We’re always on the hunt for the freshest manicure trends to complete your outfit and fit into the upcoming season. Don’t let your nail game get boring – stay stylish with this wide range of popular nail colors and nail art that will be covering the streets and runways for the rest of the year.
Unusual French tips
This decades-old trend from the ‘90s has steadily made a comeback every year, but this time, they’re being done in a completely new style. Think metallic gold French tips, heart-shaped French tips, double-tipped tips, and fine-lined, barely-there renditions. You don’t have to paint the whole nail, but it adds a sense of detailed artistry and endless style combinations.
Python print and cow print
Animal prints aren’t necessarily new to the world of manicures, but cow print and python print are going to be the go-to options that are skyrocketing on search engines in 2020. Kendall Jenner made her cow mani go viral, and last year, zebra was a huge trend for celebs and normal people alike, so this seems like a natural progression. Both are edgy, in completely different ways.
Neutral and muted tones
Neutrals aren’t just a safe choice for those scared to go out of their manicure comfort zone – they never fail to look good, and they never go out of fashion. This year, we’re seeing neutral nails and ballerina tones on the runways for brands like Wang and Coach, and not just for fall. Don’t be scared to experiment with a camel or a light brown tone in the summer rather than the usual bevy of light pinks that we’re used to seeing.
Matte topcoat
Versatile on many manicures, this will be used on all kind of nail art or just a simple red one. You can purchase your own matte topcoat and do DIY, since adding matte to a salon manicure often jacks up the price a bit. Matte feels modern, fresh and clean. It can be worn by any age group and is quite versatile – try red, off-white, or black for timeless romance with a contemporary twist.
Modern nail art
There are no rules in modern art, which is what makes it so fun to experiment when it comes to your manis. Turn yourself into a Picasso of your own making, or ask your favorite nail technician at the local salon to take creative liberties. Modern abstract nail art can include block-like shapes, working with negative space, a series of dots, lines, squiggles and more! We love a geometric interpretation.
Constellation and astrology nail art
People are passionate about their horoscopes nowadays, so why not express themselves on their nails? Whether it represents your personal horoscope, other constellations, or astrology art as a tribute to someone else, these geometric, connected lines can be completed against the background of an inky black or dark blue sky and look surprisingly stylish.
Pastel combinations
Pastel might be a trend that comes year after year, but this time, we’re seeing them in a more playful and imaginative rendition. Yup, pastel skittle nails. What are skittle nails, you might ask? It involves either alternating a few different pastel shades on different fingers, or different hands. Every nail can be a different color if you want! Pastels can be a bit drab and blend into the background, so here’s a way to stand out in the crowd with all those subtle tones.
Ultra metallic
Go back to the future with sharply metallic manis – our favorite are gold and silver, of course. This works best on long nails, since that shine requites a bit of them getting that can make shorter nails look even stubbier. This look will transform you into an Ex Machina robo-babe, and works with a range of outfit options. Start with a single nail if you’re afraid the look is too glitzy.
Garden-inspired nails
Pastels are one thing, but who doesn’t want to attend a garden party? Think floral tones like swoon-worthy pinks, yellow as bright as sun, and sage accents. These colors are a bit more unusual than the standard pastel, and you can do skittle nails or opt for a full set in the same color. This look is ideal for spring and summer, but with tones like sage, you can wear this manicure year-round and get all the compliments.
Gingham nails
A fancier version of plaid, this chic, checkered style screams elegant Jackie O but also lets you experiment with prints without getting too crazy on the color spectrum. Black and white goes with everything, so what are you waiting for? This is the ultimate accessory to pair with an LBD. This looks rather difficult to DIY, so maybe opt for a salon mani.
Marble – white or black
While white marble is the more popular choice, black marble has a brooding, romantic energy that we’re really digging. Perfect for girls who used to Sharpie their nails to be rebels. The transition from countertop to cuticle is actually really cute and sophisticated, lending well to multiple situations such as work, play, or date night. Try it with a single nail, and if you like the result, move onto a full set.
Jewel and ons and pearl tips
The nail color of 2020 isn’t really a color at all – it’s more a maximalist accessorizing of the nails, and runways have been doing it at multiple fashion weeks. Think French tips, but instead of white, it’s a little layer of pearls, You can add on chains, studs, diamonds – whatever bling makes your heart sing. Just make sure not to snag it on stuff – more of a time-off mani than a work appropriate one.