Perhaps it was Hailey Bieber's recent outing in which the Rhode founder stepped out in a pair of giant polka dotted capri pants, or maybe the triumphant return of the motif on the runways of Bora Aksu and Moschino – but it seems the divisive dotty trend has reemerged from the archives.
So much so, polka dots have starting creeping back into nail art trends this summer, too. From micro dots that play on 'quiet luxury' and monochrome detailing to louder, bolder dotted prints (see: Dua Lipa's most recent manicure) and mis-match accents, polka dot nails have shed their cutesy connotations and the old-school print is now being revived for summer '25.
'Polka dots have exploded in popularity this season, offering a refreshing shift from more intricate designs or, conversely, super minimalist looks,' agrees Daisy Kalnina, the CEO and Founder of The GelBottle Inc. 'We’re seeing some really fun variations on the polka dot trend this summer, from classic black-and-white to more vibrant colour combinations. We're also seeing techs playing with scale: from delicate micro-dots to bold, oversized spots that make a real statement,' she notes.
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The allure of polka dot nails 2.0 is simple: They're both elevated and cool but highly versatile, too. 'The versatility of polka dots is a huge factor owing to its popularity, as they can be combined with other trends effortlessly – think butter yellow or pastel dots over a sheer base,' she adds.
Can you DIY polka dot nails?
While intricate nail art such as polka dots can be tricky to master if you're not a pro, Kalnina says you can achieve the nail art yourself provided you have the right tools and techniques. 'The easiest method is to use a dotting tool, but if you don't have one, a bobby pin, a toothpick, or even the end of a dried-out pen can work for creating perfect small dots,' she shares. 'The trick is to dab a little of your chosen polish onto a piece of foil, then dip your chosen tool into it before carefully creating your desired pattern on the nail.'
The polka dot manicure trends to know
Below, Kalnina breaks down the manicure trends to note for summer 2025:
- Micro dots: Super tiny, delicate dots often on a nude or sheer base for a sophisticated, understated look
- Colour clash dots: Bold, contrasting colours that truly pop, like fuchsia dots on a lime green base, or electric blue on a crisp white
- Varying dot sizes: Using a mix of small, medium, and large dots on a single nail or across the set for a more dynamic and artistic feel
- Polka dot accents: Instead of a full polka dot manicure, opt for a single statement nail with dots, or just a few dots strategically placed at the cuticle or tip
- Monochrome: Classic black dots on a white or milky base
The best polka dot manicure inspiration
Glazed donut polka dots
It was only a matter of time before Hailey Bieber combined her infamous glazed donut manicure with the latest nail art. As illustrated by nail artist @nailsbyzola, Bieber's polka dot manicure takes a glazed, glossy finish and has been upgraded with teeny-tiny dots.
Micro chrome
Teeny-tiny white polka dots on a chrome base add a minimalist touch while still feeling like an upgrade to a classic glazed or glass manicure.
Monochrome polka dots
Playing with monochromatic detailing, why not mis-match your hands with black-and-white bases and contrasting polka dots?
French tips
French tips are the perfect way to embrace the trend in a more subtle manner – simply ask your nail tech for a dotted French manicure or use a dotting tool if you're DIY'ing at home.
Quiet luxury polka dots
For a nod to polka dots that still feels subtle and chic, this soft nail art ticks all the boxes. Look for a BIAB base, such as Dolly from The GelBottle, to recreate it.
Inverted polka dots
Merlot tones needn't just be for the autumn months. This inverted manicure still looks fresh and playful for summer.
Lemon yellow
Lemon yellow is dominating as the heatwave sets in. This French manicure pairs perfectly with subtle gold polka dots and a bold zingy yellow tip.
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Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
