We’re Calling It: Dew Drop Nails Will Be Summer’s Go-To Manicure

By Charlie Colville

8 months ago

How to channel that 'sexy wet look'... on your nails


We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for some summer heat. In preparation for the fast-approaching season, we’ve done our research – and have it on good authority that dew drop nails will be the biggest manicure come sunny weather.

The Nail Trends Already Dominating 2024

What Are Dew Drop Nails?

‘A dew drop manicure is a type of nail art trend that sees builder gel being applied over natural nails to create a 3D water droplet effect,’ explains ORLY UK Brand Ambassador Lou Stokes. ‘Sometimes the droplets are clear for a subtle water-kissed look, but coloured gel or chrome can be added to the drops for a bolder, more impactful look. These playful 3D accents are a great way to elevate your gel polish manicure with some added texture.’

@borablueprint pink nails are my fav #ombrenails #waterdropletnails #mpanailpallette ♬ hot people use this sound – ¿

This might be a familiar trend for those on TikTok. This is a manicure that has already had some degree of success on the app – and was even given the seal of approval by the likes of Halle Bailey and Megan Fox last summer – but the experts see dew drop nails really coming into their own this year. ‘With mermaid nails being a key look this spring/summer, this trend is here to stay,’ says Lou, who also notes how the manicure has started to evolve for the new season. ‘I really like the slight twist on this trend, whereby nails are painted in a shimmery multicolour base, with a hint of chrome powder. Clear builder is swirled over the top to create a stunning aqua mermaidcore look.’

How To Ask For Dew Drop Nails In The Salon (& What To Expect)

When booking and attending your nail appointment, Lou says there isn’t a lot of prep that needs to be done on your end – but doing a little research beforehand will help your nail technician get a better feel for what you’re after. ‘No prep is required apart from some research into looks, colours or styles that have caught your eye,’ she confirms. ‘For a professional finish, I would always recommend having this look created in salon by a nail professional – you can request ‘dew drop nails’ or ‘bubble nails’ – but you will need to get them done by a professional who has relevant experience and qualifications, as this look is normally created using hard gel or builder gel and will need to be done by a professional who has relevant experience and qualifications.’

@jannneu 3D three-dimensional water drop #nailart ♬ Sparkle (feat. Young Dolph) – Lovele$$

How To Recreate The Look At Home

But that doesn’t mean dew drop nails aren’t attainable at home. ‘If you want to create this look from the comfort of your own home, then I would recommend getting water droplet nail art stickers, or clear rhinestones for an easy way to elevate your manicure,’ advises Lou. ‘Make sure your nails are fully prepped and your polish is dry, before applying the stickers and then finish with a slick of topcoat around them to help keep them in place.’

Manicure Inspiration

 

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Featured image courtesy of Orly