In a world where beauty often knows no bounds, the latest trend in nail art has taken a sharp turn—literally. Gone are the delicate florals and minimalist designs. Enter the realm of grotesque nail art, where extreme lengths, macabre imagery, and a dash of the unsettling reign supreme.

This new genre, unapologetically bold and a little disturbing, is for those who dare to make a statement with their fingertips. Welcome to the future nail design—where sharp, pointed, and downright eerie have become the new aesthetic.

Grotesque nail art is pushing boundaries in a way few could have anticipated. Imagine claws that could easily belong to a mythical beast, long and curved like the talons of a raven, or teeth-shaped tips that pierce through the air with unnerving precision.

This is no longer about perfectly polished nails or charming patterns. Instead, the art has embraced a darker, more unsettling aesthetic—a celebration of the grotesque. Designers and enthusiasts alike are now experimenting with nails that can only be described as macabre, fusing a blend of punk, goth, and futuristic flair Extremely long, sharp nails—some even stretching over several inches—are the centerpiece of this movement. These nails aren't just about size; they are deliberately jagged, sometimes with uneven tips that seem to slice through the air.

Many designs feature claws reminiscent of predatory animals, with nail shapes that evoke visions of a vampire’s fangs or the talons of a mythical creature. Some nails are adorned with intricate details: silver or gold fangs set into the tip, tiny glass beads resembling drops of blood, or textures like snake skin, mimicking the sleek, reptilian scales that add an eerie, lifelike feel.

What makes these designs particularly compelling is their raw, almost visceral texture. While some nails take on a futuristic flair with metallic finishes or holographic sheer many grotesque nails are about roughness and decay. Some nails are coated in layers of dark, deep hues—like blackened greens, blood reds, and rust browns—evoking the feel of something that has been pulled from the grave.

The nails can have a matte or cracked finish, amplifying the sense of decay, while others might feature glossy, sleek surfaces that contrast the sharp edges and exaggerated lengths, adding to their otherworldly quality. In some cases, nails are painted with blood-red hues that drip over the sides, making it look as though the nails are actively bleeding—giving the wearer an aura of danger and raw power.

The appeal of grotesque nails lies in their boldness and defiance. This isn’t for the faint of heart. These nails are a deliberate rejection of conventional beauty standards, embracing a new kind of "ugly" that is, paradoxically, captivating in its audacity. It’s about pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions, creating something that is as much about personal expression as it is about shock value.

The future of nail art seems poised to continue down this dark path, with more creators exploring the intersection of horror and high fashion. Whether it’s clawed fingers rotting tips, or the reptilian allure of snake skin, grotesque nail art is here to stay—and it’s only getting sharper.

ALLHAILTHYNAILS

ALLHAILTHYNAILS has been creating nail art for nearly two years, and what began as an unexpected journey after university graduation has since transformed her life. Initially drawn to experimenting with 3D textures and shapes, she moved away from traditional 2D designs, aiming to push the boundaries of what a nail extension could be.

Some of her standout pieces involve encapsulating objects like scales, beads, and dried flowers within sculpted cat-claw-shaped nail Nature has always been her greatest inspiration—whether it’s the beauty of decay, the patterns found in minerals, the structure of ribcages, or the subtle details of bruising.

Alongside these organic elements, she has honed her skill in creating hyperrealistic, natural-looking extensions that echo the beauty of the human nail itself.

ALLHAILTHYNAILS' work has been recognized by artists like Noah Cyrus and Doechii, who have supported her creative journey. Their encouragement to push boundaries and explore unconventional designs has been invaluable. Looking ahead, she’s excited to find inspiration in unexpected places and deepen the connection between her nail art and the world around her.

CORROSION NAILS

Varvara, a nail artist based in Saint Petersburg, began her career in 2022—an unexpected turn after years of immersion in experimental music. Before entering the world of nail art, Varvara had been deeply involved in music, but she longed to express her creativity in a more tangible and visual way. While music cannot be seen, touched,or worn, nail art offered the perfect medium for her to experiment, challenge beauty standards, and build a community of like-minded individuals.

For Varvara, nails are not just an accessory but an integral part of her image, offering a unique form of self-expression similar to clothing. In her work, she often incorporates natural materials—such as butterfly wings, dirt, and snake skins—into her designs blending the organic with the unconventional. More recently, she’s been drawn to futuristic themes, using wires, fishing lines, and even creating “prosthetic” fingers push the boundaries of nail art.

Looking ahead, Varvara believes that the concept of "ugly nails" will gain traction and become a mainstream phenomenon, influenced by the global rise of the video gam industry. Through unconventional nail shapes, she sees the potential for people to further customize their personal identities and embrace a new form of self-expression.

K0GTIKI

K0GTIKI stumbled into the world of nail artistry by chance. Always creative, she started doing her own nails at 15. Her friends soon asked her to do theirs, and as her skills grew, she began working with new clients. From the start, her focus was on creating unique, unconventional designs while building a presence on social media. The positive feedback and praise she received fueled her passion, driving her to where she is today. For K0GTIKI, nail art is more than just a service—it’s a form of self-expression. She sees each nail as a canvas, blending the latest trends with the personal essence of her clients. Her designs are a reflection of both modern and classic elements, using unconventional techniques and materials to create something truly unique.

Always seeking new inspiration, K0GTIKI draws from a variety of sources—whether it’s a fresh designer collection, a contemporary art exhibit, or even a quiet walk through the city. For her, creativity is endless, and she’s constantly inspired by the world around her.

EVILNAIL

Lucas Carter, known professionally as Evil Nail, is a sculptor and nail artist based in

Brooklyn, New York. Drawing from her sculptural background, her nail art often features 3D designs and techniques that showcase her artistic precision. What began as a simple at-home kit from AliExpress soon evolved into a full-fledged career over the spa of three years. Today, she is recognized for her futuristic style, which blends glass-like resin with intricate encapsulations, hand-sculpted 3D elements, and her signature claw-shaped nails.

Looking ahead, Lucas aims to bridge her passion for both nail artistry and sculpture by delving deeper into wearable art, exploring new forms and creative expressions in the year to come.

NOVUSNAIL

Scarlett Scarlett Whittle, a 19-year-old nail artist from the UK, is known for her unconventional and "weird" nail designs. For over a year, she’s been pushing the limits of nail art, drawing on her natural creativity and "odd" nature. From a young age, Scarlett immersed herself in various forms of art, from painting to drawing.

Her journey into nail art began after dropping out of college, where she was studying Politics, Economics, and History. Embracing her contrarian personality, she decided to channel her desire to break away from traditional paths into nail art. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, and now, she’s grateful to share her work with the world.

Scarlett's distinctive style blends influences from Eastern European nail techs subversive fashion, and the haunting works of H.R. Giger. Nature also plays a big role in her designs, with earthy tones from rocks, dirt, and sand often featured in her muted color palettes.

As her reputation grew, Scarlett began selling her press-on nails internationally, gaining admiration for her unique approach. For her, being a nail artist is more than a job—it’s an authentic form of self-expression.

@allhailthynail

@k0gtiki

@evil__nail

@novusnail

Words by ELENA FABRIS