7 nail trends that will define 2026

With 2026 almost upon us, it’s time to start the trend cycle all over again and make way for new nail trends.

While seasonal styles will come and go, we’re expecting these trends to define 2026 and reign supreme – following in the footsteps of glass manicures, cat-eye nails and metallic chrome finishes, a.k.a. the biggest styles of 2025. A great time for switching things up and trying something different from your usual signature style, get ahead of the game as an early adopter of these new nail aesthetics.

To help you nail (literally) your first manicure of the year, we’ve asked some of our favourite nail artists to share their predictions for the biggest nail trends of 2026. Keep reading to find out which ones you’ll be see everywhere.

53 stunning nail designs for your next manicure appointment

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Fawn nails

“A fresh spin on animal print, this trend first started in fashion in 2025, but I expect to see the fawn trend make its way into nail art in 2026,” says Sierra AKA @thatglosssauce. “From full fawn print manis to featuring in mix and match looks, this is going to be everywhere.”

It’s easy to see why – the Bambi-esque print is so cute and feels like the perfect way to kick off the year. But however you’re incorporating the print into your mani, be sure to use different shades of brown and different sized markings for an extra dose of realism.

Cat-eye nails 2.0

Cat-eye nails or velvet nails – whatever you want to call them – have undoubtedly been the reigning champion for manicures in 2025. Fans of the eye-catching manicure will be sad to hear that we’ll be waving goodbye to the shimmering style at the end of the year, but fear not because a new evolution is entering the chat. After gaining momentum in Korea, a new form of magnetic gel polishes are becoming more popular across the globe. The lovechild of cat-eye and glass nails, they have an underlying shine that is still as mesmerising, while the transparent jelly-like shades give a beautiful watercolour effect. We’re predicting these delicate holographic blends of colours are going to be on everybody’s manicure moodboard for 2026.

Sun-dipped nails

If you’re already dreaming of warm summer days, the sun-dipped manicure might be one for you. “This trend is all about movement of colour and supports a shift toward approachable luxury in nails – colours that feel both personal and expressive, with styling potential,” says Tinu Bello, manicurist and Senior Mylee Ambassador. “It’s set to be a major trend next year as nails are stepping into a bolder, more expressive era. Move over, ‘clean girl’ vibes – we’re talking vibrant oranges, shimmering finishes and shades that make a statement.” Like a delicious cocktail on the beach, this style doesn’t skimp on the best ingredients – sunny shades, shimmer, chrome and more all coming together to create one maximal manicure.

Short nails

While long, maximalist nails have been popular throughout 2025 – we’re looking at you Cynthia Erivo – a 180-degree pivot is incoming for 2026. “Everyone will be chopping off their nails and starting clean,” minimal manicurist Mateja Novakovic tells Glamour. “There is something so chic about a very short nail (nails without any free edge/white line).” Whether you’re coating your new short nails with a lick of colour or keeping them fresh and healthy with a clear shiny finish, Mateja says “they always look effortless and confident” – and we’re loving that manicure mindset for 2026.

Cloud nails

ICYMI, Pantone announced ‘Cloud Dancer’ as the Colour of the Year for 2026 – the first time a white shade has taken the title. While white nails might not seem like the most groundbreaking, leaning into the cloud aesthetic is where this trend will see the most development. Milky nails have reigned throughout 2025, but cloud nails take things to new heights. Think wisps of delicate white smoke, swirls of pearlescent tones and 3D details that looks just like rippling clouds in the sky. Who said white was boring?

Minimalist meets maximalist

If you’re excited by the return of short nails, but still want your manicure to have a little something-something, Mateja says the super minimal mani can be accessorised. “The recipe is really simple: a super-clean mani with small, strategically placed accessories,” she explains. “Whether it’s gems, stickers or 3D gel art, these nails are giving clean girl vibes with an edge.” How far you push this is up to you. Whether it’s a simple miniature pearl in the middle of each nail bed, delicate water droplet gems to add some extra iridescence or a smattering of various rhinestones, it’s the perfect cherry on top for this minimal style.

‘Blackberry Noir’ nails

While it would be great if spring signalled the start of warmer, sunnier days, January still brings about cold, wintery weather meaning darker, moodier manicures are still very much on-trend. “Blackberry Noir nails embody moody sophistication and timeless elegance,” says Tinu. “Deep, dark purples and near-black, kind of blue shades offer a rich base that can be worn boldly alone or paired with subtle metallic accents.” A shade that transitions perfectly from day to night, Tinu says that this trend “represents a confident embrace of darkness in nail colour and a move away from subtle, and its rise is fuelled by the growing desire for bold, versatile transitional shades – making them ideal for modern lifestyles.” To nail that deep, rich purple tone, she suggests Mylee The Dark Night Gel Polish.