Beauty
It’s all about bright and bold.
After what felt like an eternity of being stuck in the house, 2021 was the year to show up and show out with your fashion and beauty. You might have even swapped sweatpants and t-shirts in favor of bright and playful looks. That shift was probably reflected in your go-to nail polish colors as well.
Nail trends were all about bold, statement hues. Sunshine-filled shades like yellow and dramatic, dark hues like matte black were all over your socials. Whether you love a statement nail with elaborate art or a simple mani with one polish, there was a nail color trend perfect for you. All in all, last year was a great time for your fingertips.
Thankfully, pros are predicting that nail polish trends in 2022 will be just as exciting. Like this past year, having fun and channeling your inner artist will be the manicure standard. The new year will see many of the shades you know and love, like neutral shades and sparkling metallics. But it will also include a few colors that wouldn’t be your first pick for your nails — like periwinkle and mint green.
Need even more ideas for your nail beds? Bustle tapped Rachel James, founder of Pear Nova, Nadine Abramcyk, co-founder and head of brand of Tenoverten, and more experts to help you navigate nail polish trends in 2022. Here are 20 shades that will have you calling your manicurist ASAP.
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Neutrals
Neutral nails never go out of style, but James says to expect to see them all over your timelines throughout 2022. If you’re bored with traditional beiges and soft pinks, try adding a chromatic top coat for a fresh, unexpected effect.
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Navy
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Fiery Red
Make a statement in 2022 with race car red nails. The retro shade looks great on short or long nails, and is a playful way to draw attention to your fingertips.
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Sky Blue
Another shade of blue that you’ll see all over your timelines is sky blue. The pretty pastel is an underrated classic that works all year round (not just in spring).
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Royal Blue
Both Goldstein and Nguyen are huge fans of a deep, vibrant blue for spring. Goldstein suggests something like Chanel Le Vernis in Rhythm if you’re looking for something a little bit of a darker shade. For a brighter pop of blue, Nguyen likes this Orly polish in It’s Brittney, Beach.
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Terracotta
For something warm and neutral, you can’t go wrong with terracotta. Goldstein likes pink terracottas like the Chanel Le Vernis in Terra Rosa. Another great option is this polish from Olive & June in MG.
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Yellow Dreams
Pastels for spring is hardly groundbreaking, but it’s a classic for a reason. Both Goldstein and Nguyen predict a soft bright yellow will be huge for spring nail colors this season and both highly recommend the Chanel Le Vernis in Riviera.
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Milky Tones
Minerva says to think of milky tones this spring, aka. semi-sheer bare nails in pink and soft white shades. “[Milky tones] feel fresh and feminine, but the sheer effect gives it a chic effect,” she says. This new shade from Essie in Keep Branching Out is a creamy taupe that gives that perfect milky effect.
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