It's Official: '80s Nails Are Making a Comeback—17 Trendy Designs Revamping This "Outdated" Style…

      Everyone has a decade they wish they could return to. "I wish I had been born in the '70s," my best friend often says—she even got a baby blue Volkswagen Beetle when we turned 16 to prove her point. While I admired her vintage music taste and unique car, I always argued for the bold shoulder pads, synth-infused music, and vibrant eye shadow of the '80s. "I wish I were a teenager in the '80s," I would respond, typically receiving a scrunched nose in return. Beauty critics from later decades labeled '80s beauty trends as gaudy: too loud, too colorful, and too reliant on ozone-depleting Aqua Net. To that, I respond, "Gag me with a spoon"—the '80s were undoubtedly the freest, most expressive, and most fabulously flamboyant decade of beauty history (in my opinion). I would do almost anything to blast Mötley Crüe while perfecting a perm 40 years ago. Although I didn't experience the glitzy decade of music, fashion, and pop culture that my parents did, I'm thrilled to see its undeniable resurgence in today's beauty scene. I watched in amazement as '80s-inspired styles and beauty elements dominated the trendsetters this year—from Yves Saint Laurent's S/S 26 show to influencers’ advice. My Pinterest boards particularly reflect my fascination with the latter.

      Yves Saint Laurent S/S 26 (Image credit: Launchmetrics) "The '80s were all about color, confidence, and unapologetic self-expression," celebrity manicurist Pattie Yankee tells Who What Wear. She notes that the "fearless energy" of this bold era is making a comeback—albeit in a more sophisticated manner. "Today, we're witnessing a renewed embrace of vibrant individuality through fashion, beauty, and especially nails," she adds. "Bright colors, graphic patterns, and statement designs evoke instant joy and empowerment, injecting a sense of fun into any look." From zebra nails seen at Bronx and Banco's S/S 26 show to cheetah print on Hailey Bieber's nails, I've saved countless photos of '80s-inspired nails that I can't wait to share (and to further my mission of reviving this stylish era). Thanks to the recent (partial) release of Stranger Things season 5, these trends are back, whether you appreciate them or not. Below, you will find 17 nail ideas that seem straight out of a John Hughes movie—updated for today, of course.

      '80s-Inspired Nail Ideas

      Stripe Tease

      I can't help but echo celebrity manicurist Holly Falcone in naming this set "stripe tease," as it perfectly captures the look. To modernize the "outdated" zebra-print nails, try drawing black stripes on a clear nail. This adds a hint of 2025 modernity and edge.

      Modern Pearl

      Celeb manicurist Iram Shelton might call this set "frosted," but it closely resembles the pearlescent trend that was wild in the '80s. "I would love to see the pearl finish come back!" remarks fellow celebrity nail artist Sonya Meesh. To achieve this look, apply a pearl top coat like this reflective option from Le Mini Macaron.

      Le Mini Macaron Le Sweet Nail Polish Special Effect Top Coat in Satin Pearl

      Discotheque

      This set by Falcone features a similar statement-over-clear design as her zebra stripe set. Although it might initially evoke '70s disco, this style feels like something straight out of an MTV music video to me.

      Glamazon

      The fashion and beauty trends of the '80s were certainly not known for their subtlety, and these jewel-encrusted nails perfectly channel that glamour for 2025. Recreate this look with a dance floor–inspired set that fits perfectly with the all-or-nothing vibe of that vibrant decade. (I'm personally adding this specific set to my cart right now!)

      Free People Chill Tips Reusable Press-On Manicure Kit

      Muted Animal Print

      There’s something about this zebra set that feels very 2025. Perhaps it's the short nail shape or the subdued neutral base, but this set proves a point: While zebra may be a trend of the past, it’s about to challenge leopard for today's spotlight. "I love animal prints because they’re nostalgic yet easy to modernize in 2025 with a subtle twist," says Try using softer, blurred lines instead of sharp edges, or opt for a muted color palette.

      Velvet Dots

      "Glitter nails were another beloved trend of the '80s, but today's version feels more refined," Yankee states. "Choose high-end, holographic glitter polishes to create a prism-like effect," she adds. Velvet nails have emerged as the glitter-adjacent trend that soared in 2025, capturing the essence of this classic look