All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Abstract swirl nail designshave absolutely taken over the nail art world as the dominant trend.
Instagram/@_nailsbyniamh,@chaunlegend
By that we mean: hard to get wrong.
It takes the pressure off if you’re trying it for yourself at home.
“I recommend providing your nail technician with a few inspiration photos of the types of swirls you like.
It is always useful to have a color palette in mind.”
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Punky Rollerwave
ThisBeetlejuice-style set is was created by New York City-based nail artistAnna Miles.
“It’s ‘just’ black-and-white wavy stripes, but they contain multitudes,” she says.
Thinking about asking for this at the salon?
“You’ll want to focus on accentuating the natural curves of your nail,” Miles advises.
Houston combined several shades of blue and green to create this look.
“It mixes old school with new school.”
Purple Waves
Where do the twists and turns in this mani start and finish?
We don’t know and that’s what we love more about this set byChaun Legend.
Intellectual Swirl
Miles created what she calls “Intellectual Swirl” nails on staff editorJihan Forbes.
To achieve this look at home, Vu recommends usinggel polish.
Toxic Swirls
“Large and bold go big or go home!”
says Bristol, England-based nail technician and scientistAngela Griffin.
“Finally, outline [the swirls] in black, making sure the edges are neat.”
Griffin used The Gel Bottle colors inDaisy,Freesia, andJet Blackfor this look.
Start with a nail-toned base and then either the darkest or the lightest color for the first lines.
Once that’s set, seal it with a glossytopcoat.
Pastel Dream
No matter the season, these sorbet-colored nails are an instant mood-booster.
At the salon, “Choose bright or contrasting colors.
’80s Flashback
Between the polka dots and the swirls, this manicure has a lot going on.
She recommends using variousLeafgelcolors, which she purchased from nail art supply retailerZillabeau.
Candy Swirls
Nail artists often find inspiration within their community.
Merkel also got inspired by the strawberry yogurt candies she ate as a kid.
“Use a very thinstriping brushto get the best-looking swirls.
Then, paint your abstract swirls using a pigmented color.”
“It’s inspired by fall colors like olive and orange.
Then, I went ahead and filled the rest with the colors.”
Psychedelic Swirls
Is it just us, or is it getting a little trippy in here?
Nah, it’s this psychedelic swirl manicure that’s making us feel so wavy.
“I like to just paint what I see in my mind and go with the flow.”
“It’s best to have thick and thin sections to give it more dimension.
Let your nails dry before applyingtopcoat this way, the colors won’t bleed.”
Here, she used theNails.INC Plant Powercollection.
Sticking to a similar color family keeps it looking cohesive while the various shades create more interest.
