In 2025, minimalistic manicures reigned supreme. Celebs hit red carpets flashing barely-there micro-French tips, Instagram feeds were flooded with skin-matching “soap nails,” and Hailey Bieber proved once again that glazed donut manis weren’t going anywhere.
This year, however, people are kissing the clean girl rule book goodbye and bringing on the chaos. According to the 2026 Pinterest Predicts trends report, “glitchy glam” will be one of beauty’s reigning aesthetics. Think messy, whimsical, and experimental — from abstract eye makeup and asymmetrical lines to daring lip combos.
One of the “glitchiest” maximalist trends expected to hit this year is the mismatched mani. Inspired by childhood sleepover nail painting, crackle top coats at summer camp, and the press-on section at Claire’s, this power-clashing movement is all about fun, play, and whimsy.
Whether it’s donning different colors on each hand, mixing polka dots and stripes, or intentionally clashing shades, these mismatched nail designs let you lean into eccentricity and imperfection in the new year.
1Power-Clashing Polka Dots
Just because it’s January doesn’t mean that polka dot summer has to end. Try the Dua Lipa- and Sabrina Carpenter-approved nail trend with a glitchy twist by switching the colors on each hand.
2Uncoordinated Chrome
Take a sleek silver chrome mani to the next level by mixing colors, swapping up placement, and pairing different finishes for a bold, mismatched look.
3Stripes On Stripes
Who knew vertical stripes and French tips could be so fun? Mix in a rainbow of colors and you’ve got a look that pops.
4Colorful Chaos
Stuck between polka dots and stripes? Do both. The more nail polish colors you use, the better.
5Aliencore Tips
Lean into mismatched nail art by painting everything from chrome swirls to stars and circles onto your fingertips. This set features irresistibly cool aliencore energy.
6Mad For Plaid
Plaid for winter doesn’t just apply to your wardrobe. Play with color in a tartan-inspired — and short-nail friendly — design that embraces maximalism.
7Inverted Dots
If you’re not ready to dive headfirst into the mismatched trend, keep it simple with inverted colors and dots on each hand.
8Cat-Eyed & Bushy-Tailed
Don’t worry, you don’t have to say goodbye to the cat-eye nail trend. Pair the multidimensional finish with bold nail art for a quirky, head-turning look.
9Maximalist Frenchies
If you’re looking for a modern twist on a classic, try mismatched color-blocked French tips. They’re fun and simple, but totally eye-catching.
10Y2K Vibes
Manifest a 2026 Cheetah Girls reunion with this Y2K inspired set that has a little bit of everything: animal print, metallic studs, and chrome stars.
11Rainbow Brite
12Decal Platter
When in doubt, add more. Paint a different masterpiece on each nail for a look that’s both cutesy and unapologetically busy.
13Neon Snakeskin
