5 Matching Nail Designs You Can Do Together in 15 Minutes

Thought there might be imagine wanting to bond with friends or significant other while looking fabulous. Matching nails are the solution. 

Fifty-five percent of those who love DIY nail art are fans of fast designs that can be done in under 20 minutes. Here, five quick options — all in under 15 minutes.

These projects do not require any special tools and no expertise. Whether you’re getting ready for a concert or relaxing in your living room, these concepts will fast-track your nails into festive mode. Let’s dive into the fun!

Why Quick Nail Art Is Trending Right Now

Here’s why quick nail art is exploding. People want innovation without inconvenience. I get it—life is busy. 

And sitting at home for hours on pictures that require detail isn’t practical. Which explains why designs that can be done in 15 minutes or less are the thing at the moment.

Fast nail art is ideal for bonding, too. Picture sitting across the table from your bestie, giggling as you both taste-test something new. 

Or perhaps you’re prepping for a date night. They take the hassle out of matching nails. And they’re Instagram-worthy to boot. I mean, who doesn’t love some cute nails pictures?

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Here’s the thing: 39% of nail art lovers prefer designs that require 15 minutes or less. In 2019, one of the top three fastest growing styles are varieties using glitter or tape. 

Mismatched pastel nails? They shot up in popularity for group manicures by 40%.

And remember dotticures — the minuscule dot patterns that everyone seems to love. They’re known as the fastest style of nail art on the block. A few can be performed in as little as two minutes per hand. Crazy, right?

Now, we’ll go through each design and you can choose your favorite.

1. Glitter Gradient

I’ll begin with the one that’s my own fave—glitter gradient. It’s simple yet stunning. A sponge, some glitter polish and three-or-so minutes of your time are all you need. Seriously, it’s that easy.

How to Do It

First, apply a base color. You can use any shade, but the darker the better because the glitter really pops. Let it dry completely. Then use your sponge and apply glitter primer to it. 

Begin pressing from the tip of your nail and press towards the center. Afterwards repeat this process for more shimmer. Boom—you’re done.

Why I Love It

This design is very “party-ready.” Whether you go out for a birthday bash, or just get fancy at home, it goes with everything. A quarter of nail art lovers use glitter as they know it is an instant route to glam. 

And, you can adjust it to whatever you want. Want subtle shimmer? Go light on the glitter. Craving bold sparkle? Layer it up.

Pro tip: You can use loose glitter if you want a shinier look. Just add some clear top coat when you’re ready to use it.

2. Negative Space Tape Design

And so here’s another winner for you: the negative space tape design. This one appears to be so much harder than it is. Believe me, anyone can do it. All you require is transparent tape, two polishes and four minutes.

How to Do It

Apply a clear glitter base to your nails. As it dries, cut narrow triangles out of the tape. Put them on your nails in just the right spot, then paint right over them with a vibrant hue. 

Let the polish dry until it’s just tacky to the touch before peeling off the tape. Voilà — neat lines and trendy vibes.

Why It Rocks

Tape styles saw a 30 percent spike in popularity last year. Why? Because they’re polished and don’t require much effort. The modern negative space gives a new twist to your nails. 

I particularly love how versatile this style can be. Wear it with jeans and you’re casual; wear it over a cocktail dress and it’s fancy.

Bonus: If you screw up, it’s no biggie. Just rewind the tape and do it again. Easy peasy.

3. Color Block Nails

We’ve got color block nails up next. It’s very much a design that’s about clean lines and striking contrasts. Using three polish shades, a little tape, and four minutes, watch as your nails strike creativity.

How to Do It

Begin with the lightest shade as your base. Let it dry fully. From there, use tape to divide sections of your nail. Paint in those sections with two other colors. When everything dries, peel off the tape for nice edges. Done!

Why It’s Awesome

Color-blocking is such a top five DIY nail trend this year. And, to be frank, it’s easy to see why. Your nails will pop with the change in color. You can keep it classic (black, white, gray) or playful (neon green, pink, yellow).

Pro tip: Combine matte and glossy finishes for an extra wow factor. For instance, pair a matte base with glossy details. Your nails will look like you paid for a professional to do them.

4. Dotted Flower Nail Art

If you are searching for the easiest design ever made, your search is over. A dotticure only takes two minutes to do for each hand. Just grab a toothpick or bobby pin and let’s go.

How to Do It

Paint the base for your nails. Let it dry. Then dip your tool into a complementary polish, and draw little dots in a flower shape. And you could make lines or swirls if flowers aren’t your vibe.

Why It’s My Go-To

Dotticures have just become the fastest nail art trend on the scene. For some people, we’re talking under two minutes to completion. Yes, you read that right. Two minutes!

And not to mention, it is highly, highly customizable. You can also play around with the shape and size. I did little hearts instead of flowers once — so cute.

Pro tip: different colors for the dots! Rainbow flowers? Yes, please.

5. Pastel Mismatch

And last but by no means least, we have mismatch pastel nails. This design would also be great for group manicures or an events. With five pastel hues and two minutes, you’ll have nails that are playful and one of a kind.

How to Do It

Paint a individual-colored pastel on each nail. Simple, right? Top with a top coat to lock everything in place. That’s it—you’re done.

Why It’s So Popular

Fans of mismatched nails increased by 40% in the last year. People really so enjoy how out of the box they seem. For matching nails with friends, this look allows everyone to show a bit of their personality.

Pro tip: Sync work with your squad. Choose a theme (for example, spring pastels) and distribute the colors. You can still have killer group photos.

Quick Stats & Trends Recap

Let’s review the numbers, real quick. Here is a fun fact for you: 39% of nail art fans would like a design in less than 15 minutes. Or that glitter and tape styles are owning the trend charts? Dotticures are a speed favorite, while mismatched nails are rising in popularity.

These numbers demonstrate one thing: fast nail art is not a phase, it’s not the latest trend, it’s here to stay.

Final Thoughts

Nail designs that match unite people. They’re fun, they’re fast and they’re packed with personality. Give one of these five styles a shot today — and you’ll thank us.