Nail Care Trends for 2024
Cosmetologists and nail care specialists are increasingly seeing customers ask about nail art and nail care.
Keeping up with current nail designs is essential for staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of nail art. With the rise of sharing nail art trends on social media, interest has never been higher.
Whether it is nail paint, acrylics, fills, or other nail care, clients are more interested than ever in presenting nails that stand out.
Exploring trending nail designs is not just a hobby but a crucial aspect of professional development for nail care specialists. By understanding what trends are currently popular, you can better prepare yourself to master these techniques as a nail care specialist or cosmetologist. Let's delve into some of the hottest nail art trends of 2024 that are captivating the attention of clients and professionals alike.
Note: The Cosmetology program at Paul Mitchell the School at Campus teaches some nail care, but many of these techniques would require a dedicated nail art class to learn.
Colorful Short French Tips
Sometimes called micro-French tips, these colorful French tips are short, with negative space on most of the nail, and bright or pastel colors on the tips. This is a vibrant look that works well in the summer and looks good in a variety of settings.
Photo: @iramshelton
Photo: @amyle.nails
Lip Gloss Nails
The Lip Gloss Nail is a term coined by celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, and has a distinctive luminous shine similar to lips after applying lip gloss. This look can be replicated with a large range of shades. The nail polish is a nude color that matches your skin tone, covered with a sheer, glossy finish. This can be used with see-through pinks and reds as well.
Photo: @matejanova
Milky White Nails
The milky white nail trend is a continuation of soft, clean looking manicures that look good on both short and long nails. With creamier milky manicures, polish, and acrylic styles, this presents a clean and polished look. This is sometimes used alongside negative spacing and other nail techniques.
Photo: @nails_gergo_bp
Photo: @nailsbyamyt
Cats Eye Velvet Nails
Cats Eye Velvet nails are a shimmery, eye-catching nail technique that can also be combined with additional nail art. After the nail goes through prep processes, layers, and curing, a layer of polish with metallic flecks is applied, and a top-coat is added. The metallic layer is activated using magnets which produces a multi-dimensional effect.
Photo: @nailexpressroma
Photo: @nailsby.syd
Chrome Nails
Many people have been using chrome and metallic textures to their manicures over the last couple years. The shiny nail art complements the “Glazed Donut” nail look (covered later in this article).
Photo: @nailsbytduh
Photo: @prettyygirlpolishh
Minimal Nails
The minimal nail design trend or nude nails have truly taken hold in recent years with several celebrities displaying these designs.
This popular style encompasses a wide variety of designs, that reflect elegance and simplicity. These nail designs can be plain or have small accents. This style works in both a casual and formal style.
Photo: @roz_nail77
Photo: @the_minimalist_manicurist
3D Texture Nails
Three-dimensional nail art can include all sorts of designs: bubbles, sea shells, rhinestones, and other patterns are all part of the 3d nail trend.
Photo: @vanityprojects
Photo: @vanityprojects
Candy Red Nails
With good reason, the ever-popular classic red-colored nails are back on top for 2022. Not only are red nails easy on the eyes, but they conjure up undertones of romance. Why not jazz up your glamorous red nails with a bit of addition of glitter? You will surely be the star of the party!
Photo: @nail.room__
Photo: @meyliamnails
Matte Color Nails
If you're looking for a more subtle yet classy look, matte color nails offer distinct visual appeal.
Photo: @mikadobeauty
Photo: @aztec_claws
Floral Print Nails
Floral patterns, prints, and nail art are a recent trend which can be incorporated in many different ways. These nail designs can be fun to wear.
Photo: @beautique_kent
Photo: @polishedbypayt
Negative Space Nails
Utilizing techniques from graphic design, these nails use negative space to draw attention to the details that are featured on the nail art. Bold, eye-catching, and stylish, negative space nails will be here for a long time to come.
Photo: @thehotblend
Photo: @twinkletips.sg
Photo: @polished_yogi
Animal Print Nails / Reptile Nails
Animal print has always been a popular choice in fashion and beauty, year after year. Reptile and dragon patterns are a newer nail art trend that look distinct.
Photo: @ludmilakarenoficial
Photo: @isabel.carolyn.nails
Pink Nails
With the Barbie movie coming out, bright pink will be in fashion in 2023. Muted pink and other shades of pink are always solid choices for nail color.
Photo: @nailsbykaityt
Photo: @beautygohome
Melted Metal Nails and Metallic Embellishments
More and more nail art and acrylics are using metallic enhancements and ornamentation to create a unique look.
Photo: @bornprettyofficial
Photo: @sugamama_nailz
French Glass Nails
A variation on the French manicure, French glass nails have a bold appearance which stand out.
Photo: @costandenisa
Photo: @alexandra_radu_
Glazed Donut Nails
This look was very hot in 2022. The nails have a wet look that is similar to a glazed donut.
Photo: @nailsbyzola
Photo: @nailsxmina
Glittery Nails
Many nail polishes and acrylic nails use glitter to create an eye-catching look that works in a variety of settings.
Photo: @blackbox_nailcraft
Photo: @_nailsed_it and @lennoclynn_
Pastel Nails
A nail art look that works in any year or season, pastel colors are a very feminine characteristic that are always in style with nail art.
Photo: @eronika_nails
Photo: @vandipnails
Dual Finish Nails
Combining two or more tones, dual finish polish or acrylics have a blended or separated color scheme that gives sharp contrast.
Photo: @nailsxmina
Photo: @handsandfeetbyevelyne
Magenta Nails
Pantone announced that Viva Magenta is the 2023 color of the year, and tones in this family are a trend for the current year. Magenta is a nuanced crimson tone that is vibrant, a color from the red family with tones of pink and blue mixed within. This shade can be combined with other aspects like floral and glitter designs.
Photo: @nailsbyroxy_hmo
Photo: @vivi_thologi
Very Peri Nails
Periwinkle nails are a color that trended very strongly in 2022. Providing a soft look with a bluish-lavender color, this is a good color for the summer or autumn. Periwinkle is a very distinct color that is not common.
Photo: @polishpops
Photo: @nails.queen.peri
Gold Foil Nails
Many acrylics are incorporating gold foil into the nail art to add an upscale distinct look. The gold accents add some flair to otherwise straightforward manicure.
Photo: @bnailzs
Photo: @gabbys_beauty_house
Matcha Green Nails
Green is a color that works in any year, in any season. The matcha tea green or sage green works especially well in the spring or summer, as it coincides with blossoming flowers and nature.
Photo: @ca.nailsandspa
Photo: @cannotdonailart
Learn Cosmetology and Nail Care in Sacramento
Regardless of your goal in cosmetology, Paul Mitchell The School at Campus helps you develop the beauty and cosmetology skills you need for a rewarding career. Classes are small, and the one-on-one attention you receive from your instructors will help you succeed at hair styling, mail care, skin care and more.
To learn more about training for a career in cosmetology, contact Paul Mitchell the School at Campus.