Believe it or not, the Fourth of July is right around the corner. Even though the holiday falls on a weekday, we’re sure there will still be dozens of barbecues, parties and firework celebrations to attend. I love to method dress and match my beauty and fashion looks to the occasion, but the Fourth of July is one holiday that is tough to design around without being tacky.
If you’re already planning your outfits for your Fourth of July celebrations but aren’t sure how to get your nails to match without slapping on an American flag, we consulted the experts to provide some July 4 nail inspiration that is just the right amount of festive, fun and chic.
Featured Experts:
- Mazz Hanna is the CEO of Nailing Hollywood
- Hannah Lee is a Sally Hansen nail partner
Non-Tacky Fourth of July Nail Designs
Solid red, white or blue
“You can’t go wrong with a solid red, white or blue mani for the 4th of July,” says CEO of Nailing Hollywood, Mazz Hanna. “Navy blue is a perfect option since it’s one of the best colors for July. It’s sophisticated but still casual enough to work with everyday fashion. Red—like the below look from Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Sue (@rachelsuenails on Instagram)—is for those who are looking for a vibrant, timeless look that will work well for any occasion. White is a classic summer nail color that will give off an ultra clean and polished look without clashing with any other colors you plan on wearing.”
“Red Eye, Get Mod, and Tidal Wave from Sally Hansen Miracle Gel ($9) are definitely my go-to red, white and blue shades,” says Sally Hansen nail partner Hannah Lee. “I’m also currently obsessed with the Sally Hansen x GLAAD Pride Collection since it’s full of sparkle. A Thing Called Love, Be You Blue and We Stay Platonic are amazing choices.”
Minimalist stripes
While big, bright stars and stripes may have been the trend back in the day, Lee explains that “Minimalist nails are still very popular so those are the most requested July 4 nails I get currently.” One such example of a minimalist yet festive design are these asymmetrical dainty red, white and blue stripes Lee created on a solid white base to keep the style classy and not overbearing.
White Negative Space Stars
“A white mani with simple nail art is the perfect 4th of July mani for those who want nail art that is just enough to be festive without going overboard,” explains Hanna. “In the design below, Nailing Hollywood nail artist Hang Nguyen (@thehangedit on Instagram) created a white star look using OPI Funny Bunny ($12) and nail art brushes for the stars. For the negative space star, she painted the border of the star first using the nail art brush and then filled in the rest of the nail using OPI Funny Bunny.”
Glitter and Gold
If you don’t want to go for the traditional red, white and blue but still want something festive and timely, glittery gold nails are a great way to channel your inner firework. “The gold star shaped pieces of glitter in this gold ombre mani by Nailing Hollywood artist Laura Malarkey (@lauradidmynails on Instagram) make this mani so cute and festive,” says Hanna. “The neutral base balances the look and keeps everything looking festive yet elevated.”
Red Negative Space
To keep things understated, Hanna explains that “Negative space manis are a great way to add a more interesting look to your mani without going overboard. The neutral base of the negative space in this design by Malarkey balances out the look and keeps it looking elevated and polished.” Try swapping out the negative space with a white or blue for an even more festive look.
