These 2024 nail trends veer into two distinct categories: minimalist and maximalism.
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Even as tiny as they are, nails are a way to experiment with new fashion or beauty trends, showcase your personality, and make a statement. Looking to 2024 nail trends, we’re seeing both a strong proclivity toward both maximalism and minimalism. For the former, think mixed-and-matched patterns and bold splashes of color, while in the latter camp it’s all about sheer and glossy nudes, feminine palettes, and delicate French tips. We asked nail experts to give us the full rundown on their favorite nail trends of 2024.
3D Nail Art
The creativity within the nail community never disappoints, especially when it comes to 3D nail art. “When a French tip or nail art just isn’t enough, 3D nails are a fun way to add an extra level of dimension to your manicure,” says Rianna Basurto, nail expert for Bellacures. She says there are tons of options to choose from ranging from textural sweater nails to floral designs and glittering crystals.
Metallic Nails—With a Twist
Metallic nails remain covetable through 2024, now with nuanced details that elevate designs even further. Think “cat eye” metallic nails that lend a multi-dimensional effect, mixed and matched metals, extra shiny chrome nails, and more simplified designs using metallic accents.
Lip Gloss Nails
From latte nails to bubble bath nails, ultra minimalist manicures are totally in for 2024. Lip gloss nails—which entails a clear glossy coat of polish over natural nails—perfectly epitomize this nail trend.
“With the rise of the minimalist aesthetic, lip gloss nails are set to be on trend in the coming 2024 year,” says Rianna Basurto, a nail expert with Bellacures. “For those who love an understated look, lip gloss nails allow your natural tips to be the true star of the show. Using just a sheer base polish and a glossy topcoat, it is the perfect opportunity to match your mani with your favorite lip combo.”
Ombre Nails
Nail pro Eunice Park of Aprés Nail confirms that the minimalist nail look is only going to rise in popularity through 2024. “Everyone is still very much enjoying clean lines and clean makeup, and to complement these looks people are looking towards more simple, classic nails,” she says. One of her favorites that embraces this minimalist mani approach is ombre nails. They allow for that clean nail feel while offering just a hint of pizzazz.
Coquette Mani
Let those feminine wiles run free with a delicate Coquette mani, a 2024 nail trend that’s riding the coattails of balletcore and Barbiecore. This aesthetic is all about cutesy girliness via pale pinks, creamy whites, and delicate details like bows and pearls.
‘70s Aura Nails
On the opposite end of the spectrum we’ve got groovy aura nails, which give serious “good vibes only” energy. Nail artist Molly Romah of Chillhouse says this design is all about layering different colors to create an aura-like effect “where one color evolves into the others. So trippy, so stunning.”
Soft Peach Nails
Pantone’s color of the year is peach fuzz, and there’s no doubt we’ll see this juicy hue on fingertips throughout the year. It also aligns with both the year-round pastel nails and minimalist mani trends that are so popular right now. Peach fuzz is a bright pastel that feels fresh and playful without being too much of a statement-making showoff.
Skinny French Tips
There was a hot minute there where French Tips were deemed very uncool, but that moment was but a flash in the pan. The French Tip revival we’ve seen over the last few years has a stronghold on the nail community, and it’s going nowhere in 2024. “French tips are always classic manicure style,” Romah says. “Right now we’re loving a very deep, curved-around-French design with a minimalist, timelessly chic finish.”
‘90s Grunge Nails
If all these pale palettes are making you wonder if there’s space for your love for a moody mani, we’ve got good news for you: grunge nails a la the ‘90s are enjoying a resurgence for 2024. Break out your inkiest black paints, deepest greens and purples, and blood red hues.
Mix & Match Mani
Another maximalist 2024 nail trend our experts are loving is the mixed and matched mani. “This style is for someone who can’t decide between an elevated design or solid color,” Romah says. “It’s so fun and you get the best of both worlds.” Think animal print paired with a grass green French tip or checkerboard accent nails with a splashy rainbow palette.
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