Get ready to screenshot.

By Bella CacciatoreLisa DeSantis, and Danielle SinayAugust 22, 2024

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Looking for a simple way to boost your mood or manifest your future? Your next manicure just might do the trick—especially since 2024’s trending nail designs are so cool that it’s impossible not to be inspired.

As for what’s predicted to take over? According to Michelle Nguyen, nail expert and founder and CEO of PLA Nails, the sleek, minimal styles we loved this past year aren’t going anywhere. “It seems like quiet luxury is here to stay for a bit,” she tells Glamour. “Many people are now embracing a sleek, minimalistic look for their nails, and we’re seeing a lot of sheers and pigmented skin tone and nude shades trending for 2024.”

This should come as no surprise, especially after a year filled with bright pink Barbie-inspired nail designs. Our nails—and eyes—need a breather.

That doesn’t mean 2024’s trending nail designs are boring, however. Nguyen adds that while minimalist nail looks are definitely in, loud, vivid colors aren’t gone for good; they’re just evolving. “They can still be seen in more abstract designs and patterns, like bold, bright swirl designs and more-vibrant French tips,” she explains. “French manicures with a sheer base and bold, vivid tip are a look to watch out for, as it blends a classic design with a pop of color.”

Jan Arnold, a nail expert and cofounder and style director of CND, agrees, noting that while 2024 is shifting away from 2023’s over-the-top extremism, the new year’s nail designs will still be spiritual, virtual, and trippy (and therefore, super cool). More specifically, Arnold predicts psychedelic, holographic, and pearlescent finishes to trend for spring, and says summer will be a time to embrace “carefully curated bright, warm, and cream palettes, for love, light, and good fortune.”

By fall we’ll see an uptick in muted earth tones mixed with optimistic bright finishes that “evoke a futuristic feel,” and “winter and the holiday season will bring us regal refinement through textures and dimensions for a deep, glamorous, festive season,” Arnold continues.

Other styles to expect? “Colors and tones will feature top notes and undertones that play in concert and in contrast, depending on how they’re paired,” says Arnold. “Extravagant details like overscale embellishments with rich and luxurious colors will be a perfect design for a festive night out, and patterns and textures will bring inspiration, motivation, and calm.”

According to Arnold, we will see medium to longer lengths with softened stiletto, coffin, and almond shapes continuing to dominate the nail world.

However, Nguyen says that short and natural shapes will continue to spike in popularity along with stealth-wealth minimalism. “It looks like natural colors and nail shapes will be prominent in 2024,” she says. “There seems to have been a shift from ultra-long nails to shorter and more manageable square or round nails.”

Whatever your preferred nail length, shape, or style, there’s at least one—or a few—2024 nail trends for you. See the coolest nail-art inspo for the year ahead and get ready to screenshot. (And then call your nail tech.)

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Image may contain Baby Person Cosmetics Body Part and Hand

    Instagram @nailsbyniaw1/88Blush NailsShades of baby pink and hot pink will transform your aura nails into blush nails. To get the gradient affect, apply baby pink all over the flat side of a soft sponge before adding hot pink to the center. Carefully buff on to the nail and follow with a layer of clear topcoat.

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    Instagram @paiwaloves2/88Rainbow ChromeIt doesn’t get more fun than this neon rainbow chrome set. Stick to similar color families on each nail for a gradient effect.

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    Instagram @pearliepressed3/88Baby BlueberryTake the blueberry milk nail trend a step further with tiny little berry nail art. After all, tiny fruits and veggies are trending.

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    Instagram @lindseysbeautylounge14/88Island PeachThis palm tree and peach manicure screams vacation. Screenshot this design for your next tropical getaway.

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    Instagram @king_chemere5/88Clashing NeonNeon stripes and snaking black-and-white nail art prove that, sometimes, more is more.

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    Instagram @nailsbymexyy6/88Cozy TextureTextured nail art in warm shades of gold and chocolate brown compliment the turquoise French accent nail nicely.

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    Instagram @nylove_nail7/88Mix and MatchLeopard, blue, and gold-jewelry-inspired decals sound overwhelming, but they somehow make sense with this mix-and-match design.

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    Instagram @lules_nail_art_studio8/88Abstract ArtUnleash your inner artist with abstract nail art. Balance out the busy design by sticking to one color family and one bright accent color.

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  • jennifer lopez nails french manicure jlo

    Instagram/@jlo9/88American ManiUnlike the classic French manicure, American manis are much more lenient in terms of design, featuring a blush or nude base with beige tips. Coined by celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, the nail look is a favorite of Jennifer Lopez.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@kimkimnails10/88Groovy FrenchNguyen points to French manis with sheer base juxtaposed by a bold, vivid tip as a look to watch out for, just like this groovy design that was created for Dua Lipa.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@katiesnails_11/88Oat Milk LatteLatte nails, but make them muted and textured. This quiet-luxury-coded color scheme and 3D nail art are everywhere this year.

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  • fall nails

    Instagram/@eclectic.bysara12/88Muted MochaFor a quieter take on the aforementioned trend, opt for mocha swirls atop a natural base.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@basecoatstories13/88Mod MonochromeNguyen points to abstract designs and patterns, like swirl designs and unconventional French tips, as trends to watch. We love this monochrome take on the look.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@ketllennailsoficial14/88Short & Sweet“We’re seeing a lot of sheers and pigmented skin-tone and nude shades trending for 2024,” says Nguyen. “For natural, neutral colors, we always recommend the What’s Cookin’ Good Lookin’ and Fashionably Light Collections.”

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  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@meganrnails18/88Kaleidoscopic PastelsArnold predicts an uptick in trippy designs in bright, warm, and cream palettes, like these kaleidoscopic pastels. DIY and make it your own with ILNP’s Poolside Collection.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@thehotblend19/88Vanilla ChromeIf plain white is a bit too basic for your taste, top it off with a chrome finish for an ultraluxurious look.

  • Abstract nail art

    Instagram/@evemeetsnails20/88Pops of PigmentKaleidoscopic pinks can always be taken down a notch. Sport some pops of psychedelic pigment atop a nude base instead.

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  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@maricumx21/88Mal de OjoThis low-key look proves that short nails combined with minimal art can still make a serious statement (and possibly even protect you from the evil eye).

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@ketllennailsoficial22/88Walnut BrownNatural neutrals are also making a comeback, and we’re not mad about it in the slightest. Get the look with CND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish in Arrowhead.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@akikonails_nyc•, @artsofdeniz23/88Pattern PartyAs Nguyen says, we’ll be seeing lots more abstract designs and patterns, such as these bold, bright swirl designs, in 2024.

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  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@beautyspace_charlotte24/88Sunset SwatchesAs well as vivid shades and shapes atop a nude base.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@jark.nails25/88Minimalist ChicBut of course, short nails and natural colors are undeniably superchic and are, quite frankly, seriously slept on.

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    Instagram/@nailsbykatiedutra26/88Forest GreenPrepare to see a lot earthy green manis too. Think forest and emerald shades, like CND’s Aura.

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  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@ilarianailslove_ostia27/88Vivid TipsWe’re still seeing plenty of Barbie pink and pastels in 2024, however, especially when it comes to all those bright French tips Nguyen predicted would be trending.

  • fall autumn nails manicure french tips inspirationhalloween nails

    Instagram/@artnailnyc28/88Edgy FrenchThe French manis of 2024 come in neutral shades, too, as seen in this look that is peak “quiet luxury meets edgy French.”

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@hollidaygels29/88Color ContrastArnold points to creams and jelly colors as a combination to embrace this year. “They showcase extremely well on longer-length nails,” she says.

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  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@thehotblend30/88Embellished BlueArnold points to “extravagant details like over-scale embellishments” as a top 2024 nail trend, and this regal manicure checks all of those boxes and more.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@jodiesbeaute31/88Blended ContrastAnother way to wear the jelly-on-cream trend? Blend the colors together for an ombré look.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@pegi_nails32/88Indigo OmbréEarth-toned and embellished, this is a style to try this year.

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  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@j3nnailedit33/883D SnakeskinSnakeskin is another one of those extravagant details Arnold mentioned, proving quiet luxury luxury doesn’t have to be so quiet.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@charsgelnails_34/88Fancy & Festive“Rich and luxurious colors will be a perfect design for a festive night out,” says Arnold, and this red-and-white structured style is proof of that.

  • 2024 nail trends

    Instagram/@j3nnailedit35/883D NeonThe 2024 nail trends don’t have to be quiet, no matter what people may say. This loud, lime green 3D bubble nail art is begging to be copied.

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  • Embrace your sweet side with pearly pink heart tips. To create this look nail artist Imarni used The GetBottle Incs...

    Instagram @imarninails36/88Glazed Heart TipsEmbrace your sweet side with pearly pink heart tips. To create this look, nail artist Imarni used The GetBottle Inc’s Glazed Top Coat.

  • Snake print nails are edgy unexpected and surprisingly neutral. Nail artist Zola Ganzorigt created this slithery set for...

    Instagram @nailsbyzola37/88Snake PrintSnake print nails are edgy, unexpected, and surprisingly neutral. Nail artist Zola Ganzorigt created this slithery set for Jenna Dewan using foil.

  • Not sure if you want tips or reverse half moons This split nail design gives you the best of both worlds. A white base...

    Instagram @amyle.nails38/88Reverse FrenchNot sure if you want tips or reverse half moons? This split nail design gives you the best of both worlds. A white base with black art creates the most striking contrast.

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  • Selena Gomez completed her redhot VMAs look with an equally spicy manicure. Dubbed a “golden glazed fire mani” by nail...

    Instagram @tombachik39/88Golden Glazed FireSelena Gomez completed her red-hot VMAs look with an equally spicy manicure. Dubbed a “golden glazed fire mani” by nail artist Tom Bachik, this fiery look is a fall-friendly take on summer mani trends like glazed donut and mirror chrome nails.

  • These fun twotoned swoops in burgundy and light purple are contrast perfection.

    Instagram @aliciatnails40/88Dual TonesThese fun two-toned swoops in burgundy and light purple are contrast perfection.

  • Kind of like a mood ring but instead of changing colors you can pick the color you want your aura to be. FYI pink...

    Instagram/@lexi_nails_spa41/88Aura NailsKind of like a mood ring, but instead of changing colors, you can pick the color you want your aura to be. FYI, pink symbolizes an open heart chakra.

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  • Nail artist Mei Kawajiri created this unique yet crazyeasytoreplicate minimalist look and called it “nail beauty mark.”...

    Instagram/@nailsbymei42/88Nail FrecklesNail artist Mei Kawajiri created this unique, yet crazy-easy-to-replicate minimalist look and called it “nail beauty mark.” We’re obsessed. A nail marker like the one from Nails Inc. makes the dot design a breeze.

  • When it comes to glitter theres no such thing as too much. Use a multicolor polish like Party in a Bottle from Ella ...

    Instagram/@amyle.nails43/88Glitter BombWhen it comes to glitter, there’s no such thing as too much. Use a multicolor polish like Party in a Bottle from Ella + Mila to create extra dimension.

  • This Arielapproved mani is right on trend with the underthesea looks weve been seeing on recent red carpets. If youre...

    Instagram/@labeautybarioannina44/88Mermaid VibesThis Ariel-approved mani is right on trend with the under-the-sea looks we’ve been seeing on recent red carpets. If you’re DIY’ing, try a nontoxic nail polish like one from Zoya’s daydreaming collection that’s filled with micro-shimmer-infused shades.

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  • Theres something so nostalgic and 90s about this cherry and French combo.

    Instagram/@kimkimnails45/88Cheery CherriesThere’s something so nostalgic and ’90s about this cherry and French combo.

  • Velvet nails nail ideas

    Instagram/@evemeetsnails46/88Velvet Tips Velvet nails took Instagram by storm last winter, but the trend isn’t over yet. Tone down the mesmerizing style (seriously, you have to see them in motion) by keeping the glitz to the tips.

  • Checkerboard nail ideas

    Instagram/@laurenladnier47/88Checkerboard Nails Colorful checkerboard is having a moment in fashion—I can’t scroll through Insta without seeing the print—so it makes sense it’s now migrated to nails. Keeping it just on your tips ups the quirky factor even more.

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    Instagram/@willwork4glitter48/88French Manicure Yes, the French mani is sticking around, and there are a ton of different ways to wear it. Check out our guide to the best French manicure ideas for even more inspo.

  • Green and purple nail art

    Instagram/@overglowedit49/88Mismatched Hands For a unique nail idea, try different color nails on each hand. Make it even cooler with very of-the-moment shades like lilac and moss green. Try Essie Expressie in Get a Mauve On and Precious Car-Go! for a similar vibe.

  • Pastel ombre nail ideas

    Instagram/@overglowedit50/88Pastel Swirls Just looking at this metallic, pastel, ombré situation makes you feel calmer. The best part is they’re actually nail wraps, so it’s super easy to get the same look at home.

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  • Black and white nail art ideas

    Instagram/@stephstonenails51/88Black-and-White FlowersWhite-and-black nail designs are so graphic and cool, especially when paired with something traditionally feminine like flowers.

  • Missmatched manicure

    Instagram/@betina_goldstein52/88Soft Skittles The Skittles mani, a.k.a. rainbow nails with a different shade on each nail, was one of the biggest trends of the past three years. Update it for this year with a more neutral, muted color palette.

  • Floral nail art

    Instagram/@paintbox53/88Retro Florals Simple flowers look even cuter when done up in earthy tones. 

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  • Black and gold nail ideas

    Instagram/@amyytran54/88Graphic Edge Negative space will never not be the coolest way to do nail art, and we’re particularly into this graphic black and gold take on the trend.

  • Emerald green nail ideas

    Instagram/@nailsbycanishiea55/88Cool Emerald Jewel tones will always look chic no matter your nail length. Deep green is one of our favorite trending nail colors right now. Elevate the look by adding another metal element, like gold glitter.

  • Rainbow nail art ideas

    Instragram/@evemeetsnails56/88Mismatched Art Art that’s a little different on every nail is way easier if you’re going to attempt it yourself. Bonus: You get to play with tons of colors.

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  • Sunflower nail designs

    Instagram/@lemanoir60/88Sunflowers Channel summer all year round with some cheerful sunflowers—they’re easy enough to DIY with a toothpick and a solid yellow polish (try Essie Atelier at the Bay).

  • Happy face nail art

    Instagram/@nailsbymh61/88Smiley-Face Nails It seems the internet is seeking out joy wherever possible, because smiley face nail design ideas are everywhere we look. They’ve been spotted on everyone from Dua Lipa to Harry Styles—and just about every nail blogger on Insta.

  • smiley face nails

    Instagram / @bingbangnyc62/88Rainbow SmileysSee what we mean? But here you get two trends in one. 

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  • Green French manicure

    Instagram/@nailsbymei63/88Foil French What do you get when you combine some of the coolest nail looks this year? This insane green foil French situation. 

  • rainbow nails

    Instagram / @xjuliatalisman64/88Bright StripesHow do you take rainbow nails up a notch? Add even more color, of course. 

  • Purple nail art

    Instagram/@paintbox65/88Pretty Purples The way the graphic shapes are contrasted by the softness of the purple is, in a word, genius. For the exact shades, use Paintbox’s Power Couples in Like Lilac + Like Muse.

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  • Pink ombre nail ideas

    Instagram/@stephstonenails66/88Pink OmbréCan’t decide on a single shade? Put your polish collection to work by using a different tone of one color on each nail (or just mix your base shade with varying levels of white for the same effect).

  • Cow print nail art

    Instagram/@fleuryrosenails67/88Cow Print Make a celebrity fave even cooler with a peachy background instead of white. 

  • Pastel French manicure

    Instagram/@nailsbymh68/88Pastel Tips Look at that—yet another variation on French tips. A rainbow of pastel shades makes the style feel modern and retro at the same time.

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  • Sparkle nail art

    Instagram/@paintbucketnails69/88Graphic Sparkle Even the most glitter-averse people can find some joy in this “sparkle” art.

  • Heart nail art

    Instagram/@danaboulos70/88Negative-Space Hearts Poppy red and negative space make hearts cool, not cutesy. To DIY, just paint over a heart-shaped sticker, let dry, and peel it off. (Be sure to check out our Valentine’s Day nails for more heart nail ideas).

  • Mismatched manicure

    Instagram/@nataliepavloskinails71/88Mix-and-Match Stripes Half-and-half stripes add even more punch to a rainbow-bright manicure. 

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  • Black and white swirl nail art

    Instagram/@thenailphilosophy72/88Oreo Squiggles So cute, no? A graphic squiggle is always fun, and doing them in black-and-white makes for a mod vibe.

  • Neon green nail polish

    @betina_goldstein / Instagram73/88Slime Green Our Nickelodeon days might be over, but our love for slime lives on. Copy nail artist Betina Goldstein and use two coats of Essie Nail Polish in Blanc and one coat of Stencil Me In to really make the green pop.

  • flower nail designs

    Instagram/@overglowedit74/88Blingy Blooms Make a classic daisy even cuter by adding some gemstones in the center. If you have longer nails, add even more sparkle by adding a sprinkle of stones in any blank spaces. 

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  • glitter nail designs

    Instagram/@themaniclub75/88Silver Glitter When you want something a little more than your basic mani but don’t want to head to the salon, a high-coverage glitter is your best bet. For a similar shade, try Olive & June in Exclamation Point.

  • Rose nail art

    Instagram/@nataliepavloskinails76/88Realistic Flowers Once you discover the rabbit hole that is Etsy nail decals, a whole new world opens up. These photorealistic roses could win over the most plant-averse person. 

  • Pink nail art

    Instagram/@betina_goldstein 77/88Baby French Ramp up a French manicure with two shades of pink. The thin lines look so cute on shorter nails, but thicker tips would make for a cute acrylic nail design. 

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  • Star nail art

    Instagram/@oliveandjune78/88Shiny StarsForgo nail polish entirely and cover your nails in pretty stickers for a high-impact, low-effort mani. 

  • Red nail art

    Instagram/@oliveandjune 79/88Moody Half Moons In a word: chic. A negative-space mani like this one is great for longevity because the growth looks intentional instead of due for a nail appointment.

  • winter nails

    Instagram/@lolo.nailedit80/88Negative French Put a fresh spin on a classic by creating a French tip out of negative space. 

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  • Tiny floral nail art

    Instagram/@hollyfalconenails81/88Tiny Florals You don’t need to have a green thumb to appreciate these dainty daisies. Use a toothpick or the end of a bobby pin for perfectly symmetrical dots. Easy. 

  • Rainbow French winter nails

    Instagram/@overglowedit82/88Colorful French For another cool twist on a French mani, go with a different-color tip on each nail. A gold decal adds another special touch.

  • Blue ombre nail design

    Instagram/@themaniclub83/88Blue OmbréAnother easy way to spice up your go-to mani? Use different variations of the same color on each finger for a cool ombré effect. 

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  • green nail designs

    Instagram/@overglowedit84/88Green Swirls Green is having a major moment, both in fashion and across our nails. Maximize your mani with two shades of green and a groovy swirl design.

  • bright nail designs

    Instagram/@julieknailsnyc85/88Mix and MatchFor a mani that does the most, put one of this year’s trendiest nail designs on each finger. A bright color palette makes it even more eye-catching.

  • Taking the aura nail trend to the next energetic level if you will is this set that features angel numbers too.

    Instagram/@nails_of_la86/88Angel Numbers and AuraTaking the aura nail trend to the next energetic level, if you will, is this set that features angel numbers too.

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  • If like us you have trouble deciding on which design to go with this take on a pointy French shape with multiple glitter...

    Instagram/@nailsbyheathere87/88Metallic RainbowIf, like us, you have trouble deciding on which design to go with, this take on a pointy French shape with multiple glitter polish shades is the way to go. Bonus: It’ll go with any outfit!

  • The 70s called and they want your to try their nails. These neutral colors and “yinyang meets checkerboard” pattern is...

    Instagram/@nailsbyjac88/88Groovy VibesThe ’70s called and they want your to try their nails. These neutral colors and “yin-yang meets checkerboard” pattern is super fun without feeling like it’s too much.

Written by Glamour Staff

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