According to an Expert, These Are the Most Popular Nail Colours Right Now

The new season is upon us, and I don't know about you but I'm quite excited for a fresh start. I've already started to plan my spring wardrobe and read up on all the 2024 fashion trends, and as a beauty editor, I've of course also been thinking about what beauty trends we can expect to see this month and beyond. You might have already seen me discussing 2024 hair colour trends and fragrance trends, but today I'm here to help with all things nails. There's nothing I love more than starting spring with a fresh manicure, but lately, I've been totally stuck on what colour to go for. I've been asking myself what shades we might start seeing everywhere when the warmer weather gets underway, 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 set to be 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 predicting 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.

1. Black Cherry

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(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

"The black cherry nail trend gained viral prominence in 2023, supported in part by Megan Fox’s devotion to the shade," explains Diogo. "As we step into 2024 this shade is a fitting choice. Think black with a hint of red or a purple glaze; deep aubergines or blood reds."

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

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.

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

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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2. Red

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Next up is classic red. "Barbie pink was big for 2023 but we’re predicting 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."

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

You can also opt for a block red shade for a serious statement.

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

As Diogo said, "feminine" red nail-art designs will be big this year, and I love these cute little hearts.

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3. Chrome

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Chrome nails have been in style for a while now, and apparently the trend isn't going anywhere for 2024. "On recent catwalks, chrome appeared in a big way over natural bases or soft pinks, whites and vanillas," explains Diogo.

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

Not only that, but according to Diogo, we’ve seen the hashtag #chromenails gain 1.6 billion views on TikTok.

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(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

This trend is great for those who prefer something a bit more subtle compared to the colours above.

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4. Matcha Green

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(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

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 spring. I mean, the hashtag #matchanails already has nearly a million views on TikTok.

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

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.

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5. Simple Nail Designs

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(Image credit: @buffcs)

Last but by no means least, Diogo predicts that simple, clean nail art will be popular 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."

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

I'm a big fan of this trend, and I'm sure any minimalists will agree that it looks super chic.

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

By opting for more of a natural, nude base, you can have lots of fun with your nail-art designs.

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Junior Beauty Editor

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.