The 31 Best Nail Designs To Inspire Your Next Manicure

Nothing lifts our mood quite like swooning over nail designs prior to a salon appointment. And the feeling of looking down at a fresh set after an hour and a half sat in the salon chair? Unbeatable. But fun aside, looking for the best nail inspiration and nail art designs requires some serious effort - when the masses are frantically Googling 'nail design ideas 2024' you can bet that deciding on which mani to go for is not an easy decision given the options are endless. And that is why we are here to help you through it, with nails sets Grazia's beauty team has tried and tested.

What is the most popular nail design?

Leading salons across the UK such as Townhouse and Duck & Dry have seen an uptick in requests for natural-looking nails. Duck & Dry manager, Ava Amien notes, 'In 2024, almond and coffin-shaped nails will remain popular, complemented by shorter lengths and natural shapes.'

Townhouse's in-house nail artist Rossella Di Santo concurs and explains her salon in London's Marble Arch has been inundated with clients seeking natural designs with an ultra-shiny finish, which has given rise to what Townhouse calls 'milky chrome nails' aplenty, as well as pink or white milky nails sans chrome. As for other shades? Ava predicts 'neutral and earthy tones, such as warm browns, terracottas, and muted greens, will dominate nail colour trends this year.'

Juanita Huber-Millet, Founder and Creative Director of Townhouse backs the uptick of natural styles. ‘The minimalist trend is super popular right now across make-up, hair and nails. We love this look at Townhouse, it’s chic, stylish and super wearable for all nail lengths. The minimal look really started gaining momentum in early 2023 and has steadily increased in popularity with the growing focus on natural beauty and the Clean Girl trend popularised by celebrities and beauty influencers including Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Namvo and Sofia Richie.‘

It has seen sheer pink hues among the most sought after by Townhouse clients, who routinely request shades like Brownlow Road and Barlett Street in-salon, 'both sheer-toned pinks that are chic and understated, make them a go-to choice for a sophisticated and polished look. Other beautiful sheer pink shades are Bubble Bath by OPI, £14.90 or Elegance by Nailberry, £16.50 ‘

Huber-Millet predicts the current inclination for natural nail designs will give rise to more minimal french and balletcore styles in 2024. ‘The balletcore trend is making waves in the beauty and fashion spaces - and this look is going to be just as popular in nails. This look seamlessly blends sophistication, elegance and grace. To sport this must-have look, opt for muted pastel shades, soft pinks - reminiscent of ballet slippers or chic milky whites. If you fancy adding that little something extra, ask for a dainty bow or heart nail art accent - perfect for the ultimate balletcore aesthetic!’

But if au naturel isn't your MO, fret not. Huber-Millet points out 2024 will be loaded with chrome finishes and the everlasting tortoiseshell nail. Ava also reveals, 'Gradient and ombre styles, as well as 3D embellishments, will definitely be the trend of the year in terms of nail design. I expect to see a surge in popularity for dip powder nails and reverse French manicures. Additionally, gel extensions and textured nail art techniques, like sugar nails and velvet nails, may also start trending as we go further into the year.'

Who do we have to thank for such an (overwhelming) abundance of nail designs to choose between? Celebrities like Margot Robbie, Lizzo, Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie, who routinely show off an array of intricate and more natural nail designs, CC: Bieber's now iconic glazed doughnut nails and their little sister lipgloss nails to Margot's Barbiecore neon pink French manicure.

Whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist, we've compiled the hottest nail trends of 2024 so you don't have to. Screenshot ahead of your next nail appointment and thank us later.

What are the biggest nail trends right now?

Natural Nail Designs

Achieving your best nails yet need not be a complicated task, sometimes simplicity is best. You can always opt for a simplified version of any of TikTok's viral nail trends (see: blueberry milk nails for the proof). If you need more evidence, look to Chanel which recently breathed life into regular, air-dry nail polish, the kind of which are easy, accessible and fool-proof. Last year, Chanel’s legendary Le Vernis collection was boosted with 17 new shades, which each help to create a thoroughly modern manicure.

1. Milky Nails

Consider this trend a combination of Barbiecore and Lipgloss nails combined. It's the perfect white-meets-pink and is beautifully sheer. It's the Molly-Mae's favourite manicure and makes for the ideal engagement manicure.

2. Lipgloss Nails

If you're a minimalist lipgloss nails are for you. Elegant, simple and perfect for everyday. Think of it as the clever little sister to Hailey Bieber's glazed donut nails, a manicure look that packs high-shine gloss in a new understated guise.

3. Cute Nail Designs

If you’re feeling a bit experimental, teeny tiny nail designs can be a fun way to express your creativity. Play with bold swirls, cute drawings and shapes to create fun and eye-catching nail art on top of a natural base.

4. Short Nail Designs

This is the most minimal micro French tip manicure you've ever seen, right? If you're into super, super, simple and clean styles, opt for this gel manicure in a high shine, sheer finish.

5. Simple Nail Designs

You can't get more minimal than a single base colour. This ballerina pink shade is made ever more dainty by the crisp Russian manicure finish.

6. Milky Chrome Nails

Rosella cites milky chrome nails as one of the biggest trends for early 2024 thanks to their natural yet elegant results. She created this set on Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh using The GelBottle Inc's Cashmere Nude Gel Polish, £14.50, and a buffing of icy chrome pigment.

Ombre Nails

Can't decide between two colours? Mix them both together and have the best of both worlds. As Ava notes, expect gradient and ombre styles, as well as 3D embellishments, to be a big trend for 2024. Ombre/Aura nails especially, are a gorgeous set to wear throughout the year. Our personal favourite? Pink ombre nails. Take inspiration from the variety of looks below.

1. Aura Nails

This set is super unique and fun. It has a blend of two colours on each nail and is complete with 3D abstract lines for an ultra-futuristic and otherworldly finish.

2. Pink Nail Designs

This set mixes pink and mauve in an ombre halo style with a crisp almost shape. To add that extra wow factor you could add some nail gems, too.

3.Acrylic Nail Designs

Everyone will be asking to take a second look at your nails if you take on this design. Unlike the above look, this style features the deepest accent shade at the centre of the nail for a softer take on a halo style.

4. Nude Nail Designs

You can't go wrong with a classic ombre nail. This look is timeless and goes with everything thanks to its nude colourway.

Almond Nail Designs

Nails are not a one-shoe-fits-all beauty category – in fact, is anything? The democracy of nails means various nail shapes reign supreme but almond nails are quick to flood our feeds in an array of elegant styles.

1. Chrome Nails

Add a little pizzaz by embellishing with metallic or glittery tips, this look is a red carpet signature for Jennifer Lopez.

2. Blue Nail Designs

Call it reminiscent of Grecian summers or Moroccan tile work, in any case these this modern French manicure is a clever take on a classic look.

3. Red Nail Designs

Who said red nails were out? Nobody. The bold, beautiful hue isn't just reserved for Valentine's Day and will impart a sense of chic confidence year-round.

4. French Nail Designs

We love a classic French manicure, but notice how the almond shape adds that little bit of softness for a cuter look.

5. Black And White Nails

This alternating nail design mixes line art and monochrome styling into one chic look, and is made ever more cool with a strong almond shape.

French Tip Nail Designs

You can never go wrong with a French tip because there is so much versatility to be had - choose between a micro French manicure or even a reverse French manicure. You could have a French mani on just a few nails to combine different styles, or you could go bold with lots of different colours. Exhibit A: Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant Renee Washington's colourful set below, which makes an early nod to summer nail design inspiration.

1. Colourful French Manicure

Simple yet so effective, you could even add a few patterns to spice your look up just that bit more.

2. Classic French Manicure

If you're after a natural French manicure, consider BIAB. Short for Builder In A Bottle, BIAB is a gel polish which is applied to your natural nail. It's a much thicker consistency to normal polish and the clever, durable formula will strengthen your natural nail while they're coated in it.

3. Green Nail Designs

Great any time of year, green is a hue that can be enjoyed no matter the season. Opt for deep bottle greens come winter and matcha come summer, like this set below, which is made ever more elegant with a French finish.

4. Butterfly French Tips

We're adding this butterfly and French tip combination to our Pinterest board - stat.

Summer Nail Designs

The warmer months call for nails with cute designsand there is so much to choose from.

1. Kaleidescope Nails

Renee opted for a kaleidoscope design for this fun twist on the French manicure below, a perfect choice for the spring or summer.

2. Flower Nail Designs

Floral patterns scream summer and they make a nice addition to any simple set.

3. Barbiecore

There's no denying that Barbiecore beauty has been dominating in recent times - with online searches for Barbie shooting up over 560%. The best part? We're not mad about it. There's a pretty pink nail design out there to suit everyone.

4. Nail Art

Freestyle sets are a favourite on the Grazia Beauty Desk. You can experiment by mixing and matching, which allows for greater, bolder creative choices. These nails below feature colours, hearts, clouds, and then some.

Trendy Nail Designs

Meet the designs that likely keep popping up on your feed. Be it natural earthy tones of chocolate, metallics or marbled nails.

1. Metallic Nails

If you want to experiment a little - metallic nails are the way to do it. Lizzo has been known to rock a similar set at the Grammys. Wear it fully coated, as an accent or on the tips of your French manicure for a fresh take on the look, either way it's a winner and the perfect nails for winter or any season for that matter.

2. Chocolate Nails

Brown, earthy tones are a natural choice for their soft and cosy appeal, and this set proves exactly why.

3. Halloween Nail Designs

These pointy claws are perfect for the spooky Halloween season, DIY these at home with a thin brush and red polish atop a French manicure.

4. Marble nails

Marble nails will never disappoint given their alluring finish and these shades are the perfect way to wear the trend for autumn. For summer, opt for brighter colours.

Black Nail Designs

Winter certainly calls for deeper, darker hues, but black nails are a chic, year-round classic for good reason. See below for the best black nail designs to try now.

1. All Black

Black nails will forever be chic and the perfect finisher to any classy ensemble. Try them in the winter when you want to set the mood and any other season when you want to make a statement. This high-shine glossy finish takes this set to new heights.

2. Sheer Black Nails

Black with a touch of mystery, this nail design is a great pick for Hallowee and beyond.

3. Black Abstract Nails

To recreate this look you'll need a fine tappered brush (and a steady hand) and some glitter polish.

4. 3D Nails

3D nail art is the perfect choice if you have a special occasion coming up (hello, birthday nails). You can opt for a single statement nail or dress all your nails up. This set includes silver balls and a chrome hearts gem.

Now that you're aquatinted with the best nail trends for 2024, why not read our guide to removing gel nail polish - it's brimming with excellent tips and tricks and perfect if you've been searching how to take off gel nails at home.

Main image credit: Instagram @iramshelton

Shop: Best Nail Polishes To Try Now