Gold-Medal Worthy Olympic Nails

From the mat to the stands, Olympic nails have been all anyone’s talking about. The iconic manicures dominating the games have earned gold medals in our hearts, and we’ve collected our favorites to put on our own medal stand. These are the most gorgeous, patriotic and medal-worthy manis we’ve spotted this Olympic season.

Featured Artists

• Sonya Belakhlef is a celebrity, commercial and editorial nail artist.
• Katie is a nail artist on Instagram and TikTok
• Megan is a nail artist on Instagram
• PrettyLittleNailBar is a nail salon in Swindon, England
• Bellacures is a bespoke nail salon with locations in Santa Monica, Studio City and Beverly Hills

How to Get the Look

Head over heels for this upscale Olympic nails look? Thankfully, nail artist Sonya Belakhlef shared exactly what shades of nail polish she used to create this gorgeous manicure. Using Manucurist Paris’ Green Natural Nail Polish collection in Ultramarine ($14), Red Cherry ($14) and Milky White ($14), Belakhlef created this this stunning look using a fine liner brush. Just a touch of essie Good as Gold ($10) in the left corner of each nail helps solidify this elegant look, which is finished with a DazzleDry Top Coat ($22).

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Gold-Medal Manicures

What makes a manicure medal-worthy?

From the iconic Olympic colors to the patriotic-statement of red, white and blue (a lot of countries use these colors), Olympic nails are all about finding innovative ways to combine these iconic colors and symbols. There are enough rings to paint every nail one of the colors, but you can do so much more. Nail artists have been showcasing their creativity the entire Games, incorporating adorable styles and techniques to take their looks to the next level.

Mani on the Mat

From the iconic nails of Paris Olympics 100-meter silver medalist Sha’Carri Richardson to the understated elegance of gymnast Suni Lee’s $23 manicure, nails have been all over this year’s Games. From track to gymnastics to tennis, no sport has been without a gorgeous set of nails or two, and that includes the men. Noah Lyles, who just won his first Olympic Gold for the men’s 100-meter sprint, has gone viral twice now for his manicures.

From the competing athletes themselves, we’ve seen Olympic nails trend towards the patriotic with red, white and blue dominating the nails of U.S. and French Olympians.

The Olympic Nails We Love

1 / 8

Let the Games Begin

The symbol of the Olympic rings make an excellent piece of nail art, if we do say so ourselves. And the all-white background really makes this set standout.

 

2 / 8

Patriotic Goes Classic

A twist on French tips that has us feeling patriotic, this simple mani has a clean and elegant feel.

3 / 8

Put a Ring on It

The iconic Olympic rings make an excellent piece of nail art, and setting them off on just one white nail brings extra attention to them. This classic look will let everyone know you’re an Olympic girlie.

4 / 8

Double French-Tipped

The games are in Paris, after all. It’s no surprise to see some French tips make an appearance, but this set including those patriotic colors in a reverse-French elevates this look.

5 / 8

Painterly Patriotic

Take red nail theory to the big games with this gorgeous Olympic manicure, and don’t be afraid to branch out of red, white and blue. Spy that delicate pink? That takes this mani to the gold-medal level.

6 / 8

You’re a Star

Consider straying from a pure white for a creamy nude base to create a more understated and elegant Olympic look. These colorful star decals make a statement without overcrowding the manicure.

7 / 8

Go for Gold

The combination of deep blue and striking gold creates a sophisticated manicure that still embodies the Olympic nails theme. Just visualize that gold medal, baby!

8 / 8

The Winning Edge

Get creative with color placement to create movement and visual interest to your nails. This elevates a standard French-tip to something more abstract and playful.