2024 Nail Trends According to Experts (2024)

The creativity in the nail art community never disappoints, and each year brings new trends the beauty girlies can’t get enough of. Through Instagram and TikTok, the trend cycle is moving faster than ever, serving us a wide variety of nail art niches to choose from. With influences from the past, present, and future—whether it’s celebrity-inspired or a style spin-off from a hit TV show (shoutout to Succession for our quiet luxury era), the nail trends of 2024 feel like a breath of fresh air. They are a bit more simplified than eras past, but with jazzy details like 3D bows or a chrome finish adding an element of artistic detail.

We consulted various nail experts, from celebrity technicians to brand developers, to present our top eight nail trends in 2024. Whether you’re a modern minimalist or someone who loves a statement, there’s surely a relevant nail trend to fit your aesthetic. Read on to see what the experts are predicting and shop some fun products to achieve the most popular nail styles of 2024.

Y2K Nails

It’s no surprise that Y2K-style nails will continue to trend throughout 2024. Trickling over from the 2000s resurgence of fashion, it was only a matter of time until the beauty world hopped on board. Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood and founder of Mazz Hanna, says, “Y2K-inspired fashion will stay on trend in 2024 thanks to Gen Z bringing it back. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed the emergence of Y2K nail art, and I foresee this trend extending well into the latter part of 2024. Y2K-inspired nail art tends to feature glittery and metallic textures with bold embellishments and 3D details.” From glittery metallics and jelly textures, this bright and bold trend is a playful and nostalgic statement.

Understated Elegance

“A return to the simple classics is on the horizon. With the quiet luxury trend following Sofia Richie, we’ll be seeing more French ombrés, simple nudes, and clean manicures in 2024,” Eunice Park, the Research and Development Manager at Aprés Nail, explains. This wear-with-anything style is a clean and seasonless classic turned modern when you play with contrasting nudes. Following suit, “the trend of short, clean square nails with gently rounded edges exudes this timeless elegance. Squoval nails with a sheer pink, red, or black polish are perfect for this trend,” Mazz adds.

Coquette Nails

Nail Artist at Vanity Projects in NYC, Collette Gallant, predicts, “bows to be a huge nail trend in 2024, especially in 3D and chrome styles.” If you’ve been on the internet through the end of 2023, you’ve seen outfits and accessories adorned with bows and pearls. As seen all over the fashion world, the coquette trend has entered the beauty world. It’s all in the details through 3D nail art and pearly additions to feminine colors like pinks and reds. “Coquette style has been trending these past few months with a huge focus on accessorizing with overly feminine accessories like delicate bows. People will take this trend up a notch in 2024 by adding bow nail art and charms to their nails to match. It’s super cute, playful, and feminine,” Mazz adds.

Aura Nails

Aura nails went viral on TikTok in 2023, and beauty enthusiasts are adopting new ways to achieve this galactic look. Inspired by energy fields in gradient designs, the color choices are meant to reflect your mood. From actual mood changing polishes, to topical nail stickers, and a variety of colors per finger, the possibilities are vast as Aura nails enter 2024.

Floating French

French manicures have always been considered a classic in the world of nails. Instead of the traditional top stripe, try mixing it up with a vertical floating line. It’s still minimal and classic with a modern twist. The Staud spring/summer 2024 show at New York Fashion Week showcased the floating French trend on models, which turned into a popular off-duty style to flaunt.

Chrome Effect

Los Angeles-based Celebrity Nail Artist, Queenie Nguyen predicts, “ombré nails with a white chrome topping” to be on trend for 2024. “The chrome finish will add a unique touch to the classic ombré nails,” she adds. What’s exciting about a chrome finish is that it can be added as a top coat or topping powder to any nail color. Alternatively, chrome as a color will be on trend. The entire package is futuristic and shiny for a luxe appeal.

Press Ons and DIY Manicures

Mazz says, “A growing number of individuals are choosing to DIY their nail care routine at home. Press-ons are an incredible option for those looking to save some money while keeping their nail routine simple.” Every major nail care brand now has press-on options. It’s a quicker and more affordable way to new lengths and intricate designs.

Meet the Experts

Eunice Park is the Research and Development Manager at Aprés Nail, a popular nail brand that created Gel-X®, the world’s first soft gel nail extension technology.

Collette Gallant is an in-demand nail artist at Vanity Projects in New York City.

Mazz Hanna is the CEO of Nailing Hollywood, a boutique agency offering clients and Nail Stylists concierge-level services. She is also the founder of beauty brand, Mazz Hanna.

Queenie Nguyen is an in-demand Los Angeles-based Celebrity Nail Artist.