It's True—Geometric Nails Are This Season's Next Biggest Trend

Like fashion trends, nail trends always come back around. In the early 2010s, geometric nails were everywhere. I distinctly remember being enamoured with Wah! Nails pop-up in Topshop, and being mesmerised by the geometrical nail art designs that they had perfected with such precision. There was something about those graphic squares and abstract negative space triangles that had all of us running to book in for in nail art. Or, if you were like me, fail miserably at recreating the look at home—my unsteady hands could never.

After a long hiatus, I'm here to tell you that geometric nails finally feel fresh again for 2023. So much so, trend experts at Wethrift have spotted that searches for geometric nails are up 243% on Google, while Pinterest searches for the nail art trend are up 89%. It's also taking TikTok by storm, with the #geometricnails hashtag amassing 1.4 million views. And the celebrities are on board too, with Hailey Bieber's nail technician, Zola Ganzorigt, creating a monochromatic geometric manicure for Vanessa Hudgens.

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The beauty of the trend is that you can go all out with colourful geometric shapes, or give a subtle nod to the trend with more minimalist geometric shapes, whether it's negative space shapes or just on an accent nail. Plus, the trend lends itself well to any colour palette, looking equally eye-catching in monochrome as it does in bright nail colours. Who knew geometry could be so chic?

If you're ready to get on board with geometric nail designs, you come to the right place. We've found all the best geometric nail art ideas to get you inspired your your next salon visit, plus the products to perfect it at home if you're DIY'ing.

Geometric Nail Designs

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Proof that black and white are the perfect combination for monochrome geometric nail art.

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I love this subtle take on the geometric nail trend, with a minimalist sweep of polish down one half of the nails.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

This look is surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Apply a nail tape over the area, paint over your polish and allow to dry, then remove the tape for a clean finish.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

How fun are these checkerboard nails? Go for a different shade on each nail for a fun twist.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

More of a minimalist? These white grid nails are an ideal way to dip a fingernail into the geometric nail trend.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

I'm in love with this lilac design.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Semi circle shapes work so well on the tips and base of the nails.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

These geometric nails are incredibly chic and understated.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Negative space shapes look fresh on just one or two nails.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

I'm obsessed with this winning colour combo of olive green and burgundy.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

Small geometric squares work so well on short nails.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

How fun are these colourful Tetris shapes?

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Pixel nail art is the geometric trend I never knew I wanted to try.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Abstract shapes and circles are a perfect pairing on this negative space mani.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

I love how this minimal mani gradually fades into negative space.

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

Angular half moons are a chic take on the geometric trend.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Dots and swirls looks so cool in black and white.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

This is inspiring me to dig out all of my nail polish colours to recreate this fun grid manicure.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

I love the clean, crisp lines of these circles, squares and triangles.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

Pastels make those geometric shapes pop.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Checkerboard nails feel super sleek in glossy black.

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(Image credit: @imarninails )

If you don't want to go all out, then micro shapes are the way to go.

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

Turn your usual French manicure to a 45-degree angle for a geometric spin.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Checkerboard squares look great as a floating French tip accent.

Your Geometric Nails Starter Kit

Up Next, Top Nail Techs Told Me These 10 Nail Trends Will Dominate This Summer

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Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.