18 Nail Trends You'll See Everywhere In 2024
Using your nails as a canvas for expressing yourself has never been bigger, and that especially rings true in 2024. From chic minimalism to extravagant embellishments, this year's nail trends cater to every style preference. Of course, the influence of Y2K nostalgia is still going strong, but this year is also about the timeless aesthetic of natural-looking nails (whether they have polish on them or not). In fact, clean and simple designs are making a comeback, providing an elegant look for those who prefer keeping it classy, with green and blue being just a couple of the year's biggest colors.
So, if you're unsure what nails to rock in 2024, we've assembled some color, nail art, and nail shape trends that experts predict will be all the rage in the new year. Whether you're into coquettecore, animal prints, or Pantone's 2024 color of the year (peach fuzz), these trends have got your back (and your hands).
Metallic nails: the Y2K trend that's back in style in 2024
High-shine chrome nails are the Y2K-era trend we can't get enough of, as they seamlessly blend nostalgia with futuristic modernism. "It has been gaining popularity, and we're seeing traditional metal nails everywhere," Celina Rydén, the founder of Nail Cards and Switch Nails, told Vogue Scandinavia. Furthermore, nail artist Tara Hayes noted to InStyle that there's plenty of variety with this trend, ranging "from silver chrome inspired by Beyonce's Renaissance tour all the way to Hailey Bieber's glazed donut nails."
Coquettecore nails are all about cute and feminine vibes
The royally good coquette aesthetic is all about embracing everything adorable and feminine; this nail trend is playful and focuses on sweetness and charm. "A trend that, as a nail tech, I believe was huge was the 'coquette nails,'" nail artist Analysee Hernandez told Cosmopolitan, noting that they'll be big in 2024, too. "The dainty addition of a simple hand-drawn bow or checkered French really took over the sets this year!" Ultimately, coquettecore nails offer a fun and whimsical touch to manicures, and you can never go wrong with it.
Animal print nails add some fun to your look
This year, you can unleash your wild side with animal print nails, an effortlessly fun way to elevate your look and make it more interesting. "Who doesn't love an animal print?" nail expert Iram Shelton told Who What Wear. "Nail prints will be in and will be the new go-to." From classic leopard spots to zebra stripes, this trend allows for ample creativity and individuality. Plus, you can decide to subtly incorporate the print or boldly display it — even in bright colors.
Lip gloss nails provide a new take on the clean girl aesthetic
Lip gloss nails are a popular trend that's perfect for anyone who wants to explore the clean girl aesthetic. Aptly named, these nails boast a shiny, reflective finish reminiscent of your favorite lip gloss. "It should feel hyper natural and super glossy with minimal details, maybe a micro or skinny French tip," Celina Rydén explained to Vogue Scandinavia. This trend will be perfect to wear to Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday 2 Tour, too.
Red never goes out of style
As any nail enthusiast knows, red is a timeless color that transcends trends (yet somehow becomes extra trendy sometimes — the manicure world's biggest paradox). "Red is having a major moment right now, and it's only going to continue," nail artist Julia Diogo told Hello! Magazine. Whether it's a vibrant cherry red or a deep burgundy, classic red nails are the ultimate power look that works with literally any outfit or occasion.
The baby French is slaying another year
The baby French manicure has been popular for a minute, and it seems that that minute will endure throughout 2024. "The classic white will be switched for a pop of color for spring/summer – the perfect way of transitioning into the brighter months," manicurist Amy Burvill revealed to Hello! Magazine. Ultimately, shorter nails have been in the spotlight lately, and the baby French is the easiest way to rock these classic tips with a shorter length.
2024 is all about blue nails
This year is all about blue nails, and you can play with a variety of shades, from serene pastels to deep navy hues. "The color of 2024 for manis is for sure blue," Olivia Van Iderstine, vice president of content and creative for nail polish brand Olive & June, revealed to InStyle. "Particularly in the beginning of the year and through Spring, we'll see lots of soft, muted pale blues." Whether you're embracing a monochromatic look or experimenting with intricate designs, blue nails make a bold statement.
Aura nails will continue being in style
The trending aura manicure is an ethereal style that adds a touch of mystique to your fingertips, regardless of the color combo you pick. "We've seen it emerge in bolder colors, making it more psychedelic," Celina Rydén told Vogue Scandinavia of the trend. "I really hope to see more people dare to try 'aura' nails in 2024." Furthermore, aura nails offer a lot of space for experimentation, as you can layer multiple different colors for a look that's completely yours.
Porcelain nails are vintage and modern at the same time
Porcelain nails are a fun trend that beautifully showcases a vintage charm. True to its name, this nail trend exudes sophistication, mimicking the delicate beauty of porcelain. "Blue-and-white prints have had a resurgence of popularity recently because they're effortlessly elegant, timeless, and loved by so many cultures," nail artist Emily Zheng told Allure. Whether you decide to go all out with a porcelain design on each nail or you use this trend for a few accent nails, this look will put your hands in the spotlight.
Celestial nail designs are having a major moment
Celestialcore is the out-of-this-world beauty trend that is undoubtedly here to stay, particularly because it's an easy way to spice up a basic monochromatic manicure. "I've been loving oversized stars lately, and I have been seeing tons of manicures revolving around them all over Instagram," nail artist Jess Brush revealed to Women's Health. And if you want to rock the celestial trend but don't have the time to paint stars on your nails, simply glue on star-shaped nail jewels. Easy!
Dainty rhinestones are all the rage
Considering that Y2K-era trends are coming back, it's not surprising that rhinestones will be a big nail trend throughout 2024. However, instead of covering your entire nail with them, the trend is all about using one delicate nail gem per nail this time around. "I think that dainty looks, like adding a single rhinestone to each nail, will be something we will be seeing a lot more of," manicurist Hannah Lee revealed to Business Insider. In fact, the subtle rhinestone trend works best when paired with natural-looking nails in shades of pink.
Square nail shapes are here to stay
While nail shapes are all about personal preference, square nails will be everywhere in 2024. "They're the most flattering nail shapes, and most people can pull off one or the other," nail artist Iram Shelton revealed to Cosmopolitan. Whether you prefer a short and neat square or an elongated version for a bolder statement, this shape is already a 2024 favorite, and it can be applied to pretty much any color or design trend, meaning you can be doubly on trend.
All greens go
Green nails are taking center stage in 2024, offering a fun and nature-inspired pop of color. "Green is a nail color that was popular with flappers back in the '20s, grungey gals in the '90s, and is back in vogue now," nail artist Miss Pop told Marie Claire. "Any shade from Kermit to emerald to deep hunter green is on trend." From deep emeralds to muted olives and even the most vibrant greens, this color trend offers ample variety for different occasions — all while giving your fingertips an earthy vibe.
Velvet nails: the perfect trendy mani in 2024
For a touch of opulence, embrace velvet nails for a go-to trendy and rich-looking manicure. This luxurious trend adds depth and sophistication to your fingertips. "I anticipate seeing a lot of the velvet nail trend, which can be achieved with a magnet gel or polish," nail artist Stephanie Stone told Vogue. "This look can be in any color range and looks sparkly from some angles and solid in others depending on the lighting." While there's nothing wrong with rocking velvet nails for no reason, they're great for special occasions.
3D nails: a fun choice for a bold look
3D nails might not be for everyone, but there's no denying that they look like tiny pieces of artwork. These intricate designs elevate your manicure game like few others, adding a touch of fun and uniqueness. "I think it has longevity, at least through summer 2024, due to the cute, jelly-textures and whimsical details that are a nod to the 90s," nail artist Julie Kandalec told Women's Health. From quirky shapes to eye-catching embellishments, 3D nails are a creative way to express your personal style.
Peach fuzz: Pantone's color of 2024
Peachy shades are ultra-popular for 2024, and there's a good reason for it. "Looking to the Pantone color list for inspiration is always a good place to start," nail artist Chiara Ballisai told The Zoe Report. For 2024, it's all about peach fuzz, meaning nails in peachy shades are bound to be trendy in the manicure world just as in fashion. Whether you opt for a solid shade or incorporate peach fuzz into your nail art, this color choice is the on-trend vibe for the entire year.
Clean and natural nails are back in style
While fun nail art will always be popular, sleek, clean, and natural nails are coming back. "Barely there, natural nails and nail care will be huge [next year]," Shelton explained to Who What Wear. "People [will be] taking care of [their] natural nails and looking into nail treatments more." This timeless trend focuses on enhancing your natural beauty, and the best part is that any tiny nail polish chips won't be noticeable. And if you decide to go completely bare, you won't have to worry about your nails much at all.
Press-on nails are back and better than ever
We're all about fun nail designs, but many are difficult to DIY — and getting them done professionally can be expensive. Because of this, press-on nails are having a huge moment. "People returning to nail lacquer and press-on nails — with the cost of living crisis, people are choosing to do their own nails..." nail artist Iram Shelton revealed to Cosmopolitan. The best part about press-ons is that they're super convenient; once you get the hang of applying them, you can do both of your hands in under five minutes.