Getting a fresh set of nails can feel like a refreshing restart. Whether you have a regular bi-weekly appointment or just like to get your nails done as a treat, it’s fun to keep up with the latest nail trends. The latest design everyone is talking about? “Fruit salad” nails.
“This trend features nail art inspired by different fruits,” says manicurist Mazz Hanna. “It’s been getting a lot of attention on social media lately.” Fruit nails have always been a popular summer choice, but fruit salad nails are unique because they show more than one type of fruit. You can pick different fruits depending on the season or even switch up the design on each nail—there are so many possibilities. Hanna shares her tips for getting the fruit-salad nails look.
What Are Fruit-Salad Nails?
Fruit-salad nails can have many different styles, but they all include a mix of different fruits on each nail. “Each nail usually has a different design, making the manicure really fun and playful,” says Hanna. “Fruit-salad nails are trending because they are perfect for summer. They’re bright and colorful.”
These nails often use designs like strawberries, pineapples, watermelons, oranges, and more. The fun part is that each nail can be unique, showcasing a different fruit. This makes your nails look like a colorful fruit salad, hence the name! It’s a playful and cheerful style that’s perfect for warm weather.
How to Get Fruit-Salad Nails
There are many ways to create fruit-salad nails, but if you’re doing it yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. “You can use nail art stickers if you’re not comfortable painting the fruits by hand,” Hanna suggests. “A great choice for stickers is Deco Beauty’s Fruit Salad Stickers ($12).” These stickers can make it easy to get detailed fruit designs without needing a lot of artistic skill. Just peel and stick!
If you prefer painting, you can use nail art brushes and dotting tools. These tools can help you create small, detailed fruit designs. For example, you can use a small brush to paint a tiny pineapple or a dotting tool to make the seeds on a strawberry.
When choosing colors, think about the fruits you want to feature. Bright reds, greens, yellows, and oranges are great for a vibrant, summery look. You can use regular nail polish, or try gel polish if you want the design to last longer. Gel polish can give your nails a shiny finish and is less likely to chip.
Nail Shapes and Lengths for Fruit-Salad Nails
Hanna also notes that you don’t need a specific nail shape for this trend, but having longer nails might help. “Longer nails can fit more art,” she explains. “However, all nail shapes can work well with this trend, depending on the design you choose.”
For instance, square or oval nails can give you more space to create detailed fruit designs. Almond-shaped nails can add a touch of elegance to the playful fruit designs. Coffin or ballerina shapes are also great if you want a trendy and bold look.
Combining Fruit-Salad Nails with Other Trends
You can also mix fruit-salad nails with other nail trends. Hanna recommends pairing them with aura nails, which involve a soft, glowing effect around the nails. This can add an ethereal, dreamy look to your fruit salad nails.
Negative-space nail art is another trend that works well with fruit salad nails. This style leaves parts of your nails unpainted, creating a striking contrast with the colorful fruit designs. You can use the negative space to highlight certain parts of the fruit, like the white part of a watermelon or the seeds of a kiwi.
French manicures can also be given a fruity twist. Instead of the classic white tips, paint each tip with a different fruit design. This creates a fun and unique look that’s perfect for summer. You can even try side-tip French manicures, where the fruit designs are painted on the sides of the nails instead of the tips.
Different Styles of Fruit-Salad Nails
Here are some different styles of fruit salad nails to consider:
Simple Fruit-Salad Nails: These are great if you like a clean and simple look with just a touch of fruit art. You can choose one or two fruits and repeat the design on each nail. This style is easy to achieve and looks fresh and fun.
Multicolored Fruit-Salad Nails: This style uses bright and varied colors to make each nail stand out with a different fruit design. It’s a great way to showcase a variety of fruits and colors. You can mix and match fruits like strawberries, pineapples, blueberries, and oranges for a vibrant look.
Pastel Fruit-Salad Nails: If you prefer softer colors, pastel fruit-salad nails are a sweet and subtle option. Use pastel shades like soft pinks, yellows, and greens to create a more muted, delicate look. This style is perfect if you want something that’s still playful but a bit more understated.
Intricate 3D Fruit Salad Nails: For those who love more detailed art, 3D fruit salad nails can add texture and depth. You can use small beads, rhinestones, or nail art molds to create 3D fruit designs. Highlight features like the roundness of grapes or the seeds of a dragon fruit for a juicy effect. This style is great if you love a bit of extra flair and want your nails to stand out.
Long Fruit-Salad Nails: While Mazz says that any nail shape and length can work with this trend, long nails give you more space to be creative. This design really showcases the details of each fruit. You can have a full fruit on each nail or even create a scene where the fruits interact, like a slice of watermelon being eaten or a pineapple with sunglasses.
Fruit-Salad French Tips: A unique take on the trend is painting each fruit on the tips of the nails, similar to a side-tip French manicure. This style combines the classic French manicure with the playful fruit salad trend. It’s a great option if you want a more subtle look but still want to show off the fruity designs.
Tips for Long-Lasting Fruit-Salad Nails
To keep your fruit-salad nails looking fresh, here are a few tips:
- Use a Base Coat: A good base coat can help your nail polish last longer and protect your nails from staining.
- Seal with a Top Coat: After finishing your fruit designs, seal them with a top coat. This will help prevent chipping and keep your designs looking vibrant.
- Moisturize Your Cuticles: Keeping your cuticles moisturized can help your manicure look neat and prevent peeling around the edges.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Try to avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals, like cleaning products, which can cause the polish to chip or fade. If you need to use them, wear gloves to protect your manicure.
Fruit-salad nails are a fun and creative way to celebrate summer. With so many fruits and colors to choose from, you can create a unique look that’s all your own. Whether you go for simple designs or intricate 3D art, fruit-salad nails are sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten up your day. So why not give this trend a try and enjoy the sweet, summery vibes it brings?