In the fashion world, denim is thought of as a neutral colour. So why shouldn’t the same rule apply to denim nails? There are a lot of fashionable ways to wear jeans this spring, so it’s not surprising that nails are also getting in on the classic fabric. These manis come in as many styles as your favourite pair of basic trousers: Channel barrel-leg jeans with a nail shape that isn’t what you think.
What is the good news? You don’t have to be a nail art expert to get the look and feel of your favourite jeans. The “velvet nails” or “cat-eye nail” effect is a simple way to make your nails look like they are made of fabric. If you use the right shades of blue, even the simplest DIY manicure can look like your favourite Levi’s.
Want to add some style to your jeans and nails? Pick a French tip that looks like denim or add some decorations to it. Chrome accents look great with denim. You can get ideas for how to wear them by thinking about how you would wear a statement belt with your favourite jeans.
Are you feeling motivated? We’ve put together the best denim nail ideas for you to try out the trend yourself. There is a matching mani for every kind of denim you like, whether it’s California-cool, Western-chic, or New York-edgy.
French Denim
Want to wear French tips in a more interesting way this spring? These dimensional denim tips are the best. Add a thin line of silver to really make them stand out.
Dark-Wash Gel
A plain slate blue is the easiest colour to use for a jeans-inspired mani. Try CND World’s “Denim Patch” at your next gel appointment.
Light Tips
Micro-French tips in light blue are a new and easy way to get the look.
Outline in Silver
To give your denim-inspired set some hardware, paint each nail with a metallic silver polish.
Slate with nails
Adding studs, even to your nails, is the easiest way to make your denim look more edgy. Put silver dots on the tips of your nails for a little extra.
Jeans for Rockstars
This is the best thing ever. Add some jewels and a star design to get a retro rocker look.
Aura of Denim
When you use the right shades of blue, the “aura nails” method gives you the perfect faded jeans look. Tip: You can get the airbrushed look yourself with a makeup sponge.
Washing with acid
If you want your jeans to look like they did in the 1980s, ask for a marbled effect with dark and light blue.
Denim with Chrome
The “glazed doughnut” treatment makes your jeans-inspired mani even shinier. This look was made with Gel Bottle Inc.’s “Denim” and “Iced Chrome” colours.
Dark Matte
Want your jeans to look less flashy? Your mani will look good with a deep blue colour and a matte finish.
Details about Cat Eyes
If a full cat-eye mani seems too much of a statement look, you can also use the effect on accent nails. This set with a light wash is a great example.
Nails with glass
A high-shine cat-eye or ultra-glossy top coat can really make your favourite shade of blue stand out.
When you want something to look like denim, a shimmery formula is a good choice. Two coats of Mooncat shade “Misery Is My Favourite Colour” give you the perfect look.
Blue that has been bleached
Want a look that’s more relaxed? A light blue shimmer that looks like ice will make you want to wear all of your favourite summer jeans.
Faint Lines
What could be better than having pinstripes on your nails and jeans? To get a more relaxed look, start with a light blue or neutral base and use a detail brush to make the seams look sharp.
