Beauty trends, including nail designs, are cyclical, which means that it’s only a matter of time until your favourite trends of the past come back into style. Right now, 2000s nail designs are having a resurgence and it’s warming our Millennial hearts. From jelly nails to camo nails, designer logos, rhinestones and more, there’s no denying Y2K has made its way back to the nail game. If you’ve been embracing early 2000s style trends, it’s time to add your manicure to that list. Take a look at our favourite Y2K nail trends and designs!
What Nail Designs and Colours Were Popular in the 2000s?
- French manicure
- Frosted/pearlescent nail polish
- Long, acrylic nails
- Black nail polish
- Hot pink nails
- White nails (on their own or as a base for nail art)
- Minimalistic graphic nail art
- Classic red nails
- Rhinestone nails
- Graffiti nail art
10 2000s Nail Designs We Love
1. Designer Logo Nail Art
The early 2000s were all about flaunting your designer products (real or knockoff), from Chanel sunnies to Juicy tracksuits to Louis Vuitton bags. Designer logos were all the rage at this time and having them as nail art was another way to stay on trend. We like the simplicity of the single Chanel logo here, but you could definitely go more all out with your favourite designer logo covering all your nails.
2. Silver Chrome Nails
Silver and chrome are a huge nod to the 2000s as they bring us back to the early technology craze- the age of CDs, DVDs players and digital cameras. Silver chrome nails, also called mirror nails, are everywhere right now and we have Y2K to thank.
3. Hibiscus Flower Nail Art
Hibiscus flowers were one of the most popular nail art designs in the early 2000s. Often white, a large hibiscus flower was placed over your nail polish colour of choice, from purple to blue to pink or red. We love this variation, that alternates between hibiscus flowers and small dots positioned on top of a pastel yellow French mani.
4. Bedazzled Nails
Bedazzling was definitely at the top of its game in the early 2000s, with everything from denim jackets to t-shirts to shoes and cellphones being blinged out with rhinestones and gems. While you can get as extravagant as you want with bedazzled nails, we’re loving this mix of pearls with gold dots on top of a neutral, sparkly polish. It’s a modern and classy way to bedazzle and we’re here for it.
5. Airbrush Nails
Airbrush nails are making a major comeback and it’s a perfect trend as we move into the warmer months. The technique uses a hand-held air-powered spray tool to disperse polish onto the nails, creating a hazy effect. You can use different colours like in this design and apply more nail art on top as well.
6. Mixed Pattern Mani
Funky, clashing prints were everywhere in the early 2000s, from skateboards to outfits to posters, and of course, the trend showed up on nails. We’re obsessed with these mismatched nails- they’re fun and colourful and add tons of personality to your look. Although there are so many different patterns and colours going on, they all work together seamlessly.
7. Playboy Bunny Nail Art
The Girls Next Door was a reality show based on the lives of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends and opened up the public to the behind the scenes of the Playboy mansion. Although Playboy launched in the 1950s, the show ran from 2005 to 2010, giving the brand a huge boost with the Millennial audience. The Playboy bunny logo has made its way back into nail art, and we love this pink and black take.
8. Jelly Nails
The jelly nail trend is essentially like lip gloss for your nails. Nails are coated with a sheer, ultra-glossy wash of colour that leaves them looking like jelly. Jelly sandals ruled the early 2000s, as did jelly nails and they’re both making a comeback now.
9. Rhinestone French Tips
If you really want to bling out your nails, rhinestone-packed French manis are the way to go. This look leaves rhinestones on the tip of the nail, and you can decide how long you want your nails to be. If you want something not so in-your-face, go a little shorter so there aren’t so many rhinestones. However, if you want to go all out, opt for long nail extensions and tons of gems on your nail tips.
10. Camo Print Nails
Camo print was a huge Y2K trend, thanks in big part to Destiny’s Child. Green nails are a big trend this year as is, and we’re going to see more and more people incorporate the camo print to their nails as well.
If you’re looking to upgrade your nail game with some super trendy nail art, we hope you love these Y2K designs and ideas!
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