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From checkered nails to manicures that look like literal blocks of ice, there have been no shortage of cool nail trends lately. And now heart nails are the latest design that’s poised to take off. 

Now, you might be thinking heart nails aren’t exactly new, and you’d be right. Anyone who’s been to the nail salon around Valentine’s Day can vouch for that. Rather, there’s a very specific genre of heart nail designs that have been popping up on our feeds lately, particularly inspired by cool-girl phone case brand Wildflower and 2000s TV revivals.

We’re calling them heart beams—one look at them, and you’ll see why. The multi-layered cuties make us nostalgic for late afternoons spent obsessing over action-packed cartoons with strong female leads and are quickly becoming as classic as a French mani.

So what is it about these hearts that have us wanting to wear them over every finger? “It’s customizable to each person, which makes each set fun,” says Montreal nail artist Victoria Gabreau. “I think it also has a little bit of nostalgia for people who grew up watching The Powerpuff Girls and popular y2k trends.”

The first person to request this playful riff on heart nails at Gabreau’s salon wanted to match her favorite Wildflower case, the nail artist recalls. “We did a mismatch set with some brown French tips and the beaming heart in different shades of browns,” she says. “At that point, I feel like the beaming heart wasn’t as big.”

Take a look at all the coolest girls you know and chances are they have something in common: they’re all rocking checker nails. In the past few weeks, it’s been impossible to scroll Instagram without seeing the graphic pattern incorporated into French tips, retro florals, and mismatched manis. Blame it on the popularity of The Queen’s Gambit or Lisa Says Gah, the fashion darling of the moment, but there’s no doubt it’s happening. 

And by “happening,” we mean it’s everywhere. No longer limited to board games or classic Vans, the pattern has been popping up on home goods, clothing, and phone cases with fun twists like poppy pastels and wavy edges. In fact, it’s having such a moment, it’s a corner stone of what fashion fans have cheekily coined the “Avant Basic” aesthetic—think Paloma Wool matching sets, Wildflower phone cases, and colorful carpets. 

When it comes to nails, twists on the pattern are equally as playful. One of the most popular versions, first posted by content creator Lauren Ladnier and frequently copied across the app, features the pattern in swooping French tips and varying colors. The color palette and off-kilter lines make it feel almost groovy and ’70s, but the graphic print keeps it feeling modern and cool. 

Part of the pattern’s appeal is its versatility. Done in black and white, it looks clean and classic—or even emo, depending on the circumstances. Paired with flowers it’s psychedelic, like a Spongebob Squarepants background come to life. And covering a whole nail, it’s total Nascar vibes, in the coolest way possible. 

If you’re skilled with a detail brush, check out the tutorial, below. For the rest of us, either leave checker nails a pro or go for press-ons. Both Chillhouse and Etsy’s extensive sticker selection can help you easily get the look.  

And if you’re not feeling the time or patience it takes to get checker nails, you can always take the trend to your closet. Trust us, there are a ridiculous number of great ‘fits to be made. But if you need a good starting point, shop some of our favorite checker pieces, below. 

Bella Cacciatore is the beauty associate at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.

Our manis are a good reflection of our mood, but they’re a pretty revealing indicator of our personalities, too. Think of the designs you’re naturally drawn to. Maximalism, color-clash, loud brights? Or minimalism, neutrals, and simple accents? One way to hone in on the designs best-suited to you is through your horoscope. Each star sign can highlight different dominant traits. Wondering where yours will take you? Scroll down.

ARIES

COLOR MIX
(March 21-April 19)

Energetic, confident, impulsive and adventurous, Aries don’t necessarily feel the need to follow convention. When it comes to your nails, they’re an opportunity to experiment. Why choose one shade when you can have five? This color mix design is eclectic, just like you.

Fellow Aries: Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Kristen Stewart, Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson

TAURUS

GOLD-SPECKLED
(April 20-May 20)

Rational, grounded, loving, and unshakable, you’re a pragmatist and a romantic at the same time. Bulls favor styles that are practical and classic, but also make them feel good. This gold-speckled mani matches your style perfectly. It’s neutral and classic, but with a pretty scattering of subtle sparkle that will go with everything.

Fellow Taurus: Adele, Gigi Hadid, Jessica Alba, Gal Gadot, Janet Jackson, Cher, Tina Fey

GEMINI

RAINBOW
(May 21-June 20)

Expressive, playful, inquisitive and quick-witted, Geminis are up for something lively and fun. This rainbow design is as bright and lively as you are, but with a cut-out accent in the middle, to mix things up and keep it interesting.

Fellow Geminis: Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, Awkwafina, Helena Bonham Carter, Venus Williams, Lucy Hale

CANCER

PINKS AND REDS
(June 21-July 22)

Emotional, sympathetic, intuitive and loyal, Cancers are thoughtful girl-next door types. The soft pinks and warm reds of this mani are approachable and inviting, just like you.

Fellow Cancers: Margot Robbie, Ariana Grande, Mindy Kaling, Meryl Streep, Lana Del Ray, Selena Gomez

LEO

GLITZ
(July 23-August 22)

Strong, confident, faithful, and warm, Leos are fierce. This mirror-like mani is as dazzling as you are—and it’s definitely not boring.

Fellow Leos: JLo, Rose Byrne, Sandra Bullock, Megan Markle, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lawrence

VIRGO

REVERSE FRENCH MANI
(August 23-September 22)

Organized, detail-oriented, helpful, and honest, Virgos are perfectionists. This reverse French mani is immaculately neat and beautifully precise, but it’s also very chic.

Fellow Virgos: Beyonce, Zendaya, Blake Lively, Cameron Diaz, Taraji P. Henson, Lili Reinhart

LIBRA

HALF AND HALF
(September 23-October 22)

Charming, diplomatic, kind, and romantic, Libras are natural peacemakers and seek harmony. This half and half design beautifully balances a minimalistic neutral nail with pretty pink metallics.

Fellow Libras: Serena Williams, Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brie Larson, Hilary Duff, Gwen Stefani

SCORPIO

LIGHTNING BOLTS
(October 23-November 21)

Determined, powerful, mysterious, and emotional, Scorpios are often confused for fire signs, and though they can have a tough exterior, this water sign is loyal and sensitive once you scratch the surface. This lightning bolt is powerful and bright (sounds familiar…).

Fellow Scorpios: Ciara, Kendall Jenner, Kiernan Shipka, Emma Stone, Anne Hathaway, Rachel McAdams, Hailey Bieber

SAGITTARIUS

ASSORTED STARS
(November 22-December 21)

Free-spirited, strong-willed, adventurous, and intellectual, Sags are all about going off the beaten path and trying something new. They’re bold, lively, and fun, so something colorful and graphic like this star design is perfect.

Fellow Sagittarius: Miley Cyrus, Zoe Kravitz, Britney Spears, Janelle Monae, Taylor Swift, Tina Turner, Chrissy Teigen

CAPRICORN

CUT-OUT DETAILS
(December 22-January 19)

Loyal, practical, humorous, and stubborn, Caps like to consider all the options before they make a decision. Chances are, they’ll stick to something classic and functional, but with a bit of style kudos. This chic merlot shade is timeless and works with whatever’s in your wardrobe, but the bare cut-out detail at the cuticle gives it a fresh twist.

Fellow Capricorns: Michelle Obama, Dolly Parton, Kate Moss, Mary J Blige, Kate Middleton, Zooey Deschanel

AQUARIUS

DREAMY CLOUDS
(January 20-February 18)

Progressive, independent, quirky, and intelligent, water bearers are unconventional and original. The last air sign of the zodiac, they drift to their own beat and while they can sometimes seem stand-offish to start with, they’re soft, generous, and creative at heart. This fluffy cloud design is dreamy and free-spirited, just like you, Aquarius.

Fellow Aquarius: Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, Shakira, Chloe Grace Moretz, Yara Shahidi

PISCES

WATER COLORS
(February 19-March 20)

Compassionate, gentle, intuitive, and sensitive, Pisces are natural nurturers, but they’re also artistic and spiritual. The last water sign of the zodiac, they’re a refreshing energy that’s light and optimistic. This cheery water color mani fits the bill perfectly.

Fellow Pisces: Rihanna, Drew Barrymore, Emily Blunt, Dakota Fanning, Lupita Nyong’o, Rebel Wilson

This story originally ran on Glamour UK.