For the Black girl track stars of past and present, hair and nails have always played a vital role in their appearance and readiness for the competition. Once could say that styling them combines self-care and expression in the way that does for many of us who don’t find ourselves competing in the Olympics. Still, we are a community and we continue to pull from one another’s expressions of beauty for inspiration in all forms, but particularly artistically. From FloJo’s long, flowy locks and studded nails that matched her dynamic unitards and two pieces to the bold and brilliant looks of Shacarri Richarson, performance isn’t the same without a touch of personal flair. So, we couldn’t help but acknowledge the olympic nail moments to inspire your next fresh & bold set!

The Power of Representation and Expression

For many Black women, track has always been an expression of freedom – from the feeling that running brings to the artistic expression of our hair and nails. Even if we aren’t runners, observing it has always done something for us. It was as if it gave us permission to add a bit of ourselves to our own beauty expressions in our professional and everyday lives. For Black women, embracing their beauty and athleticism, to have such a platform has changed us for the better. And it isn’t just in the track space either! Athletes like Noah Lyles, Simone Biles and other gymnasts have also embraced the nail portion of beauty expression. And since the Olympics have not always included Black people let alone featured them, now that we’ve made it, creative expression feels necessary.

(Short) Olympic Nail Moments To Inspire Your Next Fresh & Bold Set

Among the Black athletes that made noise with more than just their performance is Noah Lyles. Noah’s bold personality has stirred some feelings amongst viewers and fans drawing a line between the two groups. This type and level of expression didn’t stop at character, but continued to flow – onto his nails. With an off-white base and blue letters adding a bit of patriotism to the look, he rocked the word ‘icon’ on his fingernails. Several wins brough this word to life for Lyles who took home one gold and one bronze.

With three gold and one silver, Simone Biles was her classic self: outstanding! And this can also be seen in her manicure. A short to medium length french manicure bedazzle with small pearls is what the most-awarded Olympian donned as she took on several activities of the gymnastics competition. The athlete set the tone amongst her fellow gymnasts including Jordan Chiles whose snake print mani resembled tye-dye vibes, adding serene vibes to her killer drive and helping her take home the gold.

(Long) Olympic Nail Moments To Inspire Your Next Fresh & Bold Set

Last, but certainly not least are the trackstars whose style we’ve emulated over the years via boldly colored locks and claw-length full sets that drip femininity and ferocity. Alexis Holmes wore a medium to long length full set of Americana themed nails characterized by red, white, blue, stripes and stones. Two of her nails (on each hand) were the statement pieces with a small flag and 3D floral design detailing those fingers. The other three were blue, french tips with ruby stones at the upper-center of the nail bed. Also paying homage to the USA, via a long full set characterized by stripes, red, blue and bling was Sha’Carri Richardson. She also switched it up quite a few times throughout the Olympics, eventually landing on a stained-glass theme on one square-shaped nail with the rest being sharp claws.

These nail moments not only point to representation, but to having fun while pursuing your dreams. Creativity is the way through to our goals and our Olympians reminded us of that throughout the games.

olympic nails

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