Here at Who What Wear UK, we are always covering the biggest nail colour trends of the season. From baby pink to sky blue and subtle peach tones, we’ve made sure to round up the most sought-after shades of 2024, but if you want something a little more exciting this year, then nail art might be the way to go. Nail designs have grown in popularity over the last couple of years, with more and more people getting creative when it comes to their manicures.
Last year, we saw the rise of nail embellishments and shiny chrome finishes, but what nail art trends can we expect to see everywhere in 2024? As a beauty editor, it’s my job to keep an eye out for the next big thing, so I’ve spent hours scouring the likes of TikTok and Instagram to figure out the biggest trends of the year. From bold animal prints to delicate bow detailing, there are lots of different styles depending on your preferences. As someone who usually avoids nail art all together, these trends have even got me convinced, and I’ve already decided which design I will be going for at my next appointment. So, if you’re looking to switch up your usual manicure for a statement finish, keep on scrolling for everything you need to know…
First up is animal print nails. It’s no secret that leopard print is dominating the fashion world right now, and according to Instagram, it’s definitely making its way into the beauty world, too. Lots of my favourite nail artists have been creating these chic, leopard-inspired manicures, and I happen to think that they are a fun yet elevated addition to any look.
Leopard print not your thing? Not to fear, as there are lots of other animal designs to try. Just look at this chrome, cow print manicure!
This clever duo from Nails Inc comes with a leopard-effect top coat so you can easily recreate the trend at home.
Press on nails are another easy way to recreate the look, and I’m obsessed with these cow print ones from Pretty Pro.
French tip nails are such a timeless design, but this year, it’s all about the micro French mani. Think small, super thin French tips in a range of colours. Rochelle Humes recently shared her matcha-inspired design on Instagram and I happen to think it’s perfect for spring.
Carey Mulligan was also spotted wearing this trend at this year’s Golden Globes. The star opted for white French tips for an understated finish, letting her natural nails shine through.
I don’t know about you but I personally find doing my own French mani so tricky, which is why I’ve added this nail stamp to my basket straight away.
If you want full control over your look, then a nail pen might be the way to go.
Bow accessories are everywhere right now, and this cute fashion trend shows no sign of slowing down. If you want to take things one step further, why not opt for bow detailing on your nails? I’ve spotted so much bow-inspired nail art on Instagram, and it’s giving me all of the coquette vibes.
You can be as loud or as subtle as you like with this trend, as there are so many different ways to incorporate the design into your manicure.
To really get that coquette aesthetic, opt for a pastel pink nail polish in order to do your bow nail art.
This brush set has everything you need to create pretty bows until your heart’s content.
Love is in the air at the moment, as nail artists can’t get enough of heart-inspired nail art designs. This trend will be huge in February on the run up to Valentine’s Day, but I happen to think that it’s totally wearable all year round, too. The trick is to keep your base colour neutral and let the nail art add a subtle pop of red.
Seriously, I’m not joking when I say every nail artist is sharing heart-inspired nail designs on social media right now. I love this combination of milky white and raspberry red.
It doesn’t get much cuter than these press on nails from Lottie London.
Want hearts all over your nails? Opt for this confetti heart nail polish topper instead.
You might have seen that I recently wrote about tortoiseshell nails having a major revival in 2024. If you didn’t know, Hailey Bieber wore this stylish design back in September, and since then I’ve seen some of my favourite nail artists follow suit.
I don’t know about you, but I think the mix of neutral tones looks so chic, and the design has a slightly softer finish compared to other animal prints.
Let’s face it, this nail art is going to be pretty hard to do at home, but Elegant Touch has got us covered with this handy set.
Nails Inc have also created a super easy set that will make your manicure look so elevated.
Next up, All Experts Agree: This Is the Most Rich-Looking Nail Colour of All Time