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Peekaboo Nails Trend: Easy Surprise Twist for Your Manicure

Peekaboo Nails Trend: Easy Surprise Twist for Your Manicure

Peekaboo nails resurge in popularity every so often. The most recent boost happened during New York Fashion Week last year. Aprés Nail collaborated with Maisie Wilen on multicolor nails that surprised onlookers. The top of the nail was one color while underneath was a different shade. Nail artists have extended the peekaboo trend to include stunning twists like animal prints and glitter, too.

How can you do peekaboo nails? It’s easiest with extensions unless the natural nails already have sufficient length. Prep and decorate the nail’s underside before applying it to the natural nail. Then paint the top as usual, making sure to cap the free edge carefully.

Let’s have a look at peekaboo nails ideas to inspire you.

Peekaboo Nails Trend

Louboutin Nails: Red & Black

Louboutin Nails: Red & Black

This look takes its cue from the famed Louboutin shoes with the red soles. These are almond-shaped nail extensions with glossy black tops. Some nails have gold foil accents, while the undersides of all the tips are red. Some say the shoe style was the original inspiration for peekaboo nail art.

Soft Gel & Nail Tips

Soft Gel & Nail Tips

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White & Hot Pink

White & Hot Pink

Here’s a fun peekaboo nails look that will gain second glances. It’s not every day you see neutral white nails spiced up with hot pink underneath. This is a quick and easy manicure but definitely a show-stopper. All you need is a nude shade combined with something stunning.

LDS Set 72 Colors - Gel Polish 0.5oz - Fall 2 Pallete Collection (+FREE color sample +2 x LDS Base & Top Gel Duo I Earn rewards)

LDS Set 72 Colors - Gel Polish 0.5oz - Fall 2 Pallete Collection (+FREE color sample +2 x LDS Base & Top Gel Duo I Earn rewards)

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Glazed Nails & Lime Green

Glazed Nails &  Lime Green

However, there’s a risk in choosing a light color for the top of the nail. The brighter or darker color underneath might become visible, taking away the surprise. Still, the hint of green around the edges here is reminiscent of French tips. Plus, the pearly sheen looks lovely.

In case you missed the glazed nails trend that provides this shiny finish, it’s straightforward to create with chrome powder. You could use it to chrome the inside of the nail as well.

We’ve heard people asking if they can do peekaboo designs on natural nails, or on tips that have already been applied. Yes, but it’s tricky. You’d want a thin brush and a steady hand.

Chrome Nail Powder

Chrome Nail Powder

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Peekaboo Leopard Prints

Peekaboo Leopard Prints

Here’s a luxe look with animals prints underneath. The gold line around the cuticle coordinates nicely with the gold in the leopard spots. Line art gel with a precision brush would shorten the time needed to complete this design. There’s also a glossy finish over the prints that makes them feel like fine china.

Line Art Gel

Line Art Gel

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Stilettos & Snowflakes

Stilettos & Snowflakes

Here’s how to ease into the holiday spirit. Wear discreet snowflakes underneath your glossy black stilettos. They’ll be your little secret and make you smile each time you see them.

Can you achieve this look with nail stickers or wraps? Yes, you can! It’s simplest to apply the decorations, add a top coat, then attach the tips to the natural nails. They don’t add any significant thickness, it’s the same as painting the nails by hand, just faster.

Nail Stickers

Nail Stickers

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Christmas Treats

Christmas Treats

Here’s another fun holiday design for peekaboo nails. Red French tips with a Santa hat on the outside and candy on the inside tell a sweet little story. We can imagine this with candy canes, tiny bows, trees, or elves, too.

What if you want to try peekaboo nails but aren’t used to extensions? No problem, just start small. Choose a short length and a compact design. For example, do a gradient with various shades across underside of the nails.

Butterflies

Butterflies

Golden butterflies grace a deep magenta background. With all the intricate details, these peekaboo nails are stunners. Choose a style like this and expect that total strangers are going to ask to study your hands! 

Abstract Distraction

Abstract Distraction

Here’s one more that reminds us of painted tiles.  The silver and black abstract pattern is striking. 

More Peekaboo Nails Ideas

There are even more peekaboo nail trends to explore. This style offers endless opportunities to mix and match designs and colors for any season or occasion.

  • Sports Team Colors: Show your support with peekaboo nails that display your favorite team’s colors. For instance, 49er fans could pair scarlet and gold with black accents.
  • Halloween Shockers: Spooky season calls for fun Halloween peekaboo nails! Imagine nails with tiny skulls, spider webs, or jack-o'-lantern faces hidden underneath. You could also use glow-in-the-dark polish on the undersides to create a creepy surprise when the lights go out.
  • Valentine’s Day: How about soft pink or nude nails on top and red hearts on the underside? You could even go glittery!
  • Thanksgiving: Create a matching fall foliage gradient for Thanksgiving. Use olive green, soft yellow, burnt orange, and chocolate on the tops with brighter versions underneath.
  • New Year’s Eve: Wear black to bid the old year goodbye but welcome in the new with metallics, holographic polish, or fluorescent colors underneath.
  • Spring Celebration: Paint pastels on top and hide delicate flowers underneath. For example, daisies, tulips, or cherry blossoms will welcome springtime in style.
  • Graduation: Mark a graduation in style with nails that show off your school spirit. Do the tops of your nails with classic cap-and-gown black, while the undersides reveal your school’s colors.
  • Wedding Bliss: Keep the tops of the nails sophisticated with classic shades like sheer pink or ivory. Underneath, add silver or gold for a subtle sparkle. You could also include delicate lace patterns or tiny hearts.

We bet you can think of even more opportunities to dress up the flip side of your nails. As you can see, there’s a perfect peekaboo twist to match every situation!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed exploring the peekaboo nails trend with us. It’s such a delightful way to make a manicure even more attractive.

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