This season, nails are moving away from minimalism and embracing two-tone designs. The trend of combining two colours in a single look isn’t just taking over the world of footwear, but is also making its way into the beauty world to give our manicures a fresh twist.
The looks from our favourite nail artists range from the most understated styles to the boldest choices. To help you find your favourite, we’ve rounded up 15 two-tone nail designs to inspire you this fall. Whether you’re into a retro, ’70s-inspired look, prefer floral motifs or are looking for something edgier, here you’ll find the colour combinations and designs worth keeping on your radar this season.
15 two-tone nail designs that will be trending this winter
Classic two-tone nails in brown and baby pink
The first and most obvious way to rock a two-tone manicure is to combine two of the trending nail colours for winter and let one take centre stage on each hand. This design plays on the contrast between chocolate brown and pale pink. Although both shades are understated and extremely elegant, together they create a unique manicure with a modern twist.
Two-tone French manicure in pink and red
The French manicure, by definition, already features a combination of two colours: nude and white. However, if you want to take it to the next level, go for more intense shades. A great option is to choose a light pink base and outline the edge with an ultra-thin line of bright red. Both colours belong to the same colour family, so the contrast is harmonious without losing that distinctive touch that transforms this classic manicure.
Two-tone floral nail design
This season is the perfect opportunity to experiment with designs we might not normally consider. Although flowers are usually associated with spring, they can also take centre stage in your winter manicures. The key is to paint them on a translucent base and play with a combination of tomato red and turquoise blue. You can blend both shades into the petals and the centre of each flower or wear one shade on each hand for an equally original look.
Two-tone interlaced dot nail design
Another idea for wearing a different manicure on each hand is to go with two-colour dots that alternate from one nail to the next. Los Angeles-based nail artist Anahi Victoria demonstrates this with a combination of baby blue and olive green. The result is a unique set of nails that plays with the contrast between two shades that work especially well for winter. You can also experiment with any other colour duo you like.
Two-tone nail design with reverse French manicure
As we mentioned earlier, updated versions of the French manicure are among the season’s most interesting trends and are an excellent way to incorporate the two-tone trend. To achieve this look, choose a burgundy base, as suggested by Marie-Amélie, and add a thin pink line along the cuticle area. The contrast between the two shades gives this classic design an unexpected twist and makes your nails the perfect accessory for any fall look.
Two-tone nail design with a cat-eye effect
If you’re all about special effects, you can incorporate them into this trend with a two-tone cat-eye manicure. My favourite combination is bright green with bougainvillea— two contrasting shades that, on long, oval nails, become an accessory that’s equally edgy and elegant.
Two-tone nail design with contrasting outline
Another way to wear two-tone dot designs is to choose two contrasting shades, such as wine red with bubblegum pink, lime green with purple or electric blue and orange. The possibilities are endless: paint the entire nail with your favourite colour and draw small dots in a contrasting shade along the edge. You can repeat the same combination on both hands or switch up the colours for a more interesting look.
Two-tone nails with an alternating green and mint design
Among the most minimalist takes on this trend is painting your nails a single shade and adding a small dot or design in another area. The combination of emerald green and Tiffany blue is ideal for this look, though you can experiment with whatever colours you like best.
Two-tone nail design inspired by the ’70s
Retro designs with a jelly effect are also among the favourites in this trend. Go for an electric blue base and add organic shapes in amber or translucent orange. The result is an abstract manicure with a bohemian vibe that channels the ’70s aesthetic.
Two-tone nail design with inconsistent shades
Remember back in 2017 when we all painted every nail one colour except the ring finger? This season, we're seeing a twist on that look: paint your ring finger, pinky and thumb one colour — like navy blue — and your index and middle fingers another, such as butter yellow. It’s a subtle and simple way to play with different colour combinations.
Two-tone nails with an organic design
Another way to embrace organic designs is to combine a solid-colour base with a large dot in a contrasting shade that covers a good portion of the nail. You can reverse the combination on some of them to create an interesting visual effect and achieve an original manicure without resorting to overly elaborate designs.
Two-tone nail design with candy-style stripes
Striped nail designs have dominated this year’s trends and are now the perfect way to try a two-tone manicure. To pull this off, choose two contrasting shades — like red and pink — and alternate the stripes so they resemble classic candy bar colour schemes. Hence the name, “candy stripes.” The result will be fun, feminine nail art that’s sure to turn heads.
Olive-style two-tone nail design
One of the designs that has taken fall manicures by storm — both this season and last — is the olive-inspired look. Apply a green base coat and add a small red circle that resembles the pepper in a stuffed olive. The result is small pops of colour that add personality to the manicure without sacrificing elegance.
Organic nail design in brown and blue
If you prefer a more neutral look but still want to jump on the two-tone trend, I recommend painting the entire nail a dark shade and drawing an organic line down the centre with a lighter, contrasting colour. The combination of brown and blue is an excellent choice for a sophisticated design that also works for everyday wear.
Half-and-half two-tone nail design
As an ultra-modern take on the French manicure, designs that divide the nail into two halves of different colours have gained popularity this season. You can paint one half in a light shade and the other in a dark one to accentuate the contrast or choose two vibrant colours if you’re looking for a more eye-catching result. The best part about this look is that it works with just about any colour combination.
This article first appeared on Vogue.mx
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