Ariana Grande is not only celebrated for her powerhouse vocals and signature high ponytail but also for her impeccable and instantly recognizable manicures. Her nail game has evolved into an integral part of her brand—a fusion of elegance, femininity, and ultra-modern aesthetics. In this detailed article, we uncover everything you need to know about Ariana Grande’s nails, from her favorite shapes and shades to the celebrity manicurists behind her iconic looks.
Ariana Grande’s Signature Nail Style
Almond Shape: The Go-To Nail Shape
Ariana Grande consistently opts for almond-shaped nails—a style that elongates the fingers and maintains a delicate yet glamorous profile. This particular shape is neither too pointy like stiletto nor too blunt like square tips, making it the perfect balance between edgy and classy.
The almond shape complements her petite frame and is frequently showcased in her music videos, red carpet events, and on her Instagram feed. It’s versatile, timeless, and allows for intricate nail art, making it her most preferred silhouette.
Preferred Nail Length: Long and Elegant
Grande’s manicures are almost always long, perfectly sculpted extensions. Whether she’s performing on stage or appearing on “The Voice,” her nails are extensions that often include acrylics or gel overlays. The length is functional enough for her lifestyle yet long enough to make a bold fashion statement.
Her long nails enhance her graceful gestures and have become a signature detail, frequently mimicked by fans and fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Most Frequently Used Nail Colors
1. Pale Pink and Nude Shades
Ariana Grande often leans into soft nude tones and pale pinks, which exude a clean, polished, and classic vibe. These shades are subtle but sophisticated, giving her a timeless appeal. Popular colors often used in her manicures include:
- Essie Ballet Slippers
- OPI Bubble Bath
- Chanel Le Vernis in Ballerina
These colors not only match a wide range of her outfits but also photograph beautifully under varying lighting, from concert stages to red carpet flashes.
2. Milky White Finish
The milky white manicure has become one of her signature looks. This slightly translucent white provides a minimalist yet luxurious aesthetic, making it a favorite for editorial shoots and promotional appearances. The subtle sheen gives her nails a polished look without overpowering her outfit or makeup.
Nail Art and Embellishments
Crystal and Rhinestone Accents
On special occasions, such as award shows or music video shoots, Ariana steps into more glamorous territory with crystal embellishments and rhinestone accents. These nails are meticulously decorated, often reflecting light in dazzling ways.
Her nail artists use Swarovski crystals, chrome powders, and even hand-painted designs to achieve these extravagant looks. They’re always symmetrical, balanced, and in line with the overall styling of her ensemble.
3D Nail Art
In some of her most iconic music videos, like “7 Rings” and “Positions,” Ariana flaunts 3D nail art featuring miniature charms, floral appliqués, and even lettering. These designs are not only visually stunning but also contribute to the storytelling element of her visuals.
Her Go-To Nail Artists
Nail Artistry by Thuy Nguyen
One of the leading forces behind Ariana’s nails is celebrity nail artist Thuy Nguyen (@thuybnguyen on Instagram). Thuy is renowned for her flawless technique and artistry, often custom designing nail sets tailored specifically for Ariana’s performances, red carpet looks, and music video aesthetics.
Nguyen uses high-end products like Aprés Gel-X extensions, custom press-ons, and gel polish from top-tier brands, ensuring lasting durability and a luxury finish.
Other Celebrity Nail Technicians
Occasionally, Ariana collaborates with other top-tier technicians like Brittney Boyce or Chaun Peth, both known for their innovative work with celebrities. These artists help maintain the consistency of Ariana’s nail branding—always sleek, intentional, and camera-ready.
Acrylics, Gel-X, or Natural?
While Ariana has naturally strong nails, most of her manicures are enhanced using either acrylic overlays or Aprés Gel-X extensions. Gel-X, in particular, has become a popular option because of its lightweight, non-damaging, and highly durable properties.
These methods allow her nail team to create a flawless canvas for both minimalist and intricate designs, ensuring longevity and comfort even during long tour schedules or rigorous filming days.
Where to Get Ariana-Inspired Nails
If you’re looking to recreate Ariana Grande’s nail aesthetics, here are some essentials:
1. Use High-Quality Products
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Nail Colors: Essie, Chanel, and OPI pastel or neutral tones
2. Shape It Right
Request an almond or oval shape at your nail salon. These shapes emulate Ariana’s most frequent manicures and offer both comfort and elegance.
3. Consider Professional Nail Techs
For the most authentic look, especially for special occasions, consult a nail artist who specializes in Gel-X or sculpted acrylics, and bring reference photos from Ariana’s public appearances or Instagram posts.
How Ariana Maintains Her Nails
Regular Maintenance
Ariana reportedly gets her nails redone every 10–14 days to maintain the pristine finish her fans are used to seeing. This includes:
- Soak-off gel removal
- Rebalancing acrylics
- Filing and shaping
- Cuticle care and hydration
Nail Health & Hydration
Despite always having extensions, Ariana’s team focuses on nail and cuticle health, using nourishing oils like jojoba, vitamin E, and almond oil to prevent brittleness and breakage.
She is often seen applying cuticle oil on-the-go, particularly during long shoots and rehearsals, ensuring her hands always look camera-ready.
Why Ariana Grande’s Nails Are So Influential
Ariana Grande has turned nails into a core element of her personal brand, alongside her winged eyeliner and ponytail. Her manicures are:
- Widely replicated by fans across TikTok and Instagram
- Influential in setting nail trends for soft glam, milky manicures, and almond shapes
- Part of merchandising and promotional campaigns, appearing in posters, videos, and product launches
Each manicure is carefully crafted to enhance the overall styling of her image, making her nails a statement of both beauty and identity.
Final Thoughts
Ariana Grande’s nails are a masterclass in modern manicure aesthetics. From her almond-shaped silhouettes to her use of milky whites, rhinestones, and Gel-X technology, her nail game is a blueprint for elegance and pop icon energy. By following her favorite products, shapes, and artists, anyone can channel a touch of Ariana’s signature glam.
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