How I Turned My Nails into an Accessory

By: Dakota D. Duran

Photo by Easton Zelinsky // @_the_ez_ on Instagram

When I used to sit down at the nail salon, I came with a simple request for a sheer pink polish or a classic French tip. Now, I come armed with a Pinterest board full of inspiration—swirls, checkerboards, tiny cherries, mismatched colors, maybe even a little chrome if I’m feeling snazzy. Every single nail has its own personality, and together, they form a chaotic, yet perfectly curated, masterpiece. 

I used to swear by the “clean girl” manicure—those barely-there nude tones, soft milky whites, and subtle, almond-shaped tips that scream effortless elegance. Sure, they’re chic. Sure, they go with everything. But here’s the thing: I got bored. Really bored. 

For a while, I was deep in the “clean girl” aesthetic. It was the era of Hailey Bieber glazed donut nails, minimalism in every aspect of life, and the belief that looking put-together meant sticking to a palette of neutrals. I fully subscribed to the ideology that a simple, sheer manicure was the epitome of sophistication. And to be fair, it was nice—low maintenance, always appropriate, easy to match with any outfit. But at some point, I started to feel like my nails weren’t me anymore. 

Photo by Easton Zelinsky // @_the_ez_ on Instagram

I’d sit in the chair, pick out the same neutral pink for the hundredth time, and leave feeling underwhelmed. My nails looked polished, yes, but where was the fun? The personality? The artistry? The longer I stared at my hands, the more I realized I was playing it too safe. 

So, I made the switch. I went from requesting “Funny Bunny” to asking for a different design on every single finger. Think Japanese and Korean nail art—where maximalism is the standard, not the exception. In Japan, nail salons treat manicures as tiny canvases, incorporating 3D elements, intricate hand-painted details, and bold, unconventional shapes. Korean nail art is just as innovative, often featuring jelly textures, subtle gradients, and mixed-media designs. 

I use Pinterest for almost everything, but when it came to finding the perfect nail design, it became a ritual. My goal is to find quirky mismatched patterns, colorful geometric designs, and avant-garde embellishments. I realized that nails could be an extension of my personal style, just as much as my clothes. 

Photo by Easton Zelinsky // @_the_ez_ on Instagram

Now, every trip to the nail salon is an event. I walk in with my inspo saved, ready to collaborate with my nail tech on the perfect mix of patterns and colors. Some weeks, it’s playful doodles and a mix of stars. Other times, it’s abstract blobs, chrome waves, and tiny bows. I’ve recently been into adding cute little characters, like Miffy. No two sets are ever the same, and that’s what makes it exciting.  

There’s something freeing about moving away from the “clean girl” aesthetic. While simple nails are beautiful in their own right, they’ve come to represent an unrealistic ideal of perfection—one that says beauty should be effortless, polished, and always in neutral tones. But, I enjoy a little bit of chaos, and I love reflecting that in my fingertips.