Nail trends in 2026 are doing the absolute most
At the end of 2024 we predicted the top nail trends of 2025, and things looked chic, but ultimately very pared back. As the year progressed it became abundantly clear that said predicted minimalism was a brief reprieve before we all collectively agreed to get creative with nail art again.
In autumn we stuck to nail polish shades we could paint ourselves at home, by winter we were back in the salon asking for chrome top coats, in spring we started to get playful with colour, and now in summer it's clear that chaos is king.
And it's indicative of the energy we're manifesting in 2026.
Pinterest Predicts 2026 Trend Report has finally surfaced and it's shed light on the sources of inspiration set to impact our impending nail appointments in the months to come.
Next year, nail trends are textured, patterned, three dimensional, colourful and doing the absolute most — and it's a beautiful thing. Ahead, discover the nail trends to try in 2026...
1/ Textile nails
From tartan to mohair striped jumper inspired manicures, textile nails are set to add some texture back into our nail appointments in 2026 — especially in the cooler months.
In Korea nail artists use textured gel polish to create that distinctly fuzzy aesthetic, while celebrity nail artists like Zola Ganzorigt use layering techniques to create an effect similar to traditional tartan, and Pinterest has predicted that lace nails will make a big impression in 2026, with searches for the trend up by 215 per cent.
@nail.nuha
@nailsbyzola
@scndoesmynails
2/ Maximalist manicures
PSA: More is more in 2026 as far as manicures are concerned.
From jumble sale sets that feature everything and the kitchen sink, to animal prints abound, the year ahead is forecasted to promise an overload of overstimulating aesthetics.
Plus, Pinterest has reported that interest in dragonfly and butterfly inspired manicures has started to pick up steam too, so we suggest taking a closer look at the intricate patterns of some of the more unusual butterfly breeds the next time your stuck for ideas.
@kkoht_nails
@horninails
@vdw.nails
3/ Glow-getter nails
Nails in 2026 have a 'lit from within' quality that can turn the most simple manicure into something special — like the very much 'in' cat eye manicure trend.
Alternatively, you can turn down the opacity of your favourite shades with the jelly candy aesthetic (Pinterest has reported searches for the trend are up by 100 per cent), or select something reflective like the Pinterest predicts opalescent trend (FYI, searches for the term are up by 115 per cent).
@artlab_nail
@chan_s_nail
@nuanail_
4/ Polka dot nails
The rise of the polka dot nail trend aught to be studied — in the past year searches for the trend have increased on Pinterest by 93 per cent. Plus, celebrity nail artists like Zola Ganzorigt have started painting polka dots on their A-list clients like Hailey Bieber.
However, looking ahead to 2026, we predict that people are going to start experimenting with this trend, incorporating the pattern into avant garde nail sets that really push the envelope.
@madrinails
@horninails
@nailcloud.ca
5/ Street style nails
One of the most exciting trends predicted to make an impact in 2026 are street style nails.
Influenced by the wardrobes of cool girls everywhere, street style nails draw inspiration from clothing patterns and textures, and incorporate 3D elements, icons and logos.
It's also a much more affordable and sustainable way to shop a sartorial trend without overloading your closet with more clothes you probably don't need.
@nailzbyfatiii
@amynathalie
@setgyallery
Main image credit: @madrinails, @kkoht_nails, @nail.nuha and @scndoesmynails
Nail trends aren't the only thing going crazy in 2026. Fragrance layering is predicted to be the biggest beauty trend of the year.
Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
