Take the hottest nail trends from 2025 and figure out how to recreate them right at home?
Nail polish has become an art form in itself. An art form that often pushes the very bounds of innovation and artistry. And is such an integral part of our signature look.
Because remember what we said about our nail polish revealing our entire personality with one glance?
Or how we can use our nails to tell a story about our own selves?
Or even how nail polish is now used an integral tool in manifestation practices?
However, not all of us have the time or the patience to sit for hours in a salon, literally waiting to see our nail paint dry.
So, from bold and bright to subtle and elegant, here are the hottest nail polish trends of 2024.
And how to bring them to life right at home.
Sans the fancy tools or basically learning how to be double jointed.
The micro-French manicure
The classic French nails were the signature look of the early 2000s and now the classic design is back — but with a cool new twist.
The micro-French manicure (also known as the skinny French mani) has a thin line of color on the very tip of the nail rather than the traditional white.
This modern and trendy twist on the classic nail art trend is a subtle way to add a pop of color to your nails while keeping it sophisticated and elegant.
This line can be any color, from bold and bright to subtle and muted.
Try a metallic gold or silver tip for a glamorous look, a line of glitter or gold foil for simple nails with a twist, a different pastel on every nail for some understated fun, or a bold red for a statement look.
Whatever the nail colors, the key to achieving the micro-French manicure look is to keep the tip thin and delicate, hence the name “micro”.
Don’t go too thick with the colored line or it will look like a regular French manicure.
And there are several easy ways to achieve these fashion nails, all of which start by applying a nude or light pink nail polish as a base. Let it dry completely.
After this you can go in one of the following directions:
- Take a striping brush (or a very thin brush) and dip it into the colored nail polish. Carefully paint a thin line on the very tip of your nails. Repeat this process for all your nails.
- Dab your ‘polish on a silicone manicure sponge, then push the push the tip of your nail into it to get the ultra-thin line; clean away any spillover with a nail polish remover pen.
- For the easiest way to get the French micro tip, simply opt for a nail sticker on your tips. (Top pick: Le Mini Macaron Mini Nail Stickers)
Finally, seal with a clear coat and you are all set!
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Lip gloss nails
Lip gloss nail, a term coined by celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, is all about recreating the high shine and glossy finish of your favorite lip gloss on your nails. And yes, this is Hailey Bieber’s ultra-shiny manicure that’s left nail lovers abuzz!
This effect is created by applying a high-shine topcoat over your chosen nail polish (it can be any color!).
And this is one of the simplest nail trends: First, paint your nails with your chosen nail polish. Allow it to dry completely.
Once dry, apply the high-shine topcoat over your nails to create the extra dimension. Let the topcoat dry completely, and your lip gloss nails are ready!
The key lies in choosing the right topcoat: Because not all topcoats are created equal. You need a high-shine topcoat that is specifically designed to give your nails a glossy finish.
Best options: OPI Brilliant Top Coat, NAILS INC. NailPure Top Coat
And for the sheer base shades: OPI’s Bubble Bath, Sally Hansen Sheer Colour Therapy in Rose Quartz, Cirque Color’s Rose Jelly, Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle
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Glazed donut nails
Chalk another one up for Hailey Bieber’s mastery of nail polish trends: Her glazed donut nails have been everywhere since the past few months, and we predict 2023 will be no different.
Inspired by everyone’s favorite breakfast treat, these nails typically feature a glossy finish and a sugary-sweet appearance that will leave you craving a trip to the donut shop.
This nail trend typically features a light beige or nude-colored base with a shiny, translucent layer on top, giving the nails a glazed appearance.
However, we are also seeing constantly fresh spins on the trend, like the pink gazed nail.
The key here is your topcoat — look for a one with a pearlescent finish to give your nails that signature glazed donut appearance.
Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, who was behind the OG look on Hailey B at the Met Gala, recommends using a base layer of OPI Gel Color in Funny Bunny polish topped with the OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can for the Krispy Kreme effect.
If you would rather skip the powder, she recommends using OPI’s Nail Lacquer in Kyoto Pearl, which gives a similar look with just nail polish.
Other options for the base coat? Olive & June’s Nail Polish in BEB, Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish in Sheer Fantasy, or Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Fleur-T.
Going for the pink glazed donut nail? Choose between Essie’s Ballet Slippers and OPI Gel Color in Pale To The Chief.
As for the pearlescent top coat, you can’t go wrong with Essie Expressie FX Nail Polish in Iced Out (my personal favorite for its frosty iridescent finish or Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Color in Fluer-t.
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Velvet nails
Velvet nails mimic the fabric’s fuzzy, three-dimensional texture with an added dash of sparkle for lovers of bold designs.
And the coolest way to create this nail art trend?
With special nail polishes that contain metal shavings, which move around in different direction when exposed to a magnet.
The final result adds texture and dimension to create an optical illusion, making your nails look like they have been covered in luscious velvet.
As for the nail polishes, you can’t go wrong with Nails Inc. Magnetic Effect Nail Polish or ILNP Magnetic nail polishes and a magnetic wand.
Seal with a glossy top coat on top of the velvet for an extra touch of dazzle.
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Chrome nails
Chrome nails — with their metallic, mirror-like finish — are one of the hottest nail trends that has been making waves in the beauty industry.
And they come in a variety of finishes:
- Solid Chrome: This is the classic chrome look, with a sleek, solid mirror-like finish. This chrome-topped opaque design works great on any nail shape or length.
- Multi-Chrome: Multi-chrome nails feature a blend of different metallic colors that reflect a rainbow of hues. It looks best on shorter nails.
- Holographic Chrome: Holographic chrome nails have a similar reflective finish to solid chrome, but with a shimmering rainbow effect that dances in the light.
- Subtle chrome: Chrome doesn’t automatically mean bling. Try a milky chrome for a glazed, glossy finish for a great way to channel this shade’s grown-up evolution.
Chrome nails are created by applying a special type of powder onto the nails — new technology that makes for a truly modern design. The powder or pigment is then buffed into the nail to create a smooth, reflective surface.
To achieve the look:
- Paint your nails with a black or dark colored nail polish, letting it dry completely.
- Apply the chrome powder or pigment using a sponge applicator, gently buffing it onto the nail until it has a mirror-like finish.
- Use a small brush to clean up any excess powder or pigment around the nail.
- Finish off the look with a top coat to add some extra shine and help your manicure last longer.
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Dual finish nails
Why choose between matte and glossy nail trends when you can have both?
Dual finish nails feature two different textures on the same nail. This fun nail art effect is created by applying a matte topcoat on some parts of the nail and a glossy topcoat on other parts.
There are different types of the dual finish nail design that you can experiment with:
- Half and half: This is the classic dual finish look, with the bottom half of the nail in a glossy finish and the other side in a matte finish. Or the other way ’round.
- French tips: Keep the base matte and the tips glossy; or vice versa.
- Gradient: Gradient dual finish nails feature a smooth transition from a glossy finish to a matte finish or vice versa.
- Geometric: Geometric dual finish nails feature sharp lines and contrasting textures to create a bold, modern look.
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Micro nail art
Keeping in the spirit of everything micro- this year, comes the micro nail art trend — which involves creating intricate designs on nails, using very small details.
Salon pros can spend hours perfecting this look, using your nail as a miniature canvas for the most detailed artwork done with special nail art tools like fine-tipped brushes and dotting wands (and a very skilled hand).
You can, however, be a part of this most super-precise of all nail trends right at home in a fraction of the time with press-on nails or stickers.
Look for designs that speak to your inner artist. With every major nail brand, right from Olive & June to Gucci and Static Nails, delving into this trend, you have enough options to choose from… talk about low-maintenance styles!
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Floral nails
“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” (Miranda Priestly, the doyen of fashion)
However, florals are not just for spring in 2023. You will really be seeing them around all year, which is not surprising since they are such a fun way to add some color and creativity to your nails.
Plus, the possibilities are endless. Think:
- Floral French tip: This is a simple design that combines the timeless elegance of a French tip with the beauty of a floral design. The flowers can be painted on the tip or on the base of the nail.
- Watercolor floral: This design features a soft, dreamy watercolor effect that gives the flowers a more subtle, delicate look.
- 3D florals: This version of the floral nail art trend uses subtle additions such as small plastic flowers or other embellishments to create a three-dimensional effect on the nails.
- Floral ombré: This combines the popular ombre trend with beautiful floral designs. The colors can blend into one another, or the flowers can be painted on the ombré gradient.
And all these floral nail trends are super-easy to create with an all-over nail wrap or a few little flower stickers on each nail!
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Mermaidcore nails
The Little Mermaid hit theaters in May 2024, which means a whole slew of pop culture enthusiasts in the beauty world jumped on the nail art ideas to pay homage to Ariel.
Cue: Mermaidcore nails, funky designs that draw inspiration from the magical and mystical world of mermaids with shades of aquatic blues, greens, and shimmery iridescent hues.
And its super-easy to channel this most fun and whimsical of all nail trends:
- Paint your nails with your desired shades of blue, green, and purple nail polish, then let it dry completely.
- Apply a glitter or shimmer topcoat (think: Essie Expressie FX Quick-Dry Vegan Nail Polish 24K Top Coat in Gold Glitter) over your nails to add some sparkle and shine.
- If you want to take your design to the next level, you can also add seashell or mermaid tail decals.
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Candy red nail polish
If you’re looking for a bold and vibrant nail trend for 2024, look no further than candy red nails. This single color manicure is all about rocking a bright and playful shade of red that resembles the color of candy apples.
This shade of red is typically on the brighter side and has a playful vibe. It’s perfect for those who want to make a statement and show off their bold and confident side.
What’s important is choosing the right shade of red — one that is bright and vibrant but not too neon or orange-toned — and Côte Candy Apple Red Nail Polish or OPI Infinite Shine Big Apple Red will get you there.
PS: Candy red nails are also the perfect way to manifest good fortune for believers of the same.
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Magenta nail polish
So, who is loving Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta?
Just the entire nail art world, it seems.
This vibrant blue-ish pink, which falls between fuchsia and purple on the color spectrum, is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their nails. While remaining completely on trend.
And you can play this haute nail color trend of 2023 in so many ways: Matte, gloss, shimmer… or turn up the cool factor with pop-artish designs like squiggles and lines.
The nail polishes that celebrity manicurists are using to perfectly channel this big trend: Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Valentine Fuchsia and Essie Sleepover Squad.
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Green nail polish
Green nail polish is fast becoming a hot trend in the beauty industry.
And this versatile color can be worn in any season.
It adds a fresh and unexpected twist to any outfit, whether you’re wearing a cute summer dress or a cozy sweater in the fall.
It also works well with other colors, making it a great accent to any outfit.
Plus, one of the many reasons why green nail polish is so popular is that it is unique.
While reds, pinks, and nudes are classic and timeless, green adds a modern touch to your manicure. It shows that you’re not afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
You can opt for a bright green shade that pops (my choice: Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Melinda Green), a more muted tone that is perfect for a subtle pop of color (OPI Nail Lacquer in Clear Your Cash), a jewel tone that’s rich and grounding (OPI Nail Lacquer in Stay Off the Lawn), or a slime green that’s fun and funky at the same time (Essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish in Piece of Work).
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Which are your favorite nail trends for 2024? And are you a salon or do-it-at-home person?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines grace some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Anubha combines insider knowledge with a talent for breaking down complex beauty concepts, delivering bold, actionable advice that empowers individuals to elevate their beauty routines and embrace their best selves.
granny says
Noble purple. I will go to do it at the weekend.
Death By AI says
I am very excited about the new nail trends of 2024, especially the idea of being able to recreate them yourself at home. This not only shows creativity but also brings joy to taking care of and expressing personality through every little detail on the nails.