Pinterest has a way of foretelling a style shift, and recent searches show that the beloved bold mismatched manicure might just be taking a back seat to something daintier and more romantic. Enter: Lace nails. With a 215% surge in search, this delicate manicure has been popping up all over social media and IRL, and it only seems set to get bigger in the months to come.

You might already be contacting your manicurist to get in on the dreamy nail design, but nail artists we spoke to report that the lace nail trend is surprisingly easy to DIY. “It’s actually easier than it looks,” says celebrity manicurist and JinSoon founder, Jin Soon Choi. “It’s less about drawing and more about placement. Think of it like applying a nail wrap: Precision and clean trimming are what make it look elevated.”

Keep reading to learn how to achieve the lace nail trend at home, complete with elegant inspo throughout.

About the Lace Nails Trend

Multiple conditions have created the perfect storm for the lace nails trend. On one hand, 2026 brides may be searching for the perfect manicure for their big day. On the other hand, many people are simply craving something a bit more neutral and subdued, without departing from eye-catching nail art altogether. When it comes to related trends across beauty and style, dark romance and Brontë-inspired aesthetics are having a moment, plus we’ve been witnessing the return of the lace tights that ruled the early 2010s. Regardless of the inspo, nail pros are fans of this intricate yet versatile mani.

“I love the lace nail trend because it feels so elegant and refined,” says NYC-based manicurist Erica De Los Santos. “I’ve been seeing it over a milky white base with crisp white lace for a soft, romantic look, and also over a jelly black base with black lace for something a little more dramatic but still chic. It’s detailed without feeling heavy, and it instantly makes the nails look polished and put together.”

Celebrity manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec also applauds the whimsical nail look. “I love the delicacy, the detail, and the romanticism of the lace nail,” she shares. “I am also very into a black and tan color palette at the moment—very classic—so this trend falls perfectly within that, too.”

The way Choi sees it, as minimalist as lace nails are, they make a statement nonetheless. “Lace feels delicate and feminine, but placed on the nail, it becomes strong and intentional,” she explains. “I love that re-contextualization. It reminds me of lace gloves—slightly sheer, elegant, and very fashion-forward. It’s a classic idea that’s coming back in a modern way.”

Related Stories

16 Glass French Manicures Bringing Mesmerizing Shine to the Classic Look

Gothic Floral Nails Are the Elegantly Dark Manicure Trend You Didn’t See Coming

How to Achieve Lace Nails at Home

One of the perks of lace nails is that there are various ways to create them, so they’re definitely possible to try at home. “It’s honestly not difficult to DIY, especially with all the tools we have now,” De Los Santos says. “Between stamping plates, fine liners, and decals, there are so many ways to achieve the look. I’m all about keeping things simple and effortless, and lace can absolutely be done in a way that feels elevated without being overly complicated.”

With that in mind, consider how much time you have on your hands and how much effort you want to put into your nails. Then, choose the best method from the ones below. 

The Quick Fix: Press-Ons

If you’re super tight on time, but want a fanciful, elevated nail look for the occasion, Kandalec says to reach for lace-accented press-on nails. Glamnetic’s Lace Blush Press-On Nails are a great option, but Etsy has even more intricate handmade designs.

The Accessible DIY: A Lace Transfer

If you have a smidge more time on your hands, get creative with lace decals, lace transfer paper (like the Silpecwee Lace Nail Foil), or actual strips of lace.  “Lace nail decals are great—just peel, place onto the dry polish, press down smoothly, and seal with a glossy top coat,” De Los Santos tells us. 

If you take the lace transfer approach, you’ll need nail foil adhesive. “Brush it on and let it dry clear for about 30 seconds, or cure it (follow the directions),” Kandalec says. “This adhesive is very tacky, so just press on the transfer foil, top coat, et voilà.”

Using actual lace takes a little more time, but the intricate texture it offers makes it well worth it. “Cut small pieces of lace slightly larger than each nail,” Choi instructs. “Apply a layer of base coat or clear polish, then place the lace directly onto the nail while it’s still slightly tacky. Press firmly to secure, and trim the excess carefully around the edges.” Once the lace looks aligned and trimmed, seal with a top coat. 

The Experimental Approach: Lace Stamps

Another DIY method involves lace nail stamps, but it requires time and the proper products for the transfer. “The trick is using a type of nail polish that is specially for stamping,” Kandalec says. “Chunky glitters don’t work, and the polishes have to be quite opaque to stay crisp in the stencil and then onto the nail. It takes some practice.”

As for how to use lace stamps with ease, De Los Santos has us covered. “For the lace effect, my go-to is the Maniology Nail Stamping Plates,” she shares. “Apply stamping polish over the lace design, scrape off the excess, pick up the design with the stamper, and gently press it onto the nail.”

The Intricate Masterpiece: Hand-Painted Lace 

If time is of no consideration and you want a custom lace nail look, your best bet is to book a hand-painted lace manicure appointment. Still, if you want to give it your best shot, Kandalec says to start with the larger lace details, then fill in the smaller ones. “Doing this in gel will be 10 times easier than with regular air-dry polish, because you can cure after every step, and you can easily start over if needed,” she points out.

The Final Takeaway

It’s absolutely possible to DIY spring 2026’s lace nail trend, although heading to the salon is still your best bet for a high-end finish with minimal stress. “The reason to choose a professional nail artist is that we’ve invested hours into education and practice,” De Los Santos says. “We understand product chemistry, proper prep, safe removal, and application techniques.”

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you’d rather create the lace look at home or head to a salon. “While lace can be DIY-friendly at a basic level, the more detailed and elevated the look becomes, the more it benefits from a trained professional’s hand,” De Los Santos tells us. At the end of the day, you have so many viable options, so choose whichever best fits your schedule, confidence, and desired result.