These Will Be the 25 Biggest Nail Trends of 2021
- Melissa Mondesir
- Nov 14, 2020
- 15 min read
As the brisk fall air moves in, so do the latest nail trends previewed on the runways of your favorite designers and Instagram. Though you may not be visiting your tried and true nail tech as often as you’d like, these nail looks are the perfect calming quarantine activity that you can easily achieve at home (and keep your coins in the bank).
We get it, your nail tech is the ultimate source for nail trends, but we’ve made it easy to stay in the know by putting together a list of what you’re sure to see in the upcoming months. Whether you love doing your nails as a form of self-care or you’re in need of a color boost, scroll through below for a look at your next style.
1. Mix & Match
This color trend brings all the fun to your next manicure. Why stick with one color when you can use a mix of shades to complete the look? Different variations include complementary colors, different shades of one color or picking whatever your heart desires.
A post shared by Olive & June (@oliveandjune) on Oct 8, 2020 at 11:30am PDT
A post shared by essie (@essie) on Oct 27, 2020 at 7:09am PDT
2. Between The Lines
A great way to add something extra to a plain manicure is to paint a single line on your nail. You can even choose to add lines in varying directions to create a cohesive look.
A post shared by Iram Shelton Nail Artist (@iramshelton) on Nov 7, 2020 at 2:21am PST
A post shared by DaiShawn💅🏻💋💄 (@_cosmetic.doll_) on Feb 9, 2020 at 6:22pm PST
3. Naked Manicure
If you’re all for the simple aesthetic, look no further than the naked manicure. A level up from bare nails, all you’ll need are sheer shades like OPI Bubble Bath ($8.69) and a clear topcoat to achieve that polished look. If you feel like treating yourself, get a set that has your sheer shades and topcoat in one from Eternal 5 Collection ($13).
A post shared by OPI (@opi) on Oct 21, 2020 at 7:57pm PDT
A post shared by ♣️ 𝕀’𝕞 𝕃𝔼𝔼 * 𝔾𝕖𝕝-𝕏 ℙ𝕣𝕠 * (@leelegends) on Nov 5, 2020 at 9:45pm PST
4. Bubblegum Pink
Soft pinks step aside because this punch of color has arrived. Bubblegum pink is a great shade for when you want to make a statement.
A post shared by Asian Nail Lady (@nailedbyterry) on Oct 5, 2020 at 7:28am PDT
A post shared by Karen Bosques (@_karebeauty_) on Aug 7, 2020 at 2:19pm PDT
5. No Limits
Have you ever had trouble deciding on a theme for your nails? With nail art or colors, there are no limits. Do it all.
A post shared by NAILDIT (@nailditbyalyssa) on Aug 24, 2020 at 9:16am PDT
A post shared by 𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖊 𝖂𝖔𝖓 (@califreenails) on Aug 25, 2020 at 3:08pm PDT
6. All That Shimmers
Glitter, the quintessential holiday manicure. Want to put a spin on your mani? Try placing the glitter at the tip of the nail and creating an ombre or gradient effect.
A post shared by OPI (@opi) on Nov 1, 2020 at 1:50pm PST
A post shared by Nail Polish Society (Emiline) (@nailpolishsociety) on Oct 21, 2020 at 11:20am PDT
7. Nudes
Need we say more? You can never go wrong with nude. Our current favorite is Orly Color Labs latest collaboration with undergarment brand, Nue, to create a custom-blended nude gift set. All proceeds are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
A post shared by Breukelen Polished (@breukelenpolished) on Oct 30, 2020 at 12:27pm PDT
A post shared by The GelBottle Inc™ (@the_gelbottle_inc) on Nov 8, 2020 at 6:00am PST
8. Animal Print
Leopard print and tortoise won’t be the only animal prints this season. Be prepared to also see cow print take its turn in the limelight.
A post shared by Kiara Sky Nails Official (@kiaraskynails) on Nov 4, 2020 at 10:08am PST
A post shared by AMY LE • LA NAIL ARTIST (@amyle.nails) on Oct 11, 2020 at 9:08am PDT
9. Classic French
The simple, yet sohpisticated french manicure has made a comeback. Tip: a simple change of your nail shape brings a whole new take on the classic.
A post shared by Chaun 🇰🇭 (@chaunlegend) on Sep 18, 2020 at 6:17pm PDT
A post shared by The Nail Clinic (@thenailclinic.amsterdam) on Oct 24, 2020 at 1:33pm PDT
10. Elevated French
A twist on the classic white tip, these french manicures add flair. Swap out the white for a color or pattern of your choosing.
A post shared by Melanie (@overglowedit) on Sep 29, 2020 at 4:26pm PDT
A post shared by NAILS BY CAMBRIA (@nailsbycambria) on Feb 11, 2020 at 8:09am PST
11. Black & White
The contrast of black and white are unmatched. With these two colors the world is your oyster.
A post shared by Ourfa Zinali (@ourfazinali) on Aug 20, 2020 at 7:49pm PDT
A post shared by 𝖓𝖊𝖔𝖓𝖉𝖗𝖎𝖕💧 𝕹𝖆𝖎𝖑 𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖙 (@neondrip_x) on Nov 3, 2020 at 11:49pm PST
12. Candy Apple Red
If we had to pick a color that signifies the holidays, a classic red would win every time.
A post shared by Chaun 🇰🇭 (@chaunlegend) on Sep 19, 2020 at 9:01am PDT
A post shared by Bretony (@bresellsseashells) on Oct 28, 2020 at 12:51pm PDT
13. Mask Matching
With masks being a normal part of daily life, why shouldn’t you match them to your favorite mask?
A post shared by Gina Edwards (@ginaedwards_) on Jul 25, 2020 at 5:13am PDT
A post shared by Miss Pop (@misspopnails) on Jul 20, 2020 at 2:34pm PDT
14. Moon Inspired
The half moon manicure uses two contrasting colors: one that covers 1/3 of the nail and another at the base in the shape of a half moon. This easily takes your average manicure up a notch.
A post shared by The Mani Club (@themaniclub) on Oct 5, 2020 at 1:19pm PDT
A post shared by Elle (@enamelle) on Nov 7, 2020 at 5:58am PST
15. Assymetrical Moon
To achieve this nail design inspired by the half moon, take a color along the tips of your nail and bring it down along one side to create a “swoosh” as thick or as thin as you’d like.
A post shared by NAILS BY CAMBRIA (@nailsbycambria) on Oct 10, 2020 at 7:42am PDT
A post shared by Queenie Nguyen (@nailartbyqueenie) on Sep 11, 2020 at 9:39am PDT
16. Metallics
The shimmer from metallics is hard to resist.
A post shared by Vino & Varnish (@vino_and_varnish) on Oct 21, 2020 at 1:45pm PDT
A post shared by Jem (@jemsnailadventure) on Sep 18, 2020 at 11:29am PDT
LOKFAR 3 Colors Mirror Metallic Nail Polish Set, Metallic Texture Quick Dry Nail Art Polish – Bright and Shiny Finish Nail Polish, Chrome Long-Lasting Mirror Shine Effect Nail Polish 6 ml/Bottle -#A($9.99)
17. Pop Art
This trend provides a whole new way to make your nails pop…literally. Paint them the color of your choice and then outline the edges of your nail with a contrasting color.
A post shared by AMY LE • LA NAIL ARTIST (@amyle.nails) on Jul 29, 2020 at 11:15am PDT
A post shared by Iram Shelton Nail Artist (@iramshelton) on Oct 6, 2020 at 8:46am PDT
18. Matte
High gloss shine is usually a go to for most manicures, but adding a matte polish or top coat to a look just hits different.
A post shared by Chaun 🇰🇭 (@chaunlegend) on Oct 16, 2020 at 9:12am PDT
A post shared by Nail It! Magazine (@nailitmag) on Nov 9, 2020 at 12:01pm PST
19. Negative Space
There’s no need to cover the whole nail with color for your next manicure. Have fun by creating designs with negative space.
A post shared by Melanie (@overglowedit) on Aug 9, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT
A post shared by Queenie Nguyen (@nailartbyqueenie) on Nov 2, 2020 at 11:27am PST
20. Ocean Deep
There’s just something about deep cobalt blues that bring a winter manicure together.
A post shared by The Mani Club (@themaniclub) on Oct 20, 2020 at 1:44pm PDT
A post shared by Lisa Nail Lacquer (@lisalacquer) on Nov 2, 2020 at 11:31am PST
21. Abstract Shapes/Patterns
Let your creativity fly with this trend. Create whatever shapes and patterns you want on one nail or all to add your personal spark of genius.
A post shared by 𝖓𝖊𝖔𝖓𝖉𝖗𝖎𝖕💧 𝕹𝖆𝖎𝖑 𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖙 (@neondrip_x) on Oct 27, 2020 at 2:43am PDT
A post shared by NAILPRO (@nailpromagazine) on Nov 4, 2020 at 2:14pm PST
22. Split Nails
The more (colors) the merrier. Place two colors next to each other on a single nail and voila, you’ve mastered it.
A post shared by Alicia Torello (@aliciatnails) on Jun 29, 2020 at 4:48pm PDT
A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails) on Oct 4, 2020 at 9:18am PDT
23. Nature-Inspired
Taking a page from nature’s book, these looks emulate the beautiful designs already found on Mother Earth.
A post shared by Ourfa Zinali (@ourfazinali) on Jul 6, 2020 at 7:59pm PDT
A post shared by AMY LE • LA NAIL ARTIST (@amyle.nails) on Jul 15, 2020 at 11:29am PDT
24. Green
No surprises here when it comes to this holiday shade. Any variation of this color works to bring holiday cheer.
A post shared by People of Color® Beauty (@peopleofcolorbeauty) on Nov 5, 2020 at 6:05pm PST
A post shared by 🌹Victoria Natdha | Nail Artist (@victorianatdha) on Nov 8, 2020 at 12:18pm PST
25. Gray Blue
Cool down your manicure with these gray blue shades.
A post shared by 🌹Victoria Natdha | Nail Artist (@victorianatdha) on Oct 22, 2020 at 2:28pm PDT
A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails) on Oct 17, 2020 at 12:32pm PDT
Tell us what manicure you’re dying to try next in the comments below!
