With each new calendar year comes a whole new set of beauty trends. But when it comes to nails, the biggest trends of 2023 honestly aren’t really trends. In fact, we are witnessing a return to the classics. Sure, they’re slightly elevated and endlessly chic classics, but the sentiment still holds true. “I see a shift towards a more minimalist version of trends,” says Tweezerman celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik. (opens in a new tab), which works with stars like Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez. “Things get simpler and cleaner.” Shorter nails are replacing extra long acrylics, fun finishes like chrome and velvet are pushing bright, bold designs to the sidelines, and French manicures, which have been given a funky twist as one of the nail trends of 2022 , become even more delicate and elegant .
Don’t get me wrong: there are absolutely no rules when it comes to choosing your perfect manicure. But, if you want the inside scoop on what’s set to debut on red carpets, Instagram, and magazine covers over the next few months, scroll down. I’ve enlisted the top nail pros in the business to create a guide to the biggest nail trends of 2023. So pin this page, screenshot your favorites, and scroll forward to prepare for your next one. manicure.
Natural length
Extra long acrylic nails have a time and a place (we’ll always be obsessed with Cardi B’s duck nails). That said, this year, the trend is in the opposite direction. “Last year it was all about super long nails and crazy abstract nail art, this year we’re taking a more classic approach,” says nail artist Hannah Thayer. “Everyone is starting to embrace a more natural nail length instead of long, artificial nails,” adds manicurist consultant for Dashing Diva Zola Ganzorigt, who works with clients like Hailey Bieber. “When it comes to shape, a near-medium shape is the most popular because it’s the most durable for natural nails.”
Chrome finishes
If there was one beauty moment that defined 2022, it’s Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails – the silver version, the brown version and the Rhode gray version. And we’re happy to report that the splendor of chrome is here to stay. “Glazed donuts and chrome nails are trending because they’re minimalist, chic, and work through different seasons,” says Ganzorigt. “It’s becoming easier to try these trends with the explosion of home press options and nail strips. I always refer my clients to Dashing Diva (opens in a new tab) for this, they have a wide variety of choices, ranging from seasonal colors to intricate nail art designs.
DIY dreams
If going to the salon isn’t your preference, you’re in luck. Brands at all levels continue to amplify innovation and produce beautiful press-ons, nail stickers and home kits in just about every shape, size and finish. “There are so many magnetic velvet nails, press-on nails, and gel nail strips to choose from at home,” says Ganzorigt. Need inspiration on where to look? Check out brands like OPI, Manime and Static Nails.
Seasonal nuances
Because funky designs are taking a back seat this year, the trend is to really lean into a seasonally appropriate shade. “Clean, unique colors are becoming increasingly popular,” says Eunice Park, research and development manager at Aprés Nail. “Like the viral ‘red nail theory’ trend, people appreciate the simplicity of precise application of a single color.” So whether you’re leaning into moody winter shades like dark burgundy, dark brown, and black, or opting for a sheer nude (Park loves the Gel Couleur series from Aprés Nail), you won’t can’t go wrong.
Evolution of the French Manicure
It is an evolution if there ever was one. The traditional French manicure was pretty much dominant in the early 2000s. But then it went MIA for about two decades to come back and be better than ever. The fun color combinations have had their time to shine, but this year the look has gotten even sleeker than the OG. “French manicures thin the tips to just be guide edges,” says Bachik. For those who want to have a little more fun? “Add a sequin liner.”
lip gloss nails
You know how beautiful your lips shine after applying lip gloss? Imagine the same dizzying feeling on your fingernails. The look has been aptly dubbed “The Lip Gloss Nail” and can be achieved in a wide range of shades. “Full coverage nudes become more sheer and shimmery,” Bachik points out, but you can also achieve this look with pale pinks or even sheer reds.
Moody Mattes
If something like a Lip Gloss Nail isn’t your speed, let me introduce moody matte – it’s literally the polar opposite. “I absolutely can’t get enough of the deeper, moodier tones (think: blues and greens) finished with a matte topcoat,” says Thayer. “Matte adds an unexpected level of elegance to dark nails.” To achieve the look, she recommends using Dazzle Dry in Self Made or Mythic Teal with the Mattify Top Coat.
The return of the Accent nail
I never thought I would see the light of day, but the single accent nail has returned. “For those who want a little more flair, try going for a simple design on one or two nails to accentuate a neutral-toned mani,” says Thayer. “I love popping gold leaf or leopard spots, because who doesn’t love leopard?” You can also make a simple line down the center, or if all else fails, just stick a sticker on.
Simplistic dimension
“Three-D nails are becoming more streamlined, like a pinch of pixie dust or a single crystal,” Bachik explains. The subtle addition adds a bit of extra fun to an otherwise classic manicure, but is still simple, chic and sophisticated. One of the best ways to get the look at home is to order small rhinestones and place them on the base of each nail with pointed tweezers.
Blend in texture
The same way glazed donut nails became famous, a handful of other textures are getting their well-deserved 15 minutes of fame. “The chunky sequins are now more like shimmers and pearls,” says Bachik. Take the Essie Chromes collection, for example. “They are more transparent and iridescent.” The same can be said for the velvet nail trend.
Minamalist Manis
Sometimes the best manicure requires no polish. “It’s the most minimalist, but sometimes a clean, perfectly manicured natural nail is the way to go,” says Bachik. “I think it’s exploding because it allows DIYers to take their favorite celebrity look and make it simple.” Now, while it might not be the *most* exciting look in the book, it’s overall the easiest to DIY. “Everything you need to achieve this is in my Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set.”
Meet the nail artists
Zola Ganzorigt is a Los Angeles-based manicurist. Her keen eye and creative approach to nails have made her a favorite with talents including Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, Jessica Alba, Christina Aguilera, Sabrina Carpenter and Vanessa Hudgens. Ganzorigt’s nail art ranges from minimal nude manicures to bold artistic designs, and has been featured on covers and in campaigns for brands including Miu Miu, Good American, Sweetgreen, and Fabletics, as well as editorials for publications such as Carry, The cupand The Official.
One of the world’s top “Men”-curists, Tom Bachik is one of the most sought-after nail professionals in the fashion industry and among the celebrity elite. Coined ‘The Rad Manicurist’, he currently polishes the hands and toes of A-list celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Zooey Deschanel, Victoria Beckham, Anne Hathaway, Heidi Klum and Jessica Simpson, to name a few- one. Major publications and high-end brands such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, Allure, InStyle, Gucci, Versace and Armani call on Bachik for his unique and stunning nail designs. With over 20 years of experience, he has developed product innovations and application techniques for some of the best known companies in the industry. He was the first nail artist to have a contract with Chanel and currently travels the world as the first “Global Nail Designer” and celebrity manicurist for L’Oréal Paris. A trained graphic designer, Bachik is dedicated to designing the most visually avant-garde looks – whether it’s the most elegant, timeless and classic natural nail manicure or styling something unexpectedly bold and forward. – guardian; his creations are unparalleled works of art. Bachik has won over 300 prestigious nail competitions, including the WINBA World Championship. Additionally, he has judged nail art contests in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Based in Southern California, he is married to his wife Liz and has two sons and a 15-year-old daughter, Zoie, who is his nail art muse.
Eunice Park is Head of Research and Development at Apres Nails.
