37 Trendy Nail Designs Everyone Will Be Asking For In 2026
The power of a great manicure is not to be underestimated: Beyond helping you feel instantly more put-together, personalized nail designs are an outlet for self-expression. With that in mind, it only makes sense to start a new year with a manicure you’re obsessed with—and luckily, 2026 shaping up to be one of the best years for nail trends.
2025 favored the minimalist manicure, with understated trends like soap nails and milky white manis dominating our feeds (and salons). It’s unsurprising then, that we’re entering 2026 with a taste for something bolder. Juli Russell, nail expert and Sally Beauty brand ambassador, predicts that maximalism will set the tone for this year’s nail trends. “The goal is intentional excess: Nails that feel curated, not cluttered,” she says.
Of course “maximalism” could be interpreted in countless different nail designs, but Russell predicts that a few aesthetics will reign supreme. “The maximalist nail trend will be defined by mix-and-match designs across a full set, intricate hand painted details, and deliberate texture play,” Russell says. “Expect to see glossy gels paired with matte finishes, chrome layered over sheer bases, and 3D embellishments such as pearls, sculpted acrylic shapes, and metal accents.”
Heading into the new year, celebrity manicure tastemakers like Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner have already traded their neutral glazed manicures for pattern play. Jenner recently wore a multi-colored plaid manicure, while Bieber ushered in the holidays with a matching animal-print mani-pedi.
Even simple, solid tone manicures are expected to get an upgrade in 2026: Trendy nail effects like the magnetic current cat-eye treatment are only picking up steam. “This year, cat-eye nails in soft, neutral tones will be all the rage,” Russell says. “The shimmer is subtle, the movement is intentional, and the overall effect is understated luxury. It’s the kind of manicure that catches the light, and compliments without trying too hard.”
