Dua Lipa’s New In-Your-Face Nail Look Needs To Be Seen To Be Believed

They're called kawaii nails and prepare to see a lot more of them about

Updated on15th February 2022 at 3.14pm

Dua Lipa just revealed a brand new manicure and there's so much to unpack. Sure, the music star's Instagram page isn't the first place you're likely to go for nail inspiration - it's hard to compete with the manicure inspiration that comes from the likes of Harriet Westmoreland, Michelle Humphrey, and Michelle Class on the daily - but this latest manicure is nothing short of a conversation-starter.

If your go-to mani is a subtle French tip and the boldest you go is a nail polish shade up from baby pink, switch off now. Dua has ripped up the rulebook and served up a smorgasbord of texture, colour, and gems.

©Instagram @dualipa

It turns out that Dua is on the money when it comes to nail trends. Pinterest recently reported a 70% spike in searches for 'funky nails' and a 115% increase in 'galaxy nail art'. With 'dopamine dressing' on the rise - wearing clothes that spark joy - it seems the nail world is in on the act too. We like to call this variation kawaii nails.

What are kawaii nails?

Good question. We know that 'kawaii' in Japanese translates to cute in English, but these nail designs aren't at all twee. In a kawaii nail design, prepare for gaudy embellishments, plenty of colour, various shapes and patterns, and even word art. Essentially, kawaii nails are an explosion of everything you once wanted on your nails, but all in one place. You don't need to choose one design or pattern if you opt for kawaii nails: choose them all. Consider them a dream for the indecisive.

Keen to get involved? scroll on down for all of the kawaii nail inspiration you need. Get your bright polishes, stencils and brushes at the ready.