It’s safe to say that polka-dot fever is in full swing—and this time, it’s showing up as the number one nail trend of the summer. From fashion week runways to your favourite celebrities’ wardrobes and even Hailey Bieber’s latest Rhode campaign, it’s evident that this classic print has now gone mini and manicure-ready. Nostalgic yet fresh, the polka-dot manicure has exploded across social media, often paired with bright colours, minimalist bases, and cute character art.
There’s real history behind why these spots are so iconic. In the 1950s, icons like Marilyn Monroe made polka-dots synonymous with flirty glamour, often pictured in halter dresses or tiny polka-dot bikinis. That same retro energy is now being channelled into beauty, with stars like Sabrina Carpenter sporting glazed dotted nails in her Manchild music video, paying a cheeky homage to vintage femininity. The best part? Sabrina and Hailey Bieber share the same celebrity nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, whose signature minimal-meets-glam approach is part of why the trend feels so current.
Even better, polka dot nails are surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Zola has posted step-by-step tutorials on her Instagram, showing us exactly how to get the look using a simple dotting tool. The key to a symmetrical dot pattern would be starting from the middle and fanning outward. Whether you prefer tiny monochrome dots on a nude base or playful colour combos with glossy finishes, there’s a version of the trend for everyone.
Want polka-dotted nails this season but don’t know what to do to spice it up? Check out Vogue Singapore’s lineup of nail inspiration below.
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Lemon-drop yellow
Summer is at its peak, which means Hailey Bieber’s citrus-inspired nails are the perfect way to capture the freshness this season has to offer. Think soft grey spots with a zesty yellow base for a refreshing pop of colour.
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Crystal-studded
Channel Sabrina Carpenter’s playful energy from her Manchild music video: speckled crisp white dots on a clear nude base. Tie your manicure together with a gem or two on each finger for a subtle sparkle that feels retro and refined.
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Spotted accents
Can’t commit to a full set of polka-dots? Keep it simple with accent nails. Feature the pattern on just one or two fingers, breaking up the bigger blocks of colour on your other nails. Try contrasting brighter colours with darker dots to spice up a typically more summery style.
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Dots and flowers
Beauty is in the details. Don’t be afraid to pair your spots with some 3-D nail art—think delicate orchids or lilies curling across your nails.
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Inverted colours
Who says your mani has to match all the time? Flip the script with inverted hues on each hand—light-on-dark one side, dark-on-light the other.
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Classy pearlescent
Freshen up the classic black and white polka-dot by opting for a translucent, pearlescent base that catches the light when you move your fingers.
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French twist
Give classic French tips a fun upgrade with tiny polka dots along the edges of your fingertips. Subtle, yet full of personality.
