Whether you’re a bold nail art enthusiast or prefer a natural look, half-sies manicures (also known as half-and-half manicures) offer a playful way to elevate any outfit.
The beauty of half-sies lies in their versatility and the ability to engage your (or your nail technician’s) creative juices.
Currently taking centre stage, this trendy nail art concept is perfect for those who love to mix and match colours or just can’t decide on just one shade!
Read on for a list of eye-catching half-sies nail designs you can go for in your next manicure appointment.
What Are Half-sies Nails?
@byrdie Wanna go halfsies? 💅🤎🤍 #nails #nailsartvideos #nailsart #manimonday #nailsoftiktok
Essentially, half-sies manicures feature two different polishes or design elements on each nail, split vertically or horizontally (depending on your mood and preferences, of course).
You can use contrasting colours, similar tones within a colour family, or even different finishes (matte versus glossy) of the same colour for a subtle twist.
Related read: 17 Cheap Gelish Manicure and Pedicure Salons To Visit For Beautifully Painted Nails
Why Half-sies Manicures Are Trending
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-nails-trend-rosy-block-colour.jpg)
Credit: @heygreatnails/Instagram
Taking social media by storm, this trend features a symmetrical split on each nail, allowing you to mix and match colours, finishes, or even incorporate bare nails for a unique twist.
This playful nail art trend caters to a variety of tastes and skill levels, making it a perfect fit for the current times.
Indecision Made Chic
@doonails_de
Can’t decide between a bold red or a playful neon green? Half-sies manis allow you to wear multiple colours at once.
This trend embraces the desire to experiment with different shades, letting you express your personality through a fun mix.
Versatility Reigns Supreme
Half-sies nails are incredibly adaptable. Want a statement piece? Go for contrasting colours.
Prefer something more understated? Use the same colour in different finishes for a sophisticated touch.
This design caters to minimalists and maximalists alike, making it suitable for any occasion!
DIY-Friendly Fun
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-manicures-trend-diy-fun.jpg)
Credits: @lolo.nailedit/Instagram, @mars_nailzz/Instagram
Compared to intricate nail art designs that require professional skill, half-sies manicures are relatively easy to achieve at home.
With minimal tools like nail polish and striping tape (optional), you can create a trendy and personalised look without a salon visit.
Bonus tip: To achieve a crisp dividing line, use nail art stripping tape for a clean separation between your chosen colours or finishes.
22 Half-sies Manicure Designs to Adorn Your Nails With
Tuxedo Black and White
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-manicures-black-and-white.jpg)
Credit: @iramshelton/Instagram
Simple yet attention-grabbing. This black and white half-sies nail design is a great way to approach the trend without going “all out” or risking a style that you might not like.
This design is definitely easy enough to accomplish at home too!
Pantone Peach Fuzz
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-nails-pantone-peach-fuzz.jpg)
Credit: @paintboxnails/Instagram
For the uninitiated, peach fuzz is Pantone’s colour of the year. If you’re a fan of this gentle, milky shade, this half-sies nail design might suit your liking.
Related read: 20 Beauty Products In Pantone’s Colour Of The Year — Makeup, Skincare, And More!
Neutral Gradient
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-manicures-neutral-gradient.jpg)
Credit: @pop_polished/Instagram
Nothing beats a good neutral manicure! Incorporate it with the half-sies manicure trend and you’ll get beautiful espresso tones.
Related read: 15 Caramel Latte Nail Looks So You Can Match Your Coffee With Your Manicure
Heart Half-sies
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-nails-heart-design.jpg)
Credit: @disseynails/Instagram
Take the neutral gradient concept up a notch by adding hearts (split in half, of course, with different colours).
You can go wild with the colours too by making it rainbow or featuring your favourite colours!
’60s Monochrome
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-nails-60s-monochrome.jpg)
Credit: @nailsbyzola/Instagram
It’s not quite a half-sie but this design literally “splits” your nails in half. Think ’60s glamour in Ariana Grande’s Positions music video coupled with the vibe of Euphoria’s Maddy.
Bold Red
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-nails-bold-red.jpg)
Credit: @betina_goldstein/Instagram
You can never really go wrong with classic red. This sleek design really brings out the stunning deep red against natural nails.
Digital French
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-manicures-digital-french.jpg)
Credit: @thehangedit/Instagram
This half-sies nail design might be simple, but it does make a statement. It’s almost like a fan or digital Tetris. Any colour would make your nails pop, but black is definitely an elegant option.
Taro Milk
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-manicures-taro-milk.jpg)
Credit: @nailsby.tiff/Instagram
Bubble tea and taro milk lovers, this half-sies manicure design might delight you and your tummies. It’s cute, glossy, and absolutely delicious!
Neon Paddlepop
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-nails-neon-paddlepop.jpg)
Credits: @thehangedit/Instagram, @mars_nailzz/Instagram
Two-tone neon rainbow nails, anyone? These half-sies manicures are fun, loud, and perfect for a rave or festival.
The best part is that you can pick up to 10 different colours (or 20 if you’re up for different colours on your other hand).
Silver Talons
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-manicures-ombre-nails-grey-silver.jpg)
Credit: @moonprincess.x/TikTok
As expected, ombré nails are always in trend. How about fusing that with half-sies for a simple yet beautiful design? Using black or grey makes it pretty Maleficent, we’d say.
This look is also really popular amongst the TikTok and XiaoHongShu crowd, particularly in red or with cat-eye effects.
White Gold
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-nails-white-gold.jpg)
Credit: @evelynlnails/Instagram
This elegant manicure design is elevated with white gold foil, making it perfect for a wedding or any classy event you’re attending.
Tortoiseshell Half-sies
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Credit: @betina_goldstein/Instagram
Channel your inner spice, but make it mani! Remember Mel B’s iconic leopard jumpsuit? Half-sie manis offer a similar vibe but with a touch more subtlety.
This soft, speckled take on tortoiseshell is perfectly showcased in this minimalist half-sie design.
Strawberry Swirls
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Credit: @yoyo__nails/Instagram
Those who are into TikTok’s “strawberry girl” aesthetic, this design will be an easy pick. It’s cute yet classy with a hint of Barbiecore or Mean Girls riddled into it.
The perfect half-sies manicure for Wednesdays (iykyk)!
Related read: 20 Burn Book-Worthy Manicures Even Regina George Would Approve
Flower Tips
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-nails-flower-tips.jpg)
Credit: @thehangedit/Instagram
These flower tips were quite popular on TikTok — we can’t deny how adorable and chic it is.
Choose a simpler version with a transparent base or match the flower tips colours with a pop of pastels.
Graphic Jelly
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-manicures-graphic-jelly-nails.jpg)
Credit: @nails_and_soul/Instagram
If you’re a fan of the jelly nails trend, why not get them in half-sies style?
Other than the inverted colours, the core of this design also lies in the sheer grey polish that seems almost transparent to really get that jelly finish.
Related read: Pink Jelly Glaze Nails Are the Perfect “Soft Girl” Manicure – 15 Ideas To Get You Inspired
Yellow Yin and Yang
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-manicure-slanted-yellow-with-dots.jpg)
Credit: @paintboxnails/Instagram
For something a bit more artsy and abstract, go for slanted half-sies and decorate them with little dots likened to the Yin and Yang symbol.
Of course, you can pick whatever colour that pleases you but yellow is definitely a refreshing look!
Pastel Galaxy
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsie-nails-lilac-chrome-flakes.jpg)
Credit: @evelynlnails/Instagram
Think chrome flakes accentuated with a slice of pastel lilac. This half-sies manicure is quite a statement that says you’re ready to party anytime, anywhere!
Squiggle Half-sies
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsie-nails-squiggle-design.jpg)
Credits: @prettywomannyc/Instagram, @melanated.mani/Instagram
Feeling groovy? For a more relaxed take on the half-sies trend, ditch the straight lines and embrace the playful squiggle.
This design features an outlined squiggle design on one half of the nail, creating a unique and artistic look.
Astrology Sky
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-nails-astrology-sky.jpg)
Credit: @nailsby.tiff/Instagram
Reminiscent of astrological stars and the deep skies, this design would be fitting for all the spiritual and horoscope girlies.
Related read: “Cat Eye” Manicures Are One-of-a-kind, and They’re Created With Magnetic Nail Polishes Too?!
Pac-Man
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/halfsies-manicure-pacman.jpg)
Credit: @evelynlnails/Instagram
If you’re a retro fan and love arcade games, this fun, Pac-Man design is right up your alley!
You can even elevate the quirkiness by having different colours on different fingernails.
Ocean Waves
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-manicures-ocean-waves.jpg)
Credits: @nailsbyzola/Instagram, @nailsby.tiff/Instagram
Beach girls and admirers of water bodies, this concept will have you feeling a surge of peace and serenity each time you glance down at your nails.
You can even choose between a more realistic nail art of the ocean waves or a minimalistic depiction, as seen above.
Solid Glitter Contrast
![halfsies manicure halfsies nails](https://uploads.dailyvanity.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/half-sies-nails-solid-polish-and-glitter-contrast.jpg)
Credit: @mars_nailzz/Instagram
Here’s a clever way to embrace the half-sies manicure trend. We promise it’s a real looker — there’s just something about the contrast in finishes that draws us all in.
Featured image credits: @thehangedit/Instagram, @betina_goldstein/Instagram