Call Your Manicurist: 2024's Biggest Nail Trends Have Arrived (2024)

Call Your Manicurist: 2024's Biggest Nail Trends Have Arrived (1)

A significant departure from years past, the overarching theme among 2024's biggest beauty and fashion trends is wearability. For 2024, we'll be leaning into ease and simplicity (or as Cosmo's Fashion Director Cassie Anderson perfectly coined it: the "blandification of fashion"), and this applies to the year's biggest nail trends too. Think: Sleek finishes, minimalist nail art, shorter lengths, and sophisticated updates to classic styles, like the French manicure. Ready to try some yourself? Keep reading for our 2024 nail trend predictions below (courtesy of two top nail artists) plus all the need-to-know info for recreating these looks at home or the salon.

1

2024 Nail Trend: Floating French Tips

Celeb nail artist Julie Kandalec created this minimal nail art for the Staud spring/summer show at NYFW. Consider it the simple, ~chic~ update to your classic French tips. Start with a neutral base color, then draw a line a third of the way down your nails with a thin paintbrush in whatever shade you choose (Kandalec did a variation of colors across the models' nails that matched the collection, including a light teal and peach, for reference).

2

Ultra-Glossy Nails for 2024

According to Kandalec, layering different textures to create a majorly shiny nail look will be huge in 2024. "I love this because layering is so fun, and a lesson in color theory," she says. "Sometimes you can be really surprised by the color combos you've created," she adds, like combining jelly nails with a magnetic velvet nail polish (which you can see above), or mixing cat-eye polish with chrome powder (as seen by Kandelec here).

3

2024 Nail Trend: Short, Square Nails

Kandalec says many of her celeb clients are starting to ask for short, squared-off nails, which fits the natural, "clean" aesthetic everyone has been leaning into lately. After years of acrylics and gel-X extensions, our nails are all pretty beat—but opting for short lengths and light shades make it easier to start giving your nails some much-needed TLC. Top your manicure with a strengthening top coat or layer on a bond-building nail treatment to help repair your nails. And of course, a dose of daily cuticle oil is a must for healthy-looking nails, especially when you're opting for a shorter length.

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4

Chocolate Milk Nails for 2024

"I'm seeing a big transition to minimalist looks," says nail artist Hannah Lee. "I think a clean, natural nail look will be popular in 2024." We'll be seeing variations of neutral shades, like sandy beiges, light pinks, and deep browns, which of course, TikTokers have deemed as "chocolate milk nails." To get the creamy look, make sure to opt for a shade without shimmer (I personally love Mented Brown and Bougie and Manicurist Orme).

5

Trend for 2024: Aura Nails

Y2k fans, rejoice: Aura nails are still set to be one of the biggest trends of 2024. We saw it gain popularity on TikTok last year, but it's only going to grow, incorporating new shades and color combos, 3D effects, and rhinestones to up the ante.

If you wanna try the look at home, it's shockingly easy: Just paint your nail your go-to base shade. Then, dab your "aura" shade onto the center of your nail with a wedge makeup sponge (here's a quick tutorial if you're a ~visual learner~). But if you make it into a salon, ask if they have an airbrush gun, which can give you a more subtle gradient.

6

Simple Rhinestone Nail Trend for 2024

Less is more in 2024, including your rhinestone nail art, as seen at Sandy Liang's spring/summer 2024 runway show. Instead of all-over crystals, a few precisely-placed gems hold a lot more impact this year, says Lee. "This gives a super fresh and chic vibe which I think 2024 will be all about," she adds.

And it's majorly easy: "Just apply some top coat and attach the rhinestones before it dries to secure them in place," says Lee. The key, though, is to use itsy-bitsy rhinestones that won't overtake your entire nail. If you're heading into a salon, see if the salon has small rhinestones on hand to create simple nail art,"says Lee, or order a set of tiny rhinestones to bring to your appointment.

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7

2024 Nail Trend: Bow Accents

The balletcore trend has officially made its way to our nails. We're talkin' 3D bows, bow stickers, painted bows—basically bows are about to be everywhere. The trend fully embraces girlhood and femininity in all its forms, so it's often paired with white and light-pink nail colors, shimmery finishes, and delicate pearls and rhinestones.

8

Sheer Nail Colors for 2024

In a sea of opaque-chrome manicures and neon shades, a sheer, rosy pink has a fashionable edge (hence why it was the go-to shade at Michael Kors spring/summer 2024 show by nail artist Jin Soon Choi). It mixes "balletcore" and "quiet luxury" beautifully, emulating the classic Ballet Slippers or Bubble Bath nails mani. It's a pared-down nail look that's obviously timeless but also feels so current, à la Sofia Richie-Grainge's 2023 wedding.

9

2024 Nail Trend: Oyster Nails

"Dewy" isn't just for your skin and hair anymore. Nope, we're taking glow to our nails, thanks to the nail looks at Sandy Liang, Annie's Ibiza, and Alice and Olivia. Think: Shimmery, duo-chrome sheer shades in ultra-glossy finishes that mimic an oyster or mother of pearl. It's basically an update of the 2022 glazed-donut nail craze, just with a lot more sparkle. Just layer your milky-white or light-pink nail color with a sheer, shimmery top coat, like Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Unicorn top coat or Kiki World Pearl nail graffiti.

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10

3D Nail Art Trend for 2024

Wanna add major dimension to your manicure? Try the 3D trend, including the look above, which combines builder gel and magnetic and jelly polishes to make your nails look like they're covered in shiny, see-through glass beads, says Kandalec. The trend started in Korea and Japan years ago and is finally making its way stateside (FYI, the same thing happened with cat-eye and chrome finishes).

This trend can take many forms, including the 3D swirls and bubbles above, a fully swirled vibe, 3D bow or heart accents, water droplets, and raised French tips. But however you try it, def go to a professional, says Kandalec: "This is a new trend, and is definitely a specialty technique that I'd recommend to ask your nail tech for to make sure the gel is layered and formed properly."

Meet the experts:

Call Your Manicurist: 2024's Biggest Nail Trends Have Arrived (12)

Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Call Your Manicurist: 2024's Biggest Nail Trends Have Arrived (13)

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing nail stories that range from how to remove acrylics to dip powder nails. She’s an authority in all nail categories, but is especially well-versed in nail trends, thanks to her obsession with Instagram and being a backstage rat during NYFW.

Call Your Manicurist: 2024's Biggest Nail Trends Have Arrived (14)

Beth Gillette

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.

Call Your Manicurist: 2024's Biggest Nail Trends Have Arrived (2024)

FAQs

Call Your Manicurist: 2024's Biggest Nail Trends Have Arrived? ›

2024 Nail Trend: Oyster Nails

What is the nail trend in 2024? ›

Jelly nail trends are really taking off for the summer of 2024,” says Choi. She speaks to the versatility of jellies, adding that they can be bright, neutral, or pastel. “The recent Met Gala showcased numerous stunning jelly nail looks, and I had the privilege of creating three out of four of them.”

What is the summer nail color for 2024? ›

Jelly Pink

Jelly nail polishes are an easy way to mimic the “popsicle-stained” effect and the formulas are especially pretty in pink. “The summertime is the perfect time to take advantage of all the different shades of pink… a soft pastel or maybe something neon but jelly pink will be the most popular,” says Janee.

What are the nail trends for 2025? ›

Looking ahead to 2025, nail trends are expected to take a more adventurous turn. One of the most anticipated trends is the use of vibrant, neon colors. These striking hues are a nod to the bold fashion trends of the 80s and are perfect for making a statement. Another trend on the rise is the 'mixed media' nail art.

What color nails to wear in February 2024? ›

February 2024 Nail Art Trends And Ideas
  • Matte Medium Almond Swift Tips.
  • Songbird Gel Polish.
  • Black Detail Paint.
  • Strawberry Daiquiri Chrome.
Feb 1, 2024

Are ombre nails in style in 2024? ›

Manicure Trends for Spring 2024 – Subtle Ombre

Another trend and inspiration for spring nails is ombre. It can have very different faces.

What nail shape is 2024? ›

When it comes to nail shapes, the latest trends for 2024 are all about making a statement. From the sharp and bold stiletto and coffin shapes to the elegant almond and deep square silhouettes, elongated nails are taking center stage.

What is the best color for summer toenails? ›

Shades like light pink, lavender, baby blue, mint green, and soft yellow are often popular choices. However, if you prefer darker shades, you could opt for a deep navy blue as a bold accent color. Ultimately, the choice of nail color depends on personal preference and style.

What is the best nail polish color for short nails? ›

Nude. Nude is among the best nail polish colors for short nails because it's the ultimate classic color! Nude nails work for a variety of occasions, including professional and leisure events. Go from a long day at the office to an enjoyable evening with friends.

What is next gen nail? ›

The word nexgen in this context simply means next generation. The nails in this case have gone through a nail enhancement technology that makes them even better than other types of nails you might have used before.

Are long nails still popular? ›

Over the last few years, extensions have been in-demand at nail salons, and based on bookings, the long nail trend is here to stay – whether it's achieved with overlays or acrylics. For those devoted to the length, there are a few shapes that have consistently been popular, such as almond and coffin.

Are long or short nails the trend? ›

The reason people are switching to short nails is possibly the same reason people are leaning towards understated colour palettes. Both 'clean girl' and 'quiet luxury' aesthetics are lending more to subtle, unfussy manicures that look expensive but are minimal and elegant.

What color are toenails in summer 2024? ›

Apricot and peach hues evoke a sense of freshness and vibrancy, making this the perfect pedicure shade for the upcoming summer months,” she says. We like the subtle blush of Sienna Byron Bay in Carnation or Habit Nail Polish in 12 Bardot. For a riper fruit, opt for the juicy coral of Chanel Nail Color in Sun Drop.

What is the nail trend in summer 2024? ›

Glass nails are a standout trend for summer 2024, echoing the stunning 'glass' makeup by Pat McGrath at the Margiela show,” says Choi. “This gel-like jelly polish offers an extraordinary, glossy finish, perfect for the season's fresh and modern aesthetic.”

What nails do guys find hot? ›

For one, it seems to suggest that men are more attracted to women who have red nails. This is likely because the color red is associated with passion and excitement, which are qualities that many men find attractive in a partner.

Are short or long nails better for 2024? ›

Long Nails Are Officially Done: Long Live The Short Nail. It appears long acrylics have fallen out of favour in 2024. It's the short nail's time to shine.

What is the future of the nail industry? ›

In 2022, the global nail salon market was valued at USD 11 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030. Post-pandemic, there has been a significant emphasis on personal grooming, physical appearance, and beautification.

Is matte nail polish in style in 2024? ›

Bright and Bold Matte Nails: Stand out with confidence this winter with bright and bold matte nail colors for 2023-2024. Whether you prefer short square or ballerina nails, these shades are perfect for making a statement.

What is the color of the year in Vogue 2024? ›

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site. 2024 is all about peach fuzz.

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