Wearing the same nail polish color on all 10 fingernails is a classic - if that's too boring for you, you can opt for the mismatched nails nail trend. Translated from English, this means: “nails that don’t fit together”. With this manicure, the nails are designed with different colors or nail designs that either come from a matching color family or create exciting contrasts. This way of doing and decorating your nails opens up many new possibilities that encourage you to try things out and inspire your imagination. Creativity has a lot of scope here and boring nail designs don't stand a chance!

5 reasons why mismatched nails are so popular

Nail expert Stefanie describes the mismatched nails trend as an extraordinary alternative to classic nail designs. She thinks the biggest advantage is that any color and any combination is allowed with this look. The choice between many colors is almost unlimited, so mismatched nails are also suitable for people who simply cannot decide which color is right for them. In addition, the trend offers a lot of scope for your own imagination and gives every nail design an individual touch.

1. Exceptional alternative to classic nail designs
2. All colors and combinations allowed
3. Multiple colors or patterns can be tried
4. Room for imagination
5. Individual nail design

Mismatched Nails: 3 questions for nail designer Stefanie

Extraordinary designs in everyday life ß Nail designer Stefanie explains how you can make mismatched nails suitable for the office and answers other questions about the trend.

ND24: What occasions do mismatched nails suit?
Nail designer Stefanie: Many people choose this unusual look for special events, such as New Year's Eve and Christmas or when they go on vacation.

ND24: What can I do if I think the trend is great, but for professional reasons I can only choose classic nail designs?
Nail designer Stefanie: Some customers have this problem - here I recommend: The look also looks great on the toenails. A pedicure is an excellent way to test out modern nail designs and also to wear them when everyday life doesn't allow for colorful nails on your hands.

ND24: Who can wear the Mismatched Nails?
Nail designer Stefanie: I personally think that the trend is suitable for almost everyone due to its diversity and the creative freedom it allows. Overall, the look must of course fit with the rest of the style, be appropriate for the occasion and be easy to wear in everyday life.

Pastel tones for elegant mismatched nails

Brightly colored fingernails are not something everyone can wear everywhere, but you don't have to miss out on the popular nail trend: If you would like to try out different colors on one hand, you can choose pastel shades. The delicate and light nuances create a gentle play of colors without appearing too conspicuous - they can be chosen glossy or matt. Modern pastel nuances for elegant mismatched nails include pink and rosé in all variations, as well as delicate purple tones such as lavender or lilac, soft gray-blue or gray-green, retro mint and soft yellow as well as apricot, light gray and the all-time favorite taupe.

Mismatched Nails with:

Rainbow colors 🌈: Mismatched nails for summer ☀️

Eye-catching colors that still create a harmonious overall picture are the secret of Rainbow Nails. They are the perfect complement to a good mood, the beach, the sea and cocktails and are therefore the perfect companion in summer and during the holiday season. Clear color nuances from royal blue , bright yellow , turquoise , petrol , poison green to lilac , purple and violet to red and the trend color orange are popular - whatever you like is allowed! Gentle lagoons and crystal-clear ocean are the summer longings of many city dwellers - if you paint each nail in a different shade of blue, you will capture the play of the sun in the sea and underline your holiday look.

Our tips for beginners: Painting mismatched nails

The new nail trend is imaginative and lively and can be used in many different ways. This nail design offers many design options, so creativity can run wild. We have some inspiration for you that you can use as inspiration for your mismatched nails or simply as a template. The colorful mismatched nails can enliven the nail design in different ways with their special color power:

Nail design: two hands, two colors

One nail polish color on the right hand and a different shade on the left hand is a good way to get started with mismatched nails. For this you only need two nail polishes - you can choose contrasting colors or go for matching shades such as a Caribbean light turquoise on one hand and a dark petrol on the nails of the other hand. The metallic colors silver and gold make it futuristic and unusual; this combination is also ideal for a New Year's Eve party.
You need: two different colors of your choice

Colorful Rainbow Nails

All nails on both hands in different colors - this eye-catching version, also known as rainbow nails, is particularly suitable for summer holidays and is a real eye-catcher. If that's too much for you, you can simply emphasize the tip of the nail (round, pointed or diagonal) or the nail moon with different colors and leave the rest of the nail in a subtle nude. The so-called dots, colorful dots on each nail, are also applied to a nude-colored base and are a modified version of the rainbow nails.
You need: at least five bright colors or more

Mismatched nails on one hand

The nails of one hand in different colors, the other hand in a subtle color - this style looks elegant and extraordinary. This nail design attracts attention and, done in subtle pastel colors, can even cut a good figure in the office. This modern nail design with a classic touch is even suitable for wedding guests if you choose subtle colors that match the outfit.
You need: five different colors and one nude shade

Mismatched Nails: Which Color Theme to Choose?

You can mix up the colors for your mismatched nails just as you like. However, the look is also suitable for implementing certain color themes, such as all nails in different soft pastel shades for a sugary ice cream look. If you prefer a sophisticated appearance, you can choose soft nude tones from mauve and taupe to beige and off-white - this version appears particularly elegant in a matt look.

Ombré look: gradient nail design for professionals

For the popular ombré trend, choose two main tones, for example red and blue, and start with red on one hand and blue on the other hand on the little finger. Towards the thumb, you let the colors on the individual nails merge together - to do this you either have to mix your nail polishes or buy intermediate shades. You can also paint the little finger and ring finger all red, the middle finger with two thirds red and one third blue, the index finger with half red and half blue and on the thumb the nail is one third red and two thirds blue. On the other hand, the color gradient is the opposite: you start with all blue on your thumb, two-thirds blue and one-third red on your index finger, and so on - not a job for the faint-hearted, but definitely an eye-catcher! The color gradient becomes a little easier if you decide on the gradations of a color from light to dark: Start with a subtle pink on the small nail and choose a stronger shade for each subsequent nail so that you end up with a rich red on your thumb .

Mismatched nails with glitter, mica and patterns

If you want a very special look for your hands, you can also add exclusive nail art to your mismatched nails. In addition to different colors on the individual nails of one hand, you can also opt for a glitter nail or a nail with an animal pattern (e.g. leopard or zebra). This is just the right choice for parties, cocktail evenings or other events where things can be a little more glamorous. Also popular is the combination of black matt polish, a nude shade and gold, which can be combined on the fingernails according to your mood and appear particularly stylish.

Mismatched nails for all seasons

Colorful nails with blue , yellow , orange , red , purple and green are of course best in summer, but you don't have to miss out on the trend in spring, autumn and winter either. In autumn you can change your color palette and opt for classic autumn shades so that your nails show a play of colors of different warm yellow , orange and brown tones . Autumn is also the time of the olive harvest, so a combination of olive green, nude and a soft purple , which together are reminiscent of an olive grove with lavender, is also appealing. In winter you can rely on red nuances , deep purple tones as well as black and gray and make them festive with gold or silver nail art. In spring, soft green tones and other pastel nuances are popular, reminiscent of blossoming nature.

 

Color combinations for mismatched nails

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to the colors of your mismatched nails. Here you can rely on trendy and modern color plays, sensual colors or skilful accents. We have put together some appealing color combinations for you that you can choose from in different shades:

• Warm and autumnal: red , brown , orange and yellow
• Expressive: purple and gray or beige
• Sunny and fresh: yellow , green and blue
• Luxurious: Purple and gold or silver
• Exotic and exciting: pink , yellow and orange
• Christmassy: Red and gold or silver
• Restrained and unusual: yellow and gray
• Set accents: gray with green , pink , violet , red , orange or yellow
• Elegant and sensual: red , black and gray
• Maritime: Blue and white
• Calm and relaxed: olive , beige and light gray or mauve
• Holiday feeling: turquoise and yellow
• Girl power and eye-catching: pink and black
• Mysterious: Blue , violet and purple
• Classy: petrol and gold