Move over almond and square nails, a new shape is making its way onto the beauty radar, and experts are calling them ‘bell bottom’ nails. Inspired by the iconic flared silhouette of the 70s, the trend sees nails gradually widen toward the tip, creating a distinctive flared-out finish.

Google searches for ‘flared nails’ have increased by 706% in the last year, suggesting that this nostalgic nail shape could be about to have its moment.

Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha, says the trend taps into the continued appetite for nostalgic beauty, whilst offering something a little different from the more familiar nail shapes we’ve seen dominate in recent years.

Why is the trend set to take over?

“Bell bottom nails are a fun way to bring nostalgia into your manicure. The distinctive flared shape instantly gives the nails a retro feel, whilst still leaving plenty of room to experiment with colour, finishes and nail art.

What makes this trend particularly interesting is the fact that it’s so different from the more streamlined nail shapes we’ve become accustomed to. After years of almond, oval and square nails dominating, people are increasingly looking for shapes that feel more playful and expressive, and bell bottom nails definitely deliver that,” says Annabelle.

How can you make a flared nail work for everyday wear?

Whilst the full, exaggerated bell bottom shape makes for a great statement manicure, it’s not necessarily the most practical option. Anabelle explains how this unusual shape can be altered to work for everyday wear.

“For those who love the look but want something more manageable, I’d recommend asking your nail technician for a much more subtle flare, keeping the sides only slightly wider towards the tip. This gives you the distinctive bell-bottom silhouette without the extreme width, making it much easier to wear day-to-day.

You can also make the trend feel more wearable by keeping the length shorter and opting for a softer colour or simple finish. A neutral, milky or sheer shade will make the unusual shape feel much more understated, whereas a bold colour or nail art will really emphasise the retro feel.”

For an even more wearable take on the trend, Annabelle suggests the ‘faux-flare’.

“You can ask your nail tech to create the illusion of a flare through nail art, rather than actually changing the shape of the nail.

Using a ‘faux flare’ painting technique, the design gradually widens towards the tip of the nail, mimicking the silhouette of a flared nail. Think of a curved French tip or colour block that starts narrower at the base and fans out towards the free edge. The result gives you that distinctive bell-bottom effect, without the extra width that can make a heavily flared nail less practical.”