Are you ready to try a bold and unconventional manicure? Then, you’ve got to see the hottest trend in nail art – duck nails! This Y2K nail shape is taking over social media, especially since Lizzo, Cardi B, and Ice Spice have worn it.
Sometimes, the style is called flare tips or wide tips. The distinctive shape is enticing because it calls attention to itself and has plenty of room for nail art innovation. Having more space to play with charms, glitzy stones, and nail piercings is fun!
But there's a catch. These nails are as bold as they are fragile. They tend to snag and break more easily than other shapes. Yet, it’s a small challenge to wear such a standout style.
Are you ready to try this trend? Get inspired by these stunning duck nail designs. Then, check the guide below for how to do them at home. It’s time to add flair to your style with flared tips!
Duck Nails Designs
French Flared Tips
Talk about flawless – this French manicure is pure perfection. But you can never say it’s boring, not with duck tips that emphasize the contrast between the smile lines and the edges. It’s a lovely choice if you want to try duck nails discreetly.
Bedazzled Kitty Nails
On the other hand, if you’re going to wear a unique nail shape, why not pair it with a playful design? Pull out your nail art supplies and go wild! It takes a moment to look past the flowers, kitties, rhinestones, and glitter to see that the base is a French manicure. Duck nails invite a creative, over-the-top approach.
Dreamy Blue Duck Nails
First, it's not just the shape but also the colors. Cobalt blue and white are trendy right now. But the biggest draw is the dreamy cloud design accented with butterflies and tiny rhinestones. These nails make us want to daydream of a better place.
Neon Flare Nails
We love flashy duck nails with neon polish and a touch of glitter. This playful look is perfect for summer and easy to do at home.
Lavis Gel Polish 090 - Yellow Green Neon Colors - Neon Banana
Zebra Print with Butterfly Wings
These gorgeous nails put zebra-striped translucent tips on a French manicure. That’s doubling up on trends! Plus, we’re hypnotized by the ombre butterfly wings and enchanted by the cute cats. This is a look that people will remember.
Chrome Duck Nails
If you’re going to do duck nails with acrylics, why not add some texture? The chrome swirls make it impossible to ignore these fingertips.
Box 4-in-1 Iridescent Nail Laser Powder 4G03
Jelly Duck Nails
Jelly and syrup nails have been popular in Korea and Japan. Of course, you can enjoy the pretty translucent colors even more with duck nails. This look would be sweet for a bridesmaid.
LDS Gel Polish JG-30 - Jelly Gel Collection
Pop Art Duck Nails
Pop art nails are trendy and easy to do at home. All you need is the base color, white and black polishes, and a thin brush. The finished cartoon designs look even better with a matte finish.
LAVIS Matte Top Gel
Fancy Black Duck Nails
If you need an elegant manicure for a special event but you still want to stand out, here's the solution. The flared shape alone will draw attention. Then, the gem-studded ring fingers seal the deal.
LAVIS Gel Polish Super Black
LAVIS Gel Polish Diamond Top Coat
Mixed Size Flatback Diamond AB Glass Rhinestones SZ02
How to Do Duck Nails at Home
If you're intrigued by this trend, try it at home! You can create this flared look without being a pro at acrylics. The secret is starting with the proper foundation. You’ll need extra flare or duck feet tips. These pre-shaped artificial nails can be glued onto your natural nails. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can also craft the look with a nail form and acrylics.
Here are the tools you’ll need to do duck nails:
- Artificial nails with flared tips
- Tip adhesive
- A nail lamp
- Clippers and a nail file to shape the tips if desired
- Primer
- Gel base, colored polish, and top coat
We suggest using:
LAVIS - XL Duck Nail
This is a new nail shape in our collection. It comes in 9 different sizes to fit every nail. Moreover, although it's pre-shaped and pre-filed, you're welcome to trim it and shape it however you like. Each tip is flexible, lightweight, and durable to look natural and feel comfortable. What's more, these duck nail extensions are compatible with applications including dip powder, gels, and acrylics.
LAVIS Gel Base, Diamond Top, Protein Bond & Primer, Soft Gel Tip Adhesive
If you apply extensions, grab this handy kit with all the essentials. It includes tip adhesive, protein bond & primer to prep the natural nails, base coat, and top coat.
First, apply protein bond and primer to all the nails. Ensure that you've lined up the proper nail sizes for each fingertip. Then, paint the underside of the tip with the adhesive. Concentrate the adhesive at the base toward the midpoint. Bring the artificial nail down at a slight angle and press it onto the natural nail. Cure it in the nail lamp for 10 seconds to secure it while you finish the hand. Then, cure the whole hand for another 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the lamp's wattage.
Once the tips are in place, apply a base coat and cure, then the colored polish if desired. Finish with the Diamond top coat for a long-lasting, chip-free manicure.
What to Do If You Break a Duck Nail
Breaking a duck nail doesn't have to be a disaster. First, if there's any bleeding, get medical attention immediately.
For non-emergency breaks, especially with acrylics or artificial tips, resist the urge to pull off fragments. This could damage your natural nail bed. Instead, file down rough edges or pop on a Band-Aid. Plan a salon visit for a proper fix.
For a temporary repair at home or on the go, you can use a silk nail wrap, an unused tea bag, or a new coffee filter. You’ll also want acetone, cuticle scissors, a fine-grit nail file, tweezers, and nail glue. Optionally, have a base coat and matching polish at hand. Here’s a quick guide:
- Gently file the broken area to smooth it out.
- Remove polish from the damaged nail.
- Cut a small patch from the tea bag or coffee filter, and using tweezers, apply a bit of nail glue to one side.
- Carefully place this mini-bandage on the break and press it into place with the tweezers.
- Once dry, apply polish to blend the repair with your manicure.
With these steps, you can mend your duck nail and keep your manicure looking neat.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the lowdown on the fabulously flared duck nails trend. We’d love to see it if you give them a try. Tag us on social media!
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