As we say goodbye to a summer full of lemon-coated nails and ladybug decals, power clash manicures have arrived to serve us something new. If you have been taught to avoid clashing, think again. This trend turns what could be seen as a beauty faux pas into a full-on delight.
There’s no subtlety in this style: It’s full-on maximalism. You can clash colors, prints, textures, or even shapes. This style is loud, colorful, and screams confidence—and is a great way to show off every side of your personality.
Nothing is restricted here. You can wear the demure stripes with an exciting animal print or sweet daisies with grungy army fatigues. Polka dots can sit beside lightning bolts, and houndstooths can be complemented by zebras. Choose your own clashing elements or let your stylist go wild.
Keep reading to learn all about the power clash manicures, including expert-approved tips for getting the look.
The Power Clash Manicure Trend
Power clashing started with fashion. When stylish people opted to reject traditional fashion etiquette by wearing outfits with multiple designs or prints that wouldn’t usually go together, people took notice.
This look is about going against the grain. It also appeals to the indecisive. Can’t choose between plaid and cheetah print? With this look, you don’t have to. This trend calls for throwing the rules out the window.
Creating a power clash manicure is all about leaning into your instincts. If it feels right, it is right. Turn to your go-to style tricks to get the best outcome. That top and blouse combination that shouldn’t go together but always does? It will look just as at home on your fingernails as it does in your closet.
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The Inspiration
The inspiration behind this trend is unapologetic confidence; Think Samantha Jones having the nerve to rock a neon pink graffiti print fedora with a houndstooth coat. It strikes the perfect balance of playful and powerful.
The best part of a power clash manicure is how well the unexpected elements of the look work together. “I just love putting things together that people assume won’t work,” says celebrity manicurist and Kiss Nails brand ambassador Julie K. “We have 10 nails—who says we have to choose just one look?” And the options are endless, she tells us: “Nails are now endless palettes of creativity, with chromes in all variations of opacity and colors, magnetics, plus 3D gels, charms, piercings, not to mention different shapes and lengths.”
How To Get the Look
“The trick to a successful ‘power clash’ manicure is similar to creating a good ‘clashing’ outfit,” says Juli Russell, a nail expert for Sally Beauty. “Pick a large print, small print, one bold color, and one ‘grounding’ color, like black or white.”
The concept of power clashing might be bold, but that doesn’t mean your execution has to be (at least not right away). There are methods for easing into the trend so that you’re comfortable peeking out of the box instead of leaping over it. “If you’re looking to dip your toes, or nails, into this trend, start simple,” advises Russell. “I love pairing a simple check print with a neon shade, black, and then a shade of an earthy color, like brown or pistachio green. Play around with colorways and get creative!”
Ready to try on the trend? Scroll on to see a few of our favorite power clash manis for inspo.