Zendaya's Stunning Red Nail Design at Met Gala 2025

When Zendaya steps onto the Met Gala red carpet, the world watches—and worships. Every detail, from her custom couture to her eye makeup, is dissected and adored. But this year, at the Met Gala 2025, one feature silently stole the spotlight and ignited a beauty frenzy: her red nail design.​

Elegant, daring, and completely unforgettable, Zendaya’s manicure wasn’t just a beauty choice—it was a statement. And honestly? We’re still obsessed.

Zendaya at the Met Gala 2025: A Vision in Scarlet​

The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired guests to explore refined fashion aesthetics. While many embraced classic tailoring, Zendaya arrived in a custom white Louis Vuitton zoot suit designed by Pharrell Williams, adorned with Bulgari jewels. Her look paid homage to Bianca Jagger's iconic 1971 wedding ensemble.

Complementing her ensemble, Zendaya's nails featured a bold red nail design that radiated power, sensuality, and classic glamour with a twist. Matching her after-party look—a vintage red floral Patrick Kelly dress—Zendaya’s manicure tied the entire look together in a way only she could.

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The Red Nail Design: Bold, Fierce & Met Gala-Worthy

So, what exactly did her nails look like? Picture this:​

• Long, square-shaped extensions for a dramatic yet elegant silhouette

• A high-gloss deep ruby red polish, combining Aprés Nail shades "Hearts and Likes" (bright cherry red) and "Plum Out of Luck" (deep plum)

• Finished with a glossy gel coat for that ultra-glam shine​

It was both timeless and futuristic—a nod to Old Hollywood with a 2025 twist.

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Why Red Nails Are Everything in 2025​

Red nails have always been a beauty classic, but Zendaya’s 2025 Met Gala moment revived them with new energy. After seasons of minimalist manis and clean girl aesthetics, we’re now seeing a full-force return of bold color, strong shapes, and drama.​

Zendaya’s nail design is leading the charge, showing us that red nails can be refined, edgy, and red carpet-ready all at once.​

How to Recreate Zendaya’s Red Nail Design at Home​

Feeling inspired to channel your inner Zendaya? Here’s how you can DIY her Met Gala 2025 red nail look (or bring it to your fave nail tech):

Step 1: Nail Prep

• Start with shaping your nails into a square or squoval style

• Push back cuticles, buff the nail bed, and apply a base coat​

Step 2: Choose the Right Red

• Use a combination of Aprés Nail shades:

  • "Hearts and Likes" for a bright cherry red

  • "Plum Out of Luck" for a deep plum

• Apply the colors to achieve that rich Zendaya finish​

Step 3: Gloss It Up

• Seal with a glossy gel top coat

• Cure under a UV lamp and finish with cuticle oil for that Zendaya glow​

Zendaya’s Nail Artist: The Master Behind the Look​

While Zendaya is the muse, the magic came from her go-to nail artist, Caroline Cotton, who described the look as a “modern ode to classic power.” To streamline Zendaya's prep, the nails were created as press-ons for easy application.​

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The Met Gala 2025 gave us endless beauty inspo, but Zendaya’s red nail design? That was the crown jewel. Dramatic, chic, and completely unforgettable—it’s no surprise the internet (and beauty world) can’t stop talking about it.​

So if you’re looking for your next manicure moment, take a page from Zendaya’s playbook. Paint it red, go bold, and never be afraid to steal the spotlight.​