8 Nail Trends That Will Dominate 2026

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Quiet luxury has come for nail styles. For years, manicure trends have featured dramatic shapes, bold finishes, and intricately painted designs. But now, pared back designs, that perfectly complement current minimalist fashions, are dominating nail trends. "As the beauty industry continues to favor natural looks, so do our customers. Bare, naked-looking manicures [have been] a growing trend ever since the 'old money' trend in fashion became popular," nail artist Helen Marlen told Forbes in 2024. "It's a quiet luxury, Princess Diana type of style." Instead, the emphasis is on carefully trimmed cuticles and healthy nail beds.

Two years later, simple styles are still popular as ever, with low maintenance beauty trending across the board. "Clients are gravitating toward manicures that look polished for weeks without constant upkeep," Lisa Kon, nail expert and founder of Lisa Kon Nail, told Women.com exclusively. "This trend reflects a broader lifestyle shift toward beauty solutions that are both high-end and practical." These nail styles look elegant but grow out nicely and won't require you to the salon every week.

Bold, opaque nail colors are officially out in 2026. "Ultra-sheer, milky, and skin-tone shades that enhance the natural nail rather than cover it will continue to dominate," nail expert Lisa Kon exclusively tells Women.com. These light washes of pink or white color are so subtle that they're universally flattering, like the ultimate minimalist manicure trend: soap nails. Rather than drawing the eye to your hands, they leave the focus on your clothes. "These looks feel luxurious, timeless, and effortless, aligning perfectly with the growing preference for understated elegance and clean aesthetics," explained Kon. Try an option like Manicurist Green Nail Polish in Sheer Pale Pink.

Minimalism isn't just coming for nail color; it's also driving shape trends. Say goodbye to dagger-like coffin or stiletto nails in favor of more natural styles. These shapes are elongating, and they'll never look dated; plus, the functionality of shorter lengths conveys relaxed, effortless beauty. "Almond, short oval, and softly squared shapes will replace extreme lengths and sharp edges," says nail expert Lisa Kon. "These shapes are practical, wearable, and photograph beautifully, making them ideal for modern lifestyles and social media."

While hyper-detailed nail art or the loud luxury of a gilded French manicure is falling out of fashion in 2026, there's still lots of room to have fun with opulent nail designs. Shimming chrome finishes, like Artdone Chrome Nail Powder, add a glamorous edge to an otherwise restrained nail style. "Rather than bold nail art, we'll see refined textures — satin finishes, soft pearl effects, and delicate reflective particles," says nail expert Lisa Kon. "These finishes add depth and interest while maintaining a sophisticated, minimal look."

In addition to soft pinks, beige-y nude colors are another way to achieve an elegant, minimal look. This is especially true now thanks to a wider range of colors to choose from, so you can find the one perfectly suited to your skin tone. "Nude shades used to feel less exciting when you thought about nail color," nail artist Holly Falcone told InStyle. "But with gels, Gel-X, and the resurgence of the French manicure, there's been this evolution of enhancements in flesh tones and neutrals."

The French manicure is a perennial classic. For a modern update on this standby style, opt for a thinner white tip, also known as the "micro French tip." This version translates especially well to the shorter nails that are trending. "The thinness of the French line elongates the rest of the nail bed," nail artist Mazz Hanna told InStyle. "It creates a really beautiful, timeless illusion." It's the perfect balance between polished and natural, since it replicates the appearance of a bare nail. No wonder it was Princess Diana's favorite manicure.

Nude nails might be king in 2026, but plenty of colors are still on trend, too. The key is forgoing bold, flashy hues in favor of subtle, sophisticated shades. "Expect to see muted pinks, porcelain whites, warm beiges, soft lilacs, and elegant greys," nail expert Lisa Kon exclusively tells us. "These colors feel calming and elevated, and they pair seamlessly with both everyday wear and special occasions." Elevated browns, like OPI Nail Lacquer in Cliffside Karaoke, also make a luxurious option in winter when dark colors are favored.

The trend pendulum is swinging away from maximalist manicures back toward pared-back — or even totally bare — styles. That puts the spotlight back on bare nails, which means nail health is more important than ever. "Healthy, strong, natural nails will be considered the ultimate luxury," nail expert Lisa Kon exclusively tells Women.com. "Treatments that focus on strengthening, repairing, and maintaining the nail plate will continue to grow in popularity, shifting attention from trends to long-term nail care." Look for products that nourish your nails, like OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener, which also adds a wash of natural-looking color.

Mauve, a pink-brown shade, offers a great middle ground between a classic red and a trendy neutral. "This color sits beautifully between neutral and color, making it perfect for clients who want something subtle but with a pop of color," nail artist Sofiia Mazur told Vogue. It also looks flattering on most skin tones. Mauve, like OPI Nail Lacquer in Chocolate Moose, is perfect for everyday wear and it's also elegant enough for a special occasion. "It can give grunge but also chic and mysterious," nail artist Coca Michelle told WhoWhatWear.