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Looking for a simple way to boost your mood or manifest your future? Your next manicure just might do the trick—especially since 2024’s trending nail designs are so cool that it’s pretty much impossible not to be inspired.
As for what’s predicted to take over? According to Michelle Nguyen, nail expert and founder and CEO of PLA Nails, the sleek, minimal styles we loved this past year aren’t going anywhere. “It seems like quiet luxury is here to stay for a bit,”
she tells Glamour. “Many people are now embracing a sleek, minimalistic look for their nails, and we’re seeing a lot of sheers and pigmented skin tone and nude shades trending for 2024.”
This should come as no surprise, especially after a year filled with bright pink Barbie-inspired nail designs. Our nails—and eyes—need a breather.
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- Instagram/@kimkimnails1/80
Groovy French
Nguyen points to French manis with sheer base juxtaposed by a bold, vivid tip as a look to watch out for, just like this groovy design that was created for Dua Lipa.
- Instagram/@katiesnails_2/80
Oat Milk Latte
Latte nails, but make them muted and textured. This quiet-luxury-coded color scheme and 3D nail art are going to be everywhere in 2024.
- Instagram/@eclectic.bysara3/80
Muted Mocha
For a quieter take on the aforementioned trend, opt for mocha swirls atop a natural base.
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Textured Ombré
Arnold anticipates an uptick in earth tones mixed with optimistic and bright finishes that “evoke a futuristic feel,” much like this trendy textured ombré style.
- Instagram/@basecoatstories5/80
Mod Monochrome
Nguyen points to abstract designs and patterns, like swirl designs and unconventional French tips, as trends to watch for the new year. We love this monochrome take on the look.
- Instagram/@ketllennailsoficial6/80
Short & Sweet
“We’re seeing a lot of sheers and pigmented skin-tone and nude shades trending for 2024,” says Nguyen. “For natural, neutral colors, we always recommend the What’s Cookin’ Good Lookin’ and Fashionably Light Collections.”
- Instagram/@get.nailed.by.brie, @mysticmisfits_of_idahofalls7/80
Psychedelic Vibes
Arnold also believes we’ll see lots of spiritual, virtual, and trippy (and therefore supercool) with psychedelic vibes, like this sweet style.
- Instagram/@lefevrediary8/80
Pearly White
Selena Gomez brought back white nail polish for 2024, which is perfect timing: It’s the ultimate stealth-wealth shade. To get the look, try Chanel Le Vernis nail polish in Insomniaque.
- Instagram/@buttercup.by.haru9/80
Matcha Moment
Lattes aren’t the only beverage taking over nail trends. Anticipate more mint green, matcha-inspired manis in 2024.
- Instagram/@meganrnails10/80
Kaleidoscopic Pastels
Arnold predicts an uptick in trippy designs in bright, warm, and cream palettes, like these kaleidoscopic pastels. DIY and make it your own with ILNP’s Poolside Collection.
- Instagram/@thehotblend11/80
Vanilla Chrome
If plain white is a bit too basic for your taste, top it off with a chrome finish for an ultraluxurious look.
- Instagram/@evemeetsnails12/80
Pops of Pigment
Kaleidoscopic pinks can always be taken down a notch. Sport some pops of psychedelic pigment atop a nude base instead.
- Instagram/@maricumx13/80
Mal de Ojo
This low-key look proves that short nails combined with minimal art can still make a serious statement (and possibly even protect you from the evil eye).
- Instagram/@ketllennailsoficial14/80
Walnut Brown
Natural neutrals are also making a comeback, and we’re not mad about it in the slightest. Get the look with CND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish in Arrowhead.
- Instagram/@akikonails_nyc•, @artsofdeniz15/80
Pattern Party
As Nguyen says, we’ll be seeing lots more abstract designs and patterns, such as these bold, bright swirl designs, in 2024.
- Instagram/@beautyspace_charlotte16/80
Sunset Swatches
As well as vivid shades and shapes atop a nude base.
- Instagram/@jark.nails17/80
Minimalist Chic
But of course, short nails and natural colors are undeniably superchic and are, quite frankly, seriously slept on.
- Instagram/@nailsbykatiedutra18/80
Forest Green
Prepare to see a lot earthy green manis in the new year. Think forest and emerald shades, like CND’s Aura.
- Instagram/@ilarianailslove_ostia19/80
Vivid Tips
We’ll still see plenty of Barbie pink and pastels in 2024, however, especially when it comes to all those bright French tips Nguyen predicts.
- Instagram/@artnailnyc20/80
Edgy French
The French manis of 2024 will come in neutral shades, too, as seen in this look that is peak “quiet luxury meets edgy French.”
- Instagram/@hollidaygels21/80
Color Contrast
Arnold points to creams and jelly colors as a combination to watch out for in the year ahead. “They will be mixed and showcase extremely well on longer-length nails,” she says.
- Instagram/@thehotblend22/80
Embellished Blue
Arnold points to “extravagant details like over-scale embellishments” as a top 2024 nail trend, and this regal manicure checks all of those boxes and more.
- Instagram/@jodiesbeaute23/80
Blended Contrast
Another way to wear the jelly-on-cream trend? Blend the colors together for an ombré look.
- Instagram/@j3nnailedit25/80
3D Snakeskin
Snakeskin is another one of those extravagant details Arnold mentioned, proving quiet luxury luxury doesn’t have to be so quiet.
- Instagram/@charsgelnails_26/80
Fancy & Festive
“Rich and luxurious colors will be a perfect design for a festive night out,” says Arnold, and this red-and-white structured style is proof of that.
- Instagram/@j3nnailedit27/80
3D Neon
The 2024 nail trends don’t have to be quiet, no matter what people may say. This loud, lime green 3D bubble nail art is begging to be copied.
- Instagram @imarninails28/80
Glazed Heart Tips
Embrace your sweet side with pearly pink heart tips. To create this look, nail artist Imarni used The GetBottle Inc’s Glazed Top Coat.
- Instagram @nailsbyzola29/80
Snake Print
Snake print nails are edgy, unexpected, and surprisingly neutral. Nail artist Zola Ganzorigt created this slithery set for Jenna Dewan using foil.
- Instagram @amyle.nails30/80
Reverse French
Not sure if you want tips or reverse half moons? This split nail design gives you the best of both worlds. A white base with black art creates the most striking contrast.
- Instagram @tombachik31/80
Golden Glazed Fire
Selena Gomez completed her red-hot VMAs look with an equally spicy manicure. Dubbed a “golden glazed fire mani” by nail artist Tom Bachik, this fiery look is a fall-friendly take on summer mani trends like glazed donut and mirror chrome nails.
- Instagram @aliciatnails32/80
Dual Tones
These fun two-toned swoops in burgundy and light purple are contrast perfection.
- Instagram/@lexi_nails_spa33/80
Aura Nails
Kind of like a mood ring, but instead of changing colors, you can pick the color you want your aura to be. FYI, pink symbolizes an open heart chakra.
- Instagram/@nailsbymei34/80
Nail Freckles
Nail artist Mei Kawajiri created this unique, yet crazy-easy-to-replicate minimalist look and called it “nail beauty mark.” We’re obsessed. A nail marker like the one from Nails Inc. makes the dot design a breeze.
- Instagram/@amyle.nails35/80
Glitter Bomb
When it comes to glitter, there’s no such thing as too much. Use a multicolor polish like Party in a Bottle from Ella + Mila to create extra dimension.
- Instagram/@labeautybarioannina36/80
Mermaid Vibes
This Ariel-approved mani is right on trend with the under-the-sea looks we’ve been seeing on recent red carpets. If you’re DIY’ing, try a nontoxic nail polish like one from Zoya’s daydreaming collection that’s filled with micro-shimmer-infused shades.
- Instagram/@kimkimnails37/80
Cheery Cherries
There’s something so nostalgic and ’90s about this cherry and French combo.
- Instagram/@evemeetsnails38/80
Velvet Tips
Velvet nails took Instagram by storm for the holidays, but the festivities aren’t over yet. Tone down the mesmerizing style (seriously, you have to see them in motion) by keeping the glitz to the tips.
- Instagram/@laurenladnier39/80
Checkerboard Nails
Colorful checkerboard is having a moment in fashion—I can’t scroll through Insta without seeing the print—so it makes sense it’s now migrated to nails. Keeping it just on your tips ups the quirky factor even more.
- Instagram/@willwork4glitter40/80
French Manicure
Yes, the French mani is sticking around, and there are a ton of different ways to wear it. Check out our guide to the best French manicure ideas for even more inspo.
- Instagram/@overglowedit41/80
Mismatched Hands
For a unique nail idea, try different color nails on each hand. Make it even cooler with very of-the-moment shades like lilac and moss green. Try Essie Expressie in Get a Mauve On and Precious Car-Go! for a similar vibe.
- Instagram/@overglowedit42/80
Pastel Swirls
Just looking at this metallic, pastel, ombré situation makes you feel calmer. The best part is they’re actually nail wraps, so it’s super easy to get the same look at home.
- Instagram/@stephstonenails43/80
Black-and-White Flowers
White-and-black nail designs are so graphic and cool, especially when paired with something traditionally feminine like flowers.
- Instagram/@betina_goldstein44/80
Soft Skittles
The Skittles mani, a.k.a. rainbow nails with a different shade on each nail, was one of the biggest trends of the past three years. Update it for this year with a more neutral, muted color palette.
- Instagram/@nailsbycanishiea47/80
Cool Emerald
Jewel tones will always look chic no matter your nail length. Deep green is one of our favorite trending nail colors right now. Elevate the look by adding another metal element, like gold glitter.
- Instragram/@evemeetsnails48/80
Mismatched Art
Art that’s a little different on every nail is way easier if you’re going to attempt it yourself. Bonus: You get to play with tons of colors.
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- Instagram/@_by_shelley49/80
Golden Swirls
This luxe nail art looks way more difficult than it is to DIY. All you need is a tiny detail brush, a metallic gold polish, and a crisp, bright white.
- Instagram/@lemanoir50/80
’90s Butterflies
The only thing cuter than these butterfly decals? Pairing them with a throwback French mani, of course.
- Instagram/@betina_goldstein51/80
Holographic Manicure
There’s nothing better than an eye-catching mani that takes no effort to do. Enter holographic nail polish, which does all the work for you. ILNP’s Mega is one of our favorites for a super-shiny look.
- Instagram/@lemanoir52/80
Sunflowers
Channel summer all year round with some cheerful sunflowers—they’re easy enough to DIY with a toothpick and a solid yellow polish (try Essie Atelier at the Bay).
- Instagram/@nailsbymh53/80
Smiley-Face Nails
It seems the internet is seeking out joy wherever possible, because smiley face nail design ideas are everywhere we look. They’ve been spotted on everyone from Dua Lipa to Harry Styles—and just about every nail blogger on Insta.
- Instagram/@nailsbymei55/80
Foil French
What do you get when you combine some of the coolest nail looks this year? This insane green foil French situation.
- Instagram / @xjuliatalisman56/80
Bright Stripes
How do you take rainbow nails up a notch? Add even more color, of course.
- Instagram/@paintbox57/80
Pretty Purples
The way the graphic shapes are contrasted by the softness of the purple is, in a word, genius. For the exact shades, use Paintbox’s Power Couples in Like Lilac + Like Muse.
- Instagram/@stephstonenails58/80
Pink Ombré
Can’t decide on a single shade? Put your polish collection to work by using a different tone of one color on each nail (or just mix your base shade with varying levels of white for the same effect).
- Instagram/@fleuryrosenails59/80
Cow Print
Make a celebrity fave even cooler with a peachy background instead of white.
- Instagram/@nailsbymh60/80
Pastel Tips
Look at that—yet another variation on French tips. A rainbow of pastel shades makes the style feel modern and retro at the same time.
- Instagram/@paintbucketnails61/80
Graphic Sparkle
Even the most glitter-averse people can find some joy in this “sparkle” art.
- Instagram/@danaboulos62/80
Negative-Space Hearts
Poppy red and negative space make hearts cool, not cutesy. To DIY, just paint over a heart-shaped sticker, let dry, and peel it off. (Be sure to check out our Valentine’s Day nails for more heart nail ideas).
- Instagram/@nataliepavloskinails63/80
Mix-and-Match Stripes
Half-and-half stripes add even more punch to a rainbow-bright manicure.
- Instagram/@thenailphilosophy64/80
Oreo Squiggles
So cute, no? A graphic squiggle is always fun, and doing them in black-and-white makes for a mod vibe.
- @betina_goldstein / Instagram65/80
Slime Green
Our Nickelodeon days might be over, but our love for slime lives on. Copy nail artist Betina Goldstein and use two coats of Essie Nail Polish in Blanc and one coat of Stencil Me In to really make the green pop.
- Instagram/@overglowedit66/80
Blingy Blooms
Make a classic daisy even cuter by adding some gemstones in the center. If you have longer nails, add even more sparkle by adding a sprinkle of stones in any blank spaces.
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- Instagram/@themaniclub67/80
Silver Glitter
When you want something a little more than your basic mani but don’t want to head to the salon, a high-coverage glitter is your best bet. For a similar shade, try Olive & June in Exclamation Point.
- Instagram/@nataliepavloskinails68/80
Realistic Flowers
Once you discover the rabbit hole that is Etsy nail decals, a whole new world opens up. These photorealistic roses could win over the most plant-averse person.
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- Instagram/@betina_goldstein69/80
Baby French
Ramp up a French manicure with two shades of pink. The thin lines look so cute on shorter nails, but thicker tips would make for a cute acrylic nail design.
- Instagram/@oliveandjune70/80
Shiny Stars
Forgo nail polish entirely and cover your nails in pretty stickers for a high-impact, low-effort mani.
- Instagram/@oliveandjune71/80
Moody Half Moons
In a word: chic. A negative-space mani like this one is great for longevity because the growth looks intentional instead of due for a nail appointment.
- Instagram/@lolo.nailedit
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