Buzz
Photo: @marcellirochanails/InstagramWhether you favor understated, minimalist nails or intricate, artistic designs, there’s a nail trend to suit every taste. Currently, marble nails are in high demand, showcasing delicate swirls of color that mimic the look of natural stone.
"Marble nails have gained popularity for their adaptability and chic, minimalist vibe. This year’s beauty and fashion trends have embraced natural textures, making marble nails a perfect fit," explains Rianna Basurto, a nail expert and marketing director at Bellacures.
Another reason for their popularity? "They’re highly adaptable and customizable. The color scheme for marble nails can be tailored to any season, and neutral tones make them perfect for daily wear," explains Mazz Hanna, a celebrity manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. Despite their stunning appearance, marble nails are surprisingly simple to create at home. Here’s everything you need to know about this trending manicure style, along with tips to achieve the look.
What Are Marble Nails?
"Marble nails are a nail art technique that mimics the smooth, swirling patterns of natural marble stone. By blending multiple colors, it creates a rich, textured appearance with depth and dimension," says Basurto, noting that the result is both elegant and fashionable.
Best Shape and Length for Marble Nails
Highlighting their versatility, experts agree that marble nails suit almost any length or shape. "Medium to long nails with rounded or almond shapes showcase the swirling design best, as the extra space allows the intricate pattern to shine," says Basurto. However, shorter or square nails can also achieve a chic, modern look with a minimalist edge. Hanna adds, "I prefer bold colors on long, almond-shaped nails and soft neutrals on shorter, squoval, or rounded nails."
Best Colors for Marble Nails
The possibilities are endless when it comes to colors. The key guideline is to select three shades—light, medium, and dark—to achieve the marbled effect, according to Hanna. Beyond that, feel free to experiment and have fun with your choices.
If you’re unsure where to begin, Hanna recommends starting with a timeless trio of white, soft gray, and hints of black. Basurto suggests elegant neutrals like white, pink, and beige for a subtle look, or richer tones like navy, emerald, or burgundy for a more dramatic and luxurious style.
How to Create Marble Nails
Start by prepping your nails: shape them and apply a base coat. Then, paint two layers of your lightest shade as the base and let it dry. To create the marbled effect, add drops of the other colors to each nail and swirl them together using a fine nail art brush or toothpick, as Basurto advises. Embrace the uniqueness of each nail, as slight variations enhance the realistic marble appearance, says Hanna. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.
