Your Guide To the Best Nail Art Trends of 2024
5 Trendy & Simple Nail Art Designs That Must Definitely Try In 2024
By Shammi Mondal
Nail art has become increasingly popular over the past few years as a form of self-expression and a way to add a touch of creativity to your personal style. There are several beauty trends that have marked a special place in all our beauty regimens, and the best nail art designs has been one of the most consistent one through the years. There is something special about freshly groomed nails.
From a simple swipe of colour to 3-dimensional nail adornments and acrylic extensions, nail art has since the classic French manicure. So, while you’re updating your makeup kit and hair colour to match the season’s latest trends, we’re here to tell you about the best nail art designs you need to try now.
Depending on whether you want a simple nail art design or are looking for Cardi B-like maximalist manicure, here are a few tips you should consider before committing to a manicure.
Do a length check
If you love the look of long stiletto nails and have extremely short nails or you’re a serial nail-biter, acrylic nails will be your best friends. You can get acrylic nail extension at a salon, where you can give your nails a whole new shape and length.
Know the finish you want
Love the look of ultra-glossy nail paint? Then, you probably would love gel manicures. You can do this at the salon or at home on your real nails and extensions as well. At the salon, the nail technician will apply multiple coats of gel nail lacquers and dry it under UV light to give it the shiny effect. At home, you can also achieve the same finish with gel nail paints and a topcoat.
Find your inspiration
Whether you’re heading to the nail salon or doing it yourself, keeping a reference image ready always help the process. It not only gives you a clear idea of the look but helps you prepare the shades and tools you will need as well.
Looking for some nail art ideas? Now that you have figured out your preferred way of getting your nails done, scroll down to know the best nail art designs for you.
1. Rhinestone studded nails
Want to grab attention? Go 3D! Pick a neutral base and stick on some rhinestones for a DIY take on the trend. Or head to the salon and play with stick-on flowers and jewel. This bedazzling nail art design gets a 10/10 from us.
2. Velvet nails
Velvet has upsprung in the fashion industry but has also taken over the beauty-verse. Actual velvet is not stuck to your nails, instead the classy nail art design plays with the smooth and shiny texture of velvet. It also gives a dual-toned effect that can either be done at the salon or achieved at home with velvet or matte finish polish.
3. Coloured French
The latest upgrade to the French mani? Wear it with a pastel, or a pop of neon. This simple nail art design is achievable even if you’re a complete newbie. All you need is a pop-coloured nail polish for the tips and a transparent topcoat. You can even try using shades from the same colour family to create an ombre-like effect from your little finger to your thumb.
4. Polka dots FTW
We’ve ‘spotted’ a big trend! Creating dots of varied sizes is the most effortless and easy nail art design. You can use a dotting tool to add tiny polkas to a neutral base nail colour to make a whimsical statement. The best part is never having to settle for a single colour.
5. Celestial affair
Your next manicure is written in the stars. Quite literally, as online searches for cosmic-inspired manicures with celestial elements are through the roof. Keep it simple with motifs like planets, clouds, constellations, or moons over nude hue or try extradimensional shimmer. The colour palette of your nail art design includes cool tones of silver, blue and purple. Ready to lift off in style?
Read more: Dive into the Barbiecore trend with these statement nail paints
A nail colour to match your style
The effortless monochromatic manicure will always reign, if you are stuck in a rut with neutral shades, take cues from the season’s hottest hues. You can use our colour guide for your next nail art design.
1. Barbie blowout
You have spotted the classic hot pink hue on dolls, now the shade is storming runways around the world. Adopt this hot shade with these Barbie core-inspired nail paints to make a statement.
2. Magenta magic
Viva magenta, a red-toned punchy pink shade is 2023’s colour of the year—also a flattering shade for your nails. It solidifies pink’s status as the colour of the moment but is a bolder statement. Our number 1 tip–it is your no brainer pick for any occasion.
3. Grunge FTW
Dark nail paints are all the rage right now, especially for those who are obsessed with beauty and love a grungy look. Whether you prefer deep plum shades, dark greens or blues, or classic black, dark nail paints add a touch of edginess to your fingertips and your persona.
Know your nail paints
Whether you are heading to a salon for a mani or winging it at home, this cheat sheet will guide you through all your options
1. Chrome Nail Paints
Chrome nails have been a popular option, it is a highly reflective, metallic polish that creates a mirror-like finish on the nails. Known for its eye-catching appearance chrome nails get all the love from beauty lovers. To achieve the perfect chrome look, a special topcoat is usually applied over a coloured base to enhance the reflective properties of the polish.
Best For: Those who love the high shine, metallic textured nails.
2. Matte Nail Paints
If you’re looking for a break from your glossy finish nail paints, move to matte. Matte nails have a soft effect on different colours and are having a major moment right now. They go on like a regular paint but dry down matte giving you that smooth, velvety powder finish.
Best For: Those who love a soft finish on their nails.
3. Gel nail lacquer
This is another popular choice. A gel nail lacquer is designed to give you that glossy long-lasting finish minus the effort of sitting at the salon for long hours—at a fraction of the cost. Many brands offer gel paint options that do not require a base coat or UV light.
Best for: Those looking for a nail polish that stays glossy for around two weeks. A long-lasting gel nail lacquer will have your back.
4. Breathable nail paints
Like the name suggests, if there’s a type of nail paint that cares for your nails, it’s this one. Breathable nail paints are big favourites in halal beauty for their porosity, as they don’t (debatably) obstruct you from making wudu and praying namaz and allow the passage of air and water.
Best for: Those looking for a fuss-free nail polish that does not dry out your nails and easily lasts for up to a week.
5. Quick drying nail paints
Gone are the days, where you had to blow air and keep your freshly painted fingers still. With the introduction of quick drying formula, the trouble of a messy or smudged nail paint is put to the rest. These nail paints are high in colour payoff and dry down within a minute of application.
Best for: Those who are on the go and need a mani in a few mins.
6. Chip resistant nail paints
There are very few things as annoying as a chipped manicure. While you put so much time and effort in painting your nails, seeing them chip off in a day can be traumatic. And chip-resistant nail paints can be the end to the bothering occurrence. Thanks to the heavy-duty polymers and ultra-durable formulations, chip-free nail paints are a boon in the nail art space.
Best for: Those who work with their hands a lot and want a long-lasting finish.
Got more nail art design queries? Let’s get them sorted.
Q. What nail colour is trending?
You can pick any nail paint colour that you like. Look out for trending shades, like viva magenta and Barbie pinks that have set the internet ablaze. Neutral tones are a classic and will work no matter what the occasion.
Q. What is 3D nail art?
In 3D nail art design, the nails are adorned with three dimensional elements like flowers, rhinestones, crystals, etc. These accents are stuck on your nails after being coated with a layer of colour to give it take added effect.
Q. What nail art is classy?
If you are looking for a nail art design that is timeless and suitable for all occasions, a classic French manicure is the best option. Nude nail colours also ensure your nails look effortlessly beautiful.