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Nail experts talk about 2022’s best nail colors and styles that you’ll continue to see throughout the year.
It's easy to get caught in a cycle of choosing the same manicure colors, shapes, and styles at every nail appointment. If you're ready to break the routine and try something new, consider going with one of 2022's best nail trends. Throughout the year, we've seen a variety of manicure styles go viral, from Hailey Bieber's famous glazed donut nails to the return of press-on manicures.
The diversity of these trends offer a fun, low-commitment way to get creative and try new styles. The best part is that you don't have to completely stray away from what makes you feel comfortable, either. Whether you prefer an easy DIY minimalist look or can't resist a sparkly, bedazzled mani that resembles a literal piece of art, there's a chic way to achieve your go-to manicure that's 2022-approved. And if you do want to shake things up a lot, then nail polish is a great way to do that. It isn't permanent; it's the perfect way to try something different and express however you feel.
We spoke with several nail experts to learn all about the best nail trends to try, including the styles you'll start to see everywhere this fall and winter. Scroll on for inspiration you'll definitely want to screenshot and take to your next salon appointment.
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Chances are, you've seen or heard of this major manicure moment. The shimmery, iridescent style has gone viral all summer on nearly every social media platform for its simplicity and elegance. If you love a low-key manicure that still feels on-trend and stylish, you can't go wrong with this option. To achieve this look at home, try the Essie Expressie FX nail polish in Iced Out.
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If you've been seeing an influx of hot pink, well, everywhere, there's a reason. In honor of the new Barbie movie set to come out next summer, the bright hue is having its time in the limelight. However, if you're not into pink, Sonya Belakhlef, a celebrity nail artist, says the trend is more about bright colors than a specific hue. "Most people think of Barbiecore as bright pink, but I see it as any bright neon shades, from highlighter greens and yellows to bright oranges and corals," they say. "The best part of Barbiecore is that these shades are universal and complement any skin tone, so anyone can rock it." It also doesn’t require any fancy nail art or techniques, just a pigmented and bright neon shade.
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Heather Reynosa, the global education design director at OPI, says we'll continue to see an uptick in negative space nail art throughout the year. This manicure is playful and calls for so much customization since you can have fun with different colors and shapes.
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One trend Belakhlef anticipates making a huge comeback this fall is animal prints, like zebra and leopard. "In general, we’ll see styles get wilder and more experimental," they say.
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Press-on nails in every shape, length, and design will reign supreme, says manicurist Arlene Hinckson. "I think press-ons will be around forever [because] the versatility is addictive," she says. Not to mention, the options available now, such as the ones from Nails of LA, are so strong and long-lasting that you don't need to worry about a nail randomly falling off while doing daily activities.
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This fall, you can say goodbye to floral prints, rainbow designs, and smiley faces, says Lilly Rojas, cofounder of New York City's first indoor-outdoor nail salon, Lili and Cata. "Instead, expect to see abstract nail designs—think thin lines, swirls, and erratic dots," she says. You'll also see designs in warm-toned, neutral colors for an autumnal vibe.
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"Short square nails in bold colors aren't going anywhere anytime soon," says Reynosa. It's the perfect look for those who want to hold on to summer just a little bit longer.
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Focusing on nail care and that "plain natural summer nail" look is a classic that will never go out of style, says Hinckson. "A lot of girls are just really rocking that naturalist swag." To recreate this trend, opt for a clear top coat or a sheer neutral color for a complete, professional look.
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"I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I think the classic French manicure will come back," says Hinckson. Like all '90s and Y2K trends that have made a resurgence as of late, it comes as no surprise that these white tips will also take center stage this year and beyond.
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In addition to traditional French manis, Rojas predicts that doing the look with darker colors will be all the rage. "We will definitely continue to see French tips throughout the fall, but with darker tones that give you a cozy sweater feel," she says. "Expect to see French manicures with black, deep red, forest green, and neutral-colored tips. French manicures also work on a variety of nail shapes and lengths, so it’s a trend that’s here to stay."
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The photos from the James Webber telescope captured everyone’s attention, which is why Belakhlef predicts anything space-related will be trending. "This trend is also a take on the 3D nails we're going to see a lot of," they say. "Cosmic and all space-related looks are likely to trend well into 2023."
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"Half-moon nails will be big this fall," says Rojas. "It’s a simple, modern design that looks clean and chic." It's also a long-lasting manicure because the bottom half of the nail is left bare and grows out seamlessly without requiring immediate touch-ups, she says.
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Elsa Schiaparelli is an Italian fashion designer known for her surrealism and eccentric designs. "Schiaparelli is always on-trend, especially when it’s a great textured look," says Belakhlef, who predicts opulent, 3D, and lush manicures will take over this fall.
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"Chrome took the fashion and beauty world kind of sneakily," says Belakhelf. "I think part of it is that it lends itself to the cosmic vibe, and people are also really into virtual reality now, so anything chrome-y and futuristic is trending," they say.
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Dark, rich, and deep colors aren't going anyway this fall or winter, says Reynosa. They may be expected, but they're stunning every single time.
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Instead of waiting for hours while a pro creates a detailed manicure, opt for sticker decals. "This trend is huge this year and will likely stick around in 2023," says Belakhelf. "You can find any fun sticker decals that match your vibe, either on plain nails or added to other nail art like a French tip. All you need to complete the look is a good top coat to seal the decal so it doesn't peel off," they say. Belakhelf likes ORLY Kick Glass Top Coat, which adds an extra-long-lasting shine.
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Vivid red colors will be the cherry on top of any look, says Reynosa. You can even try combining two trends at once by doing a bright red color with negative space nail art or an eccentric design.
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Belakhelf says confetti nails are a "fun and easy way for self-expression." Whether you choose to get them professionally done or opt for sticker decals, they're the perfect accessory to any outfit, especially as we near the holiday season.
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Mustard is an underrated hue that will come out on top this fall, says Reynosa. It's super on-theme for the season and looks great on every skin tone. The shade Ochre to the Moon by OPI is a great color to recreate this trend.
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If we had to sum up 2022 nail trends in a single word, experimentation feels like a good choice. Reynosa agrees and says the rise of different textures, finishes, and nontraditional colors "will continue to evolve."