Bored with your current manicure? Look no further than the 2022 nail trends that have been taking over salons near you. Indeed, this year has brought numerous stunning manicure options that can immediately sharpen-up your look from now until the New Year.
From Hailey Bieber's glazed nails that took over TikTok, to festive-appropriate velvet nails that are great if you're after Christmas nails inspiration, there has been something for all beauty tastes these past months. What's more, many current manicure trends are here to stay even into 2023—with experts still pointing us towards cool-toned colors.
One manicure look that will never go out of style is healthier nails. "Keep fingernails dry and clean," says Tara Lalvani, founder of Beautifect (opens in new tab), of nailcare during the winter season. "Especially with the current climate, it’s important to clean nails regularly, while also ensuring they are properly dry before any further nail care to prevent damage." Then it's time to jazz up your well-nourished talons with some of these looks...
Try these 2022 nail trends
1. Glazed nails
As we know, Hailey Bieber's Met Gala nails sparked something of a glazed donut nail revolution. Now you can find pretty much every shade from grey polish to yellow getting the 'glazed' treatment.
For those who don't know, the star's new go-to manicure is basically subtle, translucent-like chrome nails, typically in baby pink or a milky white. They never fail to look effortlessly chic and are perfect for all occasions—from a day out shopping day to a wedding.
2. 50 shades of blue
Danielle Gregory, co-founder of DOLL BEAUTY HQ (opens in new tab), predicted that everyone would be feeling blue in the best way possible—not in the winter blues kind of way. “Bottega Green was everywhere in 2021, and in 2022 we'll [continue to] see a wave of blue shades—from cobalt to turquoise—worn to detail nails or as block color,” she explains.
3. Pantone’s Color Of The Year
Speaking of blue, Pantone’s Color Of The Year—Very Peri (opens in new tab)—is still making a cheerful splash. From home decor trends to style selections, the "courageous" blue-purple combo is said to inspire creativity and inventiveness. Of course, it's the perfect excuse to head to the salon on a grey, rainy day.
4. Bold patterns
Patterns and nail stickers have been very on-trend this year, with everyone embracing their inner 90s kid. Gregory predicts that we’ll continue to see a lot of abstract swirls, but more "grown-up" and used as accents, right until the end of the year.
5. Multi-colored manis
According to Jooyeon Song, CEO of ManiMe (opens in new tab), there's no need to be frugal with nail options. "Why pick one color when you can have many," she asks while advocating for the multi-colored mani. It's a nod to dopamine dressing it seems.
6. Velvet nails
Just like how aurora nails were the 2021 moment, velvet nails are the ultimate, shimmery but cozy fall manicure look. They're silky-smooth, just like velvet (hence the name), and will leave you totally mesmerized.
Plus the manicure is super easy to pull off at home, since you can now find gel polish specifically designed to recreate the appearance of the luxurious fabric. Deep red or forest are perfect options for the festive season.
@heluviee (opens in new tab) velvet nails✨🕊
♬ original sound - Laerke (opens in new tab)
7. Colorful French tips
The colorful French manicure tips will also continue to make waves until the end of 2022 and into 2023. This manicure is dainty but features a hint of color at the tip. Gregory says that we’ll see “fun twists like love heart ends and chevron finishes” right through to this winter season.
8. Matte nails
Manis don't always need a glossy finish. In fact, this year, people have been looking for the exact opposite when venturing to the salon. "We expect to see matte manicures—or even mixed texture manis—grow in popularity in 2022," says Song. "This anticipated trend is one of the many reasons we just launched our new Matte Top Coat (opens in new tab)."
9. Long nails
Say goodbye to short, low-maintenance nails. Gregory notes that this was the year we rediscovered our love for stiletto and almond-shaped manicures.
10. Try a mix of shapes
"For a universally flattering nail shape that’s great for both long and short nails, go for 'squoval' a mix of the traditional square and oval nail shapes," says Lalvani. "Simply round out the edges of your nails using the Crystal Nail File (opens in new tab) for a sleek, fashionable-looking manicure."
11. Press-on nails
While we love coloring our nails, not all of us are Picasso. Fear not: press-on nails are seriously on-trend right now. Check out offerings from the likes of Static Nails (opens in new tab).
12. Nostalgia
We're always feeling nostalgic for 2000s fashion trends, much like the new nail polish brand Pärdē. Selections like "Army Pants and Flip Flops" makes us want to watch Mean Girls on repeat.
13. Cobalt blue
Cobalt blue nails are having a real moment right now, and promise to add a real pop of color. Though it may look intimidating, this shade of blue is actually very wearable and seriously chic.
14. Clear jelly nails
We're obsessed with this trend, it feels playful but still minimal and effortlessly cool. You can opt for any color, but the key is that they're opaque like jelly.