Nail Trends to Know for 2026 // What to ask for at your next appointment
- Raemona
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
With a new year comes a reset, and that extends right down to our fingertips. As the festive glitter, chrome overload and party reds are gently retired, 2026 is ushering in a calmer, more considered approach to nails. Think fresh finishes, softer shades and subtle design details that feel polished without trying too hard.
January sets the tone for the year ahead, and it’s clear that minimal doesn’t mean boring. Clean aesthetics dominate early 2026, but with playful twists, unexpected colours and shape comebacks keeping things interesting.
Annabelle Taurua, Beauty Expert at Fresha.com, said:“Clean, fresh-looking nails are set to dominate January 2026, as people move away from bold, bright colours in favour of natural, understated styles to start the new year. As the year progresses, however, we anticipate a return to classic, vibrant shades, think olive greens, fluorescent yellows, and bright oranges, alongside bold nail art and statement accessories, as people experiment and have fun with their nail style.”
So, what nail trends are leading the charge this year?
Clean Girl Nails, Reimagined
Natural-looking manicures continue to reign supreme, but 2026’s version feels more elevated than ever. Sheer finishes, healthy-looking nail beds and glossy top coats are the foundation. This is the era of nails that look expensive, even when they’re barely there.
Leading the way are bubble bath nails - that soft, milky pink shade that mimics your natural nail colour, only better. Polished, timeless and endlessly wearable, it’s the kind of manicure that works for everything from office days to destination weddings.
Closely following are soap nails, a barely-there look with a high-shine finish. Clean, crisp and minimalist, they’re perfect for anyone leaning into a low-maintenance beauty routine while still wanting nails that look put together.
Polka Dots Are Having a Moment
If there’s one design trend defining early 2026, it’s polka dot nails. Simple yet playful, this look strikes the perfect balance between minimal and creative. Tiny dots over neutral bases feel chic and subtle, while bolder colour contrasts add personality without overwhelming the nail.
Glazed, Milky and Softly Shimmered
Glazed nails aren’t going anywhere, but they’re evolving. Instead of ultra-chrome finishes, 2026 leans towards softer, pearlescent shines layered over nude, blush and milky bases. Think glow rather than glitter.
Milky nails continue to trend too, thanks in part to Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer. Offering a fresh alternative to classic nudes. Inspired by soft whites and cloudy tones, they’re clean, modern and flattering on all skin tones - especially when paired with shorter lengths and rounded edges.
Muted Blues & Unexpected Neutrals
While January favours softer shades, colour slowly creeps back in as the year progresses. One standout? Muted blues. Powder blue, grey-blue and soft slate shades are emerging as the cool-girl alternative to beige and blush. They feel fresh, calming and surprisingly wearable, especially when paired with minimalist designs or glossy finishes.
Earthy neutrals also stay strong, from warm taupes to olive-leaning tones that hint at bolder colours to come later in the year.
Square Nails Make a Quiet Comeback
Almond and oval shapes may have dominated in recent years, but 2026 is seeing the return of square and soft-square nails and it’s a shape many of us know well.
Popular throughout the ’90s, early 2000s and even the 2010s, square nails were a go-to for celebrities and style icons, often paired with French tips, glossy nudes and bold reds. Now, they’re back with a modern refresh. Clean edges paired with neutral or milky shades feel fresh, strong and effortlessly chic. Shorter square nails in particular are having a moment, aligning perfectly with the year’s practical, polished aesthetic while tapping into that ongoing nostalgia trend.
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Tip: Search for your local nail salon on Fresha.com
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