Maybe you cultivated a collection of airbrushed T-shirts. Perhaps you’ve stood in front of a hazy backdrop while posing for professionally shot photos. Regardless, these nail looks are sure to spark some nostalgia. To achieve hearts like the ones shown above, Robles uses an airbrush system like the Japanese Airtex Airgel. She recommends finding quality stencils—she sells some in her own online store, Nail Jerks, and you can find others on Glam Goodies.
Flicks and Dots
Courtesy of @afreshset
Courtesy of @shynebychelle
Many of us in the millennial club might recall going to the nail salon with our mom and seeing a white display board full of the flicks-and-dots design remixed a bunch of different ways, with numbers corresponding to each option so you could “order” the look for you.
Despite being a relatively simple design of tiny flicks mixed with dots, nail technicians somehow stretched this look into at least 50 different variations back then. Nail artists today are adding a modern touch by mixing in details such as rhinestones and gradients to pay homage to the original design.
Designer Logos
Courtesy of @afreshset
Courtesy of @chuenails
Monogrammed Gucci bags, Chanel stud earrings, Dior sunglasses—the early 2000s were all about showing off designer logos. And they’re the perfect accent for your next manicure influenced by this era. You can monogram a few nails, add some designer-inspired charms, or do both to complete this look.
Pierced Nails
Courtesy of @chuenails
Courtesy of @nailsinurcoffin
Belly rings, eyebrow piercings, and lip piercings are just some of the most popular body modifications that marked this era. If you’re not ready for the commitment of getting a piercing or two, adding some jewelry to your nails could be a good way to experiment.
Tiny hoops or small, dangly charms are an easy way to incorporate this trend into a manicure. But if you really want to dive into the risk-taking essence of Y2K aesthetics, using a curved, belly ring-style barbell could really bring your manicure to the next level.
Hibiscus Flowers
Courtesy of @afreshset
Courtesy of @thecolornook
Courtesy of @aequoreus_nails
