Ultimate Guide to Trendsetting Junk Nails: Unleash Your Creativity!

It’s time to create the manicure of your dreams—or your nightmares. Junk nails sound trashy, don’t they? But this trend can look like anything you want. You have complete artistic freedom!

Alongside minimalist fashions like skinny French tips, we also have maximalist looks like coquette nails. However, each of these styles has specific rules. Junk nails trump them all because there are no rules!

Think about the cute things you've always wanted to try with your nails. Now's the time to do them all at once! Each fingertip is an individual canvas. Nothing has to match. And it doesn't matter if your nails are short or long. Just have fun!

Junk Nails

Ultralong Junk Nails to Make You Happy

Admittedly, there is a theme here. Smiley faces appear on at least four nails, and there's some coordination with colors. These acrylic claws are the epitome of junk nails. Giant gemstones, bows, flowers, stars, and sea urchins make them a memorable manicure for anyone who sees them.

Maximalist Coquette Nails

Bling your nails with all the bows, hearts, and glitter your heart desires. Add Hello Kitty just because. You may need someone else’s help with fine motor tasks, but this mani is worth it. We’re not sure you can call them junk nails if they are this cute!

So Junk, We're Drunk

We can’t stop looking at these lipstick nails. At first glance, they seem totally random. What do dice have to do with lollipops, zebra stripes, and spikes? Or little monsters with cheetah prints and teddy bears? Then, we remind ourselves that there are no rules for junk nails. The goal is complete freedom of expression, and this mani checks the box.

Where to Find “junk” to Make Junk Nails?

By now, the wheels are spinning, and you're already pondering what you'll do for your next manicure. You're thinking about the supplies you have at home and wondering what else to add for maximum effect.

May we suggest browsing our nail art section? We have an extensive selection of charms, colorful rhinestones, stickers, glitter, and other creative accessories for self-expression.

For the largest canvas possible, we recommend using soft gel tips. They come in many styles and sizes and are straightforward to apply and remove. All you need is a nail lamp for the gel adhesive.

Moreover, you don't have to use acrylics to shape 3D nail art. Poly gel is beginner-friendly as it’s pre-mixed and won't dry until cured in a nail lamp.

But remember, these are junk nails, which means anything goes! Do you recall those stained glass nails done with cellophane? The artist who invented them started with candy wrappers.

So, if you could add whatever you like to your manicure, what would it be?

Goth Junk Nails

Let your dark side out to play. This manicure would be perfect for Halloween or anytime your goth side is ascendant. Although there is an overarching theme, no nails are exactly the same. And we are stunned by the attention to detail, from the deep red roses and spider webs to the scream and spiders.

Holy Junk Nails

We hope it's not sacrilegious to say this, but these nails remind us of rococo art in European churches. It’s because the expansive, cream-colored tips are blessed with gold crosses, stars, and colorful stones.

How to Care for Extra Long Nails and What to Do If They Break

When you see junk nails, most are lengthy in keeping with the maximalist theme. But they can be tricky to manage if you're not used to the size and weight. Here are some tips for wearing and caring for extra-long nails.

First, protect your manicure. Don’t open cans with them or use them as tools. Ask for help when needed and wear gloves when cleaning. Practice using the pads of your fingers for typing.

Next, keep your nails and the skin around them healthy. Use cuticle oil and hand cream daily. Take care of hangnails or damage promptly. Nail strengthener polish can be beneficial.

If a nail breaks, take a breath and don't panic. If it’s not bleeding, trim or file the broken nail to remove sharp edges. Then, you can repair it with a silk wrap. Otherwise, protect it with a band-aid and visit with a nail tech for repairs.

Build your nail-wearing skills a little at a time. Gradually increase the length with each manicure as you adjust. It's possible to look glamorous even with short nails. and you’ll reduce the risk of damage.

By following these tips, you can have beautiful nails while also keeping them healthy and strong.

Short Junk Nails

You can still enjoy junk nails if you're not into long nails or need to keep them trimmed for work. Take this playful manicure, for example. It reminds us of the toys in gumball machines. The charms are something else: disembodied hands, an eyeball, and actual earrings make it downright junky and fabulous all at once!

More Junk Nails Ideas

Are you feeling conflicted about what to put on your junk nails? After all, we're all used to doing themed manicures. Here are some ideas to bridge the gap between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

1. Pop Culture: Explore designs inspired by your favorite movies, TV shows, or characters. For example, you could do magical junk nails with sparkles, unicorns, wands, and cauldrons. Or perhaps a set inspired by classic video games, with pixel art characters and iconic symbols. Other possibilities include Disney characters, superheroes, and Legos.
2. Interactive Junk Nails: Take the concept further by adding elements like tiny moving parts such as gears or spinning wheels. Or consider polish or mood rings that change color in response to temperature or light.
3. Seasonal Junk Nails: Flip through the calendar at your fingertips, literally. For example, use spring pastels, floral patterns, and tiny butterflies or bees on one finger. Move into summer with vibrant colors and beach-themed charms for the next fingertip. Autumn could have leaves, pumpkins, and tiny acorns. Finally, think snowflakes, snowmen, candy canes, and so on for winter.

Now it’s your turn to brainstorm what comes next!

Conclusion

You’re going to have so much fun with junk nails! If you share them on social media, please tag us because we would love to admire them.

Now’s the best time to stock up on all the nail supplies you'll need. We provide free shipping on orders over $100!