I'm a Pro at Spotting Nail Trends Before They Take Off—5 I Know Will Dominate Well Into 2025
The temperature has dropped, which means winter is on its way. Yep, time to get out those scarves and hats, as those frosty mornings and cold evenings are here to stay for the next few months. Because of this, I spent my weekend switching around my wardrobe and getting my warmest coats and sweaters out of storage, and this week I'm focusing on my winter beauty routine.
I switch things up ever so slightly in November, swapping out my moisturizer for a richer, more hydrating option and booking a haircut and nail appointment before things get full for the festive season. In autumn, we saw so many chic nail trends, from deep chocolate brown shades to "cinnamon glaze" finishes, but what nail trends can we expect to see this winter?
I reached out to Ami Streets, a session manicurist and expert in all things nails to ask her what nail shapes, colors, and finishes will be in demand this season. She gave so many great recommendations, everything from subtle nail designs to statement manicures. So if you're also starting to think about your winter nail appointment, keep scrolling for all the inspo you need.
5 of the Biggest Winter Nail Trends for 2024
1. Soft Almond Nails
I love trying out different nail shapes, from square to oval, but according to Streets, this winter is all about almond nails. "It's time to embrace more natural and elegant forms instead of extreme [nail shapes] this winter," she tells me. "Soft almond shapes are elongating and enhance your natural nail shape and look amazing on longer lengths too."
"This classic look will always be polished and in style whatever the season," Streets says, and I totally agree.
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Shape your nails with this crystal nail file from Margaret Dabbs.
2. 3D Accents
We recently rounded up some of our favorite 3D nail designs, and according to Streets, these manicures are on trend for winter. "There's a style for everyone, from subtle to statement-making with 3D gel design manicures continuing to be super popular this season," she says. "Whether it's molten metal sculpted shapes, oversize crystal embellishments, or a combination of designs, it's a great opportunity for self-expression and creating an eye-catching nail look."
I don't know about you, but I'm loving these 3D bow designs for the festive season.
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3. Deep Navy Blue
If you want to opt for a simple nail color instead, this season is all about deep navy blue hues. "Give classic black a break to embrace a more modern version of a cool color choice," says Streets. "Navy has been majorly trending on the runway with internet searches for clothing and accessories dramatically higher this autumn and winter, and [this shade] was recently seen on celeb nail muse Hailey Bieber."
"Dark yet chic, this sophisticated shade is still versatile and emulates a wintry night sky," explains Streets. She recommends using the shade Navy from Kure Bazaar to get the look at home.
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4. Glass Nails
Forget glass skin, as this season is all about glass nails. This is easily one of my favorite winter nail looks thanks to the clean, polished finish. "This gel-based manicure is created by layering products to achieve an extremely high-shine and glass-like depth and translucency and looks stunning in a multitude of colorways, but especially in a pretty natural sheer pink," explains Streets.
If you're a neutral-nail lover, then this is the trend for you.
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5. Iridescent Polishes
Last but by no means least, if you want to try something fun this winter, why not opt for an iridescent nail polish? "Choose polishes in sparkling vibrant or rich shades," says Streets. "These [shades] are a softer, more minimalistic option and a contemporary update to a traditional metallic or glitter mani that give a multidimensional effect and are the perfect outfit pairing for party season."
This green shade just screams Christmas to me.
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This article originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.
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