Polka dot nails that are bang on trend

Polka dot nails are officially having their moment in 2025 🎀 from classic black + white spots to colourful, playful twists, this nail trend is giving major retro vibes with a modern glow-up. Whether you’re into dainty minimalist dots or bold all-over patterns, these polka dot nail ideas prove they’re anything but childish.

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Where did the polka dot nail trend come from?

The name “polka dot” emerged around the 19th century, tied to the popularity of the polka dance—garments with dot patterns even served as club identifiers back then.

Fast forward to Summer 2025: polka dot nails are everywhere, featured on trendsetters like Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Dua Lipa. Nail artists are redefining the look, from micro-dots that exude “quiet luxury” or “clean girl” to bold and playful patterns with mismatched dots or vibrant hues.

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A post shared by Hailey Rhode Bieber (@haileybieber)

20 polka dot nail designs you must try in 2025

Dark and moody

1. Brown and baby blue

2. Deep brick red

3. A storm is brewing

4. Classic combo

5. Wine and dine

Polka dots with a twist

16. French tip twist

17. Yin and yang

18. Tips for two

19. Pretty in pink

20. Multi-coloured fantasy

How to polka dot nail art at home

Here’s a quick, no-faff step-by-step for doing polka dot nails at home:

1. Prep → file, push cuticles, cleanse nails, apply base coat.
2. Base colour → 1–2 thin coats; let it fully dry (or cure if gel).
3. Set up → drop a tiny blob of your dot colour onto foil.
4. Tool → use a dotting tool (or the rounded end of a bobby pin/toothpick).
5. Dot → start in the centre, then mirror left/right for even spacing; reload tool often.
6. Dry → give dots 3–5 mins so they don’t smear.
7. Top coat → “float” a glossy top coat over the design (light pressure).
8. Clean up → tidy edges with a flat brush + remover.

Pro tips: vary tool size for mixed dots, use quick-dry drops to speed things up, and try one accent nail if you’re short on time.

Our favourite polka dot colours

Don’t forget to browse our nail supplies to find everything needed to recreate one of these amazing sets…

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