When we were just young little things, one of the lessons our mamas taught us was the importance of matching. Like all life lessons, there were some valid points — and we mostly listened. But as our rebellious teenage years taught us, rules, especially style ones, are sometimes made to be broken. Looking beyond total coordination has led us to discover the clashing beauty of mismatched nails.
Nail art has given us a myriad of inventive looks and color combinations, but the mismatched nails trend brings it back by focusing (mostly) on the interplay of different colors. That makes it a good trend if you have a less than steady hand or struggle to create a polka dot manicure.
When it comes to creating a multicolored look, get creative and don’t let any other so-called rules hold you back. Go for clashing colors, mix finishes, try a monochromatic look. Choose 10 different shades or try seven. Design your version of a rainbow, if you want. Choose your nail polishes carefully or select them with your eyes closed. The point is to have fun and not be concerned whether your nails match your outfit or even each other. And don’t worry whether anyone approves (no offense, mom).
Scroll through the gallery to see 20 playful mismatched nail looks to inspire you.
[ Next: 21 Easy DIY Nail Art Ideas for Beginners ]
Mismatched Nails Are the Cool, Easy Nail Art
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Sparkling Touch
A pastel rainbow manicure is much more magical when created with glitter nail polishes and accented by sequin eye makeup.
Image: Imaxtree
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Muted Mix
Softer colors can have as much impact as neon shades. Don't limit yourself to pastels. Try faded hues and pseudo-neutrals like this goldenrod shade. Increase the impact with a contrasting sweater.
Image: @sarebellamy
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Unboring Neutrals
One neutral is chic so multiple ones are that much more sophisticated. No one would ever call this combined neutral manicure dull.
Image: @vaniagoy
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Foiled Fingers
You may not be ready for neon hair or electric eye makeup, but multicolored metallic nails are less of a risk.
Image: Imaxtree
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Rocking Rainbow
You have 10 fingernails so use them to your advantage.
Image: @wtfimkels
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Autumn Update
Each nail is a different autumnal hue, but the unifying factor is the metallic moon detail.
Image: @acrylicsandgels
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It's Electric
Brighten up a dull day (or make a sunny one even better) with a mix of different neon nail polishes.
Image: @toreystreasures
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Fabulous French
Why stop at only one color per nail? Give a traditional French manicure a rainbow makeover with different contrasting bases and tips.
Image: Imaxtree
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Anything Goes
The rule to remember about multicolored nails is that there aren't any rules. Choose what you fancy, whether it's monochromatic or completely random like this nail art that combines light, dark, shiny and glittery nail polishes.
Image: @himakosa
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Shine and Sparkle
The rhinestone accent nails take the mismatched manicure to the next level.
Image: @trinityimagenails
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Pastel Dreams
Balance sugary sweet pastel nail polishes with white, red and bright blue.
Image: Imaxtree
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Seeing Clearly
We are so ready for these mismatched jelly nails. The nail art proves summer's hottest nail trend isn't going anywhere.
Image: @thenailteq
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Cool Coordination
Create an ombre effect with a monochromatic gradient in similar tones.
Image: @margaritanail
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Unexpected Pairing
Take or leave the textural touch, but consider coordinating your outfit to your manicure if you want to match something.
Image: Imaxtree
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Decisions, Decisions
When you have trouble deciding so you choose a bit of everything.
Image: @jolenemt
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Mix and Match
This striking manicure spans the color spectrum from bright white to deep navy with a shot of purple thrown in for good measure.
Image: @homemadenailstoronto
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Pick a Color
It's tempting to try to wear as many colors as possible, but it's interesting to see the effect that can be created when wearing the same shade on different nails, especially when glitter is involved.
Image: @supakova_nails
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It's a Cinch
Don't have time to commit a full afternoon to nail art? A cool, quick option is to only paint some nails. Leave the rest of fingers natural.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hot Tips
Merge a mismatched manicure with other nail art for an inventive new look. See this adorable French manicure with different colored tips. Classic white just can't compete.
Image: Imaxtree
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Broken Lines
The lines and colors are different, but the pointed shape is constant. Pro tip: Use a nail pen to draw on the ticks for thinner lines.
Image: @fingernails.are.pretty
