The Simplest Manicure to Try at Home, Courtesy of Our Readers

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

During times of uncertainty, or any time really, I’ve always found comfort in a manicure—as vapid as that sounds. While it will be a minute before we hear the soothing words "pick a color,” there’s no reason to let go of the small habits that cultivate joy or the self-care routines that keep us sane in an unprecedented time. So ahead, courtesy of our readers, I’ve rounded up the easiest manicure variations you can re-create at home: mismatched nail colors. Sure, it’s not groundbreaking or as important as what’s happening in the world, but for those of us craving the rush of choosing a color, or those of us struggling with social distancing, this small beauty routine can be a little pick-me-up. Keep reading for 11 different ways you can get creative with your nails and why our readers swear by this manicure trend.

Decorate just the tip.

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(Image credit: @laurencrowe88)

Another way to embrace the mismatched nail trend is by painting only the tips, like Lauren’s pastel mismatch French manicure. She explained, "Mismatched manicures are a way to stand out and express yourself! Show your creativity and originality! They also inspire me to build outfits around them.”

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Play with your primary colors.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

When it comes to adopting mismatched nail colors, let Nnena’s approach inspire you. "I often experiment with colors and patterns based on the clothes I wear or from paintings. The more you wear mismatched nail colors, you learn over time what goes together, like primary colors, for example,” she says.

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Get green with envy.

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(Image credit: @cuddlepill)

Reader Christina puts it best, noting, "As someone with a colorful style, a standard mani doesn’t always do it for me.” Sound like you too? Copy Christina and elevate your at-home mani by playing with shades of green and add a pop of glitter polish to create a mani anyone would be envious of.

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Embrace the blues.

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(Image credit: @sarahkretzu)

Another reason mismatched nails are where it’s at? As Sarah told us, "I love mismatched nails because I can never decide on just one color—too much of a commitment. It allows me to wear all my favorite colors at once.” So if you're feeling blue, own it, and paint those nails every single shade.

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Celebrate the earth (tones).

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(Image credit: @sharinsoomro)

Let me clear the air: Mismatched nail colors don’t have to be overly bold. As reader Sharin told us, "I used these colors together because I believe earth tones are rich and warm.” And if you’re not one to opt for bright colors, any array of mismatched-but-complementary earth tones is the perfect way to celebrate this beauty trend on your terms.

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Paint on those pretty pastels.

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

Reader Elif proclaims, "Sometimes I feel like I can't commit to one single color and just want to have a mani as colorful as possible—and for that, I love going for a rainbow mani!” But it doesn’t have to be the cliché rainbow colors. Llike Elif, you can layer on the pastel polishes to create the perfect bright mismatched manicure.

Recreate this manicure for yourself…

Rely on those neutrals.

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(Image credit: @samiraradmehr)

When in doubt, the best way to embrace the mismatched nail trend is by going nude, and reader Samira agrees. She explains, "I love a good neutral, mismatched mani because it’s fun and different yet still minimal and chic.” Just choose your go-to shades of beige and beyond, and your nails will be looking equally as chic.

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Get into the details.

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(Image credit: @brittlathrece)

Your shades of nude don’t have to be fully beige. Reader Britt demonstrates that you can not only mismatch your nail colors, but you can also play with adding mismatched designs and details to take your mani to the next level.

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Pick one nail to make a statement with.

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(Image credit: @lyndeeboyce)

For those of you who are new to mismatched nails, may we suggest taking a cue from reader Lyndee and trying one nail first? As she told us, "I love the mismatched nail trend because it takes the fun of expressing your personal style to another level. You can add all the colors and sparkle you want to your manicure, just like you layer on your favorite pieces of jewelry or clothing.” So whether you opt for one nail or all the nails, this trend is easy to adopt.

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

When in doubt, stick it on.

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(Image credit: @monichang)

Not sold on mismatched nails yet? Can we introduce you to mismatched stickers? Whether you opt for one single nail color (like above) or multiple, adding mismatched stickers is a fun way to approach this trend. And as reader Monica says, "Something about wearing multiple shades or stickers gives your nails an imperfect yet cool and effortless look.”

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Embrace the rainbow.

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(Image credit: @hannahlourobinson)

You’ve made it this far, so chances are you are into the idea of mismatched nails. Just remember that it’s all about embracing the rainbow on your own terms. As reader Hannah explained to us, "Isolation has given me a lot of extra time to play around with my nails. I love playing with shades. Plus, they make my loungewear look a little fancier!” So take Hannah’s word for it. This is a time to explore, have fun, and find the shades that bring you joy.

Re-create this manicure for yourself:

Next: 27 Natural Nail Colors That Are Excellent for Hiding a DIY Job

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.