2024 has seen a rise in an abundance of nail designs to suit all – there’s truly something fabulous for each and every nail shape. While we’ve seen a upsurge in the search for ombre designs, neon hues, Barbie pinks and baby blues (these make for the perfect spring-summer manicure) we’ve also seen TikToker’s embrace shades more traditionally associated with winter nails or autumn manicures – think coffee browns, berry reds and burnt orange. The latest look to find its way onto our Pinterest board? Grey nails – which can be as cute and quirky or as natural and minimalist as you desire.
Why is grey a good nail colour?
According to the experts, grey nails will always be in style. 'They’re chic, neutral, go with everything and there’s such a spectrum of grey (from light to dark to blue undertones) that they can work for most skin tones. Grey works with all nail shapes, too, but we love a chic short natural grey nail,' says Daisy Kalnina, CEO and founder of The GelBottle.
Likewise,Juanita Huber-Millet, Founder & Creative Director of Townhouse, explains while grey is good all-year round, they make an exceptionally great choice for 2024. 'Grey nails exude an understated sense of luxury and sophistication that perfectly complements the modern aesthetic of the year. As fashion trends lean towards a more minimalist and refined approach, grey nails emerge as a stylish accessory, effortlessly enhancing any look with their timeless elegance.'
How to elevate grey nails for 2024
Kalnina approves of the grey-toned mani trends making the rounds at the moment, like stone nails, which make a case for gorgeous glossy grey nails. But to modernise grey nails for 2024, she says, 'to elevate a grey nail, try a silver chrome French tip or a white half moon. Make them modern with a matte finish or a black statement line or design on two signature fingers.'
Shop: Expert-recommended grey nail polish
peacci.com
'For a perfect at home grey, we love Miss Grey by Peacci– a neutral grey with a hint of lilac peeking through,' says Kalnina.
Looking for inspiration ahead of your upcoming salon appointment or your next DIY job? We’ve got you. Here’s out edit of Grazia approved grey nails designs for 2024. Enter all the gel nails, BIAB nails and acrylic nails inspiration you could ever need.
Scroll on for the best grey nail designs for 2024…
Best Grey Nail Designs To Screenshot Now
Stone Grey Nails
According to influencer Alix Earle, 'stone grey nails are in'. If you want to try an at-home take on the trend, Kalnina advises reaching for Peacci's Nail Polish in Shadow, £8.99, which is 'a slate grey with earthy undertones.'
Light Grey Nails
@paintedbyjools is our favourite for creating beautiful nail art designs. This light grey shade doesn't only look good on short, natural nails - it's also a must for coffin nails and almond nail shapes.
Grey Glitter Nails
Grey glitter nails? They're always a good idea. Create a silvery finish with a layer of shimmery grey polish - a micro French manicure is a great way of tapping into the trend.
Grey Acrylic Nails
More is more with these long, claw style nails. With grey acrylic nail designs you can never go wrong.
Dark Grey Nail Polish
Grey silver nails with a glittering French twist? And with a chromatic finish? Count us in!
Ombre Grey Nails
If you're after some birthday nail inspo, grey and white nails make for a statement look. We love the celestial nail art, too.
Grey and Pink Nail Designs
The ultimate colour combination, these dark grey gel nails with animal print are a seriously cute nail design.
Grey Marble Nails
These grey nails are ideal for those who like natural designs. Goldnail stickers add a subtle touch of glamour.
Main image credit: @paintedbyjools and @prissyjnails
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia UK's Beauty Writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).