4 Nail Colors That Everyone Will Be Wearing in 2022

When it comes to the world of beauty, 2022 will go down as the year that nails ruled supreme. From colorful tips to cow-print, it would seem that nothing is off the table when it came to nail art and our lust for experimental manicures. And our nail obsession shows no sign of slowing down for the year ahead with top nail technicians already predicting some seriously beautiful nail trends. But if like me you’re a little more pared-back when it comes to what you put on your nails, then you might be pleased to learn that we’re also going to see a return to classic, one-color manicures in plenty of covetable new shades. So whether you’re after something nicely natural or more adventurous, there’s a nail polish color with your name on it in 2022. Keep scrolling for all of the nail color inspiration you need for the year ahead.

1. True Blues

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

"The Bottega green was big last year, but I predict blues will be the color of 2022," says OPI Brand Ambassador, Georgia Rae. "They look cool as a detail on a nude nail or worn as a block color" "I’m thinking electric, cobalt blues in the summer and rich, deep blues in the winter."

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(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails)

"I’m thinking electric, cobalt blues in the summer and rich, deep blues in the winter," predicts Rae.

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Get the look:
(Image credit: @heartzeena)

2. Solar Shades

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

"Gold, bronze, amber, and marigold were abundant in many designers’ collections this year, and I think solar shades will be huge," predicts Dani Bailey, OPI Nail Boss Artist.

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

"According to Pantone, 2022 will be about colors that bring us joy," continues Bailey. "And what can bring more joy than the sun?"

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Get the look:
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

3. Sheer Neutrals

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(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

In complete contrast to the maximalist nail art designs that ruled the roost in 2021, this year will see us opting for sheer, glossy neutrals and minimalist manicures. "Fresh neutrals are timeless," explains Bailey.

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

"Clean cuticles, nourished skin, and a thin layer of a sheer nude to compliment your skin tone will remain a trend in 2022," Bailey continues. "I even think short, neat nails worn bare are so chic—you could just buff up the nail plate to give them a natural glow."

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Get the look:
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

4. Grown-Up Glitter

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(Image credit: @overglowedit)

Not just for the festive season, sparkly shades are set to be one of the biggest nail color trends of 2022. "Sparkle, glitter, and metallic accents can be worn all year round in so many ways depending on how subtle or daring you’d like to be," says Rae.

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(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails)

"I personally like to wear them as a minimal detail such as a tip, a dot, or a reverse French manicure," says Rae.

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Get the look:
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)
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Mica Ricketts

Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.