Few things are as fun and as refreshing as getting a fresh manicure. There’s just something so satisfying about trying out a new nail art trend – iced coffee nails, dew drop nails; you name it – filing your nails into a different shape (ballerina, anyone?), and even just going back to that look you’ve always been a fan of.
And right now, duck nails are at the top of our list of nail trends for spring. If you haven’t given them a pop yet, here’s a detailed guide on duck nails, how to do them, and the best duck nail designs for 2024.
Why Are They Called Duck Nails?
Duck nails, flared nails, Jersey nails, or wide tips – are characterized by bulky and clunky acrylic extensions that resemble the shape of a duck’s foot in that they typically flare out at the tip like a pair of flared jeans.
When Were Duck Nails Popular?
The duck nail shape is a Y2K statement. They were popularized by the reality TV stars of the time, most notably Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi from the reality TV series Jersey Shore, hence the name Snooki Duck Nails or Jersey Nails.
Once considered controversial and impractical, this nail trend garnered love from many and became one of the craziest nail obsessions ever – until they were revived by Gen-Z on TikTok late last year.
Today, duck or flared nails have over 18 million views and over 10,000 thousand #ducknails hashtag posts on Instagram.
How To Do Duck Nails
@slayedbyseyy How to get that PERFECT duckie shape everytime ???????? #slayedbyseyy #nailtok #nailtutorial #nailtech #lanailtech #ocnailtech #ducknails ♬ original sound – slayedbyseyy
Duck nails are the opposite of coffin and ballerina nails. Instead of the nails being narrow towards the end, they’re wider, like a duck’s webbed foot.
When creating the duck nail design, experts recommend gluing on extra-flare nail tips or duck feet tips, which are pre-formed artificial nails glued on natural nails – just as your nail tech does with other acrylic designs.
If you don’t have pre-formed, turn your regular tips upside down and file them into a duck nail shape.
After you’ve filed them to the perfect duck nail design, top the tips with your favorite gel polish, and add on some glitter, gilded adornments, or whatever design your heart desires.
The best part about flared nails is that they offer room to experiment with different designs.
And if you’re wondering whether you’ll be able to put on or take off your rings, TikTok girlies say you can – unless you can’t resist some oversized charms as part of your nail art ensemble.
Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to do duck nails:
Another way:
How Much Are Duck Nails?
This depends on your nail artist. However, the price typically ranges from $40 to $100. You can also get some press-on duck nails on Amazon at just $6-$15.
The 27 Best Duck Nail Designs Of 2024
Now that you’re all caught up on what everyone’s been talking about, let’s get into some Y2K duck nails manicure inspiration.
Cute Duck Nails
Lean into the ultimate girly trend (feminine energy at its best) by sporting this leopard pink print for a nail look that brings all the fun energy.
Duck Nails French Tips
Duck nails meet the modernized French finish.
Pink Duck Nails
Pink is all year round. Once you’ve nailed the duck nails’ shape, this solid pink color and embellishments will be a breeze to pull off.
Just remember to apply a base and a top coat to prevent chipping and make your manicure last.
Lizzo Duck Nails 2023
@lizzoI got duck nails ????????????♬ original sound – RuPaul’s Drag Race
It doesn’t matter if you love them or not. If Ms Lizzo rocked these duckies, you can bet they’re here to stay.
Galaxy Flared Nails
The galaxy/space nail trend has been all over TikTok recently, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. It’s the dopest twist on your regular ‘ol mani.
Lace Bow Design Wide Tips
Yeah, lace bows aren’t only for sexy lingerie; you can do sexy on your duck nails press on, too.
Spiderman X Venom Duck Nails
As we wait for the next Avengers movie, why not rock this Spiderman x Venom nail art look?
It’s so fun, superhero-ey, and you’ll probably be the first in your comics enthusiast’s group to try it out.
White Duck Nails
2ssasynailsinc
Milk baths or off-white nails are still all the rage, and we love how @sassynailsinc added the gemstones for a flirty, fun, and glamorous touch.
Black Duck Nails
@nailedbynatt19 I think I’m in love with short duck nails ???????? #ducknails #shortducknails #nailinspo #simplenails #blacknails #fyp #foryoupageofficiall #nailtech #duckies ♬ original sound – ????????
You don’t have to convince us twice. If it’s black, we have our signature all over it.
Colored Rhinestone Flared Nails
Your nails will garner all the attention with this French tip x-colored rhinestones mani.
On top of gluing the gemstones to your Jersey nails, make sure to add some pearls for added personality.
Hello Kitty Duck Nails
IDK about you, but nothing serves up nostalgic cuteness like a Hello Kitty-inspired manicure. It makes me want to call up my nail artist right away!
Playboy Duck Nails
Short duck nails are trendy right now, making this Playboy-inspired look a swoon-worthy addition to our spring/summer 2024 nails list.
Pink Friday Flared Nails
Donning these Pink Friday bbs is the perfect way to give Nicki Minaj’s latest Pink Friday 2 Album a nod of acknowledgment.
They’re flirty, fun, and fit for a Barbie.
Red Duck Nails
Did someone say Halloween? Or is it dark Valentine’s? Whatever it is, we love these for it!
Cow Pattern Wide Tips
Always dreamed of owning a large farm, rare some cows, grow some grass but can’t because, well…inflation?
Now’s the time to start manifesting, babe, but with these cow-pattern wide tips, obviously.
Spring Duck Nails
Does the thought of spring immediately get your mood up? Us too. And what better way to up your mood than these beauties?
We’re definitely going to rock these wide-tip nails every single day this spring.
Chrome Duck Tip Nails
Excuse us while we swoon over these simple chrome duck nails by renowned manicurist @nailartinspo, who works with almost every beauty influencer.
Gothic Green Jersey Nails
It doesn’t matter if Halloween is tomorrow or six months away because it’s never a bad time to channel your inner Cruella and rock a set of goth-inspired duck tip nails.
Short Blue Duck Nails
New nail trends are constantly emerging, but one thing’s for sure: french tip short duck nails will always be the moment every spring, and these bbs are everything!
Orange Duck Nails
Spring effect at its best! And with that, let me take some vitamin C supplements for good measure.
Long Duck Nails
Channel your inner Cardi B and have your nail artist give you these jelly-pink, church-inspired flared nails.
Butterfly Flared Nails
Who doesn’t love a cool butterfly nail theme? Definitely not us. Dreamy. Gorgeous. Every cute adjective in the book, period!
Denim X Pink Detailed Duckies
There’s no such thing as too extra or dramatic when it comes to flared nails.
Here, @kilahnailedthat added dimension by working in some rugged jeans and leopard print detail on the nails, as well as adding dreamy gems and intricate art.
Naked Nail Flared Nails
These understated beauties embrace the natural elegance of bare nails, and with the current surge in popularity of the naked nail trend, there’s nothing sexier than these bbs.
Pirates-Themed Duck Nails
Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.
Brown-Flower Duckies
These Jersey nails are the epitome of chic sophistication.
With their charming floral accents against a warm brown backdrop, these nails exude a timeless charm that’s both elegant and trendy.
Summer 2024 Flared Nails
What’s more summery than these bbs? We love how the mix-match of colors creates a playful, vibrant look that perfectly captures summertime’s carefree spirit.
Which duck nail theme will you be rocking for your next manicure?
Let us know in the comment section below.
