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- Thick vertical stripes dominate 2026, elongate nails, and feel graphic and modern, says Juli Russell at Glamour.
- Versatile look: wears minimalist or maximalist, adapts year-round with color tweaks like high-contrast blocking or tonal neutrals with metallic stripe.
- Pairs well with trendy effects from holographic barcode nails to crisp chrome lines for added edge.
- Best left to your manicurist for sharp stripes; beginners use vinyl tape, experts can freehand for clean results.
When it comes to nail art, some might argue that there are too many options to choose from. But sometimes it pays to revisit a classic—like striped nail designs.
While other motifs, like cat-eye and florals, are all great choices for your spring manicure, we’re pinning striped nails as the print that everyone will be wild about this year. Polka dots totally took over both fashion and beauty last year, and we’re expecting the same level of impact from striped-mani mania in 2026.
As for which stripey styles are trending? “Forget delicate pinstripes: 2026 wants thick, vertical stripes that command attention,” DIY nail expert Juli Russell tells Glamour. “They elongate the nail, feel graphic and modern, and give even the simplest color palette a fashion forward edge. Whether it’s high-contrast color blocking or tonal neutrals with a metallic stripe running through, this look feels clean, cool, and quietly powerful.”
And what’s not to love? Versatile striped nails can be worn as minimalist or maximalist as you like, and with a few small tweaks to the colors, they can be worn all year long. They’re also easy to combine with trendy nail effects, from holographic barcode nails to crisp chrome lines.
While it’s generally best to leave this style to your manicurist—particularly if you’re after sharp, defined stripes—it is possible to achieve at home too. If you’re a beginner, first try using vinyl tape. After applying your base coat, use tweezers to place thin strips of tape symmetrically along the nail bed, and then paint the alternate color on top. Remove the tape, and use a small brush to touch up any overhang. For expert home manicurists, you can more simply freehand the stripes, letting the length of the nail brush do all the work.
If you’re visiting your nail salon, you can jump straight to planning which striped nail designs you want to try out. To help you get ahead of the curve, here are 25 striped nail designs to save for your next nail appointment.
Striped French tips
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