The Hottest Nail Trends of 2024: Styles, Colors, and Must-Try Manicures

Discover 2024’s must-try nail trends: shapes, shades, art, and pro tips for your best nails ever.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 29, 2025

Discover 2024’s must-try nail trends: shapes, shades, art, and pro tips for your best nails ever.

Nail art continues to dominate fashion and beauty conversations in 2024. This year brings an exciting mix of playful nostalgia, chic minimalism, and inventive artistry. From subtle luxury finishes to maximalist creativity, discover the boldest and most buzzworthy nail trends that set the tone for manicures everywhere. Whether you’re a classic minimalist or a maximalist art lover, this comprehensive guide will keep your nails ahead of the curve all year long.

2024’s Most-Coveted Nail Shapes

Nail shape lays the foundation for every stylish mani, and preferences in 2024 are all about flattering, personalizable silhouettes:

Square Nails: The legendary square nail is making a fierce comeback, loved for its clean edges and effortless chic. Both short square and elongated square versions are trending, proving the shape works for nearly every nail length and aesthetic. Its versatile profile pairs well with virtually any nail color or design.
Almond Nails: Almond shapes win major praise for their elongating effect and strength, making nails appear longer and more feminine. Many pros recommend almond for medium to long natural nails, highlighting that intricate nail art (like gems or French tips) looks especially beautiful on this silhouette.
Short Natural Nails: The health-focused beauty movement keeps short, natural nails in circulation, often finished with a gentle square or soft round edge. This style exudes approachable elegance and complements both bare nails and subtle polish shades.

Pastels, Neutrals & Bold Colors: The Shades Dominating 2024

This year’s top colors blend gentle nostalgia and statement-making vibrancy. Here are the most in-demand shades:

Peach Fuzz: Named Pantone’s Color of the Year, this soft, warm peach dominates nail trends. Try solid peach, mix it into French designs, or use it as a base for minimalist art.
Green Everything: From sage to pistachio, green is everywhere this year. It’s both calming and bold, offering fresh takes for monochrome and gradient looks alike.
Tiffany Blues & Cool Aquas: Y2K nostalgia brings back robin’s egg and Tiffany blue (think: chic, summery, and perfect for both simple or dramatic manis).
Coffee and Mocha Browns: For those craving warmth, rich browns, and nudes evoke a sophisticated, latte-inspired polish story.
Velvet and Jewel Tones: Opulence arrives via deep iridescent greens, navy blues, amethysts, and ruby reds, all brought to life with magnetic and metallic formulas.

Minimalist Manicures: Less Is Luxe

Simple polish and pared-down art reflect a broader style movement toward clean, healthy beauty. Minimalist nails flaunt:

Subtle French Tips: Baby-French or ultra-thin tips, often done with neutral or blush bases for a barely-there accent.
Glazed & Sheer Finishes: Building on last year’s glazed donut trend, 2024’s version is ultralight, glossy, and sometimes has a touch of shimmer for nails that look naturally luminous.
Single Gem Accents: Highly influenced by K-beauty, a delicate gem or pearl placed near the cuticle or on the tip offers understated dimension without overwhelming the nail.
Negative Space Designs: Chic cut-outs, geometric shapes, or artistic slashes of clear nail peeking through polished nails signal a love for simplicity and creativity.

Maximalism Returns: Embellished and Artistic Nails

For those who want more from their manicure, 2024 offers layers of artful creativity:

3D Nail Art: Raised designs, sculpted bows, pearls, and textured accents elevate your manicure into wearable art—especially for special occasions or editorial looks.
Coquettecore Aesthetic: Invoking flirty, vintage femininity, this trend uses pastel tones, ribbon motifs, mini bows, and soft polka dots for gentle, charming energy.
Rhinestones & Pearls: Instead of covering the nail, opt for a small rhinestone or pearl on each finger to channel elegance with restraint. Nail artists favor placing a single embellishment near the base or tip for maximum impact without excess.
Y2K Nostalgia: Think playful butterflies, colorful tips, chrome, and throwback neons—these designs riff on early-2000s motifs with a modern, stylish twist.
Glitter & Velvet Magnetic Polishes: Velvet nails remain a cult favorite, featuring a shimmery, changing effect. These are often achieved with special magnetic gels, producing mesmerizing depth and luster under different lights.

Textures & Finishes: Velvet, Chrome, and Glass Effects

Beyond color and design, the finish of your manicure sets the entire mood. The most requested surfaces include:

Velvet Nails: Magnetic gels create a plush, velvety illusion—especially in jewel tones, resulting in a soft, multidimensional look.
Chrome Nails: Chrome’s “liquid metal” mirror shine is still trending strong—either as a full manicure or as French tips and graphic accents. For 2024, chrome is often seen in softer, pastel hues beyond classic silver or gold.
Glass Nails: This “ultra-glossy” trend mimics a glassy sheen, making the polish look as if it’s encased in a clear layer. The result is a hyper-shiny, modern effect that spotlights both transparent and colored shades.

Top Nail Art Techniques and Microtrends

Baby French: Miniaturized French tips in pastel, metallic, or muted hues are understated yet fashionable.
Checkerboard Tips: A modern update to French, tiny checks or patterns at the tip play with color while keeping the base clean.
Color Blocking: Combine unexpected hues in bold blocks for graphic, eye-catching impact.
Gradient & Ombre Nails: Soft gradient fades, especially in sunrise or sunset colors, are highly requested for both minimalists and maximalists.
Nail Stickers & Press-Ons: These quick upgrades range from abstract art to intricate florals and holographic illusions—perfect for at-home glam.

How To Get the Top Nail Trends at Home

You don’t need a celebrity manicurist to channel the year’s boldest looks. To master 2024’s must-try styles from home, consider these tips:

Invest in Nail Health: Apply a hydrating base coat and keep cuticles groomed; healthy nails are essential for every on-trend finish.
Choose the Right Tools: Use a quality glass file for shaping, thin nail art brushes, and dotting tools for precise designs.
Try Magnetic and Chrome Polishes: These specialty colors often come with application tools (magnets or sponge applicators) for achieving that plush, iridescent look.
Embrace Press-Ons: Pre-designed press-on nails are now ultra-realistic and come in every 2024 shape, shade, and art trend—perfect for quick, flawless style switches.

Celebrity Influence: The Manicurists Behind the Trends

Top nail artists continue to set benchmarks for what’s in style. Icons like Zola Ganzorigt (originator of the glazed donut nail), Natalie Minerva (nail lead for HBO’s Euphoria), and Iram Shelton (celebrity luxury manicurist) regularly share their takes on shapes, shades, and must-have looks, inspiring millions across platforms.

Watch for frequent updates from these pros for instant insight into what’s next, and don’t be afraid to bring their iconic inspiration to your next salon appointment.

Table: 2024’s Top Nail Shapes vs. Signature Looks

Nail Shape	Best For	Signature Trend
Square	Short/Medium Lengths	Minimal French, Solid Colors
Almond	Medium/Long	Intricate Art, Embellishments
Short Natural	All Lengths	Peach & Pastel Shades, Simple Sheers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular nail shape in 2024?

Square and almond shapes dominate 2024, with square for short nails and almond for medium or long lengths. Both are praised for their versatility and flattering effect.

Which color is trending the most for nails this year?

Peach Fuzz, Pantone’s Color of the Year, leads the trend, followed closely by eco-inspired greens and Tiffany-blue hues. Classic nudes and jewel tones also remain strong choices.

How can I make my nails look trendy but still work-friendly?

Choose minimal art like thin French tips, single-gem accents, or soft glazed finishes. Neutral or pastel tones provide subtle style without being too bold for professional environments.

Are nail stickers or press-ons still fashionable in 2024?

Yes, press-ons and stickers have become a mainstay, offered in every major trend—ideal for switching styles without commitment or salon visits.

How should I care for my nails to maintain these looks?

Maintain regular moisture (especially for cuticles), always use a base coat to protect from staining, and gently file to desired shape every 1–2 weeks. A nourishing oil can boost shine and nail health between manicures.

Pro Tips for Keeping Your Manicure Flawless

Apply thin layers of polish to avoid chipping and bubbling.
Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next layer or any top coat.
For 3D or embellished designs, use a durable gel top coat to lock in art and prevent lifting.
Touch up chips immediately with a matching color, sealing with top coat for long-lasting wear.

Nail art in 2024 is about mixing fun and function, timelessness and play. Whether you opt for a single accent gem, a plush velvet finish, or a dramatic coquettecore manicure, the possibilities for personal expression are truly endless this year.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb