Vintage nails – how to do a retro manicure?

What are vintage nails?

Do you love nail designs inspired by the fashion of the 30s, 50s, or 70s? All of them belong to the vintage nails style.

What makes vintage nails stand out among other manicures? They combine classic shapes, subtle decorations, and characteristic colors. They usually appear in almond or slightly rounded shapes. But here, you have much more room for creativity!

In retro manicure, details matter, but emotions are just as important. These nails tell stories rooted in specific eras. Each design carries the spirit of its time. Yet vintage nails are timeless, allowing for experimentation while maintaining aesthetic consistency.

Retro inspirations – how did nails look in past decades?

Vintage style is a collection of inspirations that evolved along with fashion, music, and social moods. From the elegant minimalism of the 30s, through the pastel sweetness of the 50s, to the energetic colors of the 70s – each era had its own way of expressing itself through nails. These diverse inspirations make vintage manicure still fresh and full of possibilities today.

1. The 1930s – half-moons and deep red

Nail designs of the 30s reflected the need for elegance during the Great Depression. The popular half-moon technique meant painting the nails while leaving a small crescent near the cuticle unpainted. The rest was covered with intense shades.

Burgundy, crimson, and plum dominated, symbolizing class and femininity. Nails were short and rounded – practical yet chic. This manicure required patience and precision, making it a symbol of a classy woman.

Today, this design is back, and thanks to hybrid nail polishes, it’s much easier to achieve. The combination of deep colors with minimalist accents creates timeless elegance.

2. The 1950s – polka dots, pastels, and pin-up charm

1950s nails combined girlish charm with refined aesthetics. The pin-up style influenced not only fashion and makeup but also manicure. Women reached for subtle pastel shades – mint, lavender, baby pink, sky blue.

White polka dots on pastel bases were a must-have. Roses and daisies also appeared on nails, creating highly decorative vintage looks. Perfect for spring and summer – light, cheerful, and feminine.

3. The 1970s – colors, contrasts, and geometric forms

70s manicures were all about boldness and expression. Inspired by the hippie movement, nails featured colorful waves, zigzags, circles, and geometric shapes. Each nail could look different – creative and unique.

The palette included purples, oranges, turquoises, greens, and yellows. Multi-colored nails became a form of self-expression. Perfect for festivals, photoshoots, and artistic occasions.

Typical colors of vintage nails

The 30s and 40s featured reds, burgundy, navy, and peach. The 50s loved pastels – blue, mint, pink. The 70s embraced bold hues – orange, green, purple.

In our collection of colorful hybrid nail polishes, you’ll find all the shades needed for vintage manicures.

How to create vintage nails? Step-by-step guide

You can create vintage nails at home! All you need is imagination, attention to detail, and a few simple steps.

1. Choose your era

Love classic elegance? Go for the 30s half-moon style. Prefer polka dots and roses? The 50s will be perfect. Or maybe bold spirals and colors of the 70s?

2. Shape your nails

Rounded and almond shapes dominate in vintage style. Avoid sharp stiletto shapes – they appeared much later.

3. Pick soulful colors

Deep reds for evening? Pastels for everyday? Or maybe psychedelic green and turquoise from the 70s? Choose 2–3 complementary shades and stick to them.

4. Decide on the design

• Half-moons – classic 30s, achievable with stencils or brushes.
• Polka dots and flowers – delicate 50s patterns on pastel bases.
• Waves and geometry – perfect for 70s artistic vibes.

5. Start with simple patterns

Keep it simple if you’re a beginner. Vintage is about the mood, not perfection.

6. Ensure consistency

Even if you mix styles, the whole look should feel cohesive.

7. Add your personal touch

Vintage loves personalization. Maybe one nail with geometry? Or half-moons only on two fingers? Express yourself.

Who are vintage nails for?

Vintage nails are perfect for minimalists and creative souls. Great for weddings, photoshoots, or evenings out.

Want nails with character? Embrace vintage style with our hybrid nail polishes. Visit Silcare for products that let you create timeless vintage nails!