Outdated Nail Trends That Should Stay In The Past

For nail-art enthusiasts, the recurring wave of new trends each year is a double-edged sword. On one hand, there’s always an incoming craze to experiment with, so you’ll never be bored when looking for manicure inspiration. But the bad news? Most trends hardly leave their mark before they’re considered outdated. Often, it seems like nail trends are branded “over” before we’ve even had the chance to fully fall in love with them (yes, we’re still licking our wounds from stiletto nails making it onto the list of the most outdated nails of 2023). Of course, there’s always the option to just wear whatever manicure calls to you, regardless of whether or not it’s en vogue. But for those of us who like to stay on top of the fads — mostly so we can keep up with phenomena like summer 2024’s butter nails trend — it pays to keep a finger on the pulse.

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To that end, Glam spoke to celeb and editorial manicurist Marisa Carmichael to find out what styles are officially done and dusted. In our exclusive chat, Carmichael revealed a few unsurprising suspects (sorry, duck nails, but your time has come). However, there are also a few “outdated” looks that have us shocked, like excessive nail art in the wake of the maximalist “junk-nails” manicure trend. It just goes to show that you can never truly predict which nail styles are built to last and which are on borrowed time. Until their inevitable return in the fashion cycle, the following designs are headed for the door.

Some nail trends have us surprised when they fall out of favor, and others, not so much. Since divisive duck nails aren’t for everyone, they definitely fall into the second category. As Marisa Carmichael explains, the biggest caveat to this style is that they aren’t really flattering on anyone. “Duck nails or fan-shaped nails … [do] nothing to aesthetically enhance the hands,” she shares exclusively with Glam. You might say these are the nail version of ’70s flare pants, and aside from creating an odd silhouette that goes against the laws of nature, they probably make everyday tasks like typing much more difficult.

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If you had your heart set on another round of duck nails, fear not; we have an ultimate guide to picking your next nail shape, and there are plenty of other choices. The basics are square, round, and oval, which are all pretty self-explanatory. For those who like something a little bolder (and if you’re a duck-nail fan, then you probably do), you can look into coffin nails, which are typically longer and then taper into a small, flat edge, or the experimental lipstick nails. Then, there are those in-between styles: almond nails, the slightly pointer version of the oval, and ballerina nails, shaped like a pointe shoe. Stiletto nails are another edgy choice, and though they were deemed outdated in 2023, they made a strong comeback — and stiletto nails ended up bring spring 2024’s trendiest manicure shape.

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There will always be a special place in our hearts for the accent nail. For those who lean more minimal but still like that pop of color or bling to liven up their manicure in a more digestible way, this style was perfect. But alas, the verdict is in, and accent nails are out. “I think at this point, the accent nail on the ring finger can look a little bit dated,” Marisa Carmichael explains in our exclusive conversation. “If you aren’t ready to fully commit to an art look, maybe try and enhance at least two fingers on each hand and switch up what those fingers are. Maybe a thumb and a pinky nail?”

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So, the good news is you don’t have to do away with this look completely; it’s just getting an upgrade. As Carmichael advises, try to commit to two or more accent nails, and try to make them as creative as possible so it doesn’t feel like you’re doing the same old thing. If you have to do one accent nail only, choose another finger besides your ring finger to keep it fresh. There are endless accent-nail designs to try out during your next mix-and-match mani if you’re bored with your go-to style. For example, opt for a feminine floral design if you typically go for edgier looks, or switch it up with festive art just in time for the holiday season. 

Sorry, but this one goes without saying. Grotesque nail art was on the rise in 2023, with talented nail artists modeling their designs after unexpected sources of inspiration. Everything from teeth to skeletons was fair game with this craze, and while it certainly brought a fresh take to an industry that’s all about aesthetics, we’re happy for ugly art to stay dead and buried. “I can appreciate the artistry, but I prefer nails to be beautiful,” Marisa Carmichael shares exclusively with Glam, adding that this goes for “talons, nails that look like they are bleeding or stained from smoking, [and] dirty or fungal [nails].”

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Hopefully, this news isn’t too hard to take. The best grotesque nail art is intricate and requires both a creative vision and a steady hand, not to mention hours in the salon if you’re not doing it yourself. Fortunately, many of the nail trends we’ll see everywhere in winter 2024 are decidedly simpler, including chic metallic nails and tortoiseshell patterns. Outside of Halloween, you’re best swapping your distorted manicure for something that’s easier on the eyes — and your schedule.

There’s so much to love about the maximalist-favored 3D manicure, but according to Marisa Carmichael, it’s possible to take this look too far — and “every nail being a different texture and design” crosses that boundary. “I love the 3D trend and nail art, but every nail [being] a different design feels excessive right now,” she tells Glam exclusively. You don’t have to necessarily opt for a quieter manicure where every nail is the same solid color, but try to reel in the freestyle element. As mentioned above, two accent nails, each with a different design, can be a chic alternative to letting every nail do its own thing.

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While this many sound disheartening to someone who loves the variety and fun of 10 designs in the one manicure, the good news is there are plenty of other maximalist nail designs for your next salon visit. You can still incorporate bling into your nails, opt for 3D floral elements, or go ’90s vintage with pierced acrylics. Textured French manicures are also a great way to upgrade your nails if you love a bolder style. Just remember to pair up colors and textures for a dose of cohesion so that your edgy manicure doesn’t end up being total chaos.

The classic French manicure is inherently iconic, so this style will never be dated, regardless of what anyone says. But because the Frenchie is so legendary, it’s spawned an array of variations, from the dreamy floating French manicure to the corner French manicure, which gives your nails an unexpected twist. These subcategories of French manicure indeed do come in and out of style, and at the moment, it’s all about the skinny French. “It looks more elevated and cleaner,” Marisa Carmichael explains in our exclusive conversation. Of course, this means that the well-worn wide French tip is out.

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The “mob wife aesthetic” took over TikTok and dethroned the clean girl aesthetic in early 2024, so thicker white French tips à la Carmela Soprano briefly returned to the spotlight after minimalist designs had reigned supreme during the previous few years. But the bolder aesthetic seems to have had its moment, and the mob wives are taking their nails with them. A thin tip in any color is now the best way to keep your French manicure chic, but you can also update the classic style with a new nail shape. Square and flared nails are also dated, so if a wide French tip is just your thing, combine it with a slender almond or coffin silhouette for a touch of modernity. 

This last dated trend isn’t so much a design as it is a process. Marisa Carmichael warns us that using at-home gel kits can lead to unwanted consequences, so this is one nail practice she’d like to see left in the dust. “Some of these cheap products may be manufactured in unregulated places,” she explains exclusively to Glam. “You risk developing skin sensitivities and allergies from repeated exposure to these chemicals and from them touching the skin.” The expert adds that if your gel polish isn’t cured properly, you can end up becoming hyper-sensitive to chemicals, which can make it tricky to even get professional manicures in the future. 

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Frequent salon visits can be expensive and time-consuming, but there are also other at-home options that may be safer choices than unregulated gel kits. For a shorter-term option, you could go for Glamnetic Press On Nails, which are reusable and come in a range of colors and designs. Or, you could try Azure Beauty’s Dip Powder Nail Kit, which may require more time and skill to apply but is likely to leave you with a more durable result. Of course, regular old polish is also an option, with products like Essie Nail Polish promising a salon-quality finish. You can extend the life of your nail polish with a good base and top coat, but keep in mind that you’ll likely need to reapply or touch it up more frequently than more professional or long-lasting alternatives. 

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