How to Make Neon Gemstone Jewelry

Neon! Gemstones! Yes! We love summer style because we are totally allowed to wear neon in the morning, afternoon, and evening. If you’re not ready to go for the fluorescent yellow romper, maybe you can start things off with a little pop of neon in the accessory department.

Read on to find out how to turn basic rhinestone accessories into neon gemstone jewelry. The secret? Nail polish!

Materials:
– rhinestone accessories

– neon nail polish

– nail polish remover

– paint brush

– wax paper

We’ll start with our nail polish. We used a neon variety from American Apparel. So bright!

As for the jewelry, we recommend hitting up stores like Claire’s, Forever 21, and the like. You can find really affordable items that you won’t mind painting over. The cheesier and sparklier, the better :)

Place a piece of wax paper over your work surface. Drop a little bit of paint on the wax paper and use a paint brush to start painting.

Depending on the polish, you may need to do two layers. You can also seal with a quick dry coat if you’re wanting to rock your necklace in the next 20 minutes.

Look at all that neon! As you can see, we didn’t paint every rhinestone, just a few. To switch colors, use nail polish remover to clean your brush. We recommend pouring a little bit into the cap of your nail polish remover.

We love it against a simple black top. It’s the perfect pop of color.

Next up, we painted a pair of dangly earrings.

As well as a cute pair of drop earrings, a ring, and a rhinestone headband.

You might not want to wear everything at once, but all of these pieces look pretty festive together.

Like with the necklace, the earrings add a great pop of color to any outfit.

We love the mix of chain, rhinestones, and feather-like shapes.

Here’s Brit rocking a little bit of everything!

We have to admit, the necklace is definitely our favorite.

With the earrings at a close second.

And the headband would be great for an ’80s themed Gatsby party. Wait, I think we just invented the best new party theme ever.

Which of these pieces is your favorite? Have you used nail polish in other unconventional ways? Talk to us in the comments below.

Compared to the bright and warm colors you paint on your summer nails, winter nails can sometimes feel a little... uninspired. But this season, we're all about changing up our beauty routines to find something unique, unexpected, and festive. You don't have to be a professional manicurist to get beautiful tips at home, and these ideas for winter nails prove it.

Break out your top coat bottles, because once you see these moody blue hues, seasonal shimmers, and classic Christmas color nail art (not to mention some eye-catching yet easy designs to inspire you) you won't be able to get enough.

50 cute ideas for winter nails to last you until spring

Amazon

Glamnetic Press-On Nails

Party dresses aren't the only thing that'll be sparkling this winter. Add a quick shimmer to your nails with these cute press-ons!

Target

Sally Hansen Traveling Light

This unique purple pick only takes a few seconds to dry, which makes it a great option when you need a concise mani, but don't have a ton of time.

Dear Sundays

sundays L.05

The mix between purple and gray in this hue delivers an understated edge that's to die for.

Nails.INC Baker Street

We love that cobalt blue is *just* the right amount of bold and eye-catching.

Target

ella+mila Unwrap Me

Reds are definitely expected for any winter nails. This flirty shade glides on with absolute perfection!

Amazon

PrettyDiva Silver Chrome Nail Powder

Silver nails are sophisticated and festive, but aren't exclusive to the holiday season the way that a red and green combo are. Plus, dip powder is a simple and easy way to get a salon-quality manicure at home.

Amazon

OPI Nail Lacquer

Paint your nails this gorgeous dark blue shade that has sparkles in it!

Dear Sundays

sundays No.30

For anyone who likes color but doesn't want to overdo it, this muted sage green is a great pick. It's sophisticated, understated, and adds just the right amount of chill for colder days.

OPI It's A Boy! Nail Lacquer

Baby blue has been hot all year long. If you want in on the trend, try adding this pale color to your nails instead.

Orly

ORLY Crawford's Wine

Is there anything classier than red nails? They're a little bit vintage, a little bit sexy, and very eye-catching. Match them to a red lip for New Year's celebrationsfor the cutest match.

Amazon

Beetles Aquarius Polish Kit

From navy to icy blue, these gel polishes will let you have all the winter nails you could ever dream of. The best part is that with proper application, they can last up to three weeks!

Target

Essie Ballet Slippers

Ballet pink is a great neutral because it's elevated and professional, but it's more fun than beige. Pair this pink with ballerina nails, and feel totally girly!

Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish

Even though deep green is in the holiday color palette, this peaceful shade can definitely last into the New Year. This polish is chip-resistant and healthy for your nails.

Amazon

essie A Stroke of Brilliance

For some added shimmer and glow, pop this bad boy on your nails – atop a darker color or by itself!

Amazon

OPI O Suzi Mio

We love how romantic and powerful this deep purple is. And if there's anything that should make you feel that way, it's your beauty routine.

Dashing Diva

Dashing Diva Hanukkah Magic

Dark blue and white are a color combo that you can never go wrong with for winter nails. You can wear these tips to your Hanukkah celebrations, but they will also look good any day of the week.

Olive & June

Olive & June Lilac Shimmer

Feminine and flirty, this salon-quality polish is a great way to add some pink Christmas glam to your winter nails if you're not feeling the blues, neons, or reds.

786 Cosmetics

786 Cosmetics Istanbul

This polish is inspired by the shades of the Turkish city it's named after. Not only is it deep and warm, but it also gives you full coverage with a single swipe.

Amazon

OPI Angels Flight to Starry Nights

This shade simultaneously reminds us of the sea, the sky, and all those icy Y2K beauty looks. It looks iconic in every season, so you can wear it all year long.

Pleasing

Pleasing Syrupberry

Add some sweetness to your holiday season with this fruity nail polish color. Pair it with other punchy colors or wear it on its own. Either way, you'll turn heads.

Amazon

OPI Linger Over Coffee

Chocolate brown might be a 2023 hair trend, but you can definitely add it into your manicure, too. The best part is that it'll match your coffee *and* your hot chocolate.

Modelones Going Nude

Wear the shade that matches your skin tone, or mix and match them all for a multi-toned nude look.

Amazon

OPI Como se Llama

This deep wine color will infuse some warmth into your day-to-day as you count down to the New Year.

essie Carols and Caviar

This winter nails color describes exactly what we want out of the season. It's the most luscious blue that you could ever coat your nails with.

Winter Nails Inspo

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Saving Face

Turn your mani into an art gallery with an abstract design that'll make you feel like Picasso. Stick to classic colors like brown and black, or go with seasonal shades.

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A Little Bit French

We'll never get enough of the French manicure. But instead of white tips, spice it up with different colors and overlapping stripes.

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A Jolly, Happy Soul

This frosty little friend is one of the cutest things we've ever seen on a thumb nail. Don't forget the carrot nose!

Image via Bellacures

Jolly Old Soul

Swap your regular mani for a cherry red nail polish that features a Santa hat. It's cute and classy all in one!

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4151824649060813/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

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Living On The Edge

Create a manicure that feels unexpected yet classic by adding dots around the edge of your nail in red, green, and gold. The empty space is totally eye-catching while the color trio is nostalgic.

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Pastels³

Pick three colors that go well together and layer them for multi-dimensional nails. You can change them up based on the season, or stick with different shades of your favorite color.

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I Like You A Latte

Use different shades of brown for a mani that'll get you in the mood for a mocha. The 70s inspired waves are just the foam on top.

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All-Out Color

Mix wintery details like gold glitter with neons and warm shades usually found in summer for a winter nails match made in heaven. Love!

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Stripes On Stripes

In lieu of an all-white mani, go for one that incorporates stripes or blank space that'll let other colors (or your natural nail) peek through.

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Groovy Baby

Pick shapes and shades that remind you of your favorite decade. Bonus points if it matches your outfit!

Image via Bellacures

Flurries

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, bring some snowy magic to your mani with white polish and a toothpick.

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Star Light, Star Bright

Bring some nature to your look with a galaxy-inspired mani, a delicate snowflake, or try your hand at painting a tree. The world is your oyster!

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𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒 𝐁𝐘 𝐆 ☁️ on Instagram: "🐻🤎🦔🪵🪹🧉🍩🍪 @glossifyofficial oud, gold digger, ebony & glass yellow @lucypastorellitools_ prep @monicavinader rings. Use MVINSIDER20-0618 for 20% off #MVFall #MonicaVinader #mvinsiders"

Tortoise

A mix of brown, gold, and tan will never go out of style. We're obsessed with the glittery detail and the use of negative space!

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❤ Hang Nguyen ❤ on Instagram: "The time has come ✨ #HappyDecember #Christmas I’ll also be doing a “24 Day Painting Challenge”, counting down the days until Christmas. Here’s me painting a candle on the first day 🕯️. I’m learning to paint with gouache and wanted to get familiar with the medium quickly so thought this would be a fun challenge to celebrate the kick off until Christmas. Never down anything like this before so hope I can keep up. It’ll be posted on my YouTube so if you want to follow along and keep me accountable, link is in my bio 🙂✨"

I Can Still Make The Whole Place Shimmer

These glittery nails are perfect for both Christmas and New Year's, which means you don't have to redo your mani before December 31st.

Image via Bellacures

Holly Berries

These red berries are instantly recognizable and very festive. Pick any of your fingers to add these details to, or add a design to each nail.

Hi, Barbie!

Become winter Barbie when you adorn your nails in the cutest baby pink polishes out there. A lil' shimmer never hurt anyone, either.

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𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐲 on Instagram: "𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 ✨🌙☁️⚡️ @the_gelbottle_inc Biab 019 Bling Prepped with @officialnavyprofessional ________________ #hampshirenails #petersfieldnails #naturalnails #biabnails #starnails #celestialnails #thegelbottle #nailitdaily #nailpro #nailsoftheday #nailsofinstagram"

Celestial Nails

Deep gold or chrome is the perfect polish to take a simple starry mani to the next level. The key to painting clean stars is using an ultra tiny nail brush.

Emerald City

Deeper greens were made for winter nails. We love this divided design that also makes a play on French tips.

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Tip Off

A little goes a long way with these chrome nails. They have the classy feeling of a French manicure with the glam look of silver polish.

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Jewels And Gems

Faux gems and nail glue come together to add a 3-dimensional element to any manicure. We're obsessed.

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Diiamond Beauty I Micaela Santos on Instagram: "💗Pop Art Nails💗 . . #nails #nailart #nailsinspiration #nail #nailstyle #naildesign #nailsonfleek #popart #popartnails #newnails #instanails #graubünden #schweiz #stgallen #liechtenstein"

Pop Art Nails

If you want another element to your pop art nails, add a shape to one of your fingers — we love the detail on this heart.

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Candy Cane Lane

We'll literally always say yes to some cherry red nails, especially when there are candy canes involved.

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Taste The Rainbow

Who said Skittles nails were reserved for summer? If you're in desperate need of more color this winter, this mani is the way to go.

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Feeling Romantic

These chocolate brown nails are already looking towards Valentine's Day. Keep the base of your accent nail simple or go crazy with an unexpected neon.

Holly Jolly

If you just can't resist the Christmas holiday, opt for winter nails like these that channel ornaments and decor.

Classically Embellished

These elevated and decorated winter nails are giving everything they need to give for a classy NYE party.

Tag us in pics of your winter nails on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for more inspo! And be sure to check out our podcast episode with Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle for tips on DIY-ing your own manis and pedis.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Reminders of Him isn't the only Colleen Hoover movie we're getting next year — we finally have the Verity release date! After confirmation that Dakota Johnson was starring as Lowen in Colleen Hoover's Verity, I totally wasn't expecting to open my phone and see a video of Dakota in the middle of New York City...covered in blood. It was even more shocking than seeing that crazy The Summer I Turned Pretty leak that's not in the books! If this Verity movie leak proves anything, it's that this movie is going to be just as insane as the book — if not more.

Here's your first look at Dakota Johnson on the set of Verity, coming to theaters May 15, 2026.

When is Verity coming out?

Verity is coming to theaters May 15, 2026 thanks to Amazon MGM Studios. We already know Reminders of Him is coming February 13, which means we're getting two Colleen Hoover movies in the same year! And I'll be seated for both.

Who does Dakota Johnson play in Verity?

Dakota Johnson plays Lowen, a writer hired by Verity's husband Jeremy to finish the author's work. Here's the rest of the Verity cast:

  • Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford: a renowned author who's hiding a secret.
  • Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford: Verity's husband.
  • Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh: a struggling writer given the chance of a lifetime to finish Verity Crawford's work.

Ismael Cruz Cordóva, Brady Wagner, Irina Dvorovenko, K.K. Moggie, and Michael Abbott Jr. will also star in unconfirmed roles.

And the first leak tells us just how crazy the 'Verity' movie is going to be.

@mickmicknyc Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett filming a graphic accident scene for 'Verity' in NYC 🎬🙈 #dakotajohnson#joshhartnett#verity#bts#behindthescenes#entertainmentnews#nyc♬ original sound - New York Mickey

We got our first look at Dakota Johnson as Lowen when she walked around New York City in burnt orange trousers, a beige top, and a gray coat. But there's one accessory that low-key makes my stomach turn: a splatter of blood on her face.

In this extended leak from @mickmicknyc on TikTok, Lowen's taking a stroll through Manhattan when a car accident with a biker covers her (and a few very-expressive extras) in blood. The movie nerd in me immediately clocked that the camera does a 360 around Dakota as she looks at the accident, and I LOVE a 360 so I'm excited to see this in the final movie! Especially if the composer gives us some incredible music!

We also see Josh Hartnett's Jeremy approach her and make sure she's okay before the leave the scene.

"This is exactly how I pictured it," says one TikTok user in the comments, while another adds, "I actually forgot this is how the book started with how crazy the rest of the book was."

"The way I just screamed ahhhh I’m so excitedddddddddd," a third user says. I cannot wait!

Stay tuned for even more Verity movie updates on Brit + Co and our TikTok!

Where can I watch the Verity movie?

Verity is coming to theaters, which means you can relive the craziness of the book surrounded by 150 of your closes friends ;).

Loving these set leaks? Check out Zendaya Throws A Drink At A Car (Before Robert Pattinson Drags Her Away) For New A24 Movie The Drama for more.

This post has been updated.

From more minimalist designs to bold statement pieces, there's an Amazon accessory for everyone. Today, we're diving into Amazon necklaces under $50, so you can keep your latest looks shining without ever breaking the bank. Scroll on for our 11 favorite Amazon necklace designs that wear well with everything from gold hoop earrings to your go-to shoes.

Amazon

Pavoi 14K Gold-Plated Freshwater Pearl Necklace

This $35 necklace is dotted with tiny freshwater pearls that lend your look such an elegant feel. The chain itself is more on the choker side, measuring around 14 inches long. This pick looks gorgeous alone, but it's also super easy to layer up with if you have a go-to necklace stack.

Amazon

KissYan Bubble Letter Necklace

Bubble letter necklaces are very trendy at the moment. Everyone's loving their playful shape, especially in the wake of summertime! This $14 take is placed on a cute beaded chain that comes with a 2-inch extender for finding your perfect fit. This Amazon necklace also makes a fun gift for the ladies in your life since it can be personalized with any letter of the alphabet.

Amazon

Barzel 18K Gold-Plated Multi Stone Crystal Baguette Necklace

Give us all the color! This $15 chain necklace is crafted with high-shine materials and a variety of little artificial gems for incorporating the entire rainbow into your look. It's available in different chain lengths (16, 18, 20 and 24 inches), plus you can find it in a more pastel color theme if this vibrant one doesn't quite resonate with your personal style.

Amazon

Nuzon 2-Tone Interlocking Heart Pendant Necklace

The thick chain on this $15 gold piece makes an elegant statement, so much so that you may not have to layer any more chains to complete your outfit. The heart-shaped pendant is fitted with an eye-catching green agate stone, plus this pick flaunts a unique bar clasp that closes up front.

Amazon

Miabella Bee Medallion Pendant Necklace

This $44 mixed-metal necklace lands around 18 inches, making it a great layering necklace if you like to rock both silver and gold. It's crafted from Italian sterling silver with a thin coating of 18K yellow gold for durability. The subtle hexagonal frame that surrounds the bee medallion hangs from a chic, thin chain.

Amazon

Funeia 14K Gold-Plated Birthstone Necklace

The dainty charm on this gold-plated pick is so femme, providing a small pop of color. It also has the perfect amount of personal flair, since you can shop it in all 12 birthstones based on your birth month. The box chain part of this design is crafted without nickel or lead, so it's conveniently hypoallergenic for the sensitive skin-havers out there! Layered or not, you'll be reaching for this $10 Amazon necklace every single day.

Amazon

Lydow Starfish Charm Necklace

This $13 Amazon necklace is beachy AF, and truly an unexpected affordable find. It flaunts charms of starfish, shells, conchs, suns, and turtles to really channel the summer energy! It's made with an adjustable paperclip chain with a 3-inch allowance, so you can play with adding more necklaces to your look.

Amazon

Foxgirl Gold Initial Necklace

When it comes to looking expensive, a tiny charm is gonna do it every time. This $14 necklace measures around 16 inches with 2-inch extension, making it instantly layer-able. The whole piece, including the sleek, skinny chain, is made from hypoallergenic materials – mainly brass and a 14K gold plate layer for durability.

Amazon

Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace

A classic Kendra Scott design, the Elisa Pendant Necklace, is now on sale for $48 (was $55). There are tons of colors and materials to shop on Amazon, too! This pick measures around 15 inches long with a 2-inch extender. Plus, it arrives in a luxe gift box and soft jewelry bag, so it can be prepped and ready for gifting purposes.

Amazon

Mauzew Dainty Chain Necklace

Someone might mistake this dainty $11 (was $13) chain for a Catbird or Mejuri design, but it's actually much more affordable. The best part is it still gives the same fancy look! Whether you wear it alone or tack on your favorite charm, this 14-inch, tarnish-resistant piece will become an everyday must-have.

Amazon

Skqir Teardrop Initial Letter Necklace

The teardrop-shaped pendant on this tiny $10 necklace is everything. You can pick the initial letter based on your first or last name, which makes personalizing it so fun. This pick measures 16 inches with a 5-inch extender chain that closes with a lobster clasp. it might be best to avoid moisture of any kind when you wear this necklace to maintain its shine. The shower or pool, or even perfumes may be a no-go.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more accessories, and make sure to check out our Amazon storefront for our top product recommendations for fashion, home, and more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images on Amazon.

Millennials are defined as being born between 1981 and 1996, but if you were born at the tail end of that time frame and endured your teenage years during the 2000s or early 2010s, you most definitely suffered through some arguably rough fashion trends.

Wearing Abercrombie or Aeropostale brand name t-shirts, sporting chevron dresses, and going to parties with "concealer lips" was (regrettably) the vibe at the time! Today, most teens wouldn't dare wear the outfits and accessories us millennials wholeheartedly loved.

We're here to revisit fashion's past and call out the top 8 millennial style fails that are just super cringeworthy today.

1. Flower Crowns

Etsy

Rainbow Flower Crown

When millennials wanted to look 'boho chic,' they immediately busted out the flower crowns. This accessory infiltrated practically every occasion, from high school dances and music festivals like Coachella – or even (sigh) regular trips to the mall.

While the trend might've felt fun and carefree at the time, flower crowns are super cliché today and just remind me of Tumblr's heyday (IYKYK).

2. "Geek" Glasses

Amazon

Black Nerd Glasses

It's funny to think about how popular wearing fake "geek" glasses was, particularly since so many teen movies of the time, like Mean Girls, sensationalized being "cool" and "popular."

Nonetheless, plenty of millennials set out to appear quirky by topping off their outfits with thick, oversized hipster frames, even if they didn't actually need glasses. Some people even used their leftover 3D glasses from movie theaters and simply popped the lenses out – guilty!

3. Hair Feathers

Etsy

Feather Hair Extension Clip

Similar to flower crowns, hair feathers emerged as a bohemian-inspired way to add a pop of color and texture to your locks. Some people opted for thinner solid or multicolored strands; meanwhile, others went full-throttle with larger feather shapes or even bead attachments.

This is another "hipster" trend that, while maybe still appropriate for some music festivals, should stay in the past when it comes to everyday wear.

4. Jeggings

Halara

Halara Flex High Waisted Stretchy Leggings

Jeggings were supposed to be the perfect blend of comfort and style... or so we thought. The idea seemed genius at the time, but in retrospect, they were just a fashion mistake.

This pant style attempted to blend two completely different types of garments and created a result that's now considered a fashion faux pas. Jeggings are just too tight to ever be flattering and don't deliver that same classic denim look.

5. Converse Sneakers With Anything

Converse

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Sneakers

Skinny jeans, skirts, maxi dresses, and mini dresses. Today, you'd probably pick different shoe choices for all of these outfits, but millennials undoubtedly had a go-to: Converse.

These sneakers were the perfect footwear for practically any look, but the trend quickly became overused. Even celebrities were showing up in low-cut Converse to walk the red carpet, a statement that would leave younger generations scratching their heads today.

6. Belts Over Shirts

Amazon

Grommet Leather Belt

Along with the excessive layering of tank tops and t-shirts came the addition of belts on top. While this might've been an attempt to add some structure or flair, many belts in the 2000s were more clunky than chic.

This trend is making a comeback, particularly with oversized outerwear. But, again, younger generations today are making more pattern- and color-conscious decisions (and not just cinching their waists while wearing Hollister v-necks, LOL).

7. Ombré Hair

Polina Semernina / PEXELS

Ombré hair is often associated with balayage, a hair-painting technique that remains insanely popular in 2025. However, many millennials didn't hit the salon to achieve their ombré – and took matters into their own hands at home.

Regardless of whether they tried to darken or lighten, it typically resulted in a not-very-well-blended horizontal line of color across their hair.

8. Fedoras

Julia Volk / PEXELS

Finally, I believe that you should be entitled to compensation if you've been personally victimized by a fedora. Everyone from Justin Timberlake to Paris Hilton wore these hats, making millennials think they were cool. In hindsight, perhaps everyone (including the A-listers) blundered with this fad.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more fashion throwbacks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I’ve done everything in my power to try to alleviate my back painstretching, self-massaging, hot baths, self-cracking my bones (don’t come for me), yoga — but nothing has truly given me the relief I've been looking for more than the Theragun.

And it’s not just my back pain that irks me. It's symptoms of tech neck from working long days at my desk (or, more often than not, my couch), muscle soreness from indoor bouldering 3-4 times a week, and honestly, the movement everyday life requires, like walking my dog and taking care of household chores that mandate multiple trips up and down three flights of stairs in my old sans-elevator apartment building.

What Does The Theragun Do?

Meredith Holser

The Theragun (more specifically, the Prime model) claims to provide a multitude of benefits. According to Therabody, the Theragun Prime can:

  • Relieve pain and soreness
  • Reduce tightness and tension
  • Accelerate recovery
  • Improve circulation and flexibility

All great stuff, right? After seeing and reading lots of rave reviews about this beloved percussive therapy tool, I just had to put it to the test.

Can The Theragun Help With Back Pain?

Meredith Holser

More than anything, I was concerned with two major problems – back pain and muscle soreness – I hoped the Theragun would help with. I attribute a majority of my back pain to a slight bout of scoliosis along with an unfortunate compression fracture I experienced a couple of years ago. These two reasons are likely to have exacerbated my tech neck aches, too. I’m talkin’ stiffness around my entire neck and some chronically achy traps.

Piling on my passion for indoor bouldering only adds to the discomfort: sore forearms, lats, and calves and sharp knots along my shoulder blades. The sport requires that I put my body in all sorts of odd positions, use my muscles to sustain those unnatural stances, and brace for 6-foot falls (albeit safely, on well-padded floors). Needless to say, it all takes a physical toll.

After just a week of use and 5- to 10-minute-long sessions a day, the Theragun Prime has significantly lessened that burden and provided my back and upper body muscles with some super satisfying relief.

Here’s my full review, including what I loved and everything I didn’t.

Day 1

Meredith Holser

My trial began with lots of sharp pain between my shoulder blades, which I was worried about not being able to reach with the Theragun on my own without someone else to help me. My worries instantly melted away after giving it a go, though – the patented triangular handle design (which claims to help you reach “80% of your body with multiple hand positions”) helped me quickly locate the most painful points in between my shoulder blades. Not only was I able to accurately pinpoint my discomfort, even the lowest of the 5 available speed settings delivered immediate relaxation. I was shocked at just how powerful this tool was!

I felt like a crazy woman in my apartment, groaning alone out of relief, but it felt so good. I also noticed that my back felt warmed after use, which I observed as the improved circulation the Theragun claims to encourage.

Days 2-4

Meredith Holser

My shoulder blade pain carried on into day 2, along with some insane forearm soreness from bouldering. I took the Theragun to my arms at the lowest speed and found the same instant relief I did with my shoulder blades.

I repeated a routine of running the tool along my shoulder blades, entire back, and arms for days 3 and 4, too. By day 4, I could tell that the most painful points weren’t as sore as they were before I started my Theragun trial.

Day 5

Meredith Holser

Day 5 was quite the opposite, though. I had attended a concert the night prior, and I think standing hours on hard floors reawakened every stiffness, soreness, and sharp pain I had been experiencing before. I woke up feeling geriatric as ever (I’m freakin’ 25, for crying out loud!) and knew I’d have to try out the Theragun on my screaming lower back and sore calves.

My neck felt extremely tweaked, too, likely from sleeping on it in a less-than-ideal position (tummy sleepers, unite). I went at all of these areas with the Theragun’s wide-set dampener attachment as I had the 4 days before, but turned the tool up to a higher speed. Oh, it felt like heaven! Again, I was surprised by how powerful of a punch the tool provided. It felt like a luxe massage technique, all possible by my hands.

Targeting my body more globally felt really nice at the faster setting, up until I was hitting my neck. The tool had a very heavy vibration that viciously rattled my teeth, ears, and eyes, which honestly distracted me from the relief I was looking for in the neck and traps area.

Days. 6-7

Meredith Holser

I was met with sore legs from a long bike ride and even more bouldering-induced stiffness on days 6 and 7. I found similar relief to what I experienced the week prior and was able to relax really well after a long, activity-filled weekend. I also tested out the multiple attachments the Theragun Prime came with on my neck and traps, like the thumb and cone toppers, which are sharper-shaped to hit more specific trigger points. I found these more-targeted attachments way more effective than the rounder dampener and ball, which didn't do as great a job at getting into the deep-set knots I deal with.

Theragun Review: The Results!

Meredith Holser

While I can’t claim my back pain and sore muscles are entirely gone with the help of the Theragun Prime, I can say that they’re noticeably lessened after 7 days of consistent use. I think it’s a very effective way to relieve any pains and aches you may be dealing with, especially if you have tried all other avenues of pain reduction.

It was easy and intuitive to use myself, and I really enjoyed the range of relief I got from the tool, thanks to the customizable attachments and varying speed settings. The only quirk I didn’t quite like was the intensely distracting vibration that occurred in my head when I brought it up to my upper neck and traps.

Therabody

Theragun Prime

At an original price point of $299 (it’s also HSA and FSA-friendly!), I certainly understand it can be a steep investment for some, but given that the average cost of a massage or chiropractic visit hits around $100 (sometimes more), I believe the Theragun offers comparable relief to those methods.

Plus, you can use it anytime you like, as opposed to having to wait weeks for an appointment. It definitely is not a dependable replacement for more serious structural or muscular issues (which experts can better address), but it’s certainly appropriate for tackling everyday tightness, soreness, knots, and more.

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This post has been updated.