In contrast to clothes, nail trends usually stay around for longer. People get new nails so often that it becomes impossible to stick to just one style. There are endless possibilities for how you can fill up those 10 spaces, and it is exciting coming up with a new set every time. With so many decisions, this can be overwhelming for some! So, let’s take a look at a list of the hottest nail trends you can go for at your next nail appointment.
1. Chrome French Tips
French tips are a classic nail design choice that fits almost every nail shape. Traditionally, the tips are colored white; however, people have become more creative with what colors they use. Different colored chrome powders have risen in popularity and are uniquely used in place of the normal plain white polish. Chrome adds a modern, futuristic twist to this otherwise vintage style.
2. Negative Space Art
When doing nails, you don’t have to solely rely on the blend of colors and design to fill the space. Using the empty space to your advantage elevates the nail design in a chic and artistic way. Negative space nail art incorporates exposed nails surrounded by polish to achieve patterns and shapes.
3. Aura Nails
Aura nails are a versatile nail design that may be paired with other aesthetics. The ethereal, diffused color-mimicking aura is the perfect base for other additions, such as drawings and nail gems, or can be worn on its own. An airbrush or sponge may be used to delicately radiate the darker color from the center to achieve the ombre look.
4. Abstract Line Work
Abstract is the perfect aesthetic for those who aren’t experts in detailed work. Layers of different colored lines radiate artistic chaos in a tasteful way. You don’t have to think much about where each line goes, which is the perfect representation of the diverse times we live in that appreciates individuality and maximalism.
5. Soft Glazed Donut
People went crazy for the glazed donut nail set Hailey Bieber shared online. The sheer polish allows the natural nail bed to peek through with an iridescent glow on top. This nail style is elegant and transforms your hands to look clean and sleek. It doesn’t necessarily have to be done with pink tones; exploring other colors using the same technique is just as fashionable.
6. 3D Embellishments
Amazing advancements have been made in the nail art world, and the creation of moldable material has allowed creativity to have no bounds. 3D embellishments are usually made from builder gels that the nail tech can mold into whatever figure fits the theme. The possibilities are endless and are great interactive additions to a set.
7. Minimalistic Metallics
Minimalism is definitely all the rage, but it isn’t restricted to neutral tones. Minimalistic metallics is a nail design where the nail is left mostly empty except for the additions of delicately placed metallic details. Bare nails with subtle metallic details offer a sleek, minimalist look that you’ll want to try out.
8. Retro Print
This decade is all about bringing back vintage trends, and retro prints on nails are a prime example. The 60s/70s-inspired designs are Gen Z favorites, ranging from colorful swirls, florals, and funky patterns. Retro nails consist of bright hues and loud details. To achieve this, great work goes into drawing the patterns out.
9. Gemstone Nails
Gemstone nails are inspired by natural crystals like amethyst, rose quartz, or jade. Jelly polishes give the perfect shiny stone look, allowing for the ultimate shimmer to shine through the layers of polish. It is usually paired with gold details in cracks and nail gems to mimic the natural wear and tear of earth stones.
10. Glass Nails
Glass nails are another take on modern minimalism and can be achieved using cat eye polish. This type of polish features small magnets which can be manipulated to create a mesmerizing shimmering effect. The effect makes the polish look almost like it’s moving as you move.
11. Tortoiseshell Nails
Tortoiseshell patterns are classy patterns featured in several forms, such as on accessories, clothes, and nails. This design uses a mixture of caramel, brown, black, and amber jelly polishes that are detailed to mimic the tortoiseshell pattern. It is best to use a small detail brush to delicately draw out the blobs and prevent them from merging together.
12. Watercolor Nails
With watercolor nails, it almost looks like your nails are painted with the water painters use to wash off their brushes. The effect is a soft, diffused color inspired by watercolor paintings. The polish is diluted and brushed on in a random pattern, mixed with colors that complement each other.
13. Snake Prin
The reptile skin pattern is a fashion-favorite for exuding fierce, vibrant energy. Shades of green are a standard color palette paired with black and metallic details. There are plenty of ways to copy the scaly reptile skin, such as using a stamp, mesh fabric, or drawing the scales manually with a brush.
14. Jelly Nails
Jelly nails are transparent, candy-like nails inspired by Korean nail trends. Originally, brighter pastel colors were used, but other bold or dark colors pair just as well. Layering on semi-sheer polishes works best to achieve this look; however, specific jelly polishes are sold as well.
15. Fruit-Inspired Art
Nail art is a fun world where ideas are overflowing. We see a lot of fruit incorporated into designs that are achieved by simply drawing them or sticking on mini fruit figures. It is a creative way to fill the nails with diverse colors or center the entire set around one fruit, such as a full purple set with grapes featured on different fingers.
16. Frosted Tips
Another twist to the classic French tip, frosted tips give the white a bigger role with it fading out into the nude base. Frosted tips are, in a way, ombre French tips that use frosty shimmer colors. A sponge may be used for the gradient and layering glitter polishes or other details can elevate this look.
17. Pressed Lace Details
Using non-nail items is just one example of how imaginative the world of nails can be. Pressing polish-painted lace onto nails allows the delicate lace pattern to transfer. You may also press the lace onto wet nails to emboss the design. These days, lace nail stickers and stamps are available, but using real lace is just as fun.
18. Marble Design
Marble has always been a staple nail design, and it never really left our hearts. Old trends like water marbling are just variations of the iconic marble design. You may use a detail brush, stamps, or stickers to pull this off. Adding gold or black details seals the work together, giving it another level of realism.
19. Pop Art Style
These comic-book-inspired nails are loud and funky nail designs. A steady hand is required to execute the detailed work that is the pop art style. This nail style primarily uses primary colors in addition to black and white, which are used for outlining and highlights.
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