Hailey Bieber's Nail Artist Tells Us How To Get The Perfect Cat-Eye Manicure At Home

Even for those who lean toward minimalist style, there's something alluring about bold manicures. Each season, we're blessed with new nail trends that somehow outdo their predecessors, and the trippy cat-eye manicure is no exception. This is undoubtedly a maximalist nail design you'll want to try for your next manicure, and if you're a DIY babe rather than a frequent salon visiter, you should know it's easier than it looks to do at home.

"Cat-eye nails are created using a magnetic gel polish that forms a shimmering line or wave across the nail, resembling the reflective stripe in a cat's eye," explains celebrity nail artist Lisa Kon, founder of the Lisa Kon brand and owner of the Lisa Kon nail salon chain. Kon recently created a cat-eye manicure for the queen of it-girl nails herself, Hailey Bieber, but maintains that you don't need the help of a professional to get this look. 

The technique involves a few steps and a few tools that you may not already have at home, but it's pretty simple. After applying the magnetic nail polish, you just manipulate the color with a magnet. "The design can be subtle or bold, depending on the technique, and offers a 3D effect that looks dynamic from every angle," Kon shares exclusively with Glam. "For Hailey, we went with a deep-green hue from the LK Infinity Collection, which gave a chic, futuristic vibe." Once you've mastered the simple technique, you can experiment with different shades and angles to find your own take on this feline style. 

Don't be intimidated by the seemingly complex look of the cat-eye manicure; it's not that difficult to achieve at home! Lisa Kon reveals that you'll need a high-quality magnetic polish, plus a regular base and top coat. Kon recommends her LK Infinity Collection "for its intense pigmentation and smooth application," along with the LK Magic Magnet Stick. Otherwise, you can grab Saviland's Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Magnet Tools Set for different sized magnets. For the base and top coats, you could go for something like the Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat and Base Coat Set. You'll also need a UV lamp, like the Wisdompark UV Light for Nails, to cure the polish. 

"Apply a base coat, then a layer of the magnetic polish," Kon exclusively tells Glam. "Before curing under a UV lamp, hold the magnet over the nail for 10 to 15 seconds to create the desired effect. The closer the magnet, the sharper and more defined the line will be. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and enhance the shine." The signature cat-eye manicure features a line that runs diagonally across the nail to replicate the look of a cat's constricted pupil. You might want to start with this kind of line, but as you get more comfortable with the process, don't be afraid to try new things. "Play with different magnet angles to create unique effects — like waves or diagonal streaks — for a personalized look," Kon advises us. While we typically see this look on long nails, it can also work as a short nail design for your next manicure.

Once you've got the right tools, the cat-eye manicure is widely accessible, but that's only one reason why this style is trending. "Cat-eye nails are gaining popularity because they offer a sophisticated, multidimensional effect that shifts with light, creating a unique, almost cosmic shimmer," Lisa Kon explains in our exclusive chat. "When I did Hailey Bieber's cat-eye manicure, we chose a sleek almond shape, which complemented the reflective design beautifully. I've noticed that this trend pairs well with minimalist styles, bringing a bold yet elegant touch." Kon foresees the cat-eye look sticking around for some time, noting that it's "the start of a movement toward texture and depth in nail art."

Celebrities like Zendaya and Dua Lipa may also be flocking toward this style thanks to its versatility. Within the one look, you can experiment with different colors, shimmery finishes, and cutting-edge interpretations. You might also want to combine the cat-eye manicure with another trending or classic nail look; after all, textured French manicures are easy upgrades to your nails. For the ultimate stylish take, why not pair one of the nail colors we're seeing everywhere in 2025 with the holographic cat-eye effect? Go for the Pantone-elected Mocha Mousse or even deep blue or green à la Hailey Bieber to turn your cat-eye nails into a runway-ready manicure.