Aura nails are inspired by the aura photography and readings (you know, the ones that tell you your “energy” in blurry neon blobs). So, this trend is basically your “vibe”, but make it nail art.
Obviously, the second Cardi B and Megan Fox jumped on this, NailTok had a full-blown meltdown. Now? Aura nails are a personality trait. Every season, they’re getting glowier, dreamier, and even more iconic. So if you’re ready to enter your aura era, here’s how to get the look.
How to DIY Aura Nails (Because Salon Prices Are Giving Jump Scare)
No need to drop $$$ at the salon when you can master this ethereal mani at home. With the right tools (and a little patience), you can paint your own aura like the financially responsible queen you are.
What you need:
- Nail polish
- Eyeshadow and a sponge or blooming gel and a dotting tool
- A clear topcoat (because durability, bestie)
Steps:
- Nail prep: Buff, file, and base coat those bad boys. A patchy aura is a sad aura.
- Pick your vibe colors: Feeling chaotic? Red. Need to manifest rent money? Green. Just want to look cute? Any color works, bestie.
- Create the aura: Dab on your chosen shade with a sponge for that soft, diffused look. Blooming gel works too—just dot and let it spread.
- Lock it in: Seal it all with a glossy topcoat because we don’t do chipped auras around here.
Why We Love Aura Nails
1. They’re DIY-friendly (yes, you can do this)
No, you do not need a $300 airbrush machine to slay these. Grab a sponge, some eyeshadow, or blooming gel, and boom—instant aura nails. The best part? Blurring is the aesthetic, so even if your blending skills are trash, it still looks intentional.
2. They’re the perfect spring/summer nails
Spring nails? Soft, dreamy pastels. Summer nails? Neon, bold, and living their best life. Aura nails? They do both. Whether you’re going for soft floral core or “I live at the beach now” energy, aura effect shifts with the seasons like a true it-girl trend.
3. …But they can adapt to any season
Spring and summer might be the peak, but aura nails do not take a seasonal break. For fall? Moody jewel tones and deep wine reds. Winter? Frosty blues, silvers or moody plums. These nails are shapeshifters—just tweak the palette and you’re instantly on theme.
4. You have endless color options
Aura nails are like the choose-your-own-adventure of nail art. Feeling chaotic? Go for a full neon gradient. Want something soft? Pastel blends got you. Trying to summon serotonin? Yellow. Want to look like a walking red flag? Cherry red aura nails will do the trick. This trend lets you match your actual mood—or just fake it with cute colors.
5. Yes, even black!
For everyone thinking aura nails have to be pastel and dreamy—absolutely not. Black aura nails? Next level. A smoky black-to-gray blend screams goth baddie, and if you throw in a pop of neon in the center? Game over. Dark aura nails can be sleek, dramatic, and straight-up menacing in the best way.
6. They’re fully customizable
Some nail trends box you in (looking at you, minimalist French tips), but aura nails? No rules. You want a two-tone orbs? Do it. Three colors blended? Go off. Extra details like swirls, pearls, tiny stars, or full-on zodiac symbols? Absolutely. These nails adjust to your main character arc in real-time.
7. They work on every nail length and shape
Stiletto, coffin, almond, square, short, long, in-between—aura nails do not care. Even if your nails are giving “recovering from a break” energy, you can still make a mini aura effect work. And if you’re serving full-length claws? That’s just extra room for the aura magic.
8. They are a great base for additional art
Aura nails on their own? Already elite. But if you’re feeling extra, they also serve as the perfect canvas for more details. Chrome swirls? Yes. Delicate floral designs? Stunning. Abstract doodles? A vibe. Aura nails also slap when mixed with trends like French tips, 3D charms, and mix & match nails.
9. They’re attention-grabbing
Minimalist nails are cute and all, but aura nails? They stop traffic. The second you order your matcha, type on your laptop, or do anything with your hands, someone will ask: “OMG, where did you get your nails done?!” Be ready. The people will demand answers.
10. They’re the trend that won’t quit
If TikTok is still obsessing over a trend years after it first went viral, you know it’s real. Aura nails are that girl. They’ve evolved, they’ve adapted, and they’re still thriving. If you haven’t hopped on yet, this is your sign. If you have? Time for a color refresh.
11. They’re a mood booster
Look, we’re not saying aura nails will fix your life, but have you ever looked at a fresh mani and felt instant joy? Science says colors impact your mood, so if a bright aura set makes you feel happier, who are we to argue? If nothing else, they’re a serotonin boost every time you glance at your hands.
12. They’re Instagram-worthy
If your nails are gonna slay this hard, they deserve to be on the feed. Close-up shots? Mandatory. Holding your drink? Necessary. Classic steering wheel pic? Non-negotiable. Aura nails are aesthetic in its purest form, and if you don’t post them, did they even happen??
So, are you getting aura nails or what?
At this point, if you’re not at least considering aura nails, we need to talk. They’re customizable, trendy, season-proof, and make you look expensive (even if you DIY’d them).
Now onto you. Which aura style is your vibe? Drop your faves in the comments, tag us in your mani pics, and let us see what kind of energy (or just really cute colors) you’re serving. And if you want more seasonal inspo, check out these:
☀️ Summer Aura Nail Inspo
🍂 Fall Aura Mani Ideas
❄️ Winter Aura Nail Designs
