Whether you love a clean, simplistic nail or prefer a manicure that requires a Picasso-level amount of artwork, there’s a nail trend out there for anyone and everyone these days. One of the latest must-have manis? Marble nails, which, as the name suggests, feature intricate swirls of color that emulate the effect of natural stone.
“Marble nails are popular due to their versatility and elevated, minimalist appeal. We saw a resurgence of natural textures in beauty and fashion this year, and marble nails fit perfectly into this aesthetic,” says nail expert Rianna Basurto, director of marketing and brand development at Bellacures.
Their other appeal? “They’re incredibly versatile and customizable. The color palette of marble nails can easily be adapted to suit any season, and can also be subtle enough for everyday wear when you opt for more neutral shades,” says Mazz Hanna, celebrity manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. Plus, while the effect is definitely showstopping, marble nails are surprisingly easy to DIY. Here is more on what you need to know about this latest mani trend, plus how to create the look.
- Rianna Basurto, director of marketing and brand development at Bellacures
- Mazz Hanna, celebrity manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood
What Are Marble Nails?
“Marble nails is a nail art technique designed to resemble the smooth, swirling patterns found in natural marble stone. Blending multiple colors creates a luxurious, textured look that has depth and dimension,” says Basurto, adding that the overall effect is sophisticated yet trendy.
Best Shape and Length for Marble Nails
Further underscoring just how versatile this look is, both experts we spoke with say that marble nails work on pretty much any length or nail shape. “Medium to long nails with rounded or almond shapes tend to highlight the swirling design most effectively. The extra space lets the intricate marble pattern stand out,” says Basurto. Still, when created on a shorter or more square nail, the end result is also cool and unique, skewing slightly more minimalistic and modern. Hanna says that she takes color choice into effect when thinking about nail length and shape: “I personally love bold colors on long, almond shapes, and light neutral colors on short, squoval, or rounded shapes.”
Best Colors for Marble Nails
Once again, the world (erm, nail polish aisle) is your oyster. The only general rule to follow: You’ll want to pick three colors, a light, medium, and dark shade in order to create the marbleized effect, says Hanna. Other than that, have fun playing and experimenting.
Not sure where to start? Hanna says you can’t go wrong with a classic combination of white, soft gray, and touches of black. Basurto adds that soft neutrals such as white, pink, and beige make for an elegant and understated look; try deeper hues such as navy, emerald, or burgundy for a bolder, luxe take on the trend.
How to Create Marble Nails
Just like you would with any mani, prep nails by shaping them and applying a base coat. Next, paint on two layers of your chosen base color (the lightest of the three shades) and let it dry. To create the marbled look, place a few drops of the other colors on each nail, then swirl them together using a fine nail art brush or toothpick, says Basurto. Don’t worry about making each nail look the same; in fact, you want each one to look a bit different for the most realistic marble-looking effect, Hanna says. Seal everything with a top coat and you’re good to go.
