Back in the day, I did my nails so much that I got burnt out, and for the last six years, I’ve left them clear. TBH, I just couldn’t be bothered; the upkeep was too much effort for me. But when I found out I was getting engaged back in September, I grabbed some press-ons for the inevitable ring photos. Having my nails done again reignited my former obessession, which is why I had to know all of the nail trends to look out for in 2023.
In truth, nails are one of the most playful forms of self-expression. And nothing will boost your confidence quite like a fresh nail look.
Allow me to introduce to you 13 nail trends that will rule the world in 2023. These trends are ultra-diverse and have everything from “clean girl” aesthetic to decked out bling.
Helpful Nail Tips and Tricks:
Before you grab your DIY nail kit or book your next appointment, let’s quickly break down some helpful nail tips and tricks to be aware of:
- Use cuticle oil in between manis. Refresh and revitalize your nails with some cuticle oil in between manis. This can be especially helpful if you’re getting acrylics or using press-ons.
- Enlist the help of press-ons. Press-on nails will give you a salon-worthy mani in minutes for less than half the price. Just be sure to read the directions before application, and always apply thumbs last.
- If your nails are brittle, try a nail strengthener. Pay attention to your nails; if they’re brittle, give them a break and give them a little extra TLC will a nail strengthener.
- Your nails, your rules. Just because something isn’t trending doesn’t mean you can’t use it. Don’t be afraid to do what you want!
Now that we’ve broken that down, let’s get into it. Whether you’re looking to do your own nails at home with polish or press-ons or trying to find inspo for your next salon appointment, step into your main character moment with one of these looks. Keep scrolling to learn the 13 nail trends that will rule the world in 2023.
Nail Trends for 2023:
1. Micro-French Mani
Why they’re trending: According to Pinterest Predicts—the platform’s annual trends forecast—Millennials and Gen Z are all about micro-everything this year, and a mini French mani is the perfect way to embrace that trend. Unlike traditional French manicures, these nails can be done in any color you want; so you have free reign to get creative and have fun! Go for a sheer base coat with a black tip, or go all out with color.
How to get the look: To create an ultra-thin tip, use a striping brush or the polish’s brush itself, and draw a very thin line across the tip of your finger. This may be easier said than done, so if you’re having trouble, try painting a slightly curved line at the end of your nail tips before filling in the rest. Then, finish with a top coat, and you’re good to go.
OPI
Natural Nail Base Coat
SALLY HANSEN
Block Party Press On Nails
RARJSM
French Manicure Gel Polish Set
SALLY HANSEN
Striper Nail Color
2. Bejeweled Nails
Why they’re trending: Nail art is going to be big this year, and adorning your fingers with some dazzling bling is a great way to accessorize or match other jewelry.
How to get the look: There’s no wrong way to recreate this look; simply adorn your fingers with as little or as many nail jewels as you wish. You can apply to one finger or all—the choice is yours! However, that said, applying jewels can be tedious, so if you’re pressed for time, opt for some press-on nails instead.
KISS imPRESS
So French Press-On Manicure
BUNNYPRESSONNAILS | ETSY
Ombré Bling Press On Nails
3. Pop Art Nails
Why they’re trending: These nails look like they came straight out of a comic book, and will bring you some nostalgia from your early childhood days. They’re also wholly unique, and can be played up or down in a multitude of ways.
How to get the look: Apply a base coat, and once that’s dry, lay down two coats of your main polish color (make sure everything dries in between coats!). From there, outline the entire nail in black polish using a thin nail art brush, and follow it up with swoops of black accents. Next, add in some swoops of white to create a highlighter effect, and finish with a top coat, like Essie’s Gel Couture Matte Top Coat.
NAILDREAMZBYAISHA | ETSY
Pop Art Lollipop Press-On Nails
SIMONELONDONUK | ETSY
Grey Cartoon Press-On Nails
4. Burnt Nails
Why they’re trending: If the rising searches of rust colors from Millennials and Gen Z are any indication of what’s to come, rust colors won’t be mutually exclusive for fall. Pinterest Predicts also sees hues of terracotta, copper, and burnt sienna showing up to weddings in 2023, so don’t be surprised if the trend makes it to nails.
How to get the look: Master this trend with warm reds, browns, and yellows.
OPI
Nail Lacquer in It’s a Piazza Cake
ESSIE
Nail Polish in To DIY For
5. Barbiecore Nails
Why they’re trending: Pink lovers, rejoice! Thanks to the upcoming Barbie movie and Pantone announcing Viva Magenta as their 2023 color of the year, Barbiecore is here to stay.
How to get the look: Shades of hot, deep, vibrant, and rich pinks are key to mastering this look. Also, lean towards red on the color scale—going the opposite way and leaning towards purple, cool-toned pinks won’t quite match the vibe of this trend.
OPI
Nail Lacquer in 7th & Flower
SALLY HANSEN
Insta-Dri Polish in Beet-ing Heart
6. 70’s Swirls
Why they’re trending: There’s something about a swirl design that just looks so satisfying. Plus, these nails can be played up or down—draw swirls over polish or over a sheer base coat, and go as maximal or minimal as you like.
How to get the look: Lay down your base coat and let dry; then, paint on a swirl design (or designs!) in the color of your choice using either the polish brush or a thin striping brush, depending on the thickness you’re looking for. Pro tip: If you want a fun, funky, and psychedelic vibe, use a purple or blue base.
STATIC NAILS
Reusable Pop-On Manicure in Nude Sway
SALLY HANSEN PERFECT MANICURE
Press-On Nails in Ride the Wave
7. Red Nails
Why they’re trending: Red nails are always in, but after the red lip comeback this past fall, all shades of red will be on-trend in 2023. If you want to be really bold, pair red nails with a matching red lip.
How to get the look: If you’re in the mood for a classic vibe, opt for a cherry or candy apple red; if you’re feeling a bit moodier, go for a deep wine or burgundy color.
SALLY HANSEN
Press-On Nails in ASAP Apple
ESSIE
Nail Polish in Bordeaux
8. Chrome Nails
Why they’re trending: Chrome nails have the high-shine of metallics and then some. TBH, this look gives me major intergalactic vibes, and I for one, am here for it.
How to get the look: Your nail tech will easily be able to achieve this look if you’re getting your nails professionally done. Likewise, you can also enlist the help of chrome press-ons. However, if you want to get this look yourself, you’ll need some chrome powder; this trend is all about the finish rather than the polish itself. After applying a gel top coat to your nails, follow the directions on packaging, and apply your chrome powder accordingly.
ARTDONE
Chrome Nail Powder Set
PERFECTNAILSSHOP | ETSY
Silver Chrome Press-On Nails
9. Nude Nails
Why they’re trending: The “clean girl aesthetic” that dominated the beauty world last year has made its way to our nails. Nearly nude nails embody everything the “clean girl aesthetic” is about: Simplicity. They also show that sometimes, less is most definitely more.
How to get the look: All shades of nude are welcome here.
KISS BARE BUT BETTER
Acrylic Nails in Nude Nude
LONDONTOWN
Nail Polish in Crowning Crumpet
MEMEDA
Nude Gel Polish
MARMALADE
Press-On Nails in Sahara
10. Velvet Nails
Why they’re trending: 2023 is all about texture and illusion, and velvet nails are exactly that. They look super luxe and create multi-faceted dimensions, when in reality, they’re actually flat and not velvet at all.
How to get the look: If you’re trying to do this yourself, you’ll need a base coat, magnetic gel polish or lacquer with a magnetic effect, a magnetic wand, and a top coat. Lay down your based coat then apply one layer of magnetic polish or lacquer. From there, take your wand and hold it still above the four sides of your nail while the polish is still wet and let dry completely; then, repeat two more times. Finish with a top coat and repeat the magnet process to get the full velvet effect.
However, that said, if you’re pressed for time and looking for a cheaper, quicker option, opt for a polish with lots of glitter and sparkles—just be sure to apply a few coats to add more dimension.
MOONCAT
Magnetic Lacquer in Velvet Rose*
*Comes with 1 free magnetic wand
MOONCAT
Magnetic Lacquer in Apparition*
*Comes with 1 free magnetic wand
ILNP
Holographic Nail Polish in Aerial View
SALLY HANSEN
Insta-Dri Luxe Finish Polish in Silk is…
11. Milky Nails
Why they’re trending: Milky whites are always on-trend for winter, but according to Bustle, the polish will take a more sheer route this year. This is hardly surprising after the #glazeddonutnails craze that had everyone in a chokehold last year; milky nails are simply following suit.
How to get the look: These nails have a little bit of pink and white in them, but you can get the look at home using a soft white polish and finishing with a glossy top coat.
ZOYA
Nail Polish in Adel
BTARTBOX
Cream Puff Press-On Nails
12. Ombré Nails
Why they’re trending: French ombré manis made the rounds on TikTok last fall and reminded everyone of why they’re so fun—they’re versatile and work well with any look and all colors. For 2023, you can expect all the cool kids will be sporting at least one ombré mani this year.
How to get the look: Grab a base coat, a top coat, three polishes in the same color family (from light to dark), a wedge makeup sponge, nail polish remover and a clean up brush. First, cut up your wedge sponge using scissors to make a flat side that’s roughly about the size of your nail. Then, apply your base coat and let dry completely. From there, draw your polish colors in three horizontal straight lines onto the sponge, starting with the lightest color at the base of the wedge.
After that, gently blot the sponge onto your nails to transfer the polish, dry, then apply your top coat. Lastly, grab your clean up brush and polish remover and clean up your fingers to remove any polish that may have accidentally transferred.
SALLY HANSEN
Press-On Nails in Ombre-lievable
SALLY HANSEN
Press-On Nails in Hyp-nautical
13. Pierced Nails & Playful Designs
Why they’re trending: Earrings for your nails? Yes, you read that right. Pierced nails were big in the 90s, and you can expect to see them all over your social media feeds in 2023. Additionally, playful designs, 3D and abstract nail art, and pearls are also in.
How to get the look: This trend is really all about having fun and accessorizing as you see fit, so have fun with it and experiment!
ROJWEI
Nail Piercing Pendants
SALLY HANSEN
What a Star! Press-On Nails
SALLY HANSEN
Meet Me in the Metal Press-On Nails
YOSOMK
