The power of a great manicure is not to be underestimated: Beyond helping you feel instantly more put-together, personalized nail designs are an outlet for self-expression. With that in mind, it only makes sense to start a new year with a manicure youโre obsessed withโand luckily, 2026 shaping up to be one of the best years for nail trends.
The year 2025 favoured the minimalist manicure, with understated trends like soap nails and milky white manis dominating our feeds (and salons). Itโs unsurprising then, that weโre entering 2026 with a taste for something bolder. Juli Russell, nail expert and Sally Beauty brand ambassador, predicts that maximalism will set the tone for this yearโs nail trends. โThe goal is intentional excess: Nails that feel curated, not cluttered,โ she says.
Of course โmaximalismโ could be interpreted in countless different nail designs, but Russell predicts that a few aesthetics will reign supreme. โThe maximalist nail trend will be defined by mix-and-match designs across a full set, intricate hand painted details, and deliberate texture play,โ Russell says. โExpect to see glossy gels paired with matte finishes, chrome layered over sheer bases, and 3D embellishments such as pearls, sculpted acrylic shapes, and metal accents.โ
Heading into the new year, celebrity manicure tastemakers like Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner have already traded their neutral glazed manicures for pattern play. Jenner recently wore a multi-coloured plaid manicure, while Bieber ushered in the holidays with a matching animal-print mani-pedi.
Even simple, solid tone manicures are expected to get an upgrade in 2026: Trendy nail effects like the magnetic current cat-eye treatment are only picking up steam. โThis year, cat-eye nails in soft, neutral tones will be all the rage,โ Russell says. โThe shimmer is subtle, the movement is intentional, and the overall effect is understated luxury. Itโs the kind of manicure that catches the light, and compliments without trying too hard.โ
And while manicure trends may come and go, taking good care of your nails is always in style. โNail, hand, and foot care has become more popular, even if you donโt like polish on your nails,โ she says. โI see lot of people started posting their hand- and feet-care routines.โ
Bold Stripes
Weโre trading in our 2025 polka-dot obsession for stripes. โForget delicate pinstripes: 2026 wants thick, vertical stripes that command attention,โ Russell says. โThey elongate the nail, feel graphic and modern, and give even the simplest colour palette a fashion forward edge.
Animal Print
Animal print was the unexpected maximalist trend that took over the holiday season, with celebs like Hailey Bieber and Vanessa Hudgens jumping on board early. In 2026, the trend will only expand: Expect to see snakeskin, tiger stripes, and leopard print as statement patterns for full nails and French tips.
Luminous Cat-Eye
Cat-eye or โvelvet nailโ effects have been wildly popular this season, even among so-called mani minimalists.
Whatโs more, while cat-eye nails look intricate and complicated, theyโre actually super easy to do at home with the right products. โThese Nailboo gels use a magnetic wand to create a cat-eye effect,โ says Russell. โAfter you apply the gel, simply hold the magnetic wand over the gel to create cool looks. Experiment with the placement of the magnet, and watch the magnetic pigments polarize to create intricate cat-eye effects.โ
Source : The island
