The Labubu Nail Craze
Nails in cover photo by @nailsbylydiarose
When one of our Content Contributors, Lydia-Rose, sent us a photo of some Labubu nails she created, we had to learn more!
If you've been scrolling Instagram or TikTok lately, you've likely spotted one of the hottest nail trends right now: Labubu nails. These quirky character-inspired designs add a playful, 3D twist to your clients' manicures—making them perfect for showcasing your skills and attracting attention.
What Are Labubu Nails?
Labubu is the mischievous star of Pop Mart’s "Monsters" collection—think plush toy vibes with pointy ears, tiny teeth, or pastel 3D shapes. On nails, this translates to:
- Mini Labubu sculptures using builder gel or acrylic
- Soft velvet finishes or flocking to mimic plush textures
- Hand-painted details like eyes, teeth, or expressive features
The result? A cute-yet-edgy statement that’s highly photogenic and unmistakeable.
Celebrities Who’ve Jumped on the Labubu Trend
- Lisa from Blackpink: First major celeb to showcase a Labubu keychain clipped to her bag, sparking global interest.
- Rosé (Blackpink) and Lisa again, alongside Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and Harper Beckham, have all been seen with Labubu dolls.
- Simone Biles shared Gucci-dressed Labubu dolls on Instagram, reshared by Hailey Bieber.
- Savannah James, wife of NBA star LeBron James, has been spotted with her own Labubu collection.
- In the UK, Olivia Attwood and Gemma Collins have both shown off their Labubu obsession on Instagram.
High-profile fans have elevated Labubu from collectible toy to must-try nail trend—giving your clients even more reason to say yes.
Why Celeb Interest Matters for You
- Trend Momentum: When globally followed celebrities embrace something, it gets urgent and aspirational—especially for younger clients scouting Instagram stylists.
- Social Media Pull: Labubu nails featuring celebrity vibes are tailor-made for TikTok time-lapses, Reels, and swipe‑up Stories.
- Your Creativity on Show: Working in 3D gel sculpting, flocking textures, and fine detailing places your work at the cutting edge—and celebs are driving that narrative.
Offering Labubu Nails Step by Step
- Start Simple: Use Labubu decals or charms paired with pastel gel polish. These offer an easy launch into the trend.
- Master 3D Sculpting: Level up by sculpting ears or mini figures in builder/3D gel or acrylic on accent nails.
- Add Texture: Flocking powders or velvet finishes over 3D elements mimic that toy-soft effect.
- Create Signature Packages:
- Mini Labubu – small sculpted accent
- Labubu Luxe – multi-accent sculpting + flocking
- Signature Set – head-to-toe Labubu extravaganza
How to Market It in the UK
- Educate your clients: “Labubu started with Blackpink’s Lisa and has now gone global.”
- The Celeb angle: “Rihanna and Olivia Attwood are in on it too!”
- Use viral hooks: “Simone Biles even showed off Gucci-dressed Labubu’s—these nails are the celeb-approved ending to any look.”
- Use hashtags that resonate locally: #LabubuNailsUK #3DNailsUK #KBeautyNails #UKNailTech
Client Conversation Starters
- Starter pitch: “Fancy trying the celeb fad on your nails? Let me show you a Labubu accent.”
- Package pitch: “Our Luxe package gives you the full on Labubu effect with 3D elements, fluff, and charms.”
In Summary
Labubu nails combine collectible charm, celebrity endorsement, and creativity—perfect for any UK nail tech wanting to stand out. With stars like Blackpink, Rihanna, Simone Biles, and Hailey Bieber giving it the nod, it's not just a niche—it’s now mainstream.
Whether you're based in Bristol or Birmingham, this is your chance to ride the wave and build your brand. Time to sculpt, fluff, and share!
