Even in an age where trends cycle in and out of vogue at breakneck speed, animal print managed to cement itself as one of the most unshakable crazes of the past several years, from head to toe. A full-on zoo’s worth of patterns took over everything from footwear to athleisure apparel, though by far the easiest way to incorporate even the boldest motifs was via manicure—who could forget the great Crocodile Print Nail Takeover of 2024? But if tiger stripes and leopard spots are just a bit wild to incorporate into an everyday manicure, the newest It-print might win you over with its distinctly domesticated feel. Enter Dalmatian nails, a chic, minimalist take on the animal-themed mani that’ll have you seeing spots and loving it. 

Dalmatian nails are exactly what they sound like, borrowing that familiar black-and-white dotted pattern from the popular dog breed. Translated into an all-over nail art look or even incorporated into something like French tips, you may even start to feel like Cruella DeVille kind of had a vision—fortunately, no puppies need be harmed for this trend. Just ahead, take a closer look at Dalmatian nails, with insight on how to make them happen at home straight from the pros. 

About Dalmatian Nails

There are about 101 reasons to love this pup-themed look, but its minimalist appeal has to be right at the top of the list. The amorphous, scattered spots make a statement for sure, but the black-and-white color palette keeps everything on the more subtle side. 

“It adds a fun, creative touch without overpowering the nail,” explains celebrity manicurist Alex Jachno, who works with stars like Greta Lee, Sarah Paulson, and Daisy Edgar-Jones. “And with a design like this, it’s also incredibly practical. The pattern naturally camouflages different nail lengths, which makes it ideal for anyone growing out their nails or who may have uneven length.” A natural match with virtually any outfit, a Dalmatian-inspired manicure can be incorporated into all sorts of other nail trends, too. Keep them translucent and glossy, add a coat of luminous chrome over top, or kick the whole thing up to 11 with black glitter lacquer instead of a more traditional polish. 

How to Get the Look

The key to this look is all about the spot shape and placement; if you go too large or oblong, you can accidentally veer into cowprint. Fortunately, Dalmatian dots are mercifully easy to DIY at home with the right tools—and some strategic prep work. Jachno emphasizes the importance of starting out with a strong base, especially if you’re doing a DIY rather than requesting this look at the salon. Aside from standard filing and cuticle work, she likes to begin with the Epres ePhD Bond Repair Nail Treatment for added strengthening and evenness. “It creates a really smooth, healthy canvas, which makes any nail art look flawless,” she tells Byrdie. 

From there, lay down a milky cream color (it’s more authentically Dalmatian than a pure, stark white) and get ready to lay down the spots. Jachno recommends a dotting tool or a line brush rather than trying to freehand it, but luckily, irregularity is what actually makes this look work in general. “A Dalmatian pattern should feel organic and imperfect, varying the spacing, shape, and size slightly keeps it looking modern and natural,” she shares. “Less is more here—just a few well-placed dots always look more elevated than too many.”

Finally, it’s time to seal the deal. Jachno says it’s absolutely key for any nail art look to end with a thick, gel-like topcoat—she likes the CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat—because thinner alternatives can blur or pull at the design. A heavier topper, too, gives that luxe, salon-level sheen. 

Simple, sophisticated, and a sweet homage to woman’s best friend, don’t be surprised if Dalmatian nails end up as one of the most enduring manicure trends of the year.