Mix and match nails major on individuality, and we're all in

If our new favourite mani is anything to go by, individuality is very much in. We keep catching glimpses of mix and match nails on the fingers of top-followed nail artists and their clients, where each digit offers an opportunity for a different expression.

We're invested. Nail regret is the worst. Who wants to commit to one design across all nails when you're still half-tempted by the other three or four you've got saved on your moodboard – especially when it's gelled on for the next three weeks? That's where mix and match nails are bringing all the options.

What are mix & match nails?

In a nutshell, mix and match nails are the free-style indie mani for when you're not sure which aesthetic to choose. It's an eclectic edit of all your favourite designs, scattered across different fingers, all in one manicure.

How to wear mix & match nails?

Most of the major nail influencers have given it their own spin. Imarni, who's created designs for Emma Chamberlain, Maisie Williams and Olivia Dean, has been giving us her own take on mix matched nails for some time – she's our go-to for bright, bold, statement squiggles, smilies and nazar talismans. And, as the trend has evolved, we've seen it capture and blend other trending accents. Melanie from Overglow Edit's most recent rendition incorporated chrome and 3D details. Meanwhile Zola Ganzorigt gave her long-time client Hailey Bieber a colourful murano glass and animal print mix of designs last summer, and we've seen similar spin-offs multiple times since.

Elsewhere, we've seen mash-ups of croc print alongside tie-dye, 3D motifs, swooshes and bow details. We've seen checkerboard clashed with doubled-up frenchies, flames and florals and we've seen jelly textures collab-ing with mixed metals, glitter and airbrushing. Minimalism could never, so maximalism has taken the driving seat for this one.

So consider this a very stylish way to combine an assorted mix of all your favourite designs. The possibilities are endless (or at least, you have 10 opportunities for a different work of art on each finger). It's fun, it's different, it's a way to combine all your favourite things in one place and we for one are very much on board