7 nail trends to try in 2023
IMAGE VIA @trophywifenailart/INSTAGRAM
Words by Alyssa Forato
It’s going to be an eventful year for your nails.
It’s a new year, which means it’s time for a fresh set of nails. 2022 was packed with nail trends – there were glazed doughnut nails, extravagant line art and 3D nail art, just to name a few.
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As nails continue to be a mainstay in the beauty world, fancy manicures aren’t going anywhere. But what new nail trends will capture our hearts (and our wallets) in 2023? Below, we’ve put together some of our predictions.
Chrome nails
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Thanks to the popularity of Hailey Bieber’s glazed doughnut nails, soft chrome nails were everywhere in 2022. The chrome trend will carry over into 2023, but people will start to get a little bold with their designs. Chrome powders will be layered over the top of all sorts of colours, creating a mesmerising sheen in all shades of the rainbow.
Experimentation with dark chrome will also be big, along with nail art that utilises chrome as accents (think chrome french tips or line art). Sydney Sweeney has been spotted wearing chrome ombre nails, her unique take on the glazed doughnut trend, and Dua Lipa doesn’t shy away from chrome nails in every colour imaginable.
Textured nails
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Textured nail art is created using builder gel that creates a 3D nail art effect. It can be applied to the entire nail, as a pattern or as a unique accent to the set. Not only are textured nails fascinating to look at, but they’re also lots of fun to create. We’ve already seen celebrities like Dove Cameron and Billie Eilish with textured 3D nails, which points to it becoming a widespread trend in 2023.
Line art
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Line art was a huge trend at the beginning of 2022, and it’s making a reappearance this year. Nail enthusiasts can’t get enough of line art; it’s easily customisable, can be executed in countless ways and always looks unique. Popularised by Euphoria nail artist Natalie Minerva, her line art creates illusion-like swirls and patterns that are mesmerising to look at.
Colourful french tips
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For those who love nail art but prefer simpler styles, this one’s for you. We saw coloured french tips all throughout 2022, and they’re not going anywhere. Founder of nail business Olive & June, Sarah Gibson Tuttle, told InStyle a few months ago that “French manis have been popular all year, and putting a rainbow colour palette twist on a classic makes it feel fun”. Whether you’re into vibrant, bold colours or soft pastels, the coloured french tip nail trend is here to stay.
Aura nails
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If you’re wondering what aura nails look like, think Euphoria meets Grimes. We saw these types of airbrushed nails here and there throughout 2022, but they’re going to become far more popular in 2023. “Airbrushing has been a tool in the nail industry for decades and slowly disappeared, but [it] will be making a comeback as ombré nails [become more] popular,” LeChat Nails educator Hemi Park recently told Coveteur.
Aura nails give off an ethereal, otherworldly vibe that’s captivating to look at. Brighten your outfits with a vibrant set of aura nails, or add an edge by opting for muted tones.
Solid muted colours
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2022 was all about loud, bright nails – cobalt blue, vibrant green and bright red. This year, when we opt for solid nail colours, toning it down will be the focal point. Muted colours will be making a strong comeback, and not just for the cooler seasons.
Tina Wang, the owner of Lunula Salon, told Bustle late last year that greys are the latest trend. “Grey polishes with blue and green undertones are great because they act as a muted neutral that goes with everything.”
Short nails
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The nail biters will be happy to hear that short nails are back in vogue, as people ditch the fake tips and opt for their natural nails. Say goodbye to barely being able to do daily errands or chores thanks to your absurdly long nails and hello to practicality. Whether it’s solid colours or nail art, short manicures will be experiencing a surge in popularity.
Nail technician and founder of Nails by Mets, Metta Francis, explained to Marie Claire that 2023 is “about maintaining healthy nails and nursing your nails back to good health”. People are tired of SNS ruining their natural nails and are opting to go natural instead as an attempt to recover what’s left of their nails.
For more nail designs to try in 2023, head here.
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