Kylie Jenner Is Bringing Back This Once Outdated Nail Trend

The King Kylie era is officially back, and it’s bringing some major beauty nostalgia with it. From sculpted brows to colorful hair, the youngest Jenner is once again setting the tone for what’s next—one manicure at a time.

The latest? Kylie’s ultra-glam, chocolate-toned snakeskin nails that practically broke the internet. Bold, sculptural, and unapologetically maximalist, the set is a full departure from the "clean girl" aesthetic that’s been dominating recently. With a deep espresso base, high-gloss, and scale-like detailing sculpted across each nail, the look is sultry in the best way—like your favorite designer bag reimagined in gel. It’s luxe, it’s daring, and most importantly, it’s pure King Kylie.

But let’s be honest, whatever Kylie touches turns into an instant trend. “Snakeskin nails were huge back around 2019–2020, but the look got a little overplayed and faded from the spotlight,” says pro nail artist Miish Quiroz. Now, with Kylie embracing all things bold and sculptural again, the pattern is slithering back into relevance.
There’s also a strong Y2K tie-in here (a lá Britney Spears and her iconic python at the 2001 VMAs), and in classic Gen Z fashion, the look is being reimagined through modern finishes like matte-and-gloss contrasts, holographic foils, and blooming gel effects. Sound like a dream come true? Read on below to discover how to get the look, step by step.

How to Get the Look
There’s more than one way to rock a snakeskin mani, so it helps to show your nail tech a few inspo pics before your appointment. If you’re embracing your inner Kylie, ask for a 3D sculpted texture with a matte base and glossy scales layered over the top using a no-wipe gel. “That contrast really makes the pattern pop,” says Quiroz.

For something a little more low-maintenance, Rachel Arreola of Vistosa Nails recommends snake print foils. “It’s a quicker way to get the effect without the detail work,” she says. And when layered over gel polish and sealed with a top coat, it makes a quick yet powerful impact.

You can also experiment with hand-painted scales using a fine liner brush or opt for the blooming gel technique, which gives the design a diffused, watercolor finish. That softer version is perfect if you’re working with neutrals or want something more understated. And don’t feel boxed in by traditional python shades—“you can go nude-on-nude, try a French tip version, or even do neon snake print for summer,” says Arreola.

How to DIY at Home
Snake print might sound complicated, but there are a few pro-approved hacks for pulling it off yourself. If you want crisp scales, Quiroz recommends stamping plates like Clear Jelly Stamper for easy and accurate application. Just apply your base, stamp on the design, and finish with a top coat. For something softer, you can go with the blooming gel method. Simply apply your base, layer on the blooming gel, and use a dotting tool to create the scale pattern. The gel helps the design gently spread for a more diffused, artsy effect.

If you’re feeling bold (and patient), try recreating Kylie's sculpted snakeskin nails at home with the gloss-over-matte method—a favorite among pros for its dramatic finish. Start with two coats of a deep polish (like chocolate brown or forest green) and cure if using gel. Follow with a matte top coat and cure fully to set the base. Then, using a fine liner brush and a no-wipe glossy top gel, carefully paint on the scale pattern, either full coverage or just as an accent. The key is in the contrast "between the matte base and the shiny scales, which is what really makes this look pop,” says Quiroz. Cure one final time to seal it all in and voilà! You're ready to take on the red carpet (or your local dive bar, doesn't matter).