, we think a red nail background with blue and white (or silver) star accents would be a stunning look to sport on the big day. Bonus points if you add in some fireworks, too.
Add them into other mystical shapes
Self-proclaimed mystics have probably already sported some version of star nails at least once or twice. If you haven't, why not incorporate them into your next manicure? We're digging the above look, featuring an evil eye, snakes, flames and stars galore. Use the same color throughout if your nails are going to be design-heavy to keep them from looking too busy.
Do them on different colored backgrounds
If you want a look that's not super streamlined but you don't feel like varying your star designs on each nail, just change the background color. A different base color on each nail will keep your look interesting without having to worry about coming up with different star designs for all your nails. We love the above look that utilizes pastel shades, but you're not limited to pastels — pick whichever color palette matches your mood, and run with it.