Posted by Tran Khue
on August 07, 2024
Nail art holds a special place in Latinx culture because it expresses both heritage and personality. Typically, it’s bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. As we searched for new ideas this year, we uncovered trendsetting Latina nail designs for 2024. We found talented artists using vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and cultural symbols in enchanting combinations. Whether you're familiar with Latinx traditions or just beginning to explore them, you'll find inspiration here.
Latina Nail Designs
Fruit and Flowers
For a long time, Black and Asian cultures dominated nail art. But now, Latinx artists are pushing the boundaries. Latinx-inspired nail designs are concerned with aesthetics, the stories they tell, and the connections they create.
This juicy blend of 3D fruits and tropical flowers was created by Regina, a Latina nail artist based in Virginia. She describes herself as a “vessel to bring your ideas to reality”.
She made this tasty creation with acrylic. Did you know that Lavis has gorgeous acrylic powders that can also be used for dip powder manicures? They will save you money and storage space.
LAVIS Color Acrylic & Dip Powder
Tie-Dye Glass Nails
The Latin Witch, also known as Freida Tapia from Mexico and New York, has created stunning designs for Gucci and Vogue models. We love this tie-dyed glass look that could be replicated with soft gel extensions. For the silvery blobs, you could use embossing gel or rhinestones.
Chrome Clowns
Here’s a powerful image from Chicano culture. “Smile Now, Cry Late” often appears as a tattoo of the two theater masks, one for comedy and the other for tragedy. Life is full of ups and downs, no?
Freida has said the Mexican culture has had a big influence on her nail art. It’s not just the religious themes. She has also done pop culture nails based on the Bimbo bread bear and seashells.
Chrome Nail Powder
Chrome Swirls
Gradient nails and metallics are everywhere in the nail world right now. The Latin Witch made this beautiful mashup of contemporary and ancient art here. The spiral symbol dates back to prehistoric times. It might have meant transformation or the cycle of life.
Glitter and Letters on Duckbill Tips
Here’s a fun set from Krocaine, real name Carolina Kro Vargas, of Miami. She’s done singer Rosalia’s nails and specializes in innovative hand painted nail designs.
When asked how she got interested in nail art, she said it was because of her grandmother. As a child, she went with grandmother to the salon. Her grandmother would encourage Carolina to get designs and would pay for them. At school, her vibrant nails helped her stand out when everyone had to wear the same uniform.
Themes in Latina Nail Designs 2024
Just as syrup and jelly nails are hot in Korean nail art, here are themes you’re likely to see in popular Latinx designs:
- Bold colors and long lengths are popular. Almond and coffin shapes are predominant.
- Cultural symbols like saints, the Virgin Mary, lotería cards, calaveras (sugar skulls), Frida Kahlo-inspired art, and papel picado are traditional and trendy.
- Intricate floral designs inspired by Latin American embroidery and art are a favorite choice.
- Tropical vibes with palm trees, exotic fruit, and beach-inspired themes are hot.
- Bring on the glitter with rhinestones, charms, and gems.
- 3D nail art is a hit.
- Animal prints are trending, too.
Keep reading to see more.
Neon Flowers
@drigotbars from Mexico creates magical manicures like this in the California Bay Area. If you love neon colors, browse our Urban Lightning Collection for shades that glow after dark.
LAVIS LX4 - Urban Lightning Collection
Papel Picado
It looks like confetti, doesn’t it? This colorful twist on a French manicure is Mexican at heart. The folk art of papel picado is used for decorating at weddings, parties, and holidays.
Technicolor Pop Art
The Nail Art Fairy, Samantha Pasaye, is from Los Angeles. She loves to do extra fabulous nail designs because they are an escape for her. She said that her culture doesn’t see nail art as real work and yet she puts so much time into it. It’s an artisanal job that requires knowledge, planning, and dedication. And she loves that nails are a way to express yourself even if you have to dress a certain way.
Pearly Swirls
These gorgeous iridescent nails with raised swirls would be perfect for a quinceañera party. Chrome powder can give a soft pink base a pearly sheen. Then, poly gel can shape the swirly lines.
Why poly gel instead of acrylic? For one, it’s odorless! It won’t harden until it’s cured in a nail lamp, so there’s plenty of time to perfect the design. And it’s just as durable while being lighter and more flexible.
LAVIS Poly Gel
Animal Print
Striking long baddie nails like these are trendy this year. Note the crosses and charms on the zebra and crocodile nails.
Floral Tips
Much of Latin America is tropical, so instead of roses, you’ll likely see orchids and hibiscus in Latina nail art.
Flakes and Foil on Short Nails
This Latina artist, Miish, is an also an educator. It shows in her precise work and the wonders she can work on short nails. Here she placed gold foil and floral water decals and added depth with builder gel.
LAVIS Builder Gel
Talavera Nails
Talavera is a special kind of ceramic made by trained artisans in Mexico. These nails are styled after those traditional pottery patterns. The artist explained that she used a clear rubber base gel, gel paints, acrylic powder for texture, and a matte top coat.
If you love this style, you can expand the palette. Certified Talavera pottery includes light blue, cobalt blue, and green.
Line Art Gel
Conclusion
We hope this peek at trendsetting Latina nail designs will boost your nail art to new heights. These artists are blending modern themes with traditional culture and creating unforgettable looks!
Now’s the time to stock up on the nail supplies you need to expand your style with innovative ideas. Check our home page for the latest arrivals and enjoy amazing discounts plus free shipping.