Bangle nails: what is the nail trend & how is it achieved?

Pinterest Predicts 2026 stated that we should ‘expect rubberised nail art and 3D jewellery’ to become a huge trend this year – and we are off to a flying start with the rise of ‘bangle nails’.

Scratch breaks down the bangle buzz and shares some nail inspiration…

Nails are widely thought of as an accessory, much like jewellery, and this trend takes that up a notch. Bangle nails are a 3D style that basically turns your fingers into mini jewellery stands. The idea is to add miniature bracelet-like bands onto each nail – as if you shrunk your favourite bracelets and are wearing them on your fingertips instead of your wrists.

Alongside the aforementioned yearning for 3D accessories, the main reason this trend has skyrocketed recently is due to its fully customisable aspect. Bangle nails can be reimagined for each individual – from colours to placement and texture.

Nail techs usually use 3D sculpting gel, builder gel or L&P acrylic to achieve the look, applying in in a thin band across the nail, before filing and decorating as preferred.

From wild and wacky to subtle and sweet, various iterations of the look have been sweeping social media. Here are some of our favourites: