Trends are divisive, but we think that’s the beauty of them. Not everyone needs to subscribe to them—a look that feels right for one person might not light the fire of another, and thank goodness for that; otherwise we’d all dress the same.
However, once in a while, a trend will come along that seems to work for everyone—whether they consider themselves to be a minimalist or maximalist. And that’s the case when it comes to foil nails.
Since salons began to reopen their doors, we’ve seen countless people sporting foil nails; particularly that of the golden variety. The reason we think the trend has become so popular is down to its versatility—you can use the foil to adorn your nails with a thin French tip, or you can go all-out and cover your entire nail in a sheet of molten goodness. The options are endless and can be tailored to suit you, whatever your style may be.
To inspire you, we’ve compiled an edit of our favourite foil nails for you to peruse and to show your nail technician at your next appointment. Feel like giving it a go yourself? We’ve also curated a five-piece kit of everything you need re-create the look at home. Scroll below for all-things foil nails.
Style Notes: The beauty of foil is that you don’t need to stick to straight lines to create a beautiful effect, as these asymmetric tips prove.
Style Notes: Foil always looks breathtaking as part of an overall nail-art design.
Style Notes: Shelly has paired her gold foil pieces with tiny pieces of shell for a gorgeous nail look. She then smooths them in place with a healthy slick of top coat.
Style Notes: Tick off two major manicure trends in one with this combination of tortoiseshell and foil nails.
Style Notes: Betina uses her gold foil as the base to create a cool evil eye motif with blue gemstones.
Style Notes: Using a nail art pen, draw on your leopard design, then apply foil wherever you desire.
Style Notes: For a more subtle look, apply your foil to one nail on each hand for an alternative take on an accent mani.
Style Notes: While gold foil appears to be the hue of choice, we love how Zeena has mixed her gold flakes with copper colours, too.
Style Notes: Create this look by adding torn-edged foil to the tips of your nail, leaving the area near the cuticle as negative space.
Style Notes: Put small pieces of foil to god use by creating clusters of foil in the centre of the nail, fading outwards.
Style Notes: Pair foil pieces with bright colours to create a modern nail art look.
Style Notes: While any base colour will be instantly elevated with the addition of gold foil, we think that it looks particularly chic paired with blush tones.
Style Notes: French manicures have made a major comeback this year, and different variations on the classic look are becoming increasingly popular. We love this deep foil take.
Style Notes: For those of you with a steady hand (or a salon appointment), why not cover the entirety of your nail with foil, and apply nail art over top?
Style Notes: Strategically position pieces of foil to create a crackled look across your nails.
Style Notes: Where there’s sparkle, start motifs are never far behind.
Trim and file your nails into your preferred shape, keeping the tweezers in your kit to hand for later.
Ensure your nails are in tip-top condition by using a nourishing base coat.
Now, apply your favourite nail polish. Did you know this versatile shade comes with the Queen’s seal of approval?
Whilst your polish is still tacky, add foil to your nails using the tweezers from your manicure kit.
Once in place, apply a thin layer of top coat to secure and protect your newly-foiled nails.
