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.
Yves Saint Laurent S/S 26
"The '80s were all about color, confidence, and unapologetic self-expression," celebrity manicurist Pattie Yankee tellsBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . 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.
'80s-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. To get this look, follow up with a pearl top coat like this reflective pick from Le Mini Macaron.
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.
Glamazon
Eighties fashion and beauty trends weren't exactly known for their subtlety, and these jewel-encrusted nails feel like the perfect way to channel that glamour in 2025. Re-create this look with this dance floor inspired set that feels all too fitting for the all-or-nothing vibe of this vibrant decade. (I'm personally adding this specific set to cart RN!)
Muted Animal Print
There's something about this zebra set that feels so 2025. Maybe it's the short nail shape or the muted neutral base polish, but this set proves one thing to be true: Zebra may be a print of the past, but it's poised to overthrow leopard today.
"I love animal prints because they’re nostalgic yet easy to modernize in 2025 with a subtle twist," says Try softer, blurred lines instead of harsh edges, or use a muted color palette.
Velvet Dots
"Glitter nails were another '80s favorite, but today’s version feels more sophisticated," says Yankee. "Opt for high-end, holographic glitter polishes that create a prism-like effect," she adds. Velvet nails are the glitter-adjacent trend that skyrocketed in 2025, which feels like the perfect way to age up this aged trend. "Finely milled sparkle adds a touch of grown-up magic—steering clear of the chunky glitter of decades past." To make things even trendier, add polka dots on top like celebrity manicurist Queenie Nguyen demonstrates above.
Lurex Chrome
"Metallics are another way to give nostalgic '80s styles a modern update," muses Yankee. This finish dominated the style of this era thanks to a vivid metallic fabric called Lurex, which made up much of the prom dresses, swimsuits, home decor, and more that you've seen from this decade. Re-create the Lurex look by using a deep pink base polish and pink chrome on top.
Neon Lights
I can't talk about '80s style without mentioning neon. Yankee recommends reaching for "bright, bold polishes" when referencing this era, which Falcone does beautifully above. The manicurist reached for vivid pink polish and accented each nail with deep red slices—an edgy color-blocking moment that feels dated, but in a cool way.
"Holiday Movie" Red
Okay, I'd admit this one's timeless. But don't bright red nails feel like something straight out of the original Home Alone movie? (I know it was filmed in 1990—don't act like trends changed that fast back then!) Red nail polish will never go out of style, but this particular hue feels like something you'd spot on Catherine O'Hara's Kate McCallister in a snowy Chicago scene.
Twister Dots
I think Falcone might be the patron saint of modern-day '80s nails. This new-age take, set against her signature clear extensions, is dotted with bright, bold, and large polka dots in an array of primary and secondary colors. Does anyone feel like a game of Twister, suddenly?
Zebra French
French tips were certainly popular in the '80s, but trend-stacking might not have been. This combination of two fashionable designs—both back in the day and now—is a perfect way to take this print into 2025.
Confetti Noise
This confetti set is a feast for the eyes. A mix of bold colors and large glitter specks strewn against a neutral nail polish color makes this '80s-inspired mani feel grown up and sophisticated (without losing the fun).
Polka-Dot Tips
"For a fresh take on the French manicure, swap the traditional white tip for vibrant, unconventional hues," recommends Yankee. "Mix multiple brights for a multicolored effect, go bold with neon tips, or choose soft pastels in varying shades." This pale pink and jelly red combination puts the perfect 2025 spin on the colorful looks of yore.
Taking Turns
One of the ways Meesh recommends referencing the '80s is by cherry-picking different shades for each nail. "Embracing a different color on each nail was quite common in '80s nail campaigns," the manicurist explains. "I think the unique nail color per finger is so chic and so attainable at home!"
Moody Aura
Aura nails might be a 2025 trend, but there's something about this set by Nguyen that screams '80s glam. From the geometrical cutouts to the black and hot pink color war, this set is perfect for manicure maximalists and '80s lovers alike.
Polka-Dot Tips
This look combines several of Meesh and Yankee's recommendations: alternating polish colors, thin French tips, and polka dots. "Use a thin striping brush to create clean, detailed lines for your color-blocking [and] French tips," Yankee recommends for a look like the above. Oh, and don't forget a dotting tool for those ditzy polka dots.
Color-Blocked Dots
I've referenced this color-blocked set by celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein more than I can count, but none did it feel more fitting for besides this '80s-themed grouping. The bold color use is nothing short of nostalgic, and the bright plops of color add the playful, cool-girl touch everyone covets. Color me inspired!
Shop the Trend
A low-commitment way to tap into the zebra trend is by popping on press-on nails.
The polka-dot French tip trend, just without the nail polish and hand-eye coordination.
What's an '80s manicure without a bit of bling?
What cooler way to bring the different nail, different color trend into the 21st century than with this cool set?
Chrome nails have always been that girl.
I'm falling for this jewel-toned velvet set from OPI, which fits so well into the '80s aesthetic.
Eighties-inspired nails involve a lot of color, so you'll need a striping polish set like this for at-home art.
