It's time to discuss the best nail trends. With every season comes new beauty ideas, and many of us are keen to find out what the nail trends are, so we can plan ahead for our next nail appointment. 

We've already seen so many beautiful nail designs emerge this year. White nail designs became the minimalist look of choice, for the bold, cobalt blue and Bottega green were the ‘it' colors, and new techniques like BIAB nails, polygel nails and dip powder nails also came to the fore. Expect to see more metallics, barely-there glazed nails along with futuristic silver in ombre designs. 

Other trends taking over include embellished nails featuring gems, pearls, and even piercings. Oh, and TikTok's ‘clean girl’ makeup aesthetic will transcend onto our hands (say hello to healthy and subtle Bio Sculpture nails). Here, we break down the top nail trends to know. We suggest bookmarking this gallery so you can save your favorite looks for your next manicure.  

BY EMMA STODDART

If you’re not already familiar with lip gloss nails, let us introduce you to this need-to-know nail trend that’s recently taken over our social media feeds. Spotted on the likes of Jessica Chastain, Hailey Bieber, and Anitta, “this nail trend mimics the shiny sheen finish of lip gloss applied on bare lips or nude lipstick,” explains Tinu Bello, celebrity manicurist, and Mylee brand ambassador. “It’s all about that glossy topcoat – you want your nails to shine from every angle and sort of look like jelly.” 

To tap into the trend at home, “start with nails that are buffed, super clean, and immaculately filed into shape,” says Bello. For the base color, choose between a sheer milk nails look a la Jessica Chastain, a pearlescent pink like Anitta, or a bright popping hue as seen on Hailey Bieber. “Lastly, and most importantly, apply a few coats of a glossy topcoat for the ultimate lip gloss finish,” continues Bello. "This look is stunning for mid to long-length nails but also perfectly suits shorter lengths and shapes," adds  Juanita Huber-Millet, Townhouse founder and creative director.

Not exactly ground-breaking, green hues have been dominating the nail sphere for some time. And this popular shade shows no signs of waning. Not as bold as the Bottega green that reigned supreme in pervious years, expect to see more sophisticated shades in sage, pistachio, and forest green. “I love green nail polish as I think there are so many ways you can wear it,” says Iram Shelton, professional nail artist, and Max Factor nail ambassador.

For a subtle nod to this nail trend, try a pastel green French tip – “French tips look great on both long and short nails,” says Shelton. Another way to wear this color? “Opt for a gradient manicure where you start off with a dark green on one nail and work through to a lovely light green,” suggests Shelton, “these designs are especially great during the spring and summer months.” As for shades, try Max Factor’s Masterpiece Xpress Polish in Feelin’ Pine for a cool khaki green, or go brighter with Gucci’s Nail Polish in Melinda Green. 

Their star began rising 2022, and ombre nails show no sign of fading in 2023. “Ombre nails are a style of nail art where a significant color gradient is created,” explains Bello. Typically, this involves a lighter shade at the base of the nail which gradually blends into a darker hue towards the tips.

Keen to give this minimalist yet chic nail trend a whirl? “Apply the first shade to the base of your nail and the second shade to the tip,” instructs Bello. “Then, blend the two colors with a nail art brush to connect the gradient,” she continues. If you don’t have a blending brush, this look can be achieved using a sponge, too. Simply apply your base coat and sponge on the metallic shade on the top, focusing just on the base or the tips before finishing with a clear top coat. 

If you’re on TikTok, chances are you’ve heard of the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. A major beauty trend, this natural makeup look takes inspiration from the model off-duty vibe, with hydrated, radiant skin and barely-there makeup. Think brushed-up brows, dewy skin, and a healthy outdoorsy flush. The experts are predicting that this trend will move on to our nails. 

“I think that the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic is here to stay, with minimal, short, well-groomed nails being at the forefront,” says Shelton. Her go-to shade to achieve this look? Max Factor Miracle Pure Nude Rose. “I find this shade compliments all skin tones and can be paired with nail art if that’s your style. What I also love about this particular shade is that it can create a beautiful milky look with a few extra coats. It’s a winner for me.” 

"2022 was all about neutrals,” says Bello, “we adored those cool beiges, browns, and whites.” But for our 2023 nail trends, expect the industry to shift towards bold and uplifting shades. “Rather than an all-over hue, I predict that brights will be used to outline and accent nails, taking a basic manicure to the next level,” continues Bello. Think contrasting edges and negative space. The hottest colors to look out for? 

Fancy experimenting with bright colors at home? For a simple take on this fun trend, we suggest painting one accent nail on each hand in a bold, bright hue. Keep the rest of the nails pared back in a muted tone to create contrast. If you’re a dab hand with nail art, play around with bold painterly strokes or bright, fluoro French tips in green or orange hues. 

“For 2023, 3D nail art is going to be big,” says Shelton. “Think diamond-encrusted accents, patterns that replicate your favorite fabrics, as well as stickers, nail jewels, and gemstones,” adds Bello. According to both experts, anything goes with this nail trend – just have fun with it. “Previously, we have seen longer nail shapes adopt this style,” notes Bello, “but for 2023, the trend will skew towards a shorter nail length, with a square or squoval nail shape.”

Any nail shade will work here but Bello recommends contrasting colors, “such as black against silver and gold embellishments for that wow factor.” A micro-trend within this trend will be nail jewelry. “This is where piercings or chains are added to the nail tips,” explains Shelton, “it works best on longer nails; however, I’m going to try this look on my shorter nails – so keep your eyes peeled!” 

Have you googled ‘how to do gel nails at home’ lately? You’re not alone. “Many of us started painting our nails at home since lockdown and the goal is of course to master that professional salon look,” says Shelton. One 2023 trend that can look professional without too much skill (or effort) is the monochrome manicure. “Monochrome manis are ideal for people who aren’t that confident with nail art,” adds Shelton, who notes that A-listers everywhere are rocking simple monochrome nails – “and they look amazing.” 

So, what is the monochrome manicure, exactly? Essentially, it’s a solid color manicure that can be in black and/or white. As with most trends, there are lots of variations, but to keep it simple just opt for block colors of one shade. “I would always recommend using a base and top coat when doing manicures at home,” says Shelton, “this will help boost the longevity of your manicure and will also give you that high shine finish.” Noted!

If you can’t give up your go-to nude polish, then prepare for a major upgrade. “Gold overlays and 3D manis will be everywhere in 2023,” says Bello. “My favorite technique is to lay down a nude base layer before outlining the edges with metallic polish.” Other techniques include metallic French tip nails or half-moons as well as reflective heart and star accents. 

“Another interesting way to add understated glam to nude nails is to use foil as an embellishment,” says Bello, “foil has become an easy alternative to hand-drawn art.” It’s also extremely versatile and can be used to create countless nail looks. “You can press different color foils over and around each other to create a camouflage effect, or you can cut them into strips and press them on for a chic stripy finish,” continues Bello. 

“Airbrush nails will continue to be a popular trend in 2023, thanks to celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion championing the look,” says Bello. “A super versatile take on nail art, it allows you to get creative with different colors and patterns that appeal to your own aesthetic,” she continues. Traditional airbrush nail art is carried out in a salon using an airbrush gun. The polish is sprayed onto nails (either freehand or using stencils) to create a diffused, air-brushed design. 

“Airbrush nails can be muted or full of rainbow color,” says Bello, “and the hazy finish gives an airy, dream-like feel to the manicure.” The good news is that, according to Bello, you don’t need to go to a salon (or have an airbrush machine) to recreate this look at home. “The key here is to swirl different colors into each other to create a blended finish,” adds Bello, who recommends using a dotting tool to place bobs of color onto your nails before blending them together.  

Not exactly new, floral nail art has been gaining traction for quite some time, particularly as a choice of wedding nail design for guests and the bridal party. “This is a trend we’ll be seeing more and more of in 2023,” notes Shelton, “it’s so pretty and can look great as a full nail art look or even just as an accent nail.” To keep it fresh, go for classic summer nail colors like soft pastel shades in lemon, lilac, and peach. While it may look fiddly, Shelton assures us that floral nail art is easy to do at home. 

“All you need is a dotting tool or bobby pin to create the look,” says Shelton. “It’s very simple: add a dot of polish in the center of the nail, then following the shape of a flower create more dots around the center.” And voila! You have a delicate floral nail art design. For special occasions like weddings, we adore the fresh flower trend whereby fresh flowers are pressed onto nails before being sealed with a top coat – the effect is beautiful. 

Shimmer shades are having a major comeback this season. Specifically, velvet shimmer nails, which boast a soft, silky, and multi-dimensional finish that mimics the texture of velvet. To recreate this nail look, there are a few different techniques you can try. In the salon, the pros often use dip powder (or flocking powder) to create the velour-like effect – first, they’ll apply a base coat before buffing the powder on top. 

At home, magnetic nail polish is an easy way to create that shimmery, fuzzy texture – it also requires minimal effort. “Alternatively, you can try painting on a matte effect topcoat to your chosen base,” suggests Shelton, “it’s not for everyone but it looks beautiful as it leaves an almost velvet-like finish!” Grey, green, and deep burgundy work especially well with velvet nails. 

Nails are set to be bold this year. As well as dark statement shades we’ll see more bright and bold hues that are typically linked to summer. For a fresh take on the bright nail trend, consider painting small sections or stripes in your chosen color. “It looks really modern when the color only covers part of the nail,” says Charlotte Knight, founder and CEO of Ciate London. 

“It’s easy to add a bold chunk of color in this way,” continues Knight. “No matter the section you want to paint, prep it all with a base coat, and once dry, tape off the section you’d like to paint before applying your bold color to it. For a really sharp look, angle each section the same across your nails for a seamless manicure.”

As you may have guessed by now, bright colors are taking over 2023 (and not just in our wardrobe). “Pink is everywhere right now,” says Huber-Millet, “across catwalks, beauty products, and now nails.” Fancy experimenting with pink makeup? Turn to the best pink mascaras. As for nails, popping fuchsia shades will reign supreme with a glazed finish that was previously limited to a neutral base. 

“This year, the cult glazed look is taking on a romantic pink hue,” confirms Huber-Millet, who’s expecting this nail trend to be extremely popular at London nail salon Townhouse. “This gorgeous nail look works best with a jelly pink or pastel pink base color, finished off with chrome powder for that ultimate glazed shine.”

For 2023, geometric nails are here to stay. Spotted both on and off the runway, bold lines and irregular patterns look perennially cool. One of the most versatile nail trends featured here, you can mix and match various shapes and angles as well as contrasting colors to create a fun nail art effect.  

“Metallic tones are really having a moment right now,” says Huber-Millet. To add an edge to your geometric nail design, why not experiment with bronze, silver, and gold tones? We love these chic blue nails topped off with black triangles. 

“Delicate ‘micro-manis’ will be trending again this year,” says Huber-Millet. “From baby French manicures to accents of tiny flowers, minimalist shapes, and dots, this is a nail trend that caters to all." Whether you want to give this a go at home or wait until your next shellac nail appointment – there are so many designs to experiment with. 

“It really is one of the chicest nail trends for 2023 and it’s perfect for short natural nails,” adds Huber-Millet. Our advice? Combine two trends in one and ask for a single flower on each nail, on top of a sheer base. Or, use that dotting tool to create floral, heart, or dotty designs at home.