Looking for the latest nail trend? Then you’re in the right place because we’ve got the perfect 2024 manicure look for you: nuance nails. This trend has been all over the likes of TikTok and Instagram recently, with pretty much any nail influencer worth their weight in lacquer giving this look a go.
But what are nuance nails? Essentially, it’s about creating a marble, smoky effect similar to the look of a precious stone. And because the look is associated with stones, you’ll most likely see this look in more natural colors such as browns or greens, but with a hint of metallic over the top (no neons here, sorry). A lot of people have also been personalizing their manicures by adding texture, which can give the illusion of the natural divots you might find on gems. You can even think of nuance nails as pieces of abstract art.
The trend originated in Korea and is a fun way to do something different on your nails (and embrace the more natural trend we’ve seen in the beauty world) without being too understated. One of our very favorite things about it, though? It’s so customizable. Thanks to the swirly effect, you could do nuance nails 10 times and never have the same look twice. But we all need a little inspo to get started, so these are some of our very favorite nuance nail takes to get your creative juices flowing.
Matching nuance nails can look oh so chic
While many versions of the nuance nails you’ve seen online may feature a different design on each finger, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a bit more matchy if you want to. A darker background with a smoky effect over the top is a stunning yet simple way to create a more uniform look, which is both super chic and sophisticated at the same time.
Bring nail art into your nuance
Though nuance nails may, on the whole, be a little more understated, that doesn’t mean you can’t add the odd accessory to your look or dress them up a little. As long as you don’t go too overboard with the extras, an iridescent rhinestone here and there can really add to the effect by catching the light in the way gemstones do. Plus, they can work alongside a metallic lacquer for a shiny twist.
Don’t forget the texture
Of course, adding texture isn’t a necessity when it comes to nuance nails, but it will help give the look a little something extra. You could use something like a builder gel to add ridges or blobs on certain nails to give the aesthetic an upgrade, just like you’d see in nature. These could be either clear or colored depending on the look you’re going for.
Glitter can still be a part of nuance nails
Though nuance nails tend to be more on the natural side when it comes to colors, that doesn’t mean you can’t still incorporate some glitter into your look. Because so many gemstones have a touch of sparkle, glitter can in fact be the perfect addition to elevate this swirly aesthetic. Just try not to go too overboard so you can still see the color underneath.
You don’t have to go dark
As we mentioned, nuance nails are all about having fun and doing whatever the heck you wanna do. Although there are similarities that make nuance nails just that, the trend is so versatile that you have so much freedom. So, if you want to, you can absolutely try lighter shades on your talons. Earthy pink shades with a white swirl could be an easy way to go to get the look without a long session in the manicure chair. Rules? What rules?
