When it comes to the biggest 2024 nail trends, you can take a welcome sigh of relief. As with 2024 hair trends, this year has seen us wave goodbye to faddy, of-the-moment microtrends and instead welcoming a return to classic looks and techniques that help you get the most from your nails—whatever type of manicure you prefer. Whether you want all-over polish or nail art, this summer (and, truthfully, beyond) you're guaranteed to find a look perfect for you.
How do I know this, I hear you ask? Because I have spent a great deal of time researching and writing about nails throughout my career and, well, I have a number of the best manicurists in the world on metaphorical speed dial. Far from a nail connoisseur myself (mine are currently chipped and broken), I reached out to some of the most trustworthy people I know when it comes to manicures to get their insights on what nail trends we should all have on our radars this summer—here are the best 2024 nail trends, perfectly suited to the summer months.
What nail colours are on trend for summer 2024?
Well, as I've already mentioned, I'm thrilled that 2024 is seeing a return to simple manicures—which includes a rechampioning of some truly signature nail polish shades when it comes to summer nail colours. For summer microtrends, while milky hues and pastels aren't going anywhere for summer 2024, you might be surprised to discover a few unexpected nail colours trending over the next few months. Black pedicures, for one, are proving all the rage, and you can prepare to see some deep, typically autumnal, reds get thrown into the mix throughout July and August, too.
What nail shapes are trending for summer 2024?
As you're about to see, 2024 is all about the short, perfectly preened manicure—and this is particularly true when it comes to our summer nail looks. Let's be honest, the super-long, oval-shaped and coffin-shaped nails of yesteryear were just impractical, so I'm all for seeing a return to shorter, more natural shapes and lengths. While almond shapes are definitely having a moment, truth be told, whether you like to wear your nails rounded, square or squoval, you can't go wrong this summer, provided you're keeping things relatively short and manageable.
1. Pearlescent finishes
Pearlescent nails are really the star of the summer 2024 nail show. They are, without doubt, the chicest take on the more natural nail trend. This particular look, created by none other than celebrity manicurist, Julia Diogo (a.k.a. @paintedbyjools), is my favourite to date. "I absolutely loved creating this pearly manicure—it’s a super chic way to create a mermaid beachy vibe," she told me. "I definitely think it’s so popular this year because of how easy it is to wear, and it also brings an element of fun and joy into your manicure without being too over the top!"
The best way to wear it, according to Jools? "With a sheer pinky nude as the base shade, before applying a thin layer of white chrome powder to get the desired effect." Consider me sold.
2. Matcha manis
Pastels are always a good idea for summer, but for 2024 not just any pastel goes. In fact, it's super-pale green that is leading the way. Dubbed the 'matcha mani', this particular hue of green is proving really big news. My favourite way to wear the look? As a micro-French, as per the India Francesca Allen design above.
“We’ve all gone a little matcha mad this year—and not just for the drink. I’m seeing the colour used in so many of my manicure appointments. I created this ‘Matcha French’ using Bio Sculpture gel, and it has been so popular. Simply transforming a classic French mani into a fun, spring-summer nail trend. The pastel colours are such a great addition to jazz up your nails in a subtle yet beautiful way. Paired with a natural, sheer-pink base colour to match your skin tone, the matcha French mani can really compliment any outfit, as it’s such a subtle touch of colour," she told me.
3. Metallics 2.0
While chrome nails have been everywhere over the past year, things are only going to get bigger and better throughout summer. "Metallics and chromes are huge right now, and they aren't going anywhere," says celebrity manicurist, Iram Shelton.
I'm talking golds, silvers, gunmetal and bronze. You can go high-shine or muted and matte – the finished result is entirely up to you. "This chic look is so versatile and suits all nail lengths and shapes," says Juanita Huber-Millet, Founder & Creative Director at Townhouse.
4. Balletcore
Balletcore isn't just proving one of the biggest make-up trends for 2024, it's big news for our nails, too. Essentially, it's just an elevated, more modern take on the milky manicure and sheer polish trend we've seen reign supreme in recent years. "The Balletcore trend is set to make waves in the beauty and fashion spaces," says Juanita. "Go for shades of soft pink reminiscent of ballet slippers and milky whites. If you fancy adding that little something extra, ask for a dainty bow nail art accent – perfect for that ultimate balletcore aesthetic." I'm into it.
5. Polish revival
Okay, even I was shocked to hear this one. But, when Iram talks, I listen. You heard it here first: regular polish is back. "With the cost of living crisis, people are choosing to do their own nails. Lacquers [and polishes] are a lot easier to apply and remove at home, and are always a cheaper option," she says. And I've got to admit, I'm kind of here for this more low-fuss approach to my nails, especially in the summer months when I want to chop and change my manicure with every outing. In fact, I've already swapped my next gel appointment to a regular polish one—it's time to give my nails (and acetone-dried cuticles from gel removal) a break.
6. The modern French
The skinny French, the micro French, the minimal French—whatever you want to call it, just know it's not going anywhere—as India showed with the aforementioned matcha look.
"The minimal French is one of my personal favourites," says Juanita. "The trend has certainly grown in popularity, evolving from the ultimate classic white, French finish to including a variety of colours. I encourage experimenting with different colours to achieve the perfect French style to suit your look. I love a bold red French mani."
Having said that, 2024 is also about to make way for a different kind of French manicure, too. While the micro French has dominated the past few years, we're also seeing people having more fun with their classic French manicure. “The French tip nail trend will continue to be popular throughout 2024, however rather than opting for block colour, people are going to be experimenting so much more with shapes and patterns to explore this. Many of this year’s trends are all rebelling against the previously reigning ‘clean girl’ trend so truly pack on as many colours as possible with your favourite pattern, I draw a lot of inspiration from past decades such as 70s swirls,” says Chaun Legend, Lottie London’s Artist in Residence.
7. Perfecting finishes
Milky nails, neutral nails, BB cream nails, they're all major trends that have one thing in common—they champion a perfected finish. While milky nails have been the nail trend to know for many months now, as we move into summer, we're seeing this trend evolve slightly. Nowadays, the trend is less about the finish or shade of the polish and way more about how natural it looks on the nail. The aim of the game is for your polish to deliver a beautifully blended, blurred and perfected look to your natural nail—just like this one by Mateja Novakovic, created with Gelcare's BB Cream polishes.
8. Short squares
I don't think I've ever been more thrilled to read about an upcoming beauty trend as I am for this. As I said, short nails are back. My nails are always snapping and my nail beds aren't particularly deep, so this fills me with great joy. "My personal preference is short because it’s more practical and gives that clean, old money look," says Iram. "They’re also so much easier to maintain and more achievable for those who don’t like nail enhancements." The key to making short nails work? Great nail health and regular manicures.
Colours I have been personally reaching for on my short nails right now are deep brown/reds and glossy blacks—the surprising shades of summer 2024.
9. Shade layering
Layering your polish shades is becoming quite the trend—and it's hit the big time in 2024. In fact, I ended up doing it for the first time earlier this year. When I realised there wasn't a shade quite what I wanted, my manicurist suggested I layer two colours to achieve my desired look, and it worked.
Manicurist Alyx Lippiatt says, "We’ve started to see polish layering a lot, which I think will continue into summer 2024. With more and more techs experimenting with different shades, I think we will see a lot of ‘custom mixes’ from our favourite, iconic brand shades. If your tech doesn’t have the shade you want, they may just make it for you! Start with the darker of the two shades and experiment with what looks good by swapping out what shade goes over the top! I love a black like ‘Liquorice’ from Bio Sculpture layered with a true red such as ‘Night At The Opera’."
10. Almond shapes
While manageable short nails that looks good are everyone's dream, I appreciate that we're not all cut out for the maintenance and upkeep they require (myself included). Luckily, almond-shaped nails is a trend every single expert I spoke with wanted to shout about, telling me it's going to absolute dominate for the second half of this year. "I think long almond nails are the most popular shapes, and I reckon it's going to stay this way. [Along with short, square nails,] they're the most flattering nail shapes, in my opinion," says Iram.
Juanita says the popularity of longer, almond shapes is down to the lengthening illusion it creates of the fingers. "The look creates an illusion of longer, slim fingers and adds a touch of elegance to the hands," she says.
How to achieve it yourself? "All you have to do once you have grown some length on your nails is clip off the corners and lightly file from side to centre. This will give you the perfect, elegant almond shape," reveals Alyx.
The best thing about almond nails is that you can switch up the finishes—both matte and glossy manicures look equally as great.
11. Bright and bold
If you're bored of the milky manicure trend, Alyx has good news for you—brights are making a comeback, too. "For the last two years we’ve had a frenzy of sheer, barely-there manicures (which will definitely still be around), but I think the return of the bold nail [is due in 2024]," she says.
While super-dark colours are having their summer moment, that's not to say they've barged brights out. "Think cobalt blues, cherry pinks and lemon yellows in the summer. If you’re scared to have a bright shade, try it on a shorter nail—this always gives a nice balance without looking too much," she adds.
