I’ve put myself on a strict spending freeze this January. Part of it is about saving money, but it’s also because I prefer to watch how new trends unfold before investing in anything. Even though we’re barely two weeks into 2026, industry experts have already started highlighting what will define the year ahead. We’ve already covered the standout nail colours for the season, but this time the focus is firmly on nail art trends and how they’re evolving.
I was never truly drawn to nail art until more understated styles began gaining popularity a few years ago. My salon requests shifted toward soft French tips and micro nail details. This year, however, things are changing again. While minimal designs still have their place, bold and expressive looks are making a strong comeback. To get a clearer picture, I spoke with Metta Francis, founder of Nails by Mets, and also drew on my own research as a beauty editor to uncover the most talked-about nail art styles of 2026.
6 Biggest Nail Art Trends for 2026
1. Elevated Celestial Nails
The first trend leading the way is what’s being called extra celestial designs. According to Francis, Pinterest has already flagged this as one of the top beauty movements for 2026. Think silver metallic finishes paired with sparkling crystals, 3D charms, and hardware accents inspired by outer space. What makes this trend so appealing is its versatility—you can keep it refined with subtle shimmer or go all out with statement details that reflect your personal style.
A standout silver nail polish is essential for achieving this look, especially if you want that luminous, otherworldly finish. Francis points to certain shades that instantly elevate a manicure into celestial territory, making them ideal for experimenting with embellishments or keeping things sleek and polished.
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Francis also notes that the ongoing 2000s revival is influencing nail art in a big way. With trends like low-rise jeans, bootcut silhouettes, and frosted pink lipstick returning, it’s no surprise that frosted nail shades are dominating as base colours for nail art. For a more playful take, frosted tips offer a distinctly Y2K-inspired update that feels nostalgic yet modern.
For everyday wear, there are plenty of accessible polish options that still capture this aesthetic. Affordable shades with a soft frost effect are delivering strong early-2000s energy without feeling overdone.
Another nail art style set to be everywhere in 2026 is cloudy French tips. Recently spotted on Zoë Kravitz at the Golden Globes, this look has quickly gained traction among professional nail artists online. It’s essentially a sheer, softened twist on the classic French manicure and aligns perfectly with the clean-girl aesthetic that continues to dominate beauty trends.
To recreate this finish, a milky white polish is essential for the tips, while a soft sheer pink base helps blend everything seamlessly. The result is a polished, barely-there manicure that feels fresh, modern, and effortlessly chic.
