Tennis phenom and modern founder of the cosmetics brand Serena Williams is known for presenting a distinctive style both on and off the courts. She’s never shied away from making a statement with her appearance, whether that meant wearing an Off White tutu at the US Open or a striking gold Balenciaga gown at the 2024 Met Gala. He just can’t lend a hand but attract attention wherever he goes. But we pay attention not only to her wardrobe choices, but also to her beauty. Her original nails (bold colors, charms, and stickers) have been Williams’ favorite form of original expression for years, so it was really surprising that she switched things up and embraced a much more subdued nail trend: the miniature French manicure.
Williams joins a growing list of celebrities who are currently reducing the length of their nails. Kim Kardashian, Zoe Kravitz and Selena Gomez are among those who have been proudly wearing miniature styles lately. For some this may be a more practical choice, for others it is part of an overall move to a more minimalist aesthetic. But considering that the track and field champion, mom and entrepreneur wears so many hats, we’re inclined to go with the former — especially since she was on the red carpet (blue fur and diamonds at Paris Fashion Week and a black beaded dress and gloves at party after the Oscars) do not indicate that she has permanently switched to a simpler style.
Make no mistake: Williams is still as passionate as ever about making sure her nails are always in the right place. While a bit more subtle than some of her previous looks, her current miniature French manicure is freshly polished and expertly maintained. If you decide to do a similar DIY manicure, follow Williams’ example and pay special attention to the shape and length of your nails. Of course, you can always take a shortcut and opt for a press-in style for instant gratification.
While we love Williams’ shorter and straighter nails, we’re looking forward to seeing what the manicure fan comes up with next. Her fashion and beauty statements are always a breath of fresh air, so we know it won’t be long before she shows us the next huge nail trend.
