Oh, the glamour!
Everyone has a decade they wish they could whisk themselves back in time to. “I wish I were born in the ’70s,” my best friend has always said she even acquired a baby blue Volkswagen Beetle when we turned 16 to prove it. While I admired her vintage taste in music and eclectic car, I always vouched for the bold shoulder pads, synth-soaked music, and saturated eye shadow of the ’80s. “I wish I were a teenager in the ’80s,” I’d counter, to which I’d usually get a crinkled nose in response.
The beauty critics of decades later deemed ’80s beauty trends garish: too loud, too colorful, too full of ozone-destroying Aqua Net. To that I say, “Gag me with a spoon”—the ’80s was undoubtedly the freest, most expressive, most unabashedly fabulous decade of beauty in recorded history (IMO). I would do pretty much anything to blast Mötley Crüe while I touched up a perm 40 years ago.
While I might not have lived through the glitzy decade of music, fashion, and pop culture that my parents did, I’m delighted to confirm its undeniable return to the beautysphere today. I watched wide-eyed as ’80s-inspired silhouettes and beauty markers reigned among the in-crowd this year—from Yves Saint Laurent’s S/S 26 show to tastemakers’ tips. Though I particularly fixated on the latter, according to my Pinterest boards.
“The ’80s were all about color, confidence, and unapologetic self-expression,” celebrity manicurist Pattie Yankee tells Who What Wear. She explains that the “fearless energy” of this emboldened era is finding its footing once again—just in a more elevated way. “Today, we’re seeing people embrace bold individuality again through fashion, beauty, and especially nails,” she adds. “Bright colors, graphic prints, and statement designs bring instant joy and empowerment, adding a sense of fun to any look.”
From zebra nails at Bronx and Banco’s S/S 26 show to cheetah spots on Hailey Bieber’s tips, I’ve saved too many photos of ’80s-inspired nails to not share (and further my agenda to bring back this era of style). Blame it on the recent (partial) release of Stranger Things season 5, but these trends are back, whether you like them or not. Ahead, see 17 nail ideas that feel straight out of a John Hughes movie with a new-age twist, of course.
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Inspired Nail Ideas
Stripe Tease
I can’t help but parrot celebrity manicurist Holly Falcone in the naming of this set “stripe tease,” as it’s just too perfect. To modernize the “dated” look of zebra-print nails, try sketching the black stripes over a clear nail. This adds a touch of 2025 modernity and edge.
Modern Pearl
Celeb manicurist Iram Shelton might describe this set as “frosted,” but this looks awfully like the pearlescent trend that ran wild during the ’80s. “I would love to see the pearl finish come back!” quips fellow celebrity nail artist Sonya Meesh. Sweet Nail Polish Special Effect Top Coat in Satin Pearl
Discotheque
This set of Falcone’s plays with a similar statement-over-clear structure that the manicurist utilized in her zebra stripe set. While it might first remind you of ’70s disco, this design feels like something straight out of an MTV music video to me.
Disclaimer
The content titled “It’s Official: ’80s Nails Are Back—17 Fashion-Forward Designs Giving This ‘Dated’ Trend New Life” is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. The designs, trends, and opinions discussed reflect current fashion perspectives and personal style preferences, which may vary by individual. This article does not constitute professional beauty, medical, or cosmetic advice. Readers are encouraged to consult a licensed nail technician or beauty professional before trying new nail products, techniques, or treatments. Trends mentioned are subject to change and availability may vary by location.