This Year’s Top 6 Biggest Nail Trends

Six Nail Trends That Defined 2021

2021: The year of the Bixie, flaming copper hues and Y2k styles. We spent all year sharing the hottest trends in hair, but we couldn’t miss the chance to talk about our favorite nail art designs from 2021. Keep scrolling for the nail designs we saved immediately and the trend we’re predicting will be the go-to inspo for your mani in 2022. 

Nail Trend #1: Abstract 

Linear designs, contrasting colors and irregular shapes—this trend embraced outside the box creativity. 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @theeditorialnail

Photo Credit: Instagram via @nails.by.liv

Photo Credit: Instagram via @spifster

Nail Trend #2: Squiggles

Frenches, negative space and rainbows all got the wave treatment this year and we were hypnotized. 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @nails_and_soul

Photo Credit: Instagram via @nailartbysig

Photo Credit: Instagram via @nailartbyqueenie

Related: Squiggle Nail Art is Summer’s Biggest Beauty Trend

Nail Trend #3: Glam-Up French

We love a classic French mani. But this year, nail artists took it up a notch with French manis that had a bit more flare—oui, oui! 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @thegelshack_

Photo Credit: Instagram via @missmelimel29

Photo Credit: Instagram via @sashaniegraynails

Nail Trend #4: Not so basic browns 

This neutral shade made a name for itself this year and we were anything but bored! 

Photo Credit: 2021 #ONESHOT Nails Winner @nailphases via Instagram 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @mindyourmanicure using Dazzle Dry

Photo Credit: Instagram via @swaknails

Related: Add Browns To Your Fall Mani Inspo ASAP

Nail Trend #5: Chrome Drip

Nothing says boss b*tch energy like a metallic mani dripping in opulence.

Photo Credit: Instagram via @byalyciaacolon

Photo Credit: Instagram via @amytran

Photo Credit: Instagram via @gloss_la

Nail Trend #6: Glitter French

End the year with the glitz and glam you deserve. This festive French is perfect for every celebration. 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @beautyworksbyamy

Photo Credit: Instagram via @betina_goldstein

Photo Credit: Instagram via @heluviee

Trend Forecast: Gold Foil

You heard it hear first: This transfer nail art design will be EVERYWHERE in 2022!

Photo Credit: Instagram via @thehangedit