If you’ve been scrolling Pinterest lately, you’ve likely noticed a major shift in nail trends. This year, the popularity of the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ has seeped into what nails people are getting done which has seen a rise in more minimalistic and elegant nail looks again, following a few years of ‘nail art fun’. However, trending nail looks aren’t always totally minimalistic so you will find a real mix of nail trends in this list.
From the simplest of nail designs which are trending at the moment to the most glamorous nail looks which are taking Pinterest by storm, this list of nail trends has all the inspiration you need to inspire your next trip to your nail salon.
What nail shapes are trending right now?
Shape is arguably the most important element of a nail design and is not something to be overlooked as it can totally transform the look of a nail design. Short oval nails are perhaps the most popular nail shape of 2026 thus far with the soft and natural nail shape being the perfect fit for ‘clean girl nails’. Similarly, almond nails remain as popular as ever due to the shape being the most flattering for most finger types.
Other popular nails shapes this year include ‘squoval’ nails (square nails with softened edges) due to their modern yet elegant look and coffin nails which remain a go-to for glamorous/special occasion nail looks.
What nail colours are trending right now?
Trending nail colours include many timeless nail colours like burgundy and baby pink as well as some breakout colours for the year too, such as butter yellow and periwinkle blue.
If you are looking to have fun with your nails and try something you haven’t before, then the breakout colours of the year are perfect for your summer or early fall nails. Alternatively, if you want a classy nail look for autumn or winter, deep reds and nude shades remain an ideal choice.
What nail finishes are trending right now?
A glossy finish on nude shades is a particularly on-trend finish due to the popularity of soap nails at the moment while other glamorous finishes including chrome (for glazed donut nails) and cateye are also very on trend right now.
Trending finishes this year seem to be very glamorous but are usually paired with a more neutral tone when used to provide a classier and more elegant nail look.
Here are the most popular nail trends to inspire your nails:
1. Soap Nails
Soap nails are one of the biggest nail trends of the year. The nail trend is all about soft pink and nude shades with a glossy finish.
The short and clean look of soap nails makes them extra fitting for achieving the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ which is likely a big reason for the growing love for soap nails at the moment.
2. Colourful Glazed Donut Nails
The popular ‘glazed donut nails’ trend of the last few years is very much still alive but has just got an upgrade. Colourful glazed donut nails are very on trend lately with the ‘glazed’ effect being applied to colours such as pale lavender, butter yellow, and peach as opposed to the original pink/nude shades of the original trend.
3. Cat-Eye × Chrome
Cat-eye and chrome are two of the most glamorous nail finishes which is why they are often a go-to for special occasion nails.
This new nail trend sees people combining both finishes for an ‘explosion of glamour’ with the nail look being perfect for making special occasions feel even more special.
4. Pastel Rainbow Ombre Nails
Ombre nails never really go out of style but this rainbow twist on the look has really brought ombre back into the limelight.
If you want something fun and ultra-colourful for your nails, then a nail design like this is such a great choice.
5. ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ Nails
The clean girl aesthetic is ruling nails at the moment which is why nude and pink nails, in ‘clean’ variations such as French or ombre, are more popular than ever.
When it comes to the clean girl aesthetic, you have a lot more options than you might think so it is definitely worthwhile scrolling Pinterest or checking out our clean girl nail designs post for inspiration.
6. Plum Noir/Burgundy
Deep red nail shades such as burgundy remain a popular nail colour choice while other deep shades such as plum noir are growing in popularity.
Plum noir is a moody, sophisticated deep purple which is a perfect choice if you want elegant fall/winter nails.
7. Butter Yellow
Butter yellow is very on trend in general this year and nails is no exception for the colour.
This is such a fun yet chic nail colour which is perfect for the warmer months of the year.
8. Deep Cherry Red
Cherry red is one of those nail colours that never goes out of style but recently this deeper shade of cherry red has been a particularly popular choice.
With the popularity of the ‘old money aesthetic’ in recent years, deeper nail colours like this have became a go-to for many which they just can’t help but go back to time and time again.
9. Striped Nails
Striped nails have became a summer staple with the nail design offering the perfect coastal vibe which so many are after in summer.
Popular colour combinations for striped summer nails include blue with white, red with with white and baby pink with hot pink.
10. Goddess Nails
Goddess nails typically feature a champagne or nude base adorned with sparkles and shimmery nail art in some sort of variation.
Searches for goddess nails are up on Pinterest this year and it is no wonder why as the ultra-feminine statement nails offer one of the most gorgeous nail looks you can get done at your nail salon.
11. Lace Nails
Lace nails are one of the cutest and romantic yet understated nail looks you will find.
This is a nail look which gives you the fun of nail art but in a very subtle and elegant way which is perhaps why it is so popular at a time where ‘clean girl nails’ are all the rave.
12. Aura Nails
Aura nails have proven to be a timeless nail look in recent years with the nail look being a popular DIY nail look for those who like to do their own nails as well as a popular choice at nail salons.
Single colour aura nails which utilise two different shades of the one colour seems to be the breakout trend for aura nails at the moment, once again offering a fun yet slightly more elegant rendition of the popular nail look.
That wraps up this list of nail trends to inspire your nails! Check out some of our other nails posts for more nail inspiration.
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