7 Manicure Trends That Will Dominate This Autumn, According to a Celebrity Manicurist

Autumn is around the corner, and I'm so ready for it. I'm already thinking about my autumn fashion wish list, but as a beauty editor, my first port of call is my first seasonal manicure. Autumn is my favourite time of year for nails; whilst some are sad to bid farewell to summery nail art, I'm welcoming in those dark reds, browns and autumnal nail colours with open arms. And right now, I'm curious to know what autumn nail trends we'll be wearing in 2024.

Sure, we can get a pretty good steer on cool nail microtrends by scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, but nothing beats an expert opinion, which is why I tapped celebrity manicurist Emily Rose Lansley (who tends to the hands of Simone Ashley, Winnie Harlow and Kylie Jenner to name but a few) for her insight into the autumn nail trends that are about to dominate the season. From glass nails to brown nails, there is something for everyone this year. Scroll ahead for all the autumn nail trends inspo you'll need in 2024, and get ready to book that manicure appointment.

1. Brown

Short brown square nails

(Image credit: @emilyroselansley)

It's a timeless nail colour shade we see every autumn, but brown is coming into its own for 2024. "Chocolate brown is the perfect shade for autumn," says Lansley. Whether you opt for deep cocoa or a milk chocolate hue, this is one nail colour that always looks chic, particularly on short nails.

Short brown rounded nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

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2. Glass Nails

Short glass nails

(Image credit: @emilyroselansley)

According to Lansley, glass nails will be huge in autumn. This trend is a follow on from the chrome nails we've seen over the past year, but these are even more glassy and glossy. To get the look Lansley recommends "using a milky white polish topped with a dusting of chrome." In order for chrome to stick, it needs to be applied over a gel polish. But, if you're doing your nails at home, you can easily recreate the look with chrome-effect nail polishes that give a glassy finish to the nails.

Short glass nails

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

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3. Cherry Cola Nails

Red and brown aura nails

(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

Another nail colour we've seen gain momentum is cherry cola. The mix of red and brown makes for a polished look on nails that feels so autumnal. We particularly love this aura nail art using red and brown above, but it also looks stylish as a block on colour on the nails.

Dark red brown nails

(Image credit: @emilyroselansley)

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4. French Manicure

Short square nails with French tips

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

The French manicure is a timeless look, but we've seen it gain momentum throughout 2024 and it's showing no signs of slowing down for 2024. "The French manicure will be a trend no matter what the season, but a more subtle French has been making a come back recently," notes Lansley. Why not try the "naked French" which sees a sheer white polish on the fingertips which gives a softer result. Enlist the help of a nail art brush to get precise lines every time.

Short square nails with French tips

(Image credit: @emilyroselansley)

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5. Candy Glaze

Short oval nails with neutral holographic chrome powder

(Image credit: @emilyroselansley)

Similar to chrome, in autumn we'll see further experimentation with chrome nails in the form of "candy glaze" effects. "This is a spin on the glazed doughnut trend," says Lansley, but with a slightly holographic finish to the chrome powder. "Pair one layer of a sheer candy floss pink, such as Bubble Bath by OPI or Rose by Biosculpture topped with a chrome powder to achieve this look," she says.

Short oval nails with neutral holographic chrome powder

(Image credit: @emilyroselansley)

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6. Almond Nails

Long almond nails with pink and white ombre

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

We've seen short and squoval nails dominating lately, but according to Lansley, almond will be the go-to nail shape for us in autumn 2024. Not only does this nail shape elongate the fingers, but it also allows for plenty of space for nail art, from ombré to cat-eye nails.

Long almond nails with chrome powder

(Image credit: @nailsbyzola)

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7. Y2K Metallics

Long oval nails with brown metallic polish

(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

According to Lansley, we'll also see a return to metallics this season, and brands are following suit in bringing out molten metallics in an array of fun colours. Silver, brown and bronze are great ways to jump on the trend and are so flattering.

Winnie Harlow with long silver metallic nails

(Image credit: @emilyroselansley)

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Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.