Autumn is upon us, and I don't know about you but I'm quite excited about it. I've already planned my wardrobe and read up on all the 2024 autumn and winter fashion trends, and as a beauty editor, I've of course also been thinking about what beauty trends we can expect to see this September and beyond. You might have already seen me discussing autumn hair trends and fragrance trends, but today I'm here to help with all things nails. There's nothing I love more than starting autumn with a fresh manicure, but lately, I've been totally stuck on what nail colour to go for. I've been asking myself what shades we might start seeing everywhere now that the colder weather is here, and I thought it was only right to get an expert's opinion on the most popular nail colours so far in 2024.
So, I decided to reach out to Julia Diogo, Liberty London's resident manicurist and a Bio Sculpture technician who counts Rosie Huntington-Whiteley amongst her clients. "2024 is an exciting year for nails", Diogo tells me. "Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen trends stem from film, TikTok and of course, the catwalks. This year, we’re seeing not only a focus on colour, but also on design." If you want to hear more about what nail colours to go for, including nail-polish recommendations from Diogo herself, then keep on scrolling.
The Most Popular Nail Colours of 2024 (So Far)
1. Black Cherry
"The black cherry nail trend gained viral prominence in 2023, supported in part by Megan Fox’s devotion to the shade," explains Diogo. "For 2024 this shade is a fitting choice. Think black with a hint of red or a purple glaze; deep aubergines or blood reds." I personally love this elegant shade for autumn and beyond.
This colour is such a chic alternative to your usual black and burgundy shades and is perfect for those of you who aren't into pastel or neon hues.
If you want to go for this shade, Diogo says Pinotage and Knight’s Armour from Bio Sculpture are the most in-demand colours from clients right now.
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How beautiful is this Beauty Pie shade?
For a shiny, gel-like finish, opt for this polish from Barry M.
2. Red
Next up is classic red. "Barbie pink was big for 2023 but we’re seeing a shift towards red in 2024, with minimalist, feminine designs," shares Diogo. "This takes the balletcore trend with the skinny French manicure up a notch."
You can also opt for a block red shade for a serious statement.
As Diogo said, "feminine" red nail-art designs will be big this season, and I love these cute little hearts.
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Chanel has created the most stunning classic red colour.
For those of you looking to do red nail art, this pen from Nails. Inc will make doing your designs much easier.
3. Chrome
Chrome nails have been in style for a while now, and apparently the trend isn't going anywhere this autumn. "On recent catwalks, chrome appeared in a big way over natural bases or soft pinks, whites and vanillas," explains Diogo.
Not only that, but according to Diogo, we’ve seen the hashtag #chromenails gain 1.6 billion views on TikTok.
This trend is great for those who prefer something a bit more subtle compared to the colours above.
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Diogo says that this colour from Bio Sculpture makes a beautiful base for a chrome topcoat.
I love this soft, chrome-like polish from Nails. Inc.
4. Matcha Green
Is it just me, or is everyone suddenly swapping their coffee for matcha? Not only is this wellness trend continuing to grow, but it's also starting to make its way into the beauty world, and I have no doubt that matcha-coloured nails will be everywhere this autumn. I mean, the hashtag #matchanails already has nearly a million views on TikTok.
Whether you want a block colour or matcha French tips, there are so many options available. According to Diogo, this matcha nail colour also works really well under a chrome topcoat, and I'll definitely be giving it a go.
Race you to the salon?
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Bio Sculpture recently teamed up with Cloudcha, the matcha brand founded by Rochelle Humes and Bryony Deery, to create the perfect matcha nail polish.
H&M has a great alternative.
5. Simple Nail Designs
Last but by no means least, Diogo predicts that simple, clean nail art will be popular for the second half of this year. "More and more clients are requesting nail artistry," she shares. "Clean designs such as black lines on nude bases are what we can expect to see more of in 2024."
I'm a big fan of this trend, and I'm sure any minimalists will agree that it looks super chic.
By opting for more of a natural, nude base, you can have lots of fun with your nail-art designs.
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For simple nail designs, use a dotting tool like this one from Manucurist.
Make sure to keep your nail art in place with a clear topcoat.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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