Duck nails have got the internet quack-ing. Here’s how you can nail the ‘cursed’ trend
Fashion’s illicit relationship with ‘ugly’ trends kicked off when Paris-based luxury brand Céline debuted an iconic line of fur-lined Birkenstocks. Currently helmed by Cruggs, a hybrid between a pair of Crocs and UGGs, the concept seems to have seeped into the beauty industry—influencing everything from our lips to our fingertips. Re-introducing duck nails, an ‘eye-bleachy’ yet disruptive nail trend that’s guaranteed to make you go “what are those” before ordering a UV lamp off Amazon to try yourself.
What are duck nails?
Also known as fan tips, flared nails and Jersey nails, duck nails refer to a nail shape that resembles a duck’s webbed foot. They are thin at the beginning and flare out past your nail plate unlike the traditional coffin and stiletto shapes that narrow into a sharp peak toward the end. Their resemblance is also equated to that of a fan or a pair of flared jeans in this regard.
Revived back into mainstream attention with the resurgence of Y2K, duck nails hail Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi as their fairy godmother. Snooki, a cast member of the MTV reality show Jersey Shore, flashed what was then termed ‘duckbill nails’ on the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet. Although her fan tips were decked in alternating rhinestones with black-and-white stripes to floor audiences, several petitions aimed to police duckbill nails and stop them from gathering traction as a full-blown trend in the future.
Ten years, 80,000 views on #jerseynails and 15.8 million on #ducknails later, the nail shape is evidently not one of those things that were left back on Jersey Shore.
An acquired taste
Cementing onto its 2021 renaissance are both nail artists and celebrities alike. A quick scroll through the embellished TikTok feed of Nails Dani is more than enough to label duck nails as the official nail trend of the year. Although the comments section features some of the most dubious users on the platform, some of her videos have raked in as much as 1.6 million views to date.
“A lot of people don’t understand these nails, but I think the point is to shake the norm,” said Casie Wendel, a Los Angeles-based photographer and stylist, in an interview with Good Morning America. “They’re supposed to be extra and hilarious, that’s what makes them maximalistic and iconic.” Nail enthusiast Yazmin also recalled her aunts pulling off the trend when she was in elementary school. “I also want to recognise the Black and Latina community for inspiring these and I will keep wearing them regardless if people like them or not, because the shape and creativity is phenomenal,” she added.
Then came Bhad Bhabie with her iconic french manicure rendition of the trend. Viewed more than 11 million times on TikTok, the mini-ASMR tutorial inspired many including Mackenzie who credited the rapper for introducing her to the quirky trend.
@bhadbhabie I’m in loveeee with these😍😍😍💗💗@slayedbykashhh
♬ original sound - bhadbhabie
How can I DIY duck nails at home?
Be it out of genuine interest or mere curiosity, if you’ve fallen for duck nails and the nearby nail salons aren’t open for business yet, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can nail the trend and have a ducking good time doing so.
1. Gather the list of tools you’ll require
Duck nails are a six-ingredient recipe. First off, you’ll require a pack of pre-formed artificial flared nails that retail for around $10 on Amazon. These artificial forms are essential to nail the look. You can also choose to sculpt the entire form from scratch but who are we kidding, fellow newbies? A UV lamp, preferred nail polish, clear UV nail gel and nail brushes are also among the list. Embellishments are up next—depending on the complexity of the design you want to try out.
2. Create the artificial base
It’s time to get quacking. Start by gluing on the artificial nails to your natural nail plates. If they’re too long, feel free to snip them to your liking with a pair of scissors. You also have the option of flaring them out even more by adding and shaping some acrylic to the corners with a brush. Make sure the base is firm and nice with no risks of peeling off before proceeding to the next step.
3. Apply preferred nail gel and embellishments
Next up is applying the nail polish of your choice. Depending on your design, apply an even coat and cure it under a UV lamp to speed things up. Once that’s done and dusted, it’s time to embellish your baby. From Snooki-inspired rhinestones to kidcore charms and Hello Kitty stickers, the possibilities are endless. Glue them according to your design and proceed.
4. Seal and cure with a clear gel
After the embellishments are in the mix, it’s time to seal them off before heading out the door. Cover your work with a clear UV nail gel and cure under the lamp once again. A clear acrylic gel can also be dabbed on with a thin nail brush to give your nails a natural curve. Remember to file this layer down before sealing with a clear gel.
There you have it. Picture-perfect duck nails that are guaranteed to stand out miles away in a socially-distanced party. And if you’re ever worried about taking your rings off or flipping tortillas in them, Nails Dani has got you covered with a visual manifesto to back up the entire trend. Rinse and repeat, fellow ducklings!
@nailsdani Reply to @hairbow101 💀🤷♀️😁 this is how i do it 🙋♀️ #nailsdani #fyp #flarednails #ducknails #bellnails
♬ Bailando - Video Edit - Paradisio
