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TikTok’s Duck Nails Is the Most Interesting New Mani Trend

By Elizabeth Denton

Published on Sep 3, 2021

Close-up of a woman's hand with sparkly white and pink duck nails nail art Mobile

Close-up of a woman's hand with sparkly white and pink duck nails nail art Desktop

Nail trends pop up each season with folks getting colorful manicures to match what’s trending on social media at the moment. Sure, simple nude nail polish will always be popular but when it comes to nail art, there are often major standouts. This summer we saw psychedelic ‘70s prints go viral along with the “maximalist” clothing trend. The newest nail trend coming out of TikTok though is a lot different than the typical nail art and well, it’s an acquired taste.

Instead of a trending print, it’s about a new nail shape right now: duck nails. Although almond shapes, coffin nails and stiletto styles aren’t going anywhere, some are jumping into a shape that looks a bit like fan tips. And when you add bold nail art on top of them well, they’re something to be seen. But like all big trends, this throwback nail shape actually isn’t new. It was popularized by Jersey Shore’s Snooki in the early 2000s. Like low rise jeans and chunky highlights, Y2K trends are back.

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Daniela Garcia is a California-based nail artist.

What are duck nails?

When you first heard about duck nails, chances are you pictured, well, a duck. But these trending talons don’t feature images of animals or cartoon characters. Instead, the shape of these flared nails actually resemble duck feet. Still with us? Allow nail artist Daniela Garcia to explain. “The duck nails trend is an old trend that’s back,” she says. “It basically consists of the tips being wider, similar to duck feet.”

After the nail trend blew up on social media, specifically TikTok, Garcia started getting messages from folks wanting to try the nail shape themselves. “I’ve gotten so many messages from girls asking me to tell them how to ask for them,” she says. Garcia says she’s also getting tagged on social media when friends see nail art at a nail salon and want to recreate the look. She advises folks to ask for “regular square tips or pre-flared out tips” that can be shaped as you please. You have to make sure the nail artist is familiar with the trending style though. Not everyone is a big fan.

All the Duck Nail Inspo You Didn’t Know You Needed:

1. Glittering Gold

Unsurprisingly, Garcia creates the coolest nail art on duck nails, including this gold lace-adorned set.

2. French Tips

Take the classic French tips and give them a Y2K upgrade with wide tips. The ombre style adds to the throwback appeal.

3. Charm-Adorned

Go big or go home, right? If you’re going to throw it back, you might as well go all the way with adorable Kawaii charms.

4. Girly Duck Nails

Pink bows and rhinestones? This nail art is typically used on girly styles and looks interesting on this trending nail shape.

5. Mermaid Nails

It’s hard to believe duck nails just got more interesting but these “junk mermaid duck nails” are too cool to believe.

6. Designer Nails

This nail artist put her favorite designer logo on her nails — and how cool are the chains?

7. Subtle Duck Nails

OK, there’s nothing subtle about green gummy-bear adorned artificial nails. But look at the shape. The tips are just slightly wide making this shape a more subtle take on the nail trend.

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