An unusual trend is gaining momentum among female athletes: fake nails. While athletic gear traditionally includes custom jerseys, specialized shoes, and protective equipment, more girls incorporate fake nails into their sporting look. The trend is particularly popular in sports where aesthetics and presentation matter, such as gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance. However, the trend is also taking over sports like basketball, swimming, and even track and field.
For many athletes, fake nails are a way to express personal style and add a touch of glamour to their sport. In high-profile sports like dance, appearance plays a key role in the overall performance.
“We wear neutral or light-colored nails because it brings a more cohesive idea to your team and makes you all look even more similar to each other,” said Woodland Dance Team Captain Genevieve Bandanza. “Our main goal is to look exactly the same.”
Athletes in these fields are often judged not just on technical execution but also on their presentation and precision, which includes their attire and grooming. Fake nails are a way to complete the polished and put-together look.
Other athletes find the addition of fake nails empowering. Some say it’s about more than looks; it’s a way to break traditional gender norms in sports. Female athletes have frequently been judged more for their appearance than their skills. But with women’s sports being taken more seriously, women are taking control of the narrative and choosing to express their individuality through long nails, colorful hair, and bold looks.
For athletes like Angel Reese, the perfect set of nails is just another part of her routine–a personal choice that helps her feel confident and ready to play. Her fans call her The Bayou Barbie for a reason. Back when Reese played for Louisiana State University, she consistently strutted on the court with her micro-French manicure, wavy hair held back by a purple headband with some swooped baby hairs along her hairline, and, of course, her wispy fake lashes.
Known for her insanely long acrylic nails, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles is the it-girl when it comes to women wearing nails in sports. In an episode of Vogue’s podcast The Run-Through, the gold medalist shared how she manages to execute such complicated and precise moves with her long nails.
“It makes me think of the right technique because I’m not trying to fall or break a nail; my nails are too precious and too good-looking to be breaking,” she told hosts Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Malle.
Despite the allure of perfectly manicured hands, there are practical considerations that come with wearing fake nails in sports. Critics argue that fake nails pose significant risks for athletes, particularly in high-contact or high-intensity sports like basketball. Carina Rodriguez, power forward on the Woodland Girls Basketball Team, is concerned that long nails could be easily broken or cause injury during a fall or a collision.
“Every time I play against a girl with long nails, I always end up getting scratched,” said Rodriguez.
As the trend of fake nails grows, it has started to catch the attention of coaches and sports organizations. While some coaches have voiced concerns over safety and performance, others have embraced the trend.
“As a rule, I don’t mind my players wearing fake nails,” said Woodland Volleyball Coach James Amato. “I’d almost prefer fake nails over real nails. If you’re playing with fake nails, they can get knocked off without damaging the rest of your finger. If you’re playing with long real nails, you can actually pull a nail off, and that is just more painful.”
Sports organizations are also taking a closer look at the role of fake nails in competitions. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has yet to regulate fake nails formally, but many gymnasts are encouraged to keep their nails short and practical for the sport. For sports where routines are judged based on a combination of precision, form, and flair, the question of whether nails should be a part of the standard uniform remains largely unregulated.
The trend of wearing fake nails in sports boils down to balancing aesthetics and performance. Female athletes today are more empowered than ever to express themselves through their style, and fake nails have become a symbol of this self-expression. However, the safety and practicality of this trend cannot be overlooked. While it might be a small part of an athlete’s overall appearance, it’s important to consider the risks involved and how fake nails affect performance.
