Galaxy nails are a relatively new trend in the world of nail art. They are inspired by space and everything related to it: stars, planets, galaxies, flying saucers and other space paraphernalia. Such a manicure can be either bright and extravagant or gentle and romantic. Let's discuss this nail trend in more detail.

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Pastel Colored Galaxy Nails
by Shutterstock
Incredible Galaxy Nails picture3
by @lieve91
Galaxy Nails Design
by Shutterstock

This year, space patterns on nails are very popular, and the following elements are especially relevant for those who love bold nail designs:

  • holographic polishes
  • metallic shades
  • sparkles and rhinestones
Galaxy Manicure Trends
by @ldnailsxo
Galaxy Manicure Trends
by @ldnailsxo
Galaxy Manicure Trends
by @ldnailsxo

Holographic polishes like the Super Cat Eye Gel Polish by Madam Glam or Wikkid Polish create a 3D effect and shimmer in different colors, depending on the lighting. They are ideal for creating galaxy designs, like these ones, crafted by the UK-based nail artist Liza D., because they resemble twinkling stars and galaxies so much...

Galaxy Manicure Trends
by @sophrainbownails

Metallic shades such as silver and gold are especially popular this year. They give your manicure that metallic surface look reminiscent of spaceships and astronauts.

Galaxy Manicure Trends
by @sophrainbownails
Galaxy Manicure Trends
by @sophrainbownails
Galaxy Manicure Trends
by @sophrainbownails

Sequins, glitter and sparkles can add extra shine and elegance to your manicure. Feel free to use them to create sparkling constellations or planet patterns.

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Galaxy Patterns for Different Nail Shapes

Incredible Galaxy Nails picture5
by @lieve91

The shape of your nails plays an important role in creating a galaxy manicure. This enigmatic space-inspired nail design will work best with the following nail shapes:

  • oval
  • square
  • almond
  • stiletto
Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @ldnailsxo

Smooth lines look particularly good on oval-shaped nails, and the galaxy style is replete with the patterns like moon, imitation of the Milky Way, nebula etc.

Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @devs_nails
Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @just1nail
Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @just1nail
Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @just1nail

Square-shaped nails are in great demand this summer, so, why not combine the two mega trends: galaxy design and square nails? Both regular and soft (rounded) square nail shapes will work perfect for this design.

Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @sophrainbownails
Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @sophrainbownails

Almond-shaped nails get along well with almost any design, so, the intricate space patterns are a great option for them!

Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @alinahoyonailartist
Galaxy Nails for Different Nail Shapes
by @erikamarienails

If you crave for something more extravagant, then stilettos are the ideal shape for bringing your “galactic” fantasies to life. The long sharp nails in a space design will surely catch everyone’s eye.

Note: This type of manicure is not the most convenient. Before you choose it, make sure it will not interfere with your lifestyle (exercising, keyboard typing and other things that are poorly compatible with extra-long nails).

Galaxy Manicure For Short Nails

Galaxy Manicure For Short Nails
by @sophrainbownails

Short nail plates go well with minimalist space designs. You can create a simple galaxy-styled pattern by drawing nice constellations or stars on a milky, white or other light base on your short nails. Using small sparkles or glitter on a dark background is also an excellent “cosmic” option. In this case, the base can be either plain or ombre-styled.

Galaxy Manicure For Short Nails
by @sophrainbownails

Violet streaks with stars on a black background are also a great idea for short nails. Just try not to overload your manicure with too much detail if you don’t want it to look pretentious.

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Galaxy Designs For Long Nails

Galaxy Manicure For Long Nails
by @ldnailsxo
Galaxy Manicure For Short Nails
by @sophrainbownails

Long nails give you more “space” for creating more complex and detailed galaxy designs, like:

  • space landscape
  • cosmic French
  • monochrome coating
  • matte top coating
  • moon designs
Galaxy Manicure For Long Nails
by @sophrainbownails
Galaxy Manicure For Long Nails
by @alterego_nails

To create a space landscape nail design, apply holographic polish and add the elements like planets, galaxies, stars, astronauts, comets, aliens, etc.

Galaxy Manicure For Long Nails
by @ldnailsxo

If you want to make your French nails look "cosmic", make a classic French manicure with nude polish or chrome nails powder and add space-themed elements to the nail tips (scattering stars, planets, spacecrafts, etc.). Dark glitter shades will do the job perfectly.

Galaxy Manicure For Long Nails
by @devs_nails
Fantasy Galaxy Nail Art picture3
by @p10nailspa

Velvet coating looks fascinating on a dark surface, and matte galaxy nails look particularly interesting and contrasting when covered with white star-styled sparkles.

Styling Tips: If you want your acrylic nails to show off the interstellar gases that we observe in the sky when it’s dark, you’ll need the whole spectrum of light. For example, try to mix lime, bronze, and burgundy.

Galaxy Manicure For Long Nails
by @sophrainbownails
Galaxy Manicure For Long Nails
by @sophrainbownails
Galaxy Nails with Planet Art
by Shutterstock
Galaxy Nails Art
by Shutterstock
Ideas for Galaxy Nail Designs picture4
by @lieve91
Galaxy Manicure For Long Nails
by @erikamarienails

Moon patterns are a great choice for those who love mystery and nocturnal charm. A light gray moon can be depicted in full or half, showing its waxing or waning phase. Another option is to draw the Earth’s satellite with glitter.

Glitter Galaxy Nails

Galaxy Manicure Trends
by @sophrainbownails
Galaxy Nails with Accent Nail
by Shutterstock
Easy Galaxy Nails Design
by Shutterstock
Galaxy Nails with Stars
by Shutterstock
Easy Galaxy Nails Design
by Shutterstock

Galaxy manicure with glitter is suitable for both holidays and daily wear, however, in the latter case it should not be “overloaded” -it is better to use shimmer dust or a minimal amount of sequins. "Acidic" and neon galaxy nails will look great in summer, while in autumn and winter sparkles are best combined with calm shades.

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Cat Eye Galaxy Nails

Cat Eye Galaxy Nails
by Shutterstock
Fantasy Galaxy Nail Art picture6
by @angeldearro
Cat Eye Galaxy Nails
by @ldnailsxo
Cat Eye Galaxy Nails
by @sophrainbownails

Nail masters often create space aesthetics with the so-called “cat’s eye” effect. The magnetized tracks of the modeling material (gel polish or shellac) perfectly imitate the Milky Way, while the Sun, the Moon, planets and constellations are most often made with adhesive substrates. In this case, printing is one of the simplest ways to create a galaxy manicure.

Galaxy Nails with Constellations

Galaxy Nails with Constellations
by @devs_nails
Galaxy Nails with Constellation
by Shutterstock

Whichever mesmerizing galaxy manicure you choose, consider matching it with your makeup. Opt for galaxy makeup and let the stars shine on your eyes as well!

Galaxy nails are a great choice for those who love experimenting with bold nail designs and look stylish. Follow the newest trends and create your own unique space-styled manicure!

FAQ: Galaxy Nails

Are there any fake nails that don’t ruin your nails?

Gel extensions are a good alternative to acrylics because they don’t contain the harmful methyl methacrylate. You can choose from a lot of forms, such as square, round or stiletto, and the nail technician will fix the extension to your own nail with a small quantity of gel.

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