How to Match Your Manicure to Your Cannabis Strain
Go get your nails done. Then go get high.
It’s an unlikely pairing, but why not combine two of your potentially favorite things? Think of these 12 manicures as mere metaphors for their coordinating plant pedigrees. Nail polish shades and cannabis strains have a surprising amount in common:
1. Triple Diesel and Classic Red
Seen on: Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Dita Von Teese
The Shade: No polish exudes wear-with-everything glamour like high-gloss lipstick-red. Take it in a toned-down direction with minimal makeup and jeans or dress it up for old Hollywood evening drama.
The Strain: As versatile as a deep yet bold red manicure, in small doses, this heady sativa translates to high energy and sharply focused attentiveness. Or it can be smoked to enter a state of intense relaxation and even a deep sleep. Think of it as the perfect day-to-night strain.
2. AK-47 and Goth Black
Seen on: Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Beckinsale
The Shade: The go-to unisex shade can go Hot Topic-cheesy or understatedly chic, depending how you style it. It gained popularity in the mid-‘90s, thanks to Marilyn Manson and wannabe goths everywhere. By 1999, models in the Gucci ads were sporting edgy ebony nails. To this day, it remains a standby for those who want to take their vibe in a dark direction.
The Strain: A hearty mix of Mexican, Columbian, Afghani and Thai breeds, AK-47 was created by Serious Seeds back in 1992. Don’t let the aggressive name fool you. Much like a black manicure, it’s mellower than you might think. Over the years, it’s gained critical acclaim and has won many Cannabis Cups, thanks in part to its potent yet balanced nature.
3. God’s Gift and Girly Pink
Seen on: Selena Gomez, Nicki Minaj
The Shade: Ultra-feminine pink can seem like a whole lot of “pretty” at first glance, especially if you’re not a girly-girl. But it can prove to be surprisingly adaptable, especially if you’re of the lighthearted and optimistic breed.
The Strain: God’s Gift, which has been hailed as a California staple, became popular in 2005, and has flavors of grape, citrus, and hash. Off the bat, it hits you like an intoxicating sativa, but that giddy feeling soon mellows out into a relaxed high.
4. Juicy Fruit and Colorful Glitter
Seen on: Miley Cyrus, Alexa Chung
The Shade: Not so much a shade but a wacky, free-spirited variety of tones and sparkle, glitter-coated, multicolored nails aren’t for everyone. But it’s safe to say the girls who opt for a manicure that inspires a moment of instant euphoria are feeling pretty damn good about life.
The Strain: This sativa-dominant strain, which originally comes from Thailand, features sweet-smelling greed buds coated in orange pistils. It’s good for people suffering from fatigue and depression, and its high is uplifting and – what do you know? – euphoric.
5. Trainwreck and Vampy Dark Red
Seen on: Lana Del Rey, Chrissy Teigen
The Shade: One word: Legendary. When Chanel released “Vamp” in 1994, we were at the height of the grunge era. Dark and mysterious yet popular and approachable, over two decades later, the sultry shade reigns on as an all-time favorite.
The Strain: One word: Legendary. With a spicy flavor, this full-bodied sativa-dominant hybrid offers hard-hitting cerebral effects. Beloved by many, some love it for kicking back and hanging out with friends, while some patients swear it’s the only strain they’ll use to medicate.
6. Ice and Frosted Metallics
Seen on: Beyoncé, Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Lopez
The Shade: When women want to say, “I’m rich and worth it,” without going the traditional route of classic red, many will opt for the subtler, arguably more opulent look of a precious metal covered in a light frost.
The Strain: Ice, aka Indica Crystal Extreme, earned its name because its buds are also coated in a light frost. The winner of the Cannabis Cup in 1998, this 50/50 hybrid (a mix of White Russian, Crystal, and Red Hair Skunk) will put you in a super-calm state that’s a bit too sedated for some.
7. Chemdawg and Acid-Green
Seen on: Rihanna, Iggy Azalea
The Shade: Go big or go home. This one isn’t for the faint of polish. Sure, neon-green that blends the hues of artificial margarita mix and battery acid can look totally tacky. Which is what makes it such a welcome challenge for adventure-seeking manicure addicts.
The Strain: Novices, be warned: the original source of strains like Sour Diesel and OG Kush is a potent heavy-hitter, with a stone that’s psychedelic and not recommended for amateurs. It’s also got a strong, pungent taste.
8. Space Queen and Bright White
Seen on: Kelly Osbourne, Ariana Grande, Zoe Saldana
The Shade: Crisp, opaque, bleached-out white has a futuristic, minimal feel – some might even call it space-aged. But it also exudes a summery vibe, maybe because it’s quite complimentary to a tan.
The Strain: Originally created by Vic High, Space Queen kicks off with a bang, and then chills out to a nice balance. Crossing Romulan with Cinderella 99 also apparently reaps a combination of lemon and pineapple notes for a fruity flavor.
9. Harlequin and Clean, Shiny Natural
Seen on: Karolina Kurkova, Kim Kardashian
The Shade: The clean, naturalistic look is for women who desire all the noticeably maintained effects of a manicure but don’t want to contend with color. Think the look of being in the buff without actually going nail-naked.
The Strain: Harlequin is for those who desire all the medical effects of marijuana (read: pain and anxiety relief) but don’t want to get high. Think body relaxation without the sedated feeling, leaving you clear-headed and fully able to function.
10. Sweet Tooth and Pastel Lilac
Seen on: Zendaya, Rihanna, Khloe Kardashian
The Shade: Candy-sweet with just a bit of a twist, consider pastel-lilac nails the funkier sister of true pink, but only by a touch. Such an upbeat shade reeks of innocence, even if the wearer is anything but.
The Strain: Growers of Sweet Tooth expect a high yield of sweetly scented buds that bring to mind flowers and berries. It’s not just the flavor that’s uplifting. This blend of Afghani, Nepalese, and Hawaiian strains promises to make you happy yet alert for an even mind-body balance.
11. Violator Kush and Neutral Taupe
Seen on: Jessie J., Lady Gaga
The Shade: Understated without being a total flesh tone, pale taupe is considered a sophisticated yet somewhat natural-looking alternative to nude nails. Others just consider it boring.
The Strain: If you don’t mind a little couch-lock, you’ll appreciate the super-sedative, nearly numbing effects of Violator Kush. It’s especially recommended for people suffering from pain and insomnia. With an earthy flavor, it’s also noticeably long-lasting.
12. Dr. Grinspoon and Bright Orange
Seen on: Barbara Palvin, Beyoncé
The Shade: Hot orange translates to instant fun in the summer sun, which makes the most inviting shade in the fierce-neon family a choice for chicks who want to inject a high-powered punch of energy into their look. It’s also a favorite for beachy vacations.
The Strain: With a tropical-floral aroma, this island sativa kicks off with a soaring head high and leaves you with an energy boost that lasts throughout the day, making it ideal for a wake-and-bake session.