What goes around comes around, right? While that saying often pertains to karma, it can also be applied to fashion and beauty trends. After all, once something’s wildly popular, it’s bound to be revisited down the road. Just look at low-rise jeans, frosted eyeshadow, and the resurgence of the rhinestone tattoo.
More of a nails girlie? You’ll be glad to know that groovy manicures are popping up left and right, too. We rounded up over a dozen gorgeous ’70s-inspired nail looks worth wearing in the coming months. Check them out below.
Disco Swirl Nails
Show off your disco fever with this shimmering, disco ball-adorned nail look. It was created using the Cirque Colors Cosmic Discotheque Collection, specifically, the shades Disco Ball, Heart of Glass, Groove Thing, Velvet Rope, and C’est Chic ($15 each).
Sunny Swirl Nails
This pink, orange, and yellow ’70s-inspired mani reminds us of the best Starburst flavors. Nail artist Brittney Ellen created it using OPI Nail Lacquer in Silicon Valley Girl, Marigolden Hour, and Racing for Pinks ($11-$12 each). For the precise swoops, she used a fine-lining nail art brush.
Chocolate Groove Nails
Chocolate nails have been trending, so this multicolored brown manicure is a great option for a more neutral ’70s mani. Nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens created it using Salon Perfect Professional Nail Lacquers, including Double Shot and Ballerina Slippers ($7 each).
Metallic Mauve Swirl Nails
These metallic mauve nails are perfect for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Ellen created them using Lights Lacquer Nail Polish in Strawberry Frosting and Paper Snow ($11 each) and Mooncat Nail Lacquer in Beware, The Kraken ($16).
’70s Color Palette
Brown and orange were two of the decade’s most popular colors, popping up in everything from wallpaper and upholstery to clothing and cookware. Here, you can see how the colors collide for a picture-perfect ’70s nail look.
Vibrant Tie-Dye Nails
Tie-dye has come in and out of fashion for decades, but as you likely know, it first became all the rage back in the ’70s. Pay homage to the colorful, crafty technique with a tie-dye manicure, or opt for tie-dye accent nails like those seen here.
Burnt Orange Checker Nails
Ready to jump with joy? You can snag this groovy mani without shelling out the big bucks at your local nail salon. While precision checker manicures tend to cost more and take a long time to design, this set is courtesy of the Chillhouse Chill Tips That’s Amore Kit ($16).
Blue and Gold Swirl Nails
These blue and gold nails are giving Flounder vibes in the chicest way. To rock the high-contrast look yourself, you’ll need ILNP Boutique Nail Polish in Zero Degrees and Amber ($13 each) and Lights Lacquer in Paper Snow and Clueless ($11 each).
Bold Paisley Nails
Paisley prints were all the rage in the 1970s, so opting for a paisley nail art design with hints of orange is a great way to lean into the decade. Sapiens created this nail look using OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath ($12), along with essie Nail Lacquer in Watermelon ($11) and Nailtopia Beauty bio-Sourced, Chio-Free Nail Lacquer in Tropinail, So Fresh So Clean, Glow Up, and Main Squeeze ($10 each).
’70s-Inspired Mismatch Mani
To lean into the current-day popularity of mismatched nails while paying homage to the past, consider this ’70s-inspired mani featuring swirls, a statement yin-yang accent nail, strawberries, checkers, and stars.
Mystery Machine Nails
Is it just us, or do these bright swirl nails perfectly embody the Mystery Machine? Sapiens created them using Le Mini Macaron Gel Polish in the shades Lilac Blossom, Bubblegum Crush, Papaya Sorbet, Party Babe ($13 each) and a teal polish from the Drizzle Beauty Aquamarine Collection ($20 for a pack of 12).
Lava Lamp Nails
If you love the nostalgia of lava lamps, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this pack of peachy-pink press-ons. That’s right: You can rock this ’70s-inspired nail look by simply buying the Chillhouse x Vitaminwater With Lover Chill Tips ($16).
Pastel ’70s Nails
Love the idea of a ’70s mani, but want to mute it a bit? Opt for a pastel take on the decade’s most popular colors, as nail artist Hailey Lloyd did here.
Peach Perfect Nails
Peach Fuzz is the Pantone Color of the Year, making this peaches-and-cream mani a must for 2024. Celebrity nail artist Sigourney Nuñez created it using Pleasing Nail Lacquer in Peachy Cheeks, Brides Buttercream (both of which can be found in the Pollinators Set, $65 for a set of 4), and Sticky Segments ($20).
Lime Green Mismatch Nails
Last but not least, we have these extra-bright lime green mismatch nails, courtesy of the Chillhouse x Vitaminwater Get Gutsy Chill Tip set ($16). While the colors aren’t necessarily ’70s-inspired, the swirls, checkers, and smiley faces are.
