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Coquette Nails: The Ultimate Guide to TikTok’s Most Romantic Nail Trend
Feeling ready to ditch the minimalist manis? Coquette nails – the internet’s most charming nail trend – is turning everyone’s fingertips into tiny works of romantic art.
If you’ve scrolled through Pinterest or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon designs featuring delicate bows, pastel hues, and intricate pearls.
With over 7 billion TikTok views, this dreamy aesthetic is set to dominate the beauty scene for 2025.
But what exactly are coquette nails, and why is everyone talking about them?
In This Comprehensive Guide:
What coquette nails are and their distinctive features
Step-by-step tutorials for DIY coquette manis
Celebrity-inspired looks from Dua Lipa, Nicola Peltz, and Lana Del Rey
Budget-friendly options for achieving the trend at home
What Are Coquette Nails?
Coquette nails draw inspiration from the coquette aesthetic, which blends old-school femininity with a modern edge.
The term “coquette” historically refers to a playful, flirtatious woman, and this style encapsulates that allure through design.
Think dainty French tips, pastel pinks, shimmering lilacs, and tiny details like hearts, flowers, and lace motifs.
But don’t be fooled by its vintage charm. Coquette nail designs feel fresh and contemporary, often incorporating trendy elements like 3D appliqués, glitter accents, and sheer jelly finishes.
It’s all very Bridgerton-esque, but with an edge that gives main character energy.
Coquette nails are characterised by:
- Base Colours: Soft pinks, pearly whites, butter yellows, and shimmering lilacs
- Decorative Elements: Bows, hearts, pearls, lace patterns, and tiny flowers
- Finishes: Glossy topcoats, pearlescent shimmer, and delicate 3D embellishments
Quick Guide to Coquette Nails
Style: Feminine, romantic with a modern edge
Key Elements: Bows, pearls, hearts, pastel colours
Difficulty: 3/5 for basic designs, 4/5 for intricate patterns
Cost: £30-£80 at salons, £15-£25 for DIY
Duration: 2-3 weeks with proper care
Why Coquette Nails Were 2024’s Hottest Trend
While last year was all about glazed donut nails and minimalist manicures, 2024 and beyond is leaning into maximalism. And the coquette the nail trend embodies this shift perfectly.
Manicurists for celebrities like Dua Lipa and Nicola Peltz have embraced this trend, elevating it with personalised touches like monograms, rhinestones, and bows.
Earlier this year, pop queen of vintage glamour Lana Del Rey proved coquette nails can be effortlessly cool.
Taking to Instagram, she showed off a deceptively simple yet striking manicure that perfectly captures her signature aesthetic.
Her natural nails just had clear polish, but delicate charms scattered across each finger.
Think twinkling diamond bows, dainty pearls, and ethereal butterfly embellishments.
Lana debuted understated romance with just the right amount of sparkle and whimsy.
“What makes Lana’s approach special is the restraint,” explains manicurist Julie Kandalec. “By keeping the base completely clear and adding just a few well-placed embellishments, she created understated romance with the right amount of sparkle.”
It’s no surprise that #coquettenails and #coquettenailsinspo are trending on platforms like TikTok, with millions of users sharing their takes on this charming style.
From soft blush tones to intricate pearl accents, it blends old-school femininity and modern creativity, perfectly captured in nail art.
Short Nails? Your Complete Coquette Guide
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need long talons for this trend. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec swears by these tricks for shorter nails:
Focus on one statement detail per nail
Opt for smaller bow designs
Use pearl accents strategically
Choose lighter base colours for an elongating effect
Why Are They Called Rich Girl Nails?
Coquette nails are sometimes referred to as “rich girl nails” because of their luxe, polished look.
The soft, pearlescent shades and intricate details exude sophistication, making them appear effortlessly expensive—even if you DIY at home.
DIY Coquette Nails: Your Shopping List
Essential Tools:
Base coat
Pastel polishes (pink, lilac, butter yellow)
Pearl stickers
Bow decals
Clear top coat
Fine detail brush
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcrowding small nails with too many elements
2. Skipping top coat over 3D decorations
3. Using thick polish for detailed work
4. Applying pearls without proper adhesive
Seasonal Coquette Nail Ideas
Winter 2024/2025
* Frosted pearl effects
* Snowflake accents
* Metallic bow details
Spring 2025
* Cherry blossom designs
* Pastel rainbow combinations
* Daisy chain patterns
Popular Coquette Nail Designs for 2025
Pink Coquette Nails
Pink remains the most requested colour for this trend, with varying shades from blush to bubblegum making appearances.
Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, who recently created pink coquette nails for Nicola Peltz, recommends using “a milky pink base with a touch of shimmer for that romantic glow.”
Pro Tip: “For the perfect pink coquette base, apply two thin coats of a translucent pink, then add a layer with fine shimmer,” advises Ganzorigt. “This creates dimension without looking flat.”
Red Coquette Nails
For those seeking a bolder take on the trend, red coquette nails offer a striking alternative. These designs often feature French tips in cherry red with delicate white bow details or heart accents.
“Red coquette nails are perfect for Valentine’s Day or when you want that classic romantic vibe with more impact,” says nail technician Kim Truong, who has worked with Dua Lipa and Jennifer Aniston.
Simple Coquette Nails
Not everyone wants elaborate 3D designs. For those preferring a more subtle approach, simple coquette nails focus on one or two key elements rather than a full maximalist design.
Easy Simple Coquette Ideas:
- A single painted bow on the ring finger
- Tiny heart details on a neutral base
- Subtle pearl dots along the cuticle
- Delicate lace patterns on a transparent base
DIY Coquette Nails: Step-by-Step Guide
Essential Supplies Checklist
Before starting your coquette nail journey, gather these supplies:
- Base coat (£6-10)
- Pastel polishes: pink, lilac, butter yellow (£5-12 each)
- White polish for details (£5-8)
- Clear top coat (£6-12)
- Fine detail brush (£4-8)
- Pearl stickers or rhinestones (£2-6)
- Bow decals or 3D embellishments (£4-12)
- Tweezers for precise placement (£2-6)
Basic Coquette Nail Tutorial
Step 1: Prep
- Shape nails into soft almond or oval shapes
- Push back cuticles gently
- Apply a thin base coat and allow to dry completely
Step 2: Base Colour
- Apply two thin coats of your chosen pastel shade
- Let dry completely between coats
- For French tips, use guides or the edge of your brush for precision
Step 3: Decorative Elements
- For painted bows: Use a fine detail brush and white polish to create small bow shapes
- For hearts: Dot two small blobs close together and drag downward with a toothpick
- For pearls or rhinestones: Apply a small dot of nail glue and place with tweezers
Step 4: Seal
Allow to dry completely
Apply a generous layer of clear top coat
Ensure it covers all embellishments for longevity
Coquette Nails Q&A
Q: What nail colour is trending for coquette nails currently?
A: While soft pinks dominate, butter yellows and shimmering lilacs are gaining popularity.
Q: Why are they called rich girl nails?
A: The polished, intricate details give them a luxurious appearance, though they’re achievable on any budget.
Q: How long do coquette nails last?
A: With proper care, 2-3 weeks for gel designs, 1-2 weeks for regular polish.
Ready to Try Coquette Nails?
Start with a simple design like a pearl-accented French tip or a single bow detail.
Save the intricate 3D masterpieces for when you’re feeling more confident – or book a professional.
Remember, the best nail art is the one that makes you smile every time you look down at your hands.
Final Thoughts
As the clock ticks closer to midnight on New Year’s Eve, coquette nails are the ultimate accessory to complement your party look.
Whether you’re raising a glass of champagne or typing out resolutions, these designs will have you feeling glamorous and on-trend.
Are you ready to embrace your coquette era?
Check #coquettenails on Instagram or Pinterest for more inspiration.
