Gone are the days where manicures have to be a single pattern, let alone just one color, to be considered fashion-forward. Instead nail enthusiasts in 2023 are finding inspiration in cheerful mismatched nail ideas. Whether its a mashup of color-blocked designs or five totally different nails, mismatched manicures undoubtedly make a statement. On TikTok alone, the term "mismatched nail design" has amassed over 2.5 billion views, and unlike many other nail art trends, like glazed donut nails or the milky French manicure, this search term populates thousands of unique manicures, none of which are truly identical. Ultimately, this means that its impossible to mess up a mismatched manicure—even if you DIY—and celebs like Hailey Bieber and Keke Palmer are co-signing the trend. Interested in giving the eye-catching nail polish trend a whirl?Keep reading to uncover over a dozen mismatched nails ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Hailey Biebers Blobby Tie Dye
@haileybieber / Instagram
When Hailey Bieber joins in on a nail trend, you know its having a big moment—and she offered her own take on mismatched nails earlier this summer with this blobby tie dye set. Some nails lean more snakeskin while others have more candy-colored profiles, but it all comes together via a warm palette with major sunset vibes.
Mismatched Patterned Nails
@digitzbydev
Dots, lines, and abstract shapes are all fair game when it comes to mismatched manicures. Here, you can see how well even the most unexpected color pairings can somehow just work with this nail trend.
Tortoiseshell Blooms
@nailditbyalyssa
While many mismatched nail art ideas feature ultra-bright color pairings, its worth mentioning that you can rock the trend while sticking to a more neutral palette, too. Case in point? This fun tortoiseshell design juxtaposed with groovy black-and-white florals.
Keke Palmers 3D Mismatch
@keke / Instagram
One of the best ways to bring a mismatched mani together is with a common aesthetic, and Keke Palmer did just that with this long, square-shaped look by nail artist Bria, featuring 3D swirling chrome accents on multiple nails. If you love chrome nails but are looking for something that leans more avant-garde than glazed donut, this ones for you.
Evil Eye Checks
@nailditbyalyssa
Evil eyes, checkers, flames, and florals make this mismatched mani especially trendy for summer 2023. We particularly like the squiggle edge to the checker nail, giving it an even more abstract allure.
Mismatch Melt
@nuka.nails
Neons are never not in style for summer, so if youre looking to heat up your nail look before the season officially hits, you know what to do. Plus, that melting smiley and shimmer nail? Were swooning!
Mismatch Pastel Brights
@nailsby_gxx
Pastel brights might seem like an oxymoron, but one look at this fun mismatched mani and youll get it. Unlike true pastels, the colors in this head-turning nail look have a vivid vibe without being totally in your face. And that green aura nail? Très chic.
Groovy Mismatch French Tips
@pressedbycharlotte
If you dont want to go with a fully different design on each nail, you can opt for the same pattern in different colors to still achieve the mismatched vibe. Just look at how stunning the French tips on this groovy mismatched mani look.
Mismatch French Tips
@disseynails
Even if you only use the tips of your nails to embrace the mismatched mani trend, the end look will still be put-together and stunning. We love that many of the designs here feel emoji-inspired.
Mismatch Aura Nails
@rebeccapaintsnails
These mismatched aura nails are giving all the mystical vibes, and were fully here for it. By using the same color palette throughout, the varying patterns seem to really mesh with each other while still looking mismatched.
Psychedelic Mismatch
@madnails
This mismatched mani has an overarching psychedelic theme but, individually, each nail is different. From the eyes to the bright mushrooms to the wavy rainbows, the harmonious details prove theres plenty of joy to be found in chaos.
Mismatch Color Block
@madnails
Perhaps our favorite mismatched mani weve seen lately, this bright color-block number is giving lava lamp, Matisse, and beach-ready vibes all at once.
Pastel Mismatch
@evemeetsnails
Heres further proof that more subdued pastel colors can still have a hint of brightness. The effect is a softer mismatched mani that looks laid-back and fun.
Vivid Mismatch
@morghyn_nailedit
Dont feel like you cant go full vivid with your mismatched mani. Were all for mixing bold prints, designs, and hues, and the expressive energy here is to die for (note the face on the pointer finger).
Neon Coral Standout
@nailsbyamyf
Coral, orange, and tomato red are some of the hottest colors of 2023, making this mismatched mani showcasing the shade particularly swoon-worthy.
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