It’s hard for us to believe that it has been 20 years since Mean Girls first hit the big screen. But here we are, in 2024, getting ready to welcome a whole new generation of Plastics. Early January saw the premiere of the latest adaptation, a stage musical version based on an original film. We don’t care if you are a musical fan or not. This new version is nostalgic and fun.
What better way to celebrate Regina, Cady, and Company’s return than with a manicure inspired by Mean Girls? Scroll down to see over a dozen different manicures, from the mall all the way to the Spring Fling Dance.
Micro French
@nailtherapy.co/ Instagram
We imagine that the Plastics’ go-to manicure is a classic French. If you want a modern twist, try a micro-French. Paint the base a light shade of pink and add a thin and delicate white line to it.
Pink Aura Mani
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
The Plastics are known to have a special affinity for pink. They have an entire day dedicated for it. You only need two shades of pink nail polish to achieve this look. If this color combination is your favorite, you can pick up Gucci Beauty 02 Valentine Fuchsia or 413 Ellen Blush.
Baby Pink Chrome
@amyle.nails/ Instagram
Chrome is the ultimate It-girl. Instead of the classic glazed donut, we think that any Mean Girls character could make it theirs with pink. This mani is achieved by applying two coats of light pink polish, such as DND #882 Sheer In The City. Top them off with chrome powder. The result is a sparkling and shiny dream.
Camo Print
@yo_keshh/ Instagram
Regina George would love this early 2000s inspired manicure. This set allows you to switch up colors or go with a more traditional army-green. Dare we suggest it would be great with flip-flops and army pants?
Reverse French
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
This reverse French manicure reminds us of Regina George and her cut-out bra moment. Don’t ask why! If you want to stand out from the crowd, paint your nails a bright red and then add a French tip in a hot pink along the cuticle.
Pink Party Nails
@phoebesummernails / Instagram
These pink party nails are the perfect way to create a Mean Girls inspired manicure with a more design-oriented look. Paint on French tips of various shades of pink. Add gold stars (paints or stickers) to the top and pink rhinestones.
Pink and black
@brushedbyb_
Remember the pink and black dress that Cady Heron was wearing? This set brings back the memory. Use OPI’s Merry & Ice as the base, and Black Onyx to create the swirls.
French Illusion
@disseynails/ Instagram
This French illusion manicure is so perfect, we can’t begin to describe it. This look requires a lot of skill and dedication.
Soft Pink Matte
@nuka.nails / Instagram
We love color gradients, especially when it incorporates baby pink. Choose a few shades from your favorite light pink polishes, and swipe each one onto the finger to create a faded effect. Instead of using a clear, shiny top coat to finish (which is also gorgeous), opt for a matte finish.
Classic Hot Pink
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
If in doubt, hot pink is the way to go. This color is timeless and can be worn in any season, but especially spring and summer. This shade is beautiful on any length or shape of nail. Just make sure to apply three coats for a vibrant, rich look.
Glossy Minimalist
@overglowedit / Instagram
For special occasions, we think that the Mean Girls characters should wear a minimalist glossy manicure. Gelcare Bare BB cream ($20) is used to achieve the exact look. In our humble opinion, it’s the perfect barely-there color.
Creamy Baby Pink
@gelcare.official / Instagram
If you don’t like hot pink, a baby pink color is a great alternative. Apply a few coats in your favorite color and then top it off with a clear finish for extra shine. Gelcare’s Polly Pink is the perfect color to achieve this exact shade.
Sleek French
@nuka.nails / Instagram
You will remember thicker French nails that were popular in the early 2000s. This look is reminiscent of the original Mean Girls, and we are totally into this throwback. If you want to go “old school”, have your nail technician do a classic Acrylic. For a modern version, use a Gel Builder.
Swirly pink
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
This swirly pink style is a great way to add some edge. We like the hot pink base and think that the red swirls added on top are a nice touch. This is the perfect way to bring summer energy!
Hot pink + Chrome
@overglowedit / Instagram
You can do a hot-pink mani, but that’s not the only option. What if you added some chrome powder to the top? We immediately added this manicure to our mood board when we saw the bright colors and shiny accents. Top Gelcare Jelly Pink and add a little chrome to get the look.
Pinky French
@disseynails/ Instagram
Consider updating the classic French manicure by swapping out the white tips with pink. You’ll need to use a base of nude-pink (at least 2 coats), and then apply your favorite pink shade for the tips. This look is best on longer nails, but you can do it however you like.
Pastel Pink
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
We must finish off our list with a Mean Girls look, in the iconic pastel pink shade. This shade looks amazing on any nail shape, with any skin tones and will get you lots of compliments. Static Nails Martini Goggles is the exact shade you need.