55 Cool Acrylic Nail Ideas for Every Season and Occasion (2024)

FAQs

What is the hottest nail trend? ›

Molten chrome accents

One of the biggest nail trends and pedicure colors of 2023 was chrome — specifically, a full set of monochromatic silver that screamed bling. But for 2024 nail art, the megawatt shine will be dialed back and replaced with molten chrome accents that snake along your nails like flames.

“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.

Round acrylic nails are ideal if your natural nails are usually kept short. The style lends a simple look to your fingertips that is easy to maintain.

french tip nails are a staple nail design that has been around since the 1930s. consisting of a sheer pink base color and a white tip, this nail look is timelessly chic. learn how to do a classic french manicure to elevate your at-home nail game.

“The summertime is the perfect time to take advantage of all the different shades of pink… a soft pastel or maybe something neon but jelly pink will be the most popular,” says Janee.

Pastel Hues: Soft and delicate pastel nail polish colors are also trending this year. These light shades bring a touch of elegance and femininity to your nails, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and sophisticated look.

Coming in as one of the most popular nail shapes out there is the squoval nail shape. A blend of the square and oval nail shapes, squoval nails make for an elegant look. Keeping the straight square edge with soft rounded edges, this balanced shape might be your new favorite staple.

Almond nails aren't the only rounded style gaining attention: Nguyen says that short-to-medium-length oval nails are trending, too. They closely resemble almond nails; the major difference is that the oval has a wider base and softer, rounded tips, giving it a slightly more natural look.

The thinnest nail enhancements are silk or fiberglass wraps which are not often done these days, though you can still find nail techs that do them if you ask around enough. Do fake nails damage your natural nails?

What type of nails look the best? ›

If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.

Unlike the classic French manicure, where the tip starts closer to the sides of the nail in a crescent shape, the Italian style “starts around halfway up the nail on both the left and right sides to form more of a 'U' shape,” explains Teleki—another way to make nails look more elongated.

What Is an Italian Manicure? According to Hang Nguyen, it is a manicure hack for creating narrow nail beds by applying polish to the center of your nail bed, leaving a little bit of space on the sides and near the cuticle for an elongated look.

Put a milky twist on the classic French manicure by replacing the traditional white tip with a milky white shade. Use a slightly opaque or sheer milky white polish to create a soft and elegant French tip. This combination maintains the sophistication of the French manicure while incorporating the milky nail trend.

For one, it seems to suggest that men are more attracted to women who have red nails. This is likely because the color red is associated with passion and excitement, which are qualities that many men find attractive in a partner.

“Glass nails are a standout trend for summer 2024, echoing the stunning 'glass' makeup by Pat McGrath at the Margiela show,” says Choi. “This gel-like jelly polish offers an extraordinary, glossy finish, perfect for the season's fresh and modern aesthetic.”

Gen Z is glued to press-on nails. The savvy, stylish nails have come in handy for on-the-go young people who desire versatile nail designs — but want to spend less money and fewer hours in a nail salon.

Red nails are often seen as a symbol of confidence and boldness, and they can be incredibly attractive to many guys. Whether it's a classic, deep red or a vibrant, eye-catching crimson, red nail polish is a safe bet when you want to make a strong impression.