This post is all about groovy 70s nail trends.
From interiors to fashion, 1970s prints and patterns have taken over 2023. If you’re looking for the perfect way to add a splash of retro style to your life, consider 70s nail trends! This summer is all about exploring playful pops of color.
The 1970s excelled in bright hues, bold patterns, and vivid designs. The iconic decade was defined by the carefree attitude and free-spirited energy that permeated that period of time. The disco-charged days of Studio 54 were in full swing, and the glamour and glitz were reflected in the beauty trends.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to upgrade your nail game, hop on the 1970s trend! We’ve highlighted 10 stunning 70s nail trends for instant inspiration.
Here are 10 Groovy 70s Nail Trends for a Funky Look.
Groovy 70s Nail Trends
1. Flower Power Nails
The flower power movement promoted peace and nonviolence. During the age of hippies and beat poetry, these flowery symbols were trending big time. You can find evidence of the flower power movement in clothing, music, and any 70s-inspired imagery. Embrace peace and love with a pop of flower power on your nails! Combine bright, eye-catching flower details (similar to boho nails) with warm-toned stripes and curved lines. This style of nail art will brighten your entire look as you encourage positivity with pops of groovy designs. These nails encapsulate the vibrant and free-spirited essence of the iconic era. Make every fingertip a mini canvas that radiates the timeless spirit of the hippie movement! You can paint one nail with a daisy design, or every nail if you prefer a more cohesive look.
2. Bold, Bright Colors
The beauty of 70s style is that it’s impossible to go overboard! Feel free to paint every nail in a different eye-catching pattern. You can also use bright, bold colors in contrasting shades for an eclectic maximalist look. Play with vivid shades like sunshine yellow, hot pink, cherry red, and atomic orange. You can even add a few flecks of gold here and there to hint at groovy sunsets! Don’t be afraid to mix unexpected designs like swirls, spots, stripes, and more. These nails are the true exemplification of 1970s maximalism! There was nothing subtle about this decade, and these adorable nails are proof. This eye-catching set shows that nail art is the ultimate form of self-expression!
3. Playful Geometric Shapes
If you love clean lines and geometric shapes, you can still participate in the funky 70s nail trend. Sunshine is a recurring theme in 70s art and symbolism. Everyone was dreaming of driving out west and joining the hippie movement in coastal California. Geometric sunrays on your nails are the perfect way to tap into this free-spirited mindset. A sunburst is a stunning representation of warmer days ahead. Plus, geometric designs are a great introduction to 70s style because they can also appear clean and modern. If you want to dip your toe into the groovy pool of 1970s nail trends, try these uplifting geometric shapes. Brighten up every room you enter with a set of sunburst nails.
4. Incorporating Animal Print
Founded in the late 1970s, Lisa Frank took groovy style to a whole new level. Inspired by the psychedelic designs that permeated the late Mid-century, this brand was known for bright colors and playful patterns. If you grew up in the early 2000s, you probably remember Lisa Frank stationary in school. Neon pink, green, purple, and orange were the signature Lisa Franks shades. Above all else, animal print was a huge recurring theme. Pops of leopard spots and zebra stripes added to the super fun look. Ask your nail technician for a 70s, Lisa Frank-style set of nails with tons of animal print details! Alternate between leopard and zebra prints, or add them to the same nail! If you’re looking for the ultimate groovy design, you can’t go brighter or bolder than this.
5. Patterns with Vibrant Colors
Combining earthy patterns with vibrant colors can create ideal 70s-inspired contrast. By achieving a striking combination of natural and vibrant tones, you can easily capture the essence of the disco era with a modern twist. Intricate geometric designs in hues of orange, brown, and blue are reminiscent of the iconic patterns seen in 70s fashion and interior design. The addition of shimmering gold accents can add a touch of glamour and playfulness. By mixing fun patterns with a classic 70s color palette, you can create a one-of-a-kind appearance. These nails are a nostalgic tribute to an era defined by the vibrant energy and expressive style of the 1970s, making them a perfect choice for those seeking a groovy and eye-catching manicure.
6. Soft Shades and Pastel Colors
If neon colors and deeper tones aren’t your style, you can still participate in the 70s nail trends! Simply opt for a swirly 70s design that includes soft shades and a pastel base. Colors like baby pink, light turquoise, butter yellow, and lavender are beautiful shades to start with. Get inspired by swirling paint and psychedelic designs. If you don’t want to go to the salon, there are tons of press-on nail options that can give you the same effect. Plus, they can be reused over and over again. If you’re looking for a stunning 1970s-inspired press-on set, these pastel beauties are absolutely foolproof. You can choose between long and short coffin cuts to suit your personal style.
7. The Psychedelic Swirl Pattern
Speaking of psychedelic nail art, consider going full tie dye! If the 70s are known for anything, it’s the genesis of tie dye t-shirts. These fun DIY projects have definitely stood the test of time. Grab your favorite vintage tie dye tee and a fresh flower crown and embrace 70s style! These nails will instantly boost your mood and make you stand out. Each nail features a unique blend of bold and neon hues, forming abstract swirls and mesmerizing gradients. The electric blues, sunny yellows, radiant pinks, and lime greens create a kaleidoscope of colors on the nails. If your goal is to add a pop of color and you’re not afraid of a vivid, rainbow look, go for psychedelic nail art! The beauty of this kind of freeform design is that you can even attempt the look on your own. Mistakes are part of the tie dye-style fun!
8. Funky, Wavy Nails
Another freeform design to consider is funky, wavy nail art! Get inspiration from the famous 1970s lava lamps for this eye-catching trend. Transport yourself back to the ultimate groovy era with lava lamp-inspired nail art that exudes retro vibes and psychedelic charm. This captivating nail trend draws inspiration from the gloopy, loopy nature of lava lamps, featuring vibrant and swirling patterns reminiscent of the colorful blobs suspended in a liquid-filled lamp. Use two colors for each nail, and don’t be afraid to select a mix of bold and pastel tones. These nails can match practically any 70s-inspired getup you choose. You can also choose your own combination of colors for a custom look.
9. A Touch of Sparkle
When it comes to 70s nail art, adding a touch of sparkle is an absolute must! The 70s were known for glitz and glamour, and incorporating glitter into nail designs perfectly captures that essence. Glitter is reminiscent of the disco balls that adorned dance floors during the Studio 54 era. Incorporate disco ball decor in your nails with a subtle sprinkle of shimmer or a full-on explosion of glitter, a touch of sparkle can elevate any 70s-inspired nail look. Curate a sense of joy and celebration with your nail art and create a dazzling effect that reflects the vibrant energy of the disco days. Glittery 70s nail art is all about embracing individuality and expressing a carefree attitude. So let your nails shine bright like a disco ball with a shimmery touch!
P.S. Paint some warm-toned, 70s-style stripes across your nails for the ultimate retro look!
10. A French Manicure with a Twist
While a French manicure might not be the first design that comes to mind when you think of the 70s, we’ve found the perfect retro interpretation. Instead of painting your French tips on a perfect curve, try a looser interpretation. Your tips don’t have to be perfect! In fact, the more relaxed the better. Paint each tip with a different retro hue. You can choose a more vibrant or muted theme depending on your personal style. Choose colors that you tend to wear so you can always ensure that your nails will complement your outfit!
Elevating Your Style With 70s Nail Trends
Nail art is a form of self-expression, and no decade exemplifies this sentiment quite like the 70s. Elevate your mood and boost your style with funky, disco-inspired details. When it comes to 70s nail trends, there are endless designs to discover.
This post taught you 10 groovy 70s nail trends to boost your style.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. See our full disclaimer here.
