5 “Dated” Nail Trends That Are Making a Major Comeback This Spring
Is anyone else bored of seeing the same old nail trends? As much as I love a chic, milky mani and a "glazed donut" nail, this spring I'm ready to say goodbye to my go-to designs and try something new for the season ahead. After spending the last few weeks analysing what nail trends we can expect to see everywhere in 2024, it's come to my attention that these upcoming styles are actually modern iterations of nail trends that were once considered "dated". That's right, it seems that the nail trends we thought we left behind in the '90s and '00s are back, but this time they are better than ever.
From elegant, press-on nails that actually stay on your nails, to shimmery polishes that no longer contain big chunks of glitter, it seems that these comeback nail trends have had a serious update since I last gave them a go. In fact, they are so good that I'm positive they will be the only designs I will be wearing this spring and summer. So, if you're thinking of switching up your manicure and you want to know which nail trends are having a serious revival in 2024, keep on scrolling for all the info...
5 Nail Trends Making a Comeback in 2024
1. Press-On Nails
It's no secret that celebrities have been favouring long, almond-shaped nails as of late, but we all know that this look can be hard to achieve on your own. In fact, whenever I try to grow my nails this long they always end up breaking, which could be one of the reasons why press-on nails appear to be having a comeback.
Not only are they huge on TikTok (the hashtag #pressonnails has 1.2 million posts and counting), but brands are definitely catching on to this trend revival. In fact, OPI has just launched a brand new range of press on nails designed to give a gel-like, natural finish. If you're wanting to give your nails a break from the salon, then I highly recommend giving them a go.
Get the Look:
2. French Tips
Remember when French tips were considered "dated"? This nail trend has had a huge comeback over the last few years, and if TikTok and Instagram are anything to go by, it's certainly not going anywhere anytime soon.
The rise in popularity of French tips nails could definitely be linked to the "quiet luxury" aesthetic, as this nail design gives that minimal, clean finish that everyone is loving.
Get the Look:
3. Square Nail Shapes
Is anyone else seeing square nails everywhere at the moment? I follow so many nail artists on Instagram and everyone seems to be favouring the clean, sharp design. Square nails were all the rage back in the noughties, and I for one am very happy to see this trend come back around.
I personally love how this shape looks with shorter nails, as it really fits that "clean girl" aesthetic.
Get the Look:
4. Animal-Print Nail Art
Yep that's right, animal print is back and I couldn't be happier about it. My wardrobe may already be filled with leopard-print clothing, but now I'm ready to take things up a notch and opt for an animal-print manicure as well.
There are so many fun ways to wear this trend, no matter what animal print you prefer.
Get the Look:
5. Metallic Finishes
Last, but by no means least, say hello to metallic nail polishes. According to my Instagram feed, these polishes are back in a big way for 2024. I don't know about you, but the shiny, shimmery finishes are giving me all of the '90s vibes.
I mean, how stunning does this look?
Get the Look:

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.
-
Coniglio Palm Beach Just Launched At Shopbop— Consider These Vacation-Ready Pieces For Your Next GetawayYour wardrobe for your next tropical stay is here.
-
Yes, Cyber Month Is Over, But Nordstrom Just Dropped Some Sneaky New Markdowns—These 16 Are BestShop these surprise deep discounts ahead of the holidays.
-
Celebs Are Obsessed With Animal-Print Nails—5 Takes That Will Dominate This WinterSnakeskin! Leopard! Tortoiseshell!
-
I'm Desperate to Copy Selena Gomez's Romeo + Juliet Manicure—It's Giving 1996 in the Best WayStar-crossed lovers? More like stunning nail inspo.
-
Kylie Jenner’s Jelly Plaid Nails Prove This OPI Color Is Truly the Most VersatileThe chicest mani staple.
-
Forget Red—Experts Say These 10 Chic Nail Trends Are Taking Over This WinterCelebrity manicurists spotlight moody hues and textured designs.
-
This Viral Nail Polish Brand Is So Good I Bring It to the Salon With Me—My 17 Top ShadesMy manicure will never be boring again.
-
I've Finally Tired of Pink Nails—This Is the Chic Polish Shade I'm Wearing for the Foreseeable FutureEarthy tones are in.
-
This Has Been OPI's Best-Selling Fall Nail Color for Decades—TikTok Says It's Especially Relevant in 2025Search volume has grown 83% month over month.
-
Heads-Up: Every Stylish New Yorker Is Already Wearing This Rich-Looking Manicure TrendNot burgundy, not black.