Top Trends in New Nail Art 2023: What’s Hot This Year

Now that we’ve settled into 2023, the year’s nail trends have started to emerge. And while glazed donut nails may have dominated 2022 (and are still a fave), there are so many new ideas to try that feel fresh, fun, and exciting. We’ve been clued in on the biggest spring nail trends, but thanks to the fall runways, we already have a preview of the nail looks we’ll be wearing well into the year. Exploring trending nail designs is not just a hobby but a crucial aspect of professional development for nail care specialists. By understanding what trends are currently popular, you can better prepare yourself to master these techniques as a nail care specialist or cosmetologist. Let’s delve into some of the hottest nail art trends of 2023 that are captivating the attention of clients and professionals alike.

Key Takeaways

• Iridescent-Chrome Nails are making waves with their futuristic and shiny appeal.
• Frosted Metallics bring a touch of icy elegance to any manicure.
• Mermaid-Inspired Manis offer whimsical and oceanic designs that are perfect for summer.
• Matte Metallics combine the best of both worlds with their sleek yet shiny finish.
• Low-Maintenance Styles are trending for those who prefer a chic yet effortless look.

Iridescent-Chrome Nails

Iridescent-chrome nails are making a huge splash in 2023. This trend involves using a pearly chrome powder with flashes of pink, blue, and purple. It’s perfect for those who want their nails to glow under the sunlight.

How to Achieve the Look

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply a layer of your favorite nail polish color.
3. Lightly brush on the iridescent chrome powder.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the look.

Why It’s Popular

• Gives a mermaidcore energy.
• Perfect for summer events and parties.
• Inspired by celebrities like Halle Bailey at the 2023 Oscars.

For a unique twist, try combining this look with other nail art techniques like cat’s eye velvet nails.

Maintenance Tips

• Use a pronail complex for healthy toenails.
• Regularly apply a top coat to maintain the shine.
• Avoid harsh chemicals to keep the iridescent effect intact.

Frosted Metallics

Consider this a fresh new finish for a metallic mani. “Choose your favorite metal (silver, gold, or rose gold) and top it with a mattifying top coat,” says Olivia Van Iderstine, VP of Content & Creative and Mani Trend Expert at Olive & June. “The matte metallic look has a high-impact payoff, but it’s super easy to DIY. Apply two coats of metallic polish and let it dry. Apply an even layer of Olive & June The Matte Top Coat ($9) and watch the matte magic happen. You’ll still get a subtle shimmer from the finish.

More and more nail art and acrylics are using metallic enhancements and ornamentation to create a unique look.

Cats Eye Velvet nails are a shimmery, eye-catching nail technique that can also be combined with additional nail art. After the nail goes through prep processes, layers, and curing, a layer of polish with metallic flecks is applied, and a top-coat is added. The metallic layer is activated using magnets which produces a multi-dimensional effect.

Adorn your nails with gold or silver accents to further enhance your manicure. “You can add gold, silver and other metallic elements to nail art designs using foils, metallic stickers, rhinestones, charms, and the most popular recently, chrome powders,” shares Martin. “We love adding micro lines of metallic foil over a sheer base for an elevated and minimalist look.”

Moody grays and metallic gunmetals will add a moody twist this autumn. If you want to jazz things up a bit with your at-home mani, opt for a polish with a bit of shimmer or a chrome finish to give your gunmetal gray mani a true metallic look.” Her go-tos are OPI Clean Slate ($11) for the perfect metallic gray and Skyline Reflect by Londontown Lakur ($16) for a multichromatic effect to the gray chrome finish.

Mermaid-Inspired Manis

Mermaid-inspired manis are making waves this year, drawing inspiration from the ocean’s enchanting hues and textures. Blue and green toned shifting metallics and glitter textures are at the forefront of this trend, offering a mesmerizing, aquatic look. This style is perfect for those who want to embrace their inner mermaid and add a touch of magic to their nails.

Key Elements

• Shifting metallics
• Glitter textures
• Duo-chrome shades

Popular Colors

• Ocean blue
• Seafoam green
• Pearl white

Application Tips

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply two coats of your chosen mermaid-inspired polish.
3. Finish with a top coat for extra shine and durability.

Mermaidcore is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle that brings the mystical beauty of the sea to your fingertips.

Matte Metallics

Matte metallics are a fresh new finish for a metallic mani. Choose your favorite metal (silver, gold, or rose gold) and top it with a mattifying top coat. This look has a high-impact payoff but is super easy to DIY. Apply two coats of metallic polish and let it dry. Apply an even layer of Olive & June The Matte Top Coat ($9) and watch the matte magic happen. You’ll still get a subtle shimmer from the metallic color, but the matte effect gives it a brushed metal effect that’s so cool for fall.

Moody Mattes

If something like a Lip Gloss Nail is not your speed, allow me to introduce you to the moody matte—it’s quite literally the polar opposite. “I absolutely cannot get enough of deeper, moody tones (think: blues and greens) finished with a matte topcoat,” says Thayer. “The matte adds an unexpected level of elegance to dark nails.” To get the look, she recommends using Dazzle Dry in Self Made or Mythic Teal with the Mattify Top Coat.

Gunmetal Grays

Moody grays and metallic gunmetals will add a moody twist this autumn. If you want to jazz things up a bit with your at-home mani, opt for a polish with a bit of shimmer or a chrome finish to give your gunmetal gray mani a true metallic look. Her go-tos are OPI Clean Slate ($11) for the perfect metallic gray and Skyline Reflect by Londontown Lakur ($16) for a multichromatic effect to the gray chrome finish.

Adorn your nails with gold or silver accents to further enhance your manicure. You can add gold, silver, and other metallic elements to nail art designs using foils, metallic stickers, rhinestones, charms, and the most popular recently, chrome powders. We love adding micro lines of metallic foil over a sheer base for an elevated and minimalist look.

Hot Chocolate Nails

Hot Chocolate Nails are one of the most delectable trends of 2023. This trend brings the cozy, warm vibes of your favorite winter beverage to your fingertips. The rich, deep browns and creamy undertones make for a sophisticated yet comforting look.

Shades and Styles

• Dark Chocolates
• Teal Toned Blues
• Rusty Mauves

Why It’s Trending

Hot Chocolate Nails are perfect for fall and winter, offering a versatile look that can be dressed up or down. The trend is also easy to achieve at home, making it accessible for everyone.

Embrace the warmth and richness of Hot Chocolate Nails to add a touch of elegance to your seasonal style.

Classic Reds

Classic red nails are a timeless trend that never goes out of style. Reds make a comeback in the fall every year, offering a seamless transition from summer to autumn. The versatility of red shades means there’s always an option to suit your preferences, whether you opt for a bold cherry red or a subtle, classy red gloss finish.

Cherry Red

Cherry red is becoming a firm favorite among manicurists. You can keep it simple with a red French tip, get creative with fun designs, or even mix it up with different colors for a rainbow effect. For a more classic look, a simple red gloss finish is always a good choice.

Candy Red Nails

Candy red nails are not only visually appealing but also evoke a sense of romance. Adding a touch of glitter can elevate your glamorous red nails, making you the star of any party.

The best thing about reds is that there are so many options out there since it’s such a classic manicure color, which makes it easy to find a shade that best suits your preferences.

Velvet Nails

For a cozy autumn look, consider velvet nails in classic oxblood or warm neutral shades. These can be easily achieved with press-ons, offering a salon-quality manicure in minutes without the need for magnets or drying time.

Low-Maintenance Styles

Minimalistic Manis

Sometimes, the best manicure requires no polish at all. “It’s the most minimalistic, but sometimes a clean, perfectly manicured natural nail is the way to go,” says Bachik. This trend is blowing up because it allows DIY enthusiasts to take their favorite celebrity look and simplify it. Everything you need to achieve this is in my Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set.

Healthy-Looking Nails

The trend for healthy-looking nails follows a period of intense grooming and maintenance. Now, nails are following suit: expect to see minimal manicures that show off healthy, pristine nails buffed to perfection everywhere you look in 2023. Shades like OPI’s Bubble Bath and Love Is In The Bare are perfect for clean, simple nails. These colors hide any imperfections while enhancing the nails for a look that is clean, well-manicured, and healthy.

Versatile Designs

This popular style encompasses a wide variety of designs that reflect elegance and simplicity. These nail designs can be plain or have small accents. This style works in both a casual and formal setting.

Elevated Nail Accessories

Chains and Charms

Nail art in 2023 is all about elevating your manicure with unique accessories. Chains and charms are making a big splash, adding a touch of elegance and flair to any nail design. These accessories can be placed on top of a simple shade to let them shine or paired with bold colors for a dramatic effect.

Pearls and 3D Molds

Pearls and 3D molds are another hot trend this year. These elements bring a luxurious feel to your nails, making them look like tiny pieces of art. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or something more extravagant, pearls and 3D molds can be customized to fit your style.

Metallic Embellishments

Metallic embellishments, such as studs and foils, are perfect for those who want to add a bit of edge to their nails. These accessories are versatile and can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle to bold.

Nail accessories are not just about adding bling; they are about expressing your unique style and personality. Whether you opt for chains, pearls, or metallics, the key is to have fun and experiment with different looks.

Graphic Designs

‘70s Swirls

Fans of abstract art are fawning over swirl art, a design boasting twists, turns, spirals, and bends in various colors. You can’t go wrong with a single color, but if you’re looking for something more unexpected, ‘70s swirls are on-trend. It’s a fresh way to embrace darker tones and give your traditional solid shade a break.

Negative Space Nails

Utilizing techniques from graphic design, these nails use negative space to draw attention to the details that are featured on the nail art. Bold, eye-catching, and stylish, negative space nails will be here for a long time to come.

Animal Print Nails

Animal print nails, including reptile designs, are making a fierce comeback. These designs can range from subtle leopard spots to bold zebra stripes, offering a wild touch to your manicure.

Floral Print Nails

Floral patterns, prints, and nail art are a recent trend which can be incorporated in many different ways. These nail designs can be fun to wear and add a touch of nature to your style.

3D Texture Nails

Three-dimensional nail art can include all sorts of designs: bubbles, sea shells, rhinestones, and other patterns are all part of the 3D nail trend. This style adds depth and dimension to your nails, making them stand out.

Graphic designs in nail art offer endless possibilities, allowing you to express your creativity and personal style in unique ways.

Unique Colors

Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolate shades are making a bold statement this year. These deep, rich hues are perfect for those who want a sophisticated yet edgy look.

Teal Toned Blues

Teal-toned blues are another hot trend, offering a vibrant yet calming effect. This color is versatile and can be worn in any season.

Rusty Mauves

Rusty mauves are gaining popularity for their unique blend of earthy and feminine tones. They offer a subtle yet distinctive look.

Pastel Nails

Pastel colors remain a timeless choice, adding a soft and feminine touch to any nail art. They are versatile and can be worn year-round.

Magenta Nails

Magenta is a bold and vibrant choice for those looking to make a statement. This color is perfect for adding a pop of color to your look.

Bold and unique colors are taking center stage this year, offering a wide range of options for every style and preference.

Discover the world of unique colors that can transform your style and elevate your beauty routine. From vibrant hair colors to stunning nail art, our website offers a plethora of inspiration and tutorials to help you stand out. Don’t miss out on the latest trends and expert tips—visit our website today!

Conclusion

Exploring the top nail art trends of 2023 has revealed a vibrant and diverse landscape that caters to every taste and style. From the resurgence of classic designs to the emergence of innovative techniques, this year promises to be an exciting one for both nail enthusiasts and professionals. Staying updated with these trends is not just about keeping up with fashion; it’s a crucial aspect of professional development for nail care specialists. By mastering these popular techniques, you can ensure that your skills remain relevant and in-demand. Whether you’re inspired by the bold colors of summer or the cozy hues of fall, there’s a trend for everyone to embrace and make their own. So, as you prepare for your next manicure, let these trends guide you and spark your creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top nail trends for 2023?

The top nail trends for 2023 include Iridescent-Chrome Nails, Frosted Metallics, Mermaid-Inspired Manis, Matte Metallics, Hot Chocolate Nails, Classic Reds, Low-Maintenance Styles, Elevated Nail Accessories, Graphic Designs, and Unique Colors.

How can I achieve the Iridescent-Chrome Nails look?

To achieve the Iridescent-Chrome Nails look, you can use chrome nail powder and a UV light to set the polish. There are also press-on kits available for a quick and easy application.

What are Mermaid-Inspired Manis?

Mermaid-Inspired Manis are nail designs that mimic the colors and textures of a mermaid’s tail, often featuring iridescent scales, aquatic colors, and shimmering finishes.

Are Matte Metallics suitable for everyday wear?

Yes, Matte Metallics are versatile and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. They offer a unique twist on traditional metallic nails by providing a matte finish that is both stylish and sophisticated.

What are some low-maintenance nail styles for 2023?

Low-maintenance nail styles for 2023 include simple, single-color manicures, minimalist nail art, and natural-looking nails that require minimal upkeep.

How can I incorporate Elevated Nail Accessories into my manicure?

You can incorporate Elevated Nail Accessories into your manicure by adding elements like nail jewels, stickers, and 3D embellishments. These accessories can be applied to any nail design to give it an extra touch of glamour and uniqueness.