'70s Nail Art Is Everywhere Right Now—Here Are 10 Looks We're Obsessed With

While nail art has always been a thing, it's undeniable that the reopening of nail salons earlier this year recaptured our imagination when it came to experimenting with our manicures. Basic nail colours were pushed aside in favour of vibrant blues, cute pastels and glitter while a penchant for prints (I'm talking everything from cow to colourful French tips) gave way to a summer of covetable nail micro-trends. And as for the nail trends that will be seeing us through the autumn and winter months? Well, there's one, in particular, that's dominating my Saved folder on Instagram right now: retro '70s prints.
Yes, I'm talking psychedelic swirls, clashing colour palettes, flower prints and pops of brown. When it comes to nails, there is no doubt that the '70s are back. Ahead, I've rounded up 10 of my favourite nail art looks inspired by the era—and the polishes that you need to re-create them at home.
1. Yin and Yang
This '70s-inspired nail art combines so many iconic references from the decade—a yin-and-yang motif, a cute daisy print and earthy tones. It could look chaotic, but it's perfectly balanced.
2. Go With the Flow
This combination of mismatched base colours and a clashing wavy print is seriously out-there—and I can't get enough of it.
3. Flower Power
What would a roundup of '70s-inspired nail art be without a homage to all things floral? This hand-painted daisy print is so pretty—and the burnt-orange base makes it a no-brainer for the autumn months.
4. Marble Art
Pastels are always a good idea when it comes to nail art, and this psychedelic blend of lilacs, lavenders and baby blues is so sweet. Oh, and that streak of fuchsia pink glitter? Inspired.
5. Colour Clash
Who knew that highlighter yellow and rich chestnut were a match made in heaven until now?
6. Groovy Green
I love the way that this nail look nods to the '70s with its shapes and tones but keeps things minimal for a modern take on the trend. Opt for polishes in shades of sage, olive and forest green to try the look at home.
7. Checkerboard Neutrals
The checkered print was huge in the '70s, and turns out it looks just as good on the nails as it does on a miniskirt. And this pairing of plasterboard-pink and terracotta is seriously dreamy.
8. Pick 'n' Mix Prints
Why pick one '70s nail trend when you can wear them all? Checks, floral prints, swirling motifs and a tonal colour palette are a playful way to experiment with this trend.
9. Painterly Touches
This artsy manicure blends the '70s colour palette with touches of minimalism for an abstract take on this season's biggest nail trend.
10. Colour-Pop Petals
How cool is this marbled green-and-orange mani with monochrome petals flourishing at the edes?
Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.
-
Suddenly, Every Classy Fashion Person in Paris Is Wearing This Elegant Heeled-Shoe Trend
A fresh take on classic Mary Janes.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
In Defense of Angsty Beauty
From "unapproachable" makeup to "anti-pretty" perfume.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Selena Gomez Is Dripping in Jewels at the Oscars—Her "Peach Champagne" Mani Looks Just as Expensive
*Swoon*
By Jamie Schneider
-
Elegant, Subtle, and Painfully Chic—Licorice French Nails Will Be *It* for Spring
This "anti-trend" is one to watch.
By Jamie Schneider
-
If Chanel Nail Polishes Had a Fan Club, I'd Be President—the Trendiest Spring 2025 Shades to Shop
They're impossibly chic.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
This Wildly Popular, Taylor Swift–Coded Lipstick Is Rarely in Stock—Now There's a Nail Polish Version
Act fast.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Kerry Washington Just Nailed This Sleeper Hit Shade With Her NAACP Awards Manicure
It's worth copying.
By Maya Thomas
-
Hurry—Selena Gomez Just Cosigned a Major Mani Trend, and Her Exact Color Is Selling Out Fast
It's so good.
By Jamie Schneider
-
From "Exhaustion Blush" to "Party Lips," NYFW's Best Beauty Trends Are Delightfully Unexpected
They'll define the next 10 months.
By Jamie Schneider