Could not open social networks, whether Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest, without falling on a scratched manicure. This motif that was believed to be reserved for a few nail artists confirms his return to the top: fine, graphic, hyper adaptable... striped nails have everything for them. You have been prepared a complete guide to decipher the trend, accompany you in your choice of colors and give you the best advice for an impeccable rendering. Grab your fine brushes, let's go!
Striped manicure: what exactly is it?
Weared by the Nostalgia of the 1990s and identified on Kylie Jenner who has launched the trend, they perfectly embody what we love today: simple arts nail to perform but with a immediate creative twist, as in the case of polka dots.
The strength of the striped manicure? Its total versatility. It is available in pure black & white, in gradients of romantic pastel colours or bright neon-like vitamins, in festive glitter or even in Twisted French manicure futurist. A well-prepared nail, a uniform base colour, some well-understood lines and here is: a nail art that works in all seasons, on all styles and with all forms of nails.
The stripes were buzzed in 2025, in French manicure on Kylie Jenner or in neon version
(@nailsbyzola, @tombachik)
How do I do a striped manicure?
If striped nails are so attractive, it is also because they are accessible to all. No need to be a confirmed nail artist: with the appropriate tools and some simple gestures, one gets a modern manicure with a stated design. We guide you step by step.
1. Preparing your nails: the step that changes everything
Before drawing any line, one puts all the chances on his side with a natural nail well prepared, secret of a successful manicure. Just a few gestures to Prepare your nails :
- Line your nails to obtain a clean and neat shape.
- Treat your cuticles : soften the small skins with a little bit ofemollient and gently push them away for clear the nail plate.
- Lightly matify the surface with the help of preparation file for optimize adhesion coats of varnish.
- Apply your base coat Green™ or Green Flash™ according to the chosen routine.
Because a well prepared surface is the guarantee of cleaner, straight and durable scratches.
Nuggle preparation set and brush liner, your essentials for a striped manicure.
2. Trace scratches with fine brush
Start with the application of the varnish that will be the background star of your striped manicure. Put your base colour in fine layer (suppose 2 layers for a more intense color) and made dry well with open air for a classic varnish or under UV or LED lamp for semi-permanent varnish.
Then bring yourself the essential tool of scratched nail art: the Liner brush. Thanks to its ultra-fine tip, it allows to trace net, accurate and regular lines, which makes all the beauty of striped manicure. Our tips for straight stripes:
- Take a small amount of varnish : too much material makes the line gondola.
- Draw your line from a continuous and relaxed gesture (we inspire, we expire).
- Start with fine lines They forgive more and are very elegant. Horizontal, vertical or oblique, it's up to you to choose!
- If you need help drawing straight lines, you can get nail stickers that guide your brush.
Once the gesture is mastered, you will see, it's almost addictive. And don't forget to allow to dry well before proceeding to the next step.
3. Fix the stripes with the top coat
For a result worthy of professional finishes, do not neglect the final layer of top coat. Top Coat Sunshine (on the Green™ varnish) or Top Coat Green Flash™, it guarantees a intense shine and good and long hold Your scratches. You can also play on contrasts with the matt-gloss mix technique: apply a layer of Top Coat Mat on the base colour (in varnish Green™ ) then draw the stripes with a mirror effect varnish.
The most beautiful variations of striped manicures
Striped manicure is available according to all desires. To inspire you, we present you the most varied variations trendy.
Black & White Stripes: Graphical Timeless
One white varnish base Snow and black stripes Licorice : in vertical or diagonal stripes, this signature duo works in all seasons and with all outfits. Simple, clean, ultra chic.
Striped French: the French manicure Twistée
One pink varnish base Hortencia and black and white stripes Snow & Licorice: the combo that buzzes by revisiting the French manicure classic with fine graphic stripes. The result is elegant, modern and easy to wear every day. Ideal for those who want a subtle twist without leaving the clean and structured aesthetic of French.
In Black & White or in French Twistée at Kylie Jenner, adopt the sewing stripe.
(@nailsbyzola)
Pastel stripes: soft and fresh
One white base with Snow and pink stripes Pop or base of blue varnish Lilas and white stripes Snow: a fresh manicure, perfect for spring, that matches minimalist looks or more romantic moods, thanks to the sublime delicacy of pastel hues.
Neon rays: concentrated energy
One white base with Snow and orange stripes Apricot : a vibrant twist, ideal for nurturing a monochrome outfit or accompanying a pop look. Neon is very well combined with a white base to maximize contrast and create magnetic effects.
Fine or thick, pastel or neon, scratches vibrate summer manicures.
(@look8thenails)
Slip stripe: the party with scratches
One base of brown red varnish with Bohemian and red stripes glittery Utopia The perfect combination for parties, parties or days when you want to sparkle. The glittery stripes bring an irresistible festive touch.
Multicolor graphic stripes: the arty option
Match several shades such as Pale RoseSnow, Cream, Clove, Chestnut, Indian Summer... Variate the thickness of the stripes, superimpose the lines, break the codes with horizontal stripes: you get a very contemporary graphic 的arty effect with a singular and original color palette.
Glossy or multicolored stripes, let your creativity speak.
(@ellzabethm, @shanivynails)
What manicure is striped according to your dress style?
The scratch is a little bit like the chameleon of the nail art. It fits everything... but especially you. Striped manicure also has the advantage of adapting to seasons: pastels or neons in spring and summer, metallic or black & white colours in autumn and winter. A simple way to change your style while keeping a graphic database signature.
For a minimalist look / clean girl
Opt for a base of nude varnish (Pale Rose or Hortencia) and add fine stripes with neutral or dark shades (Rose Mountbatten, Anthracitis, Midnight, Eggplant or Clove). The result is a delicate manicure, very The rendering is delicate, structured and ultra versatile : ideal for everyday, office or to complete a dressing capsule.
Match the Midnight, Hortencia, Rose Mountbatten or Pale Rose stripes for a clean girl very chic nail art.
For a Pop / Y2K look
Fan of Britney, low-sized jeans and 2000s? We have fun and we dare: on a white base, we add bright, fluo and ultra-contrast stripes. We love Neon Pink, Lava, Fizz or Ultramarine. The effect is trendy, girly and fun!
Play with contrasts by daring Fizz, Snow, Neon Pink or Cream stripes.
For a chic workwear
Want to experiment with the nail art by staying in the professional dress code? Opt for a French striped black & white or a duet Active™ Bright base & chrome stripes (with Metallic or Bronze) for a discreet and elegant twist. Perfect nail arts to bring a creative touch to a professional outfit without ever doing too much. For pro events or important appointments, choose fine stripes for a sophisticated and highly controlled effect. Subtil but stylish.
For a subtle and stylish workwear, choose chromed stripes with Metallic, Active™ Bright or Bronze.
For an arty style
For artists and daring people, everything is allowed: we love the colors of eccentric varnishes, asymmetries, unexpected associations: striped manicure comes out of the frame - I'm not. Mix textures (opaque, chrome, glitter), vary thicknesses, superimpose lines to create a single pattern With each hand.
Our expert tips for a clean and durable rendering
If the striped manicure is quite simple to achieve, there are still some rules to follow for an optimal result, like pro.
Errors to avoid
Some associations do not make good cleaning and can damage the legibility of the scratch (and thus its charm):
- The colors too close, as white and nude, which lack contrast and create a tone effect on tone.
- Neon colour duos which vibrate too much and make the scratch blur.
- Cold and hot mixtures The balance of the two is not well-balanced, such as Lilas and Coral Reef, whose tonalities are in conflict.
The right tips to remember
Here the magic works: with a few simple tricks, your scratches gain impact.
- Play on contrasts : light to dark, dark to light colour... structure the line, create perspective and improve sharpness.
- Variate thickness and texture : thin stripes vs wide, opaque color vs glittery varnishes or chromes... By varying the effects of matter, you give some relief and transform a simple scratch in real design.
- Add effects with top coat : a top matte coat offers a Arty rendered, very modern, while a brilliant top coat brings a impeccable mirror effect. Changing top coat is completely changing the rendering of your manicure! Don't we say the devil is hiding in detail?
With a striped manicure, impossible to make mistakes: thanks to its great versatility, it adapts to all desires, seasons and styles, no matter the shape of nails or the tone of skin. With a little fingering and subtlety in the choice of colors, the striped manicure is within reach of all hands. So, on your marks, ready, pay off
