The Hottest Celebrity Nail Trends You Need To Know

Nails are having a major moment right now. No longer just an afterthought, celebrity manicures are now just as big of a fashion statement as their designer dresses and shoes. Whether it's on the red carpet or paparazzi shots, celebrities are showing off seriously stylish nails that are influencing trends around the world.

As a budding nail technician, it's important to stay up to date on all the latest celebrity nail inspiration. That way, you can recreate these celebrity-approved looks for your own clients. From nude and natural nails to embellished nails dripping in crystals, here are some of the hottest celebrity nail trends you need to know.

The Natural Nail

Nude and natural nails are having their time in the spotlight. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow have been spotted wearing various neutral nail shades that let their natural nails shine through. This is a great trend for women who want an understated, clean look. Light pinks, sheer whites, and pale beiges are big, mimicking the natural colour of nails. They create a very fresh-faced effect, perfect for daytime. For a subtle touch, add some glossy top coat to give that healthy, salon-style shine.

White Hot Brights

Vibrant bright whites are another major celebrity nail trend right now. Stars like Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner have been seen wearing opaque white nails for a super modern, futuristic look. White nails are bold and eye-catching, creating a stark contrast against darker wardrobe colours. They have a very crisp, clean aesthetic that feels both fresh and edgy. To recreate this celebrity-approved style, opt for an opaque white rather than shades with sheerness. Not into stark white? Try something softer like an off-white or ivory for the same effect but a bit more subtlety.

Short and Squoval

When it comes to shape, short squoval nails are huge right now. Squoval nails combine square edges with a gentle rounded corner. It's a chic look that scores of celebs from Selena Gomez to Zendaya have been sporting. Shorter nail lengths have also been majorly on-trend, with celebs keeping them filed at the tips of their fingers. Together, the short squoval creates a very modern, put-together nail look. It works on all nail lengths and is easy to maintain. For clients who want a fashionable shape that isn't too sharp or extreme, this is a great option.

Embellished Accents

One major nail trend inspired by celebrities is embellishments. Stars like Dua Lipa and Cardi B have been seen wearing ultra-long nails bedazzled with rhinestones, glitter, foil and more for major drama. Even smaller touches like a few crystals or metallic studs can instantly glam up a manicure. This is a high-impact trend perfect for special events or making a statement. Just take care to source quality embellishments that will stay secured on nails. And choose embellishments wisely based on your client's personal style, outfits and lifestyle needs.

Two-Toned Colour

Two-toned nails are having a major moment, with celebs like Khloe Kardashian rocking different colours on alternating nails. Usually it's two complementary colours, like a soft pink and white. Colour blocking like this adds visual interest and dimension to any manicure. Beyond two colours, some celebrities like Billie Eilish have even been seen wearing different colours on every nail for a fun, eclectic look. Creativity is key with this trend, so don't be afraid to experiment with colour pairings. Just be sure they complement each other and suit your client's aesthetic.

Chrome Nails

One of the flashiest celebrity nail trends is chrome or mirror nails. Seen on stars like Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner, these nails feature a high-shine, reflective metallic finish that looks just like a mirror! The look is seriously eye-catching, almost resembling liquid metal on the nails. To get this futuristic look, you need special powder and gel polishes. When applied correctly, they create an ultra-reflective chrome surface. While tricky to perfect, this trend is worth learning as it's only getting bigger and bolder in celebrity circles.

Matte Finishes

On the opposite end of the spectrum, matte nails are also having a major moment. Celebs like Hailey Bieber and Zendaya have embraced this non-shiny, flat finish. Matte polishes dull the natural shine of nails, giving off more of a velvet-like effect. They look almost powdery on the nails and come in both light and dark shades. Matte black is a popular option, as are nudes, pinks and reds. Matte topcoat can also create this effect over any colour for a more understated take. However you get the matte look, it's all about embracing a shine-free finish.

Green With Envy

Move over reds and pinks, green nail polish is surprisingly trending. Deep forest greens, pale mints, even neon lime shades have all been seen on celebrity nails lately. Stars like Kourtney Kardashian, Saweetie and Sydney Sweeney have rocked various green hues. What was once shunned as an unflattering colour has made a major comeback. Today's greens are vibrant, fun and edgy. For clients who want to stand out, suggest an unexpected green polish. Or do green on an accent nail for a lower commitment pop of colour.

XXL Lengths

Length matters for celebrity nails too! Stars like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion and Billie Eilish have been seen sporting some seriously long tips, from oval to coffin to stiletto shapes. While everyday women likely can't go quite so extreme, the trend for longer-than-usual nail lengths is catching on everywhere. For special events or making a statement, try out longer nail extensions. Even going just a little longer than your client's natural length can completely transform their look. Just be sure to advise them on taking extra care to prevent excessive breakage.

Minimalist Manis

While embellished and two-toned nails are trending, some celebs opt for the complete opposite: a minimalist manicure. Stars like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner often wear simple, one-colour polish looks. The focus is on clean, healthy nails with a flawless base colour and glossy topcoat. No need for embellishments or designs—simply let the perfectly applied polish speak for itself. This is great for clients who prefer understated styles. Just be sure nails are in impeccable shape before polishing.

Playful French Tips

The French manicure has been given a stylish reboot thanks to celebrity nails. Stars like Sydney Sweeney and Dua Lipa have been seen wearing colourful French tips for a playful take. Instead of just white tips, try black, blue, green or another vibrant colour. French tips with embellishments like stripes, flowers or squiggles are also trending. Even neon colours like hot pink and highlighter yellow have been spotted. The classic French mani feels fresh again but with a fun, eye-catching twist.

90s Nostalgia

Celebrity nails are feeling major 90s nostalgia vibes lately. Stars like Kylie Jenner and Megan Fox have embraced the decade's biggest nail trends. Dark brown and black colours were ubiquitous on 90s celebrity nails. Velvety matte finishes were also huge. Even square nail tips are making a comeback. Other 90s nail trends getting renewed attention include frosted polish, blue iridescent glitter and mini decals or charms. The era's grunge vibe blended elegantly with punk for high-fashion rebel style. Suggest these nostalgic elements to clients who want a retro-cool look.

Now that you're up to speed on all the latest celebrity nail inspiration, it's time to start recreating these dazzling looks. As a nail technician, keeping up with trends is crucial. Referring clients to images of their favourite celebrity's manicure is a great way to inspire them to try new styles. With these coveted nail looks on the rise, get ready to take your clients' nails to the next level!