9 Nail Trends 2023 Will Be Seeing A Whole Lot Of. Here's The Leaders Of The Pack

September 2024 · 3 minute read

When it comes to our manis, glazed donut nails reigned supreme last year, alongside Frenchies in all different shapes and sizes (micro, chunky, almond). As for what nail trends 2023 has in store, expect to see more of the same, only with some cute updates. Maximalism is also coming in hot, with 3D nails, gemstones, crystals and nail stickers all bringing extra drama and personality. Y2K is here in full force with the revival of nail piercings and the glazed donut's big sis is about to make its introduction, so keep your eyes out for lipgloss nails. 

Here are the biggest nail trends 2023 will be seeing a whole lot of…

3D Nails

As seen on the likes of Lizzo, Saweetie and Dua Lipa, 3D nails are the maximalist trend that's truly the opposite of shy and retiring. We've seen plastic gummy bears, cutesy hearts, spirals and gems bedazzle nails for a statement-making mani. Want in early on the trend? Look to artists like Park Eunkyung (better known by @nail_unistella), her K-beauty creations have helped set the tone for some of the biggest viral nail trends, including 3D nails and airbrush nails. She's your gal for all things OTT.

New ways to wear glazed donut nails

More of a minimalist? Hailey Bieber's nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt (better known by @nailsbyzola) helped create 2022's smash-hit glazed donut nails and a handful of gorge remixes since, such as the phwoar candy cane glazed rendition she painted Hailey for Christmas. We're expecting to see more gorgeous updates as we head into spring.

Press-on nails

Press-on nails are nothing new but interest has soared over the past few months with endorsements from Lizzo and Kim K sparking and intensification in interest. And luckily for us, brands like Lottie London, Kiss and Elegant Touch are upping their game when it comes to press-ons we can swap in and out without damaging our nails as much as gels and acrylics do.

Lipgloss nails

The clean girl aesthetic continues on with some pretty new renditions. Milky neutrals work beautifully what ever the season and oat milk nails have started to trend again, along with silky chrome top coats that can be applied on top of a naked base or your colour of choice. But building momentum are lipgloss nails – the big sis to the glazed donut. The sheer, almost bare base remains, only this design is more glossy, less pearly.

Cutesy nails

Innovations and updates in the nail space are coming thick and fast, encouraging us to get more involved with our own designs. Ardell's new Play Pens enable users to sketch scribbles, graphics and symbols directly onto nails and Ciate's Nail Cheats, wraps and decals offer easy short-cuts to next-level nails. Just as well since cutesy nails are set to be another big-hitter for 2023.

Nail piercings

Following on from the major comeback of Frenchies (which remain one of the biggest trends heading into 2023), the noughties have influenced yet another of this year's nail trends: nail piercings. Only expect them to be extra delicate.

Textural nails

Chrome, metallic and now velvet nails (also known as cat-eye nails) will add extra interest and texture to manis. Expect to see plenty of all three in 2023.

The Frenchie

Unsurprisingly the French manicure remains a favourite, whether that's teensy micro Frenchies on short, squoval nails, or a fresh half-moon on almond tips.

Gem and crystal nails

Want to nod to another cutesy Y2K trend, crystal encrusted manis are about to be everywhere. And we'll volunteer our nails as guinea pig.

Beyond what's in this season, we love to see bright, beautiful, individual designs that show a little personality and brighten your day, after all, that's what nail polish is for, right?

For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk 

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