Fashion Girls Agree—This Is the Chicest Nail Trend of the Summer

Trends are divisive, but we think that's the beauty of them. Not everyone needs to subscribe to them—a look that feels right for one person might not light the fire of another, and thank goodness for that, otherwise we'd all dress the same.

However, once in a while, a trend will come along that seems to work for everyone—whether they consider themselves to be a minimalist or maximalist. And that's the case when it comes to foil nails.

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(Image credit: @ch.phr8ph)

Since salons began to reopen their doors, we've seen countless people sporting foil nails—particularly that of the golden variety. The reason we think the trend has become so popular is down to its versatility: You can use the foil to adorn your nails with a thin French tip, or you can go all-out and cover your entire nail in a sheet of molten goodness. The options are endless and can be tailored to suit you, whatever your style may be.

To inspire you, we've compiled an edit of our favourite foil nails for you to peruse and to show your nail technician at your next appointment. Feel like giving it a go yourself? We've also curated a five-piece kit of everything you need re-create the look at home. Scroll below for all things foil nails.

BROWSE OUR FAVOURITE FOIL NAILS

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ASYMMETRIC TIPS
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Style Notes: The beauty of foil is that you don't need to stick to straight lines to create a beautiful effect, as these asymmetric tips prove. 

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BLACK AND GOLD
(Image credit: @buffcs)

Style Notes: Foil always looks breathtaking as part of an overall nail-art design. 

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FOIL AND SHELLS

Style Notes: Shelly has paired her gold foil pieces with tiny pieces of shell for a gorgeous nail look. She then smooths them in place with a healthy slick of top coat. 

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TORTOISESHELL EFFECT
(Image credit: @buffcs)

Style Notes: Tick off two major manicure trends in one with this combination of tortoiseshell and foil nails. 

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EVIL EYE
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Style Notes: Betina uses her gold foil as the base to create a cool evil eye motif with blue gemstones. 

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LUXE LEOPARD
(Image credit: @charlottejacklin)

Style Notes: Using a nail art pen, draw on your leopard design, then apply foil wherever you desire. 

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ACCENT MANICURE
(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

Style Notes: For a more subtle look, apply your foil to one nail on each hand for an alternative take on an accent mani. 

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MIXED METALS
(Image credit: @heartzeena)

Style Notes: While gold foil appears to be the hue of choice, we love how Zeena has mixed her gold flakes with copper colours, too. 

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PHASED OMBRÉ
(Image credit: @buffcs)

Style Notes: Create this look by adding torn-edged foil to the tips of your nail, leaving the area near the cuticle as negative space. 

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FLAKES OF GOLD
(Image credit: @imarninails)

Style Notes: Put small pieces of foil to god use by creating clusters of foil in the centre of the nail, fading outwards. 

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ABSTRACT ART

Style Notes: Pair foil pieces with bright colours to create a modern nail art look. 

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ON BLUSH
(Image credit: @colourriotnails)

Style Notes: While any base colour will be instantly elevated with the addition of gold foil, we think that it looks particularly chic paired with blush tones. 

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ELONGATED FRENCH
(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

Style Notes: French manicures have made a major comeback this year, and different variations on the classic look are becoming increasingly popular. We love this deep foil take. 

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AS A BASE
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Style Notes: For those of you with a steady hand (or a salon appointment), why not cover the entirety of your nail with foil, and apply nail art over top? 

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CRACKLE EFFECT
(Image credit: @imarninails)

Style Notes: Strategically position pieces of foil to create a crackled look across your nails. 

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SEEING STARS
(Image credit: @thehangedit)

Style Notes: Where there's sparkle, start motifs are never far behind. 

SHOP YOUR FOIL NAILS STARTER KIT 

Next, how to remove gel polish at home without ruining your nails for good.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.