Are you ready to nail all your 2024 manicures?
Ah, the world of nail manicures, where fingertips transform into tiny canvases. Just like the fashion world, the nail industry is one where creativity knows no bounds, and trends evolve faster than you can say ‘manicure.’
In 2023, we saw some rather experimental nail trends make a rise. Now that we stand on the doorstep of 2024, are we really ready for a new wave of nail trends? Don’t fret, though, because we are here predicting what’s about to take the beauty scene by storm in 2024 that will make you feel like a trend maestro. It involves a lot of chic minimalism and perhaps, a futuristic touch. After all, it’s a new year, a new you, and definitely a new set of nails. It’s time to let our fingertips do the talking!
Ballet core 2.0
Calling all the girly girls and embracers of everything feminine! The ballet core aesthetic has already gained quite some momentum in 2023, but now, this trend has had its New Year glow-up! With its soft pinks, frosted nudes, and milky whites, it is a trend celebrated for its versatility, claiming to suit every skin tone, and for all my clumsy nail chipaholics, it even offers a chip-resistant appeal. This 2.0 version in 2024 has also really embraced the whole coquette core era that we so deeply love, adorning nails with delicate embellishments like bows, flowers, and stickers.
Lavender Glow
We all adore pastels, and the great news is that they are here to stay in 2024. Feeling a bit weary of the usual pearl pink finish? How about opting for a lavender glow instead? This delightful pastel shade exudes the most ethereal and divine vibes. With its stunning, glow-like finish, it’s a perfect look for all my fellow couch potatoes, as you can effortlessly paint your nails at home with the right shade of lavender glow.You can even spice it up with some cute adornments. Stay on fleek at all times!
Velvet Nails
You’ve heard of velvet fabric, we bring you velvet nails. Who says this trend should only stick around for the cold season? In 2024, we plan to stay cosy all year round. For that spring twist, as we head into the warmer months, you can simply add a velvet finish over spring-coloured nail polish. Here is another look you can achieve easily in the comfort of your home. After all, this look is truly all about comfort, and that includes the application process.
Soap Nails
We all adore a good bubble bath. Ever taken a glance at your nails right after a long soak? They tend to have a pristine shine. Soap nails offer that same effect even after your extended baths. Elevating simplicity, envision the glossy finish of a fresh manicure, replicating the shiny allure of nails post soapy bubble baths. You can customise your nails by layering sheer pink tints or milky shades beneath or play around with subtle nail art using shades of white and cream. This is a must-try trend for all the minimalists who cherish a clean nail mani.
3D nails sound extremely mainstream, and we are with you on that. However, these nails are popular with good reason. Evolving rapidly in the past year, the technology behind 3D nails has become accessible to nail enthusiasts all over the world. From bubbles to heart accents, this trend offers endless possibilities. You can even play with 3D nails, combining gel, magnetic, and jelly polishes to achieve tantalising looks. You can get this done at your nearby salon or even try it at home. Experiment and have fun with it. Who knows? You may end up inventing your very own 3D nail design.
Red Revival
Red has always been a crowd favourite and this applies to nail polishes as well. Classic red nail polish has been the timeless but now we see quite a few variations of the colour. Favoured by celebrities like Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber, this bold shade is making a comeback, ensuring a versatile and elegant look throughout the seasons. Brace yourselves for an elevation in red manicures with chrome, glazes, matte finishes, and high sheen with colors like cherry, jelly and blood red- a trend that promises to captivate minimalist and maximalist nail enthusiasts alike.
Floating French Tips
French mani has been a classic staple, these past few years. Something about them gives a subtle nod to quiet luxury and just exudes sheer elegance. This nail trend has a cute new variation. Enter: Floating French Tips. Can you keep a mani secret? Here’s how you can achieve these nails at home: Start with a neutral base colour, then draw a line a third of the way down your nails with a thin paintbrush in whatever shade you choose.
Home Cooked: DIY Nail Art
The cost of living is expensive as is, your nails don’t have to be. It comes as no surprise that people are choosing to do their nails at home. Thanks to social media, the insider nail technique intel that’s available to us is better than ever. With so many home kits and innovations, it can be easily achieved. The business gurus have gotten a whiff of this trend and started their innovations. This year we saw top nail artists, KimKim (who works with Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner) team up with Lottie London on a pro collection of press-ons. After all, not burning a hole in your pocket really does make getting a good mani that much more pleasurable of an experience.
Chocolate Milk Nails
The Tiktokers have spoken and bestowed upon us, Chocolate Milk Nails. The only thing fancy about these nails is the name. It’s actually a clean, natural nail look that will be popular in 2024. We’ll be seeing variations of neutral shades, like sandy beiges and deep browns. To get the creamy, ‘chocolate milk’ look, make sure to opt for a shade without shimmer.
Rhinestones
Everyone has really been leaning into the ‘Less is More’ concept in 2024, including your favourite celebs like Kylie Jenner. If you’re a Jenner fan or just someone who loves rhinestones and clean looks, you are going to love rhinestone nail art. Instead of all-over crystals, a few precisely-placed gems hold a lot more impact this year. Just apply some top coat and add the rhinestones before it dries to secure them in place. We would even suggest adding on a coat right above for reassurance. You can even play with subtle shades underneath if you’re feeling dramatic.
Aura Nails
Y2K fans, you all may begin celebrating! Aura nails are going strong in 2024 as well. We saw it gain popularity on social media last year and it’s only going to grow. If you’re someone who wants to try multiple nail trends, here’s something that offers quite an amalgamation. Aura Nails incorporates new shades and colour combos, 3D effects, and rhinestones. If you want to try the look at home, it’s shockingly easy: Just paint your nail your go-to base shade. Then, dab your ‘aura’ shade onto the centre of your nail with a wedge makeup sponge. Aura nails are really upping the ante.
Short Square Nails
The clean aesthetic has really been something everyone has been leaning on lately, and we do not see that stopping in 2024. Everyone, including celebrities, have been going for clean nails. Short, squared nails really match this aesthetic. Our nails are already worn out with all the nail extensions and gel polish, so this change really helps with nail health while also being trendy. A win-win, we would say. This year seems to be all about letting your nails breathe, and we are here for it!
Chrome Nails
Chrome nails already come in a variety of colours but this year, we will also be seeing different types of chrome nail polish and this has got us bubbling with excitement. From silver chrome inspired by Beyonce’s Renaissance tour all the way to Hailey Bieber’s glazed doughnut nails, chrome is here to stay. We’ve all heard of powder chrome, but 2024 is going to be about looking into the bright future ahead and we think you can start with bright futuristic chrome nails to begin with. As technology continues to advance, nail colour trends may include even more futuristic metallic shades.
We have armed you with an arsenal of trends. Now, it’s up to you to stock up some cute shades and wield your nail polish brush. Make sure to try a trend that aligns with your personal style and start elevating your nail game. Happy pampering!
