The practice of using nail art to express one’s identity dates back to the ancient civilisations of Egypt and China, where nobility often adorned their nails with intricate designs, colours, and precious materials for the gossamer details to serve as subtle yet striking symbols of their social status. While nail adornment has long been a beauty staple in many cultures, there’s good reason to why its modish connection with queer identity should be put to the forefront this Pride Month.
As with numerous other beauty trends today, nail art as a form of self-expression has been embraced by the LGBTQIA+ community in recent years. Drag culture, in particular, has played a significant role in popularising flamboyant and elaborate nail designs as part of the members’ performance art and personal style. From pop culture icons such as RuPaul and Trixie Mattel to performers in queer spaces, many members of the drag community have brought creative and boundary-pushing nail styles into the beauty lexicon.
For nail art has always been a wearable canvas for self-expression and artistic creativity, a Pride-inspired manicure can be a tangible visual emblem of support, in addition to an easy conversation starter whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally. As the conversation around gender identity and expression evolves, so does its relationship with nail art. Nail polish is no longer just for women, and many artists and salons now prioritise inclusivity, offering gender-neutral designs and a warm welcome to LGBTQIA+ clients.
In the movement to subvert traditional beauty standards and celebrate diverse forms of self-expression, venture beyond the classic rainbow this June with neons, pastels, and other inclusive colour combinations. Try your hand at whimsically thematic details such as fruits, flames, and bows, and wear your heart on your fingertips with Vogue Singapore’s favourite nail art ideas for Pride Month 2024.
@rebeccapaintsnails
1 / 10
Jelly glitter
Wear the rainbow in the most maximalist fashion: neon, sheer jelly nails embellished with hand-drawn sparkles.
@polished_yogi
2 / 10
Baby rainbows
Put a fun twist on the Pride Month nail art mainstay of rainbow tips by highlighting your cuticles instead.
@jinsoon
3 / 10
Colour-blocked perfection
For a polished, modern look, go for classic colour-blocking with impactful combinations from different Pride flags.
@danaturenails
4 / 10
Fresh and fruity
With summery, fruity accents and a crystal-clear top coat, this minimalist look is a fun, fresh way to show off your talons.
@brushedbyb_
5 / 10
Rainbow aura
Channel your spiritual side with ethereal rainbow orbs that seamlessly blend into baby pink.
@nailartbyqueenie
6 / 10
Raindrops on the rainbow
Channel the rainbow after the storm with these tiny droplets on top of donut glazed nails.
@nailsbyzola
7 / 10
Coquettecore details
These pastel tips complete with muted, girly accents are a chic way to seamlessly blend the rainbow into your coquettecore aesthetic.
@peachinails
8 / 10
Rainbow dots
Add tiny splashes of colour to an all-natural look with a vertical ombré of rainbow dots.
@polished_yogi
9 / 10
French tip swirls
Dip your fingers in the shades of different Pride flags for a candy swirl effect.
@vexnails
10 / 10
Neon flames
Combine the versatility of a French manicure with fierce, flaming neon tips for a look that is bold yet long-lasting.
