Is it just me, or are there about a million and one nail trends to follow at the moment? Don’t get me wrong, there are some popular manicures that I can totally get on board with (fiery red nails and lavender nails are my two current favourites), but some nail polish and nail-art ideas feel like more effort than they’re worth, and I’m ready for something new.
It seems I’m not the only one, as I spoke to nail expert and OPI global ambassador Iram Shelton, all about the trends she thinks aren’t worth the hype anymore, and what manicures she’d rather you ask for instead. “I personally don’t agree with a lot of the trends that are out there at the moment,” says Shelton. “To me, they just seem like buzzwords that everyone is jumping on. For example, ‘latte’ nails or ‘espresso’ nails are simply just brown nails that usually come back in style during autumn and winter.”
It’s no secret that there are a lot of these buzzwords floating around, when, as explained by Shelton, they are often referring to colours that have been popular forever. However, instead of jumping on all of these different, somewhat dated shades, Shelton says it’s important to focus on caring for your nails and keeping them as healthy as possible. However, if you do want add a little bit of polish or nail art, these are the five trends that Shelton wants you to ask for at your next appointment.
“The most important trend—and something that I would like to see people ask for more—is a focus on natural nail health,” says Shelton. “I receive so many messages from people asking me for advice about how they can restore their nails after bad experiences with salons or products, and I just wish a healthy, natural-nail trend would come back in.”
Shelton recommends using oils, lacquers and strengthening treatments to enhance your nails rather than opting for a quick fix that can end up damaging them further.
This nourishing oil can help to protect from chips and breaks, keeping your natural nails looking as healthy as can be.
The next step up from natural nails? The “naked” nail trend. “Can we have a moment for naked nails?” asks Shelton. This trend involves using a sheer polish or a shiny top coat to give your natural nails a little bit of oomph.
“OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum and OPI Nail Envy Nail Polish are the secret to success when it comes to this look,” explains Shelton. This trend is sure to never go out of style, and will look as chic and expensive as ever all year round.
This is a clever 2-in-1 product, as it works to strengthen your nails whilst also adding a subtle hint of colour.
“I would also love to see more classic nail designs with some added flair,” says Shelton. “Take red nails—why not play around with finishes and go for something matte?” I love how the matte finish makes this manicure stand out even more, yet the classic colour ensures it won’t date.
If you do like something a bit different, then why not incorporate some nail art into your matte, red mani?
For that classic red shade and stylish matte finish, Illamasqua has you covered.
“Another thing I’d love to see is more requests for nail embellishments or jewellery,” reveals Shelton. “I love them so much and I know they’ll be trending towards Christmas, but why can’t we have them all year round?”
Although this might sound like quite a statement trend, there are so many delicate, minimalistic design options.
This kit comes with both silver and gold embellishments, so you can decorate your nails until your heart’s content.
Although Shelton is a fan of matte finishes, she also loves playing around with foil textures, and shared that she wishes this would become more of a trend moving forward.
Again, I love how minimal this trend can be, as it means that you can have full control over how much of an impact your nails make.
Price shown is members’ price. Foil nail art can be hard to do at home, but you can fake it until you make it with this pretty gold polish from Beauty Pie.
Next Up: I’m a Beauty Editor—Here’s How I Save Money on Nail Appointments