Best Nail Trends to Try in 2024

As a nail expert and practicing manicurist, I'm thrilled to share with you my selection of the leading nail trends for 2024 - the Green Tiger Year. I'm eager to reveal to you the special traits of each style, along with some tips and tricks that will help you look stylish and trendy.

Best Nail Design - From Classics to Extravagance

Nail design this year involves complete freedom of expression. Decorating your nails under a season has long been a sign of good taste. Choosing one color scheme for autumn and another one – for winter will never let you down. You may safely decorate your nails in a cold (and even black) color range in winter months and warmer shades in spring. 

In any case, this year's trendy nails have no strict rules, and you are free not to stick to any particular trend at all! Despite the many new and outlandish ideas, it's good to know that much of what was in fashion last year will be acceptable this year. 

Meet the experts:

• Julie Kandalec, a renowned nail professional and creative director of Paintbox.
• Jenny Bui, a Bronx-based nail artist with over 21 years of experience,  famed as the "Queen of Bling" for her extravagant designs. Operates two salons in NYC.
• Vitalika Merena, highly skilled nail artist based in Charlotte, USA with an impressive 19 years of experience in the industry.
• Natalie Minerva, celebrated nail artist and OPI Global Ambassador, based in LA. 
• Sharon Ruiz, a private licensed nail technician and artist, renowned for her expertise in high-end dry manicures and structured gel applications. 

What still retains its positions?

• French manicure, the classic and advanced types
• Ombre nail designs (baby-boomer, neon, and many others)
• Nude nails (both matte and glossy) 
• Rainbow or skittle style (color blocking, chevrons, etc.)

Let’s have a look at the best trendy nail ideas. We hope that our selection will inspire you to try your hand at a couple of new styles and you’ll want to apply some of our tips for better results. And share these ideas with your nail artist!

#1. Animal-Print Design

We start with animal prints which are still one of the most popular directions of present-day nail art. The animal theme has recently been widened by this subtle twist cited as the tortoise nails. This winter season keeps on welcoming the mode: look at this dark palate version on a picture below with small inclusions of golden glitter! This is one of the chickiest 2024 nail options for short nails. 

#2. Skittle or Rainbow Nails 

The best part of the yeat trend is that it has zero limits and rules.  Wearing a lot of different colors of nail polish on different nails is not a poor taste anymore! There are plenty of other ways to embrace the skittle trend: some fashion-mongers are keen on sharp contrasts, while others are eager to smooth out the abrupt set-offs with a matte finish.  

Read next: 30 Elegant Lace Nail Ideas 

#3. Nail Piercing – for Eccentric’ Lovers

Nail piercing has been introduced years ago and wasn’t been able to conquer many followers at the time. But these days the trend celebrates its second birth! The South-Korean nail studio Unistall went even further: from the usual attachment of rings it has advanced to fixturing of pendants and other little thingies. Isn’t that lovely?

#4. Thumb Nail Accent

This trend seems to win the hearts of many fashionistas, regardless of their age and occupation. Painting, glitter, slider or metallic decoration – anything you can imagine - will look perky, spicy, and trendy on your thumb. There is no matter how many colors you will choose for it as far as you remember that the main rule for this year is freedom and personal authenticity! 

#5. Blue Designs and Combinations

Have you known that the blue nail polish will remain popular in 2024? It's not over yet, and there are still plenty of occasions for showing off your new royal blue nails with glossy or matte topcoat.

#6. Chic Foil Nails

Foil is a really unique material: it is used for many purposes in a multitude of areas. In the field of beauty, the foil has found its uses not only in hairdressing but in a nail design too. It is essential in a nude and geometric manicure, and it goes well with sliders and stones. Give a try to golden chrome foil, which perfectly fits into a winter-and-spring manicure.

#7. Nail Art with Inscriptions 

If you wish to express yourself better, dress up your nails with inscriptions! This is a great way to hint at what you are and how you feel about different things. This can be anything: a slogan, self-congratulation, your dog’s name, and even swearing. Manufacturers produce sliders with various collections of nail inscriptions, and they are now in great demand. Do not faff if you really want to try them!

#8. Amber Manicure

Femme and pretty, this amber nail look is one more cool alternative to a classical mani. Though it was at its peak the last autumn, it’s going to strengthen its positions this summer or even in spring. The warm color scheme will be a perfect fit for a spring-and-summer image. And a touch of golden glitter that frames each nail will add a more accomplished look.

#9. Jelly Nails

This design is the next awesome option offered this year. Jelly nails can be either clear or colored, but never dull! Added extensions covered by a translucent gel were presented about two years ago, and since then the trend keeps on winning more and more devout followers.