Trends never stop at clothes, hair or makeup, and always extend all the way to your nails. Nail trends change frequently, with many a perfectly manicured paw popping up on Instagram from chic salons and famous faces to provide inspiration.
What should your nails look like in 2022? The biggest nail trends of the year are in, so take note, your manicure is about to get an update.
1. Square It
Nail trends all start with a shape and 2022 is the square. The easy-to-live with shape is big this season, with flat, square nails adapting well to short or mid-length claws.
To keep your square nails in tip top shape, move away from sharp edges and round them a touch to avoid splits.
2. It’s classic for a reason
Colour trends are easy to follow and can be enjoyed however suits your mood.
One of the best things about nail trends is how easy they can be adopted, discarded and adopted again. And all this with minimum investment.
Classic colours such as off-white go with everything. Neutral nails won’t win you any innovation awards, but your nails will still be on trend without taking too much risk.
3. A pop of colour
If you can’t wait for summer and sunnier days, you’re not alone. Your nails, however, can get in the summer spirit with a pop of mood-boosting yellow.
Yellow may not be the most obvious choice for nails, but it’s one that’s set to be everywhere this year.
Whether bright yellow or softer pastel, there’s a shade to suit everyone.
4. Dark is in
Pop punk is back, goth is on-trend again and leather is making a comeback. So of course, there is a nail trend to go with it.
Darker nails look fantastic on the square shape and are sure to draw attention to your hands. But black isn’t necessarily the way to go this season, with burgundy and aubergine taking the spotlight too.
5. Take inspiration from your surroundings
Blues and greens are in. Taking inspiration from nature is a big 2022 nail trend and who are we to argue with Pantone’s 2022 colour of Very Peri blue?
Blues and greens are easier to wear than you might think and provide endless variety. From ocean blue to periwinkle, muted greens to pastels, the natural world is quite literally at your fingertips.
6. Celebs love metallics
If you scroll through anyone who’s anyone’s Instagram, you’ll be in for a metallic overdose. Kourtney Kardashian and Dua Lipa are fans but they’re not the only ones.
Metallic nails can be “classic” in gold, silver or bronze or you could nail two trends in one with green and blue tones.
7. Show some love to the planet…
Vegan nail polish? Yes, nail trends can also care about the environment.
If you’re confused as to why we even need vegan nail polish, it’s because nail polish sometimes includes animal-derived ingredients. Fish scales for shine, boiled and crushed beetle for colour or even animal fat to thicken formulas may be found in your favourite polish.
To go even further, cruelty-free nail polish also exists, and you’ll be happy to know you don’t have to sacrifice on colour or shine to do your bit for our animal friends.
8. …and your hands
Reward yourself with a “skinicure” or skincare manicure. Give your hands some love with exfoliants and scrubs for a super-smooth finish and lush moisturisers for hands so soft the babies in your life will be envious.
The idea is to treat your hands as well as your face, but you don’t have to spend all your cash on a skincare manicure. A pampering session could just be a good scrub and plenty of moisturising. Just make sure it’s all about your hands.
Sarah Kante
