Choosing a nail colour can feel like an impossible task. Do you go classic red? Sheer pink? Chocolate brown? Butter yellow? Thankfully, Tracee Ellis Ross may have just delivered the ultimate solution for beauty lovers who simply can’t commit: the intentionally random manicure.
Tracee’s amazing nail artist Zola Ganzorigt recently shared a series of Instagram snaps showing off her playful multicoloured nail look, with each fingertip painted a different shade…
Tracee Ellis Ross’ Mismatched Manicure
It wasn’t a tonal moment or an ombre effect, either! Instead of sticking to one colour family, Tracee embraced a mix of rich jewel tones, soft neutrals and vibrant pops of colour, creating a manicure that felt eclectic, artistic and surprisingly chic.
TBH now we’re as obsessed with Tracee’s manicure as we are with her workout routine.
While mismatched nails aren’t exactly new, Tracee’s take on the trend feels far more elevated than the rainbow skittle manicures that dominated Instagram during lockdown.
The shades may not have had much in common but they felt intentionally curated, proving that the trend can look polished when there’s still a cohesive mood tying everything together.
The appeal is obvious: indecisive beauty lovers no longer have to choose just one shade at the salon. It also makes nail art feel dramatically lower maintenance.
There’s no intricate design involved, no complicated chrome layering and no tiny brushwork required, just a handful of colours that complement each other.
Another reason the trend is taking off? It’s incredibly wearable. You can go bold with contrasting bright colours, keep things tonal with different shades of nude or brown, or even mix finishes like gloss and shimmer for a more subtle take.
The best part is that no two mismatched manicures need to look the same. In many ways, that’s exactly the point.
If you’ve ever spent 20 minutes staring at nail polish swatches unable to make a decision, consider this your sign to stop choosing altogether. According to Tracee, more really is more.
Main image credit: Getty
What’s your favourite manicure colour? Would you ever try a mismatched mani?
How do people get their nails to look like this? So lovely.
I know Normap, it suits her so well!
I prefer my natural nails these days.
My are always natural but I seem to be having some trouble with the nail splitting down. So annoying.
yes my nails do that too !!
It’s a cool trend.
Every one is different which is good.
I much prefer my healthy natural nails.
yes me too !!
That’s one way to make sure your nails match your outfit, I guess.
Great idea
MMM !!
Lots of variety, was only reading today about a lady in Australia who got a terrible infection from a salon pedicure
Oh no that would be awful. How does one cure it I wonder
You do have to be careful !
No I don’t like the look!
I’ve done this in the past, but not recently. I like the look!
Good to have your own look.
I looks great but I’m a classic neutral nail person, I just think it looks better on my ageing hands.
Maybe I agree, neutral nails is good.
Yes it is an age thing which is OK
Not my cup of tea
No not mine but we are all different.
I think it loos like a palette of indiscision.
It looks fun, something different. Maybe not everyone could pull it off the way Tracee does though.
I thinki people are trying to be different and this is surely very different
A fun way to be different with no long term commitment like a tattoo or piercing.
I don’t mind the look, but I usually find it easier to use one color.
Much easier but each to their own !
agree!
One colour is much easier
This matches for any outfit.
This is true, either or??
I Love a mismatched mani.
Every style has it’s admirers which is good.
the polish looks nice on her! Sorry tho, not sure who she is?!
no she is not someone I recognize either ?
Not for me but Why Not !!
Personally the mismatch would drive me nuts. That’s my personality. But I think it works for others.
Yes each to their own !
I think I prefer one colour or all the nails the same at least.
I would do it if the event called for this type of look, normally not indecisive about my nails tho
Follow Tracee Ellis Ross’s lead and wear all of your polishes when you can not pick on just one. The star’s preferred style is a “mismatched” jelly manicure, in which each nail has a distinct earthy or sheer hue, resulting in a whimsical, sophisticated color scheme.
My teen does this.
Her nails look lovely but like my nails natural
I don’t like the mismatched look.
It’s fine on her, but I think I’ll stick to one color.
i have always just done my own nails
I don’t mind this look. It’s playful.
I think the natural nails are very good.
This article has been here since end of May -Time to move along please
One of each colour for when you can’t decide or to go with every outfit
Never thought of that!!
I like it but sadly nail polish doesn’t last on my nails, I always seem to have my hands in soil.
Tracee Ellis Ross always brings fresh style inspiration. This look is playful, unique, and surprisingly wearable.