Coquette Nails, the New Flirty Maximalist Manicure
"Coquette Nails" Are Taking Over TikTok, and We Totally Get Why
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If you've spent any time on TikTok over the last few months, chances are you're familiar with the term "coquette aesthetic." The word "coquette," according to Merriam Webster, means, "a woman who endeavours without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men." (So, basically, me every Friday night at Gran Blanco.)
While the word was originally used as a derogatory term, it's since been reclaimed by people on social media and has inspired an entire fashion and beauty movement. The hashtag #coquetteaesthetic has over two billion views and counting on TikTok, and users have been showing off how they embrace the trend with their outfits, playful hairstyles, romantic makeup, and now, their nails.
When trying to picture the look, think "Bridgerton" in a manicure: the trend is flirty, fun, and it's all about maximalism.
Whether you consider yourself to be a coquette, or you just want the nails of someone who is, we've got you covered. Ahead, we're breaking down everything to know about coquette nails, including what they are, why they're trending, and how to achieve the look for yourself.
What Are Coquette Nails?
"Coquette nails are all about tapping into your ethereal, hyper-feminine side by using specific colours, patterns, and embellishments," Rianna Basurtro, marketing specialist for the salon Bellacures tells POPSUGAR.
The trend typically features pale pink or neutral base polish colours, but it's the details that make this manicure a work of art. After a base layer is painted on, nails are embellished or adorned with anything from a ruffles to bows to charms, giving the manicure a maximalist feel.
"The coquette style can be worn with any nail shape or length, but it will mostly be seen with a mid to long and almond shape," Sara Clark, owner of Freaky Fresh Phalanges in Sola Salons, tells POPSUGAR. The reason for this is because the manicure features so many small details, so a longer nail with more surface area is key.
The style can be customised to suit your needs — a "simple" coquette manicure might feature painted on nail art like hearts or stars, while an "ultra" coquette manicure might feature nail art plus the addition of 3D bows, pearls, and rhinestones.
How to Get Coquette Nails
If you're thinking about testing out the trend for yourself, there are a few different routes you can take. If you're looking to keep things coquette-themed but still simple, we'd recommend starting with a flirty-but-neutral base polish colour like the cult-classic, OPI Bubble Bath ($14). If you want to take things up a notch, we love the Essie Metallics A Cut Above ($10). Next, if you're new to nail art, consider placing a few stickers on each nail. We love the Dashing Diva Falling Stars Magic Pick 3D Nail Art ($8) for this.
If you consider yourself more advanced, after painting on a base nail colour and letting it dry, feel free to go wild with embellishments. Apply a tiny bit of the Kiss PowerFlex Ultra-Hold Precision Nail Glue ($5) using the dotting tool in the Sally Hansen Nail Salon Pro Tool Kit ($8). From there, add floral, rhinestone, or bow embellishments. We love the Amazon White Pearls Nail Charms Kit ($9), which comes with tons of 3D adornments.
However, if any level of nail art just isn't in your wheelhouse, don't fret. Press-on nails and stick-on nails will be your best friend when it comes to this trend. We'd recommend the Dashing Diva Ballet Blooms Real Salon Gel Glow Art ($10), which are gel nail strips that feature pink floral nail art.
Coquette-Nails Inspiration
Whether you're ready to tackle the trend on your own at home, or you're looking for inspiration photos to bring with you to your next nail appointment, we've got you covered. Keep scrolling to see some of the bet coquette nails out there.
Coquette Nails: French Manicure Pearls
These coquette nails feature a pink french manicure with pearls, hearts, and bow embellishments.
Coquette Nails: Clear Bows and Pearls
You can also give the trend a minimalist spin by adding smaller 3D bows and pearls to only a few fingers at a time.
Coquette Nails: French Manicure Hearts
These coquette nails are simple but fun, featuring a french manicure with heart nail art.
Coquette Nails: French Manicure Bows
These coquette nails offer a twist on a classic french manicure with the addition of pink bows.
Coquette Nails: Rhinestone Hearts
If you want to try a simple take on the trend, these coquette nails with a neutral base and one finger nail art are the perfect inspiration.
Coquette Nails: Tiny Hearts
These coquette nails with tiny red hearts and rhinestones are simple but beautiful.
Coquette Nails: Cherry French Manicure
We love the cherry detailing on these coquette nails.
Coquette Nails: Colourful Ribbon
This "ultra" coquette nail set features ribbon, pearls, rhinestones, and stars.
Coquette Nails: Colourful Kisses
If you want to go all out with your coquette nails, consider a different design for each nail.
Coquette Nails: Tiny Flowers
These coquette nails have two nails that feature tiny white flowers.
