Meet “Bangle Nails”, Our Newest Manicure Obsession

There's a new manicure trend on the block, and she's not for the faint of heart. The maximalist "bangle nails" take inspiration from bracelet stacks and use the popular 3D gel technique to create a mini work of art on your fingertips. Quite simply, it's a way to wear bangles on your nails! Nail artist Emily Brady from Melted Mango Salon says the sky is the limit when it comes to designing one of these nail sets. "The best part of this trend is there are no boundaries. I imagine using a magnetic gel base colour would add to the depth and dimension," she says. "You can get as creative or subtle as you want... and it's not too difficult either."

"The 'bangle nail' trend takes 'arm candy' to another level," Brady explains. "The concept incorporates the idea of wearing decorative 'bangles' across the nail bed as you would a bracelet on your wrist." The nail artist says it has exploded in popularity, inspired by the bracelet stacks which have taken the fashion industry by storm. "Combining different textures and mixed metals to create a custom 'stack' on your nails is such a 'cool girl' vibe."

Unless you're extremely skilled at doing your own nails, it's probably best to head to a salon for this trend. Brady says the bangle manicure requires "time and patience", because you have to place each individual piece — such as gems or glitter — but it's worth it. "Recently, I’ve been using more of a softened 'clean girl' base colour for the nail and then we build from there." she says. "I like to use different colour chrome powders, 3D sculpting gel, chains and rhinestones or glitter to design custom 'nail bangles'. You can get as creative or subtle as you want."

Below, we've put together some of the most interesting "bangle nail" looks, from subtle to maximalist. Choose your favourite to take to the salon for your next manicure appointment.

This designer look by @nailsbynatashapaige combines a burgundy French tip with three delicate bangles layered on top. The gold chrome nail bracelet matches her Chanel bag perfectly and serves as an additional accessory.

These hand-sculpted bangles by Australian nail artist @nailsbbyalannahh are gorgeous. Mimicking a traditional jade bracelet, she's nailed the colour and texture, and the other gold bracelets and jewels add to the maximalist dream.

This set by @victorianatdha is absolute perfection. With both midi rings on multiple fingers and bangles across two feature nails, this mix-and-match set is sparkly and joyful. The delicate bangle at the top is so sweet and caps off the bracelet stack in the best way.

If you want to make your bangle nails really stand out, opt for a neutral base colour like @haleys_nails_a and let the jewels do the talking. Using a mixture of different bright colours and gold chrome, this nail jewellery is everything.

For those not quite ready for a maximalist bangle nail manicure, this sweet set by @emazingmani is more subtle but still striking. With a soft pink base colour, the bangles themselves are thinner and combine multiple colours and chains to create smaller, more delicate bracelet stacks.

As @de.beaute.co says, "Bangle nails are the moment". This set uses just one stack of bangles on the index finger as a feature piece, with nail jewellery on the others.

We're loving @antarktika.nails' version of "dreamy vacation nails". The nail artist has replaced a deep French tip on two fingers and replaced them with a bangle stack. It's simple, effective and adds a nice twist to the regular French manicure.

This Korean bangle nail manicure by @unistella_nails is suitable for short nails and isn't too overpowering. With a neutral base, the bracelets on top of the nails are delicate and look like thin jewellery chains with small charms.

This set by @nailsbykathyyy is bewitching. Using the classic combo of polka dots and bows, the stacked gold and pearl-like bangles elevate this manicure to another level.

@_beautbybee may have originally created this glorious set for spring, but it's actually perfect for darker weather. Lighten up the world around you by wearing nature on your nails, because 3D flowers and bangles complement each other so well! This look could easily become overwhelming, but somehow, all the different shapes, colours and embellishments just work.