Nail artists share 7 trends that are in for 2026 and 3 that are out

Celebrity manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec told Business Insider that aura nails — defined by a soft, diffused type of color gradient with the lightest shade in the middle — surrounded by an outline will add a pop to your manicure.

Together, these details create a sharp juxtaposition that's very eye-catching.

Shades of blue are usually a popular choice for January, celebrity nail tech Erica De Los Santos said, recommending the shade Blue Moon Bloom from Gelish to start the year.

But don't expect the excitement for blue hues to fade. Celebrity manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood, Mazz Hanna, said to keep an eye out for Gelcare's Cobalt Blue as a trending color for 2026.

Another trend for nail art this year is cooler-toned colors, Kandalec said, offering examples like metallics, including silvers and gunmetals, as well as some shades of pink.

She added that the trend will also extend to colors of cat-eye polishes, which use a magnet to move small particles of metal to create a shimmering, reflective finish.

Though cat-eye nails aren't new to the nail-art world, Kandalec said the trend is continuing to grow internationally and will remain popular throughout the year.

Celebrity nail artist Sonya Meesh told BI that polka dots are incredibly popular and will continue to trend throughout 2026.

"It's a chic pattern. It's something that anybody can do," they said, adding, "I want people to be excited and have some fun with their nails."

Chocolate-brown shades have been popular for a while, so it's no surprise they'll be sticking around this year.

From deeper shades to lighter, Hershey Kiss-inspired hues, chocolate-brown nail colors, like Stellar Gel's Mocha Latte and Lights Lacquer's Americano, will be big throughout 2026, Kandalec said.

"We are definitely bringing the natural, clean nail in 2026," Meesh said, adding that as more people start to maintain their nails at home, it's an easier look to achieve.

Designs like soap nails, which use soft pinks to accentuate your natural nail bed color, make for easy at-home maintenance and manicure longevity.

Although the clean-girl aesthetic is sticking around, Hanna said maximalism is making its comeback.

"I can see really wild, out-there nail art becoming really trendy," she said, including intricate florals, polka dots, and layered patterns.

Thanks to advancements in technology, there are also so many different gel polishes to use for designs, from velvet and sheer jelly to cat-eye. So, Hanna predicts another facet of maximalist designs will be using these elements together to blend aesthetics.

As enchanting as chrome nails can look, Hanna predicts the style will fall out of favor in 2026.

One of the main issues with chrome is its lack of longevity.

"Unless you're going to somebody who's highly, highly skilled with applying it using the right products, it's hard to make it last," she said.

Another issue with chrome is the cost.

"Usually, when you're getting a chrome manicure, it's expensive," Hana said. "I think people are trying to stretch their dollar as much as they can these days."

Stiletto-shaped nails (long nails that come to a pointed tip) can create fun, dramatic looks. But at the end of the day, they're not always practical.

Achieving the proper shape often requires enhancements, like Gel-X extensions, to provide the necessary structure for the nail to hold, Kandalec said.

If done incorrectly, the structural integrity of the nail can be compromised, potentially causing serious damage and pain to the natural nail.

Neon colors tend to spike in popularity during the summer, but for 2026, you can say "no" to the trend altogether.

This year, Kandalec said, is all about soft and luxurious styles.

De Los Santos also said neons are out, instead pointing to bright colors, like Barbie pink, as an on-trend alternative.