What is the Latest Trend in Manicures?

Experts have identified several nail trends they believe will be popular this year, from innovative approaches to classic French manicures to negative space nails that emulate art installations.

Minimalist nail looks are still very fashionable. Jason Wu’s Spring 24 show featured minimalist manicures with black dots and lines on clear polish that were barely there, as evidenced by their nail artists’ selection.

Chrome

With the revival of 2000s fashion, Y2K-style nails remain fashionable today. Made famous by sprinkling chrome powder over base colors, this shiny technique has quickly become the desired manicure style among both nail art enthusiasts and minimalists alike.

Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber have both sported this trendy manicure, making it a beloved celebrity trend. It adds an eye-catching metallic effect that adds an eye-catching pop of color to any ensemble.

For those seeking something less overt, ask their manicurist to layer a light shade over a thin coat of chrome at the tips for an eye-catching dipped look that works great with negative spacing or other nail art techniques. Additionally, this style may also help those who aren’t as confident with wearing multiple colors on their nails feel more at ease with wearing just one hue at once.

Aura Nails

Embodying one’s feelings through nail art is one of the trendiest beauty trends we’re witnessing this season. Aura nails, which incorporate colors that reflect your own aura into stunning, freeform nail designs, are one way to showcase one’s inner celestial self.

Aura-inspired nail designs can range from something as straightforward as a single-color ombre to intricate 3D floral motifs, such as those seen at Proenza Schouler’s Spring/Summer 2024 show. Here, a peach fuzz hue pairs beautifully with minty blue and silver chrome to create an unforgettable visual.

Lippmann notes that aura manicures are an ideal complement to the current holographic trend, which has also taken hold. Geometric nail sets may currently be fashionable; however, she expects these styles will give way to more subtle and soft designs over time – “people want the freedom to wear these without their nails becoming too bold,” as she describes it.

Dewy

Nail techs have taken the trend of glowing skin from face to fingertips one step further. Abigail Panilan-Yan of Brampton, Ont.-based manicurist Abigail Panilan-Yan has witnessed her clients request 3D texture such as this captivating water droplet design for more intense looks; and believes this trend will only get bigger as more luxurious options become available.

Inspired by milky makeup products and Hailey Bieber’s minimalist glazed donut manicure she wore to the 2022 Met Gala, this French manicure offers an original take on its design. Also referred to as an American manicure, milky polish fades a creamy white shade into its nude base for a subtler contrast than traditional nail art designs.

Vanilla French manicure is another dewy option, similar to milky French in appearance but featuring a slightly whiter tip which blends into the shade more naturally for an unintended natural-looking finish. Both designs make an elegant alternative to block color French manicures and work particularly well when applied on short, square nails.

Texture

As we head into spring, manicures are becoming more textural. According to nail professional Eunice Park, “latte nails or bubble bath nails” have been trending, whereby nail polish appears more like clear gloss than solid color; this allows users to wear minimal eye and lip makeup while adding some textural flare through their nails.

Kitschy nail art remains popular. Whether your taste runs to fruits, cute insects, magic eight balls or your brand logos – kitsch nail art can easily become one of your go-to trends, whether done yourself at home or by visiting a salon and having it professionally done for you.

Bold colors will continue to dominate in 2024, particularly green hues. From deep forest shades and pastel mints to zesty lime hues, this manicure trend will give your hands a vibrant pop of color. Use one shade as an accent on each nail or combine with other motifs such as negative space, dots or swirls for an eye-catching manicure look!