If you're looking for a way to spice up your nails this year, you're in luck. 2021 has brought on a variety of new and exciting nail trends to try out. From geometric shapes to bold colors, there's something for everyone. Here's what's in for nails this year:
Experimenting with different shapes like squares, triangles, and negative space is a great way to add a modern twist to any nail look. Try out different shapes on different fingers or mix and match for a truly unique look.
French tips are a classic nail look that will never go out of style, but this year, try switching it up with a twist. Adding glitter, ombre, or bold hues to the classic look can really take it to the next level.
Who said holiday nails are just for the holiday season? Try incorporating festive designs like candy cane stripes or fireworks into your year-round nail look for a fun pop of color.
Why stick with one color when you can have a rainbow on your nails? Ditch the single color trend and opt for a multicolored tip with a gradient effect for a fun and playful look.
Glossy nails are a thing of the past. This year, add some edge to any color with a matte topcoat. From black to pastel shades, a matte finish is a unique and stylish choice.
Swap the traditional white tip for a clear tip on top of a colored base for a fresh take on the French tip. This trend is perfect for those who want a subtle yet unique nail look.
From leopard spots to zebra stripes, taking a walk on the wild side has never been so trendy. Incorporate animal prints into your nail look for a fun and fierce vibe.
Add dimension and sparkle to any color with a holographic topcoat or polish. This trend is perfect for those who love a little bit of bling in their life.
Get a mirror-like finish with a metallic powder applied over gel or acrylic nails. This futuristic trend is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their nails.
Geometric Shapes
If you're looking to add some edge to your nail game, geometric shapes are a must-try trend for 2021. Experiment with squares, triangles, and negative space for a modern and chic look that's sure to turn heads. Checkerboard patterns, angular designs, and even half-moon shapes are all great options to try out.
For a minimalist approach, try negative space designs where parts of the nail are left unpainted. This can be achieved with various shapes, such as a triangle or a square, or by simply leaving a thin line unpainted down the center of the nail. The negative space trend adds a sleek and sophisticated vibe to any look.
If you're feeling bold, experiment with different colors and shapes on each nail to create a unique and eye-catching look. Geometric shapes also pair well with metallic shades or bright neons for a pop of color. See our table below for more inspiration!
| Square Shapes | Triangle Shapes | Negative Space |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
Non-Traditional French Tips
Looking to put a modern twist on the classic French manicure? Look no further than non-traditional French tips. This trend takes the traditional white tip and replaces it with bold hues, glitter, and ombre effects. Choose your favorite color palette or mix it up with multiple shades.
For a more subtle take on the trend, try a soft pastel ombre from nail bed to tip. Or, go all out with bold and bright colors paired with glitter or metallic accents. The possibilities are endless with non-traditional French tips.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes, such as a stiletto or coffin shape, to add even more interest to your nails. This trend is all about creativity and making the classic French manicure your own.
To maintain the perfect non-traditional French tip, make sure to touch up the white or colored tip every few days with a steady hand. And, as with any manicure, apply a topcoat every few days to protect your nails and extend the life of your new look.
So why stick with a boring white tip when you can add a pop of color or sparkle to your nails? Try out non-traditional French tips and see how you can make this classic trend your own.
Holiday-Inspired Nails
When it comes to nail trends, holiday-inspired designs are always a hit. But why limit yourself to only a few weeks out of the year? In 2021, try festive designs year-round with holiday-inspired nails. For a classic look, opt for candy cane stripes, featuring red and white diagonal lines. This design is perfect for the winter season, but can also work for a summer candy-themed look.
If you're feeling more adventurous, try a fireworks-inspired design for your nails. This can be achieved with a mix of glitter polishes in different colors, creating a sparkly explosion on your nails. Another option is a snowflake design, featuring delicate white lines on a blue or silver base. This can work for both the winter and holiday season, as well as a winter wonderland-themed event.
Get even more creative by incorporating some holiday-themed characters or symbols such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees, or menorahs. You can also experiment with colors associated with different holidays such as red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
Overall, holiday-inspired nails are a fun and festive way to switch up your nail routine and add a pop of seasonal cheer to your look. Try out some of these designs, or come up with your own unique twist on holiday-inspired nails. Remember to play around with different colors, textures, and shapes to create a look that is uniquely you.
Multicolored Tips
Are you tired of the same old single-color manicure? It's time to switch it up with multicolored tips. This trend allows you to play with different colors and create a unique look all your own. You can go for a rainbow effect with a different color on each nail, or try a gradient effect with one color fading into another.
This trend is perfect for those who love bright colors and want to make a statement. You can choose colors that complement each other or go for contrasting hues for a bold look. To achieve this look, start with a base coat and then use a thin brush to apply the colors to the tips of your nails. You can also use tape to create a clean line between the colors.
If you're feeling extra creative, you can add some nail art to your multicolored tips. Try adding some polka dots or stripes to really make your nails pop. This trend is perfect for any occasion, from a day at the office to a night out with friends. So go ahead, ditch the single color and have fun with multicolored tips!
- Choose colors that complement or contrast each other for a unique look.
- Use a thin brush or tape to create clean lines between the colors.
- Add nail art, such as polka dots or stripes, for a fun twist.
Matte Finishes
Looking to add an edgy touch to your usual nail polish? Matte finishes might be just what you need. This trend has been popular for a while now, and it's not hard to see why. With a matte topcoat, any color can be transformed into a unique and sophisticated look.
Mattes work particularly well with darker hues such as burgundy, navy, and black. However, don't be afraid to experiment with brighter shades as well. For example, a matte hot pink or coral can make a bold statement.
If you're used to glossy finishes, applying a matte topcoat might take some getting used to, as it can look a bit dull at first. However, once you see how it complements the right color, you might never go back to gloss. Plus, mattes tend to last longer than glossy finishes, which is always a bonus.
Here are some tips for achieving the best results with a matte topcoat:
- Make sure your nails are completely dry before applying the topcoat, as even the slightest bit of moisture can affect the finish.
- Apply the topcoat thinly and evenly, as any buildup can result in an uneven texture.
- Be patient and let the topcoat dry completely before touching anything. This can take a bit longer than with a regular topcoat.
If you're feeling daring, you can even try combining matte and glossy finishes in one nail design. For example, create a glossy French tip and then add a matte topcoat to the rest of your nails.
The possibilities are endless with matte finishes. Whether you want to go for a subtle look or a bold statement, adding a matte topcoat is an easy way to switch up your nail game.
Reverse French Tips
One of the newer trends in the nail industry is the reverse French manicure. Instead of the classic white tip on a nude or pink base, this trend flips it around by having a colored base and a clear tip. It's a fresh twist on a classic look that's versatile and customizable to any style.
To achieve this look, you'll need to select two contrasting colors. Apply the base color to the entire nail, and let it dry completely. Then, use a clear polish or tape to create a clean line at the tip of the nail. Paint the clear polish on the tip of the nail, and let it dry for a few minutes before removing the tape.
Not sure which colors to choose for your reverse French? Consider using complementary colors, like blue and orange or purple and yellow. You can also try out ombre tips, using different shades of the same color for a gradient effect.
- Choose two contrasting colors
- Apply the base color
- Create a clean line at the tip of the nail
- Paint the clear tip
- Let dry before removing tape
The reverse French manicure is a stylish and modern twist on the classic French tips, perfect for those looking to switch up their nail game. Whether you opt for bold and bright colors or subtle pastels, this trend is a fun way to add some creativity to your nail routine.
Animal Print
If you're feeling bold, animal print might just be the trend you want to try this year. From leopard spots to zebra stripes, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this wild print into your nail art for a fierce look.
One way to rock animal print on your nails is by using it as an accent to a solid base color. For example, you could paint your nails a neutral beige or light pink and then add leopard spots or tiger stripes on a couple of nails to give your manicure some edge.
Another option is to go all-out with the animal print and paint each nail with a different pattern. You could have zebra stripes on one nail, leopard spots on another, and tiger stripes on a third. This can be a fun way to experiment with different animal prints and show off your wild side.
If you're not confident in your freehand animal print abilities, you can still achieve this look with the help of stencils or nail wraps. These products make it easy to create perfect animal print patterns on your nails without the need for precision brush skills.
- To create an animal print look:
- Choose your base colors
- Add black spots or stripes with a small brush
- Experiment with colors to create unique patterns
- Use stencils or nail wraps for easier application
No matter how you choose to incorporate animal print into your nail art, this trend is sure to make a statement. So, take a walk on the wild side and try out this fierce trend for yourself.
Holographic Nails
Looking for a way to add some extra pizzazz to your nails? Look no further than holographic nails! This trend is all about adding sparkle and dimension to your nails with a holographic topcoat or polish. Not only does it look great in the sunlight, but this trend can add a touch of futuristic elegance to any outfit.
If you're interested in trying out this trend, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to start with a base coat to protect your nails. Next, apply your regular nail polish color and let it fully dry. Then, add your holographic topcoat or polish. Make sure to apply a generous coat for maximum effect. Some popular holographic nail polish brands include ILNP, Fun Lacquer, and Color Club.
In addition to a standard holographic topcoat or polish, you can also try out different holographic designs. For example, a holographic French tip or a holographic ombré effect can add extra flair to your nails. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can even try out a holographic nail art design with multiple colors and shapes.
Overall, holographic nails are a great way to add some fun and futuristic style to your nails. Whether you go for a simple holographic topcoat or an elaborate nail art design, this trend is sure to turn heads and add some extra sparkle to your look.
Chrome Nails
If you're looking to add some edge to your nail game in 2021, you can't go wrong with chrome nails. This trend involves applying a metallic powder over your gel or acrylic nails to achieve a mirror-like finish that will make your manicure stand out.
The process of achieving chrome nails involves applying a base coat, followed by a layer of colored gel or acrylic polish. Once the base color is dry, a special chrome powder is carefully applied using a sponge applicator or brush. The powder is then buffed onto the nail surface until it reaches a smooth, reflective finish.
If you're feeling daring, you can experiment with different colors of chrome powder. From silver and gold to rose gold and even iridescent shades, there are countless options to choose from. You can also pair chrome nails with other nail art trends, such as geometric shapes or even holographic topcoats, to create a look that's uniquely yours.
One of the best things about chrome nails is that they are incredibly versatile. They can dress up any outfit, from casual jeans and a tee to your fanciest cocktail dress. Plus, they are long-lasting, durable, and won't chip easily, ensuring that your manicure stays flawless for weeks to come.
- Apply a base coat and colored gel or acrylic polish
- Use a sponge applicator or brush to apply chrome powder
- Buff the powder onto the nail surface for a smooth finish
- Experiment with different colors and pair with other trends
- Create a versatile and long-lasting manicure that lasts for weeks
