They say trends are cyclical but for us, the headlining 90s nail trends will never go out of fashion. The era gave us Britney Spears, girl power, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and grunge, all in one decade, along with defining moments in fashion and beauty – from Princess Diana’s revenge dress to Naomi Campbell’s runway walk and Rachel Green’s iconic haircut. What a time to be alive.
So, forgive us for quite frankly never getting over some of the glam moments the ’90s gave us and for revisiting them on a regular basis. Of course, that includes the inspo we’re taking to our nail appointments, because the only thing better than a stylish manicure, is one that’s heavy on nostalgia, too. Here are six 90s nail trends that look just as good today as they did 30 years ago.
Chunky Frenchies
The undisputed headliner of 90s nail trends? It has to be the “chunky” or “deep” French tip. In a decade that favoured boldness, it makes sense that the slender white tip of French tips gone-by got a makeover. Now, the chunky Frenchie is as synonymous with the ’90s as the supermodels who helped make it famous.
Metallics
Frosted finishes evolved into hardcore metallics, picking up fans including Britney and Madonna along the way. The trend has continued to level-up, alongside nail innovation, to give us the statement-worthy (and honestly mesmerising) mirror-like chrome finishes you can request pros at your next nail appointment. It remains one of the biggest nail trends today.