Autumn is finally here, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for a seasonal refresh. And the first item on our list is a fresh manicure. Looking for some inpso? We’ve rounded up the biggest nail trends forecasted for AW24, as told by nail technicians and professionals.
The Biggest Hair Trends For AW24
We’re ready for the seasonal shift. Bye-bye pastels, see you later neon and so long clean girl minimalism. That’s right. We’re going big and bold with our manis this season, as we delve into rich, warm shades, party metallics and gothic glamour. These are all the AW24 nail trends to look out for:
Trends At A Glance
- Chocolate Chips
- Cherry Cola
- Classic French Mani
- Tortoiseshell Tips
- Glitter Swipe
- Moody Hues
- All Green Everything
- Gothic Glam
- Disco Ball
- Cherry Red
1. Chocolate Chips
This season’s biggest colour? An indulgent chocolate brown. ‘Think rich, dark, sumptuous shades of brown painted in either a minimal block colour or combined with a classic French tip,’ says ORLY ambassador Lou Stokes. ‘Timeless and elegant, rich chocolate brown nails look particularly good on a shorter nail, finished with a glossy topcoat for a luxurious sheen.’
2. Cherry Cola
Another shade on our radar comes courtesy of the hair salon; made popular by Dua Lipa, cherry cola is making the leap from head to toe (literally). ‘Dark nails with a red undertone are proving very popular this season,’ agrees Lou. ‘They’re rich, dramatic and edgy – let your nails do the talking with this impactful nail look.
‘You can also put a spin on the trend with aura nails,’ she continues. ‘Use a rich espresso brown shade as the base, with a bold red shade dabbed into the middle (or vice-versa). This will help your nails look very autumnal, while looking in an eye-catching finish.’
3. Classic French Mani
This Y2K staple has had quite the year, making a huge comeback thanks to a streak of colourful reinventions. ‘Classic French tips never really go out of fashion,’ says Lou. ‘They’re super wearable and suit any outfit, regardless of occasion or season.’
As for making them autumn-appropriate, Lou suggests: ‘A French tip in a rich dark shade instead of the usual white. This looks particularly good with dark tips in rich shades of purple, burgundy or brown-espresso tips.’
4. Tortoiseshell Tips
And speaking of French tips – this isn’t the last we’ll see of them this season. ‘Prints are in this season, especially tortoiseshell,’ emphasises Lou. ‘Its warms brown undertones are proving very popular. Whether the print is on all nails, one or two signature nails or as an alternate French tip, the choice is yours.’
You can find more French manicure ideas here.
5. Glitter Swipe
‘Glitter nails are not just for Christmas,’ Lou tells us. ‘This season, a hint of sparkle is being applied over a nude base to give everyday wear to glitter. Think a neutral nude classic shade and a minimal swipe of glitter.’
6. Moody Hues
As we get into the swing of the season, we can also expect to see navy blue, dark chocolate and rich burgundy dominate the colour palette. ‘Fall is the time to embrace deep, moody hues,’ says Angie Campbell, Lead Nail Tech at Paint Nails London. ‘These tones are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and mystery to your winter nails.’
7. All Green Everything
Brat summer might be officially over, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the green. ‘Green nails are not going anywhere,’ confirms Angie. ‘This season we’re seeing everything from rich olive tones to brighter, statement-making acid greens.’
8. Gothic Glam
If last year saw coven nails become a hit come Halloween, this year it’s all about dialled-back gothic glam. ‘Black nails are making a huge comeback this season, especially as we head into Halloween,’ says Angie. ‘Opt for a matte black or add a glossy finish for a striking look that’s both edgy and elegant. Black French tips or ombre designs are also great options for those who want a sophisticated twist on the classic dark mani.’
9. Disco Ball
With party season on the way, AW24 nail trends will also turn once more to metallic and holographic textures. ‘Disco-inspired metallics bring a fun, nostalgic feel to your look,’ Angie notes. ‘Whether you go for a full chrome finish or subtle metallic accents, this trend is perfect for those who want to sparkle throughout the Christmas party season.’
10. Cherry Red
Can you really go wrong with a pop of red? We think not. ‘Red is always a staple for the cooler months, but this season, cherry red is the star,’ emphasises Angie. ‘It’s a sophisticated yet vibrant shade that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Whether worn as a full mani or as cherry red French tips, this colour is bold yet refined.’
Featured image: Getty Images