Chocolates, Cherries & French Tips: 15 Major Nail Trends Coming This AW24
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1 year ago
Nail the new season with a fresh mani
Autumn is finally here, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for a seasonal refresh. And the first item on our list is a fresh manicure. Looking for some inpso? We’ve rounded up the biggest nail trends forecasted for AW24, as told by nail technicians and professionals.
The Biggest Hair Trends For AW24
We’re ready for the seasonal shift. Bye-bye pastels, see you later neon and so long clean girl minimalism. That’s right. We’re going big and bold with our manis this season, as we delve into rich, warm shades, party metallics and gothic glamour. These are all the AW24 nail trends to look out for:
Trends At A Glance
- Chocolate Chips
- Cherry Cola
- Classic French Mani
- Tortoiseshell Tips
- Glitter Swipe
- Moody Hues
- All Green Everything
- Gothic Glam
- Disco Ball
- Cherry Red
- Techno Talons
- Gold Finger
- Espresso
- Blackberry Nails
- A Grey Day
1. Chocolate Chips
This season’s biggest colour? An indulgent chocolate brown. ‘Think rich, dark, sumptuous shades of brown painted in either a minimal block colour or combined with a classic French tip,’ says ORLY ambassador Lou Stokes. ‘Timeless and elegant, rich chocolate brown nails look particularly good on a shorter nail, finished with a glossy topcoat for a luxurious sheen.’
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2. Cherry Cola
Another shade on our radar comes courtesy of the hair salon; made popular by Dua Lipa, cherry cola is making the leap from head to toe (literally). ‘Dark nails with a red undertone are proving very popular this season,’ agrees Lou. ‘They’re rich, dramatic and edgy – let your nails do the talking with this impactful nail look.
‘You can also put a spin on the trend with aura nails,’ she continues. ‘Use a rich espresso brown shade as the base, with a bold red shade dabbed into the middle (or vice-versa). This will help your nails look very autumnal, while looking in an eye-catching finish.’
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3. Classic French Mani
This Y2K staple has had quite the year, making a huge comeback thanks to a streak of colourful reinventions. ‘Classic French tips never really go out of fashion,’ says Lou. ‘They’re super wearable and suit any outfit, regardless of occasion or season.’
As for making them autumn-appropriate, Lou suggests: ‘A French tip in a rich dark shade instead of the usual white. This looks particularly good with dark tips in rich shades of purple, burgundy or brown-espresso tips.’
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4. Tortoiseshell Tips
And speaking of French tips – this isn’t the last we’ll see of them this season. ‘Prints are in this season, especially tortoiseshell,’ emphasises Lou. ‘Its warms brown undertones are proving very popular. Whether the print is on all nails, one or two signature nails or as an alternate French tip, the choice is yours.’
You can find more French manicure ideas here.
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5. Glitter Swipe
‘Glitter nails are not just for Christmas,’ Lou tells us. ‘This season, a hint of sparkle is being applied over a nude base to give everyday wear to glitter. Think a neutral nude classic shade and a minimal swipe of glitter.’
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6. Moody Hues
As we get into the swing of the season, we can also expect to see navy blue, dark chocolate and rich burgundy dominate the colour palette. ‘Fall is the time to embrace deep, moody hues,’ says Angie Campbell, Lead Nail Tech at Paint Nails London. ‘These tones are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and mystery to your winter nails.’
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7. All Green Everything
Brat summer might be officially over, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the green. ‘Green nails are not going anywhere,’ confirms Angie. ‘This season we’re seeing everything from rich olive tones to brighter, statement-making acid greens.’
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8. Gothic Glam
If last year saw coven nails become a hit come Halloween, this year it’s all about dialled-back gothic glam. ‘Black nails are making a huge comeback this season, especially as we head into Halloween,’ says Angie. ‘Opt for a matte black or add a glossy finish for a striking look that’s both edgy and elegant. Black French tips or ombre designs are also great options for those who want a sophisticated twist on the classic dark mani.’
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9. Disco Ball
With party season on the way, AW24 nail trends will also turn once more to metallic and holographic textures. ‘Disco-inspired metallics bring a fun, nostalgic feel to your look,’ Angie notes. ‘Whether you go for a full chrome finish or subtle metallic accents, this trend is perfect for those who want to sparkle throughout the Christmas party season.’
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10. Cherry Red
Can you really go wrong with a pop of red? We think not. ‘Red is always a staple for the cooler months, but this season, cherry red is the star,’ emphasises Angie. ‘It’s a sophisticated yet vibrant shade that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Whether worn as a full mani or as cherry red French tips, this colour is bold yet refined.’
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11. Techno Talons
Salons are going high-tech this season – at least in style. ‘Techno talons are set to dominate the nail scene with their futuristic, holographic, and iridescent finishes, combined with mesmerising psychedelic patterns,’ highlights Tinu Bello, manicurist and Senior Mylee Ambassador. ‘This trend channels a high-energy, digital vibe that feels both edgy and avant-garde. The nails shimmer with a multi-dimensional glow, reflecting light in a spectrum of colours that shift with every movement.’
And what are the hallmarks of this futuristic trend? ‘Psychedelic swirls, trippy lines, and bold geometric patterns further amplify the otherworldly effect, creating a visual experience that’s as dynamic as it is captivating. Perfect for those looking to make a bold statement, techno talons push the boundaries of traditional nail art, making them a must-have for anyone embracing a cutting-edge, fashion-forward aesthetic.’
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12. Gold Finger
Metallics always come into fashion around the colder months – and we’re seeing a big movement towards gold tones when it comes to AW24 nail trends. ‘This look exudes a luxurious, opulent vibe,’ notes Tinu. ‘Gold nails, whether in metallic, glitter, or foil finishes, offer a rich, warm glow that complements deep, jewel-toned wardrobes and winter textures like velvet and wool. Whether applied as a full manicure or as intricate accents like tips, gold nails are the ultimate way to add a touch of glam for the new season.’
And when it comes to making the trend your own, she recommends going 3D with the final look. ‘To elevate gold nails with a luxurious twist, I recommend incorporating 3D finishes and intricate metallic tips for a statement-making look. Add depth with 3D elements like raised metallic studs, gold foil appliqués, or textured designs that create a rich finish. For the tips, experiment with contrasting finishes — like pairing a matte gold base with glossy, reflective tips, or experiment with sharp, angular shapes that add an avant-garde feel.’
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13. Espresso
Summer might be over, but ‘Espresso’ is still going strong on the charts (and in the nail salon). ‘We can thank Sabrina for this one,’ says Tinu. ‘Espresso nails are a standout trend for AW24, offering a deep, rich brown that exudes a chic warmth and sophistication. This luxurious shade, reminiscent of a perfectly brewed coffee, is a modern alternative to classic autumnal darks such as black or burgundy. To bring your espresso nails to life, add a touch of glamour with subtle gold or bronze accents, a glitter finish, or fine lines or minimalistic nail art, like coffee swirls.’
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14. Blackberry Nails
This season’s ultimate sleek manicure? Blackberry nails. ‘The trend encompass a polish shade that is an intensely deep, dark purple, closely resembling the colour of ripe blackberries,’ explains Tinu. ‘This hue is so dark that it often appears nearly black, especially in low lighting, but reveals its rich purple undertones in brighter light. Blackberry nails are a sophisticated, edgy choice for those who want a bold, dramatic look that still retains a touch of classic elegance.
‘I think we will see more creative finishes and textures as the blackberry nail trend evolves over the coming season,’ she continues. ‘For example, we might start seeing a move to matte topcoats, which adds a velvety, modern twist to a classic look. Nail art can also work well, think metallic accents, ombre effects, gradients, and minimalist line designs, to add depth and dimension to the rich colour. Seasonal adaptations will also become popular, such as incorporating glitter or shimmer for a festive touch.’
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15. A Grey Day
And finally, another core colour sweeping through the season is grey. ‘It embodies understated elegance with a modern twist. Shades of grey, ranging from soft dove to deep charcoal, will dominate the season as a chic alternative to more traditional dark shades,’ says Tinu. ‘This trend reflects the cool, moody tones of winter, while still maintaining a sophisticated and polished look. It can be worn with a matte, glossy, or textured finish.’
And how best to tap into the trend? ‘Look out for iridescent finishes and sheer formulas,’ notes the manicurist. ‘To elevate grey nails, try adding metallic accents like silver foil, which add a luxurious contrast to a neutral base. Subtle nail art, such as fine lines or geometric shapes in black or white, can also enhance a grey canvas, without overwhelming its simplicity. For added depth, you could try a gradient or ombre effect, blending different shades of grey or transitioning into soft pinks. A touch of glitter or gemstone embellishments can also bring a festive, high-fashion edge to your grey nails.’
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Featured image: Getty Images
