Polka dots are one of those classic patterns that just never fade from the limelight. From the Victorian era to Old Hollywood glam, this playful print has proven its place in fashion, beauty, and pop culture. And now? It’s making its way to nails. Perfectly paired with your vintage-inspired polka dot bikinis (think Marilyn Monroe’s iconic 1951 black & white shoot or Taylor Swift’s red polka dot beach look in 2012), dotted nails are the retro-chic style of the summer. Before August slips away, check out these 8 viral polka dot nail designs that bring all the charm and nostalgia! • Ombré Pastel Polka Dot Nails Products Used: Dip & Dap Powder - DP04 Medium PinkLine Art Gel Kit Sweet like cotton candy, this square-tipped pink and white nail set is impossible not to ombré-ce and love. Using pastel shades from the Line Art Gel Kit, iGel Beauty's Joanna Lopez added a unique U-shaped polka dot accent over a soft, medium-pink dip base, giving it a dreamy feel. • Red Polka Dot Holiday Manicure Products Used: Dip & Dap Duo - DD230 The SirenDip & Dap Duo - DD001 Baby Powder (PURE WHITE) Serving full Minnie Mouse realness at your fingertips. This red, white mani is timeless and wearable all year round, whether it’s for summer picnics or winter holidays. Recreate @nailsbyparisrose’s fiery look with DD230 The Siren and DD001 Baby Powder for that bold touch. • Jewel Nail Gems Polka Dots Design Product Recommendation:Dip & Dap Duo - DD009 Ballerina GownNail Art Charms - 066Nail Art Charms - 102 When you can’t decide between subtle and glam, this one is simply what you need. @nailsbyshantal showed a beautiful off white-pink shade (DD009 Ballerina Gown) adorned with jewel-inspired nail art charms (066 or 102) for a dotted design that sparkles just enough without going over the top. • Retro Pink & Yellow Polka Dot Nail Inspo Products Used: Dip & Dap Duo - DD110 Mellow YellowDip & Dap Duo - DD198 Lil PrincessiGel Beauty Line Art Gel - 01 White on WhiteiGel Beauty Line Art Gel - 02 Black on Black Nothing says retro and old Hollywood more than polka dots and lip art detail. iGel Beauty @getnailed419 created a playful mix of pink and yellow shades, accented with black and white liners that helped bring out a cartoonish pop art vibe. Don’t forget to seal the nail with a top coat to keep the shine. • Black-Pink Mismatched Polka Dot Nails Product Recommendations:LB Duo - LB014 Be MineLB Duo - LB090 Dynamic Black Want to shake up the usual B&W polka dots? This black-and-pink mismatched version by @designsbyminallie is bold and downright concert-ready (yes, we see you Blackpink fans 👀). Using LB Duo - LB090 Dynamic Black and LB Duo - LB014 Be Mine, this almond-shaped set would be a fun switch-up. • Simple Chocolate Nude Polka Dot Nail Art Product Recommendations: Dip & Dap Duo - DD170 Nude BarDip & Dap Duo - DD300 Chocolate Fix Oh, dear, this makes me crave something rich and decadent. This chocolate nude mani by @_nails.by.mya_ is giving complete Hershey’s bar energy. Be autumn-ready by keeping it simple and sheer with DD170 Nude Bar, then create dot details with DD300 Chocolate Fix. • Neon Pink, Purple, & Yellow Polka Dots Products Used:Dip & Dap Duo - DD011 SeashellDip & Dap Duo - DD109 ButtercupsiGel Match - B24 Luscious LavenderDip & Dap Duo - DD044 First DateDip & Dap Duo - DD001 Baby Powder (PURE WHITE) The picture-perfect ending to summer would be enjoying the craziest rave with light sticks and electrifying nails inspired by iGel Beauty Chimene James. Using all borderline neon iGel Beauty products (see above), she hopped on the trend and put a spin on it with a fade-out polka dot effect. • Minimalist White Polka Dot Short Nails Product Used: Dip & Dap Duo - DD164 Winter White (SOFT WHITE) From office to weekend brunch, these effortlessly chic white polka dot nails will be your new go-to understated nailspiration. With iGel Beauty Lauren Messner’s evenly spaced white dots over a natural-looking base shade, this manicure flaunts a fresh take on minimalism that deserves to be known. Time and time again, Polka dots have proved that they’re a statement piece and have remained undeniably iconic. We hope you dot-ally love these nail designs as much as we do! Join our iGel Beauty Facebook Group, a space for nail enthusiasts to learn must-try designs, pro tips, and insider nail talk. Remember, nail art is always better when you share it with people who get it. 😉 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on August 20, 2025 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With a diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the latest trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
