11 Nail Art Trends We’re Loving For Summer
For many of us, getting a manicure is a self-care write-off. It takes time and money, yes, but there's just something about carrying around nice fingernails (insert your adjective of choice: long, rounded, neutral, bright) that makes the hard things in life feel just a teeny bit easier. Of course, you can always do your own nails at home — grab a polish bottle or a box of press-ons and the glue they come with — but nothing can replace the full value of a salon manicure, especially if you're looking to have it all handled: shaping, gel extensions, and the pièce de résistance: nail art.
We've been charting the rise of nail art for the past few years, and the trends in designs have evolved. While there's no color or design that's certified 'in' or 'out,' because your art aesthetic is personal and subjective, there are a few fun looks that are predicted to be really-trendy this coming year, according to artists, creatives, and industry pros. To find the inspiration to bring to your next appointment, scroll through the 2022 nail art trend report, ahead.
Droplet Manicure
Sojin Oh is a nail artist who has made lifelike, amorphous nail art her M.O., creating custom designs, like "amoeba nails" for Euphoria's Hunter Schafer and jellied "koi fish nails" for Normani. Her clients come specifically for her 3D gels, like these, which are rapidly becoming more mainstream. "I think people are starting to realize [3D art] is not as intimidating as it seems," Oh explains. "[The art looks] more like little sculptures on your hands, rather than just polished nails."
Blue Art
If you're looking for the shade of-the-moment, many artists are gravitating towards art with tones of blue. "2022 is all about 50 shades of blues," says nail artist Queenie Nguyen, who recently constructed this negative-space design with a cobalt blue OPI polish. It's both calming and refreshing at the same time.
Embellished French
"Embellished French manicures are everywhere right now. Think of it as a typical French manicure, perhaps in a fun color, with some other design element accompanying it. This trend is a fun way to spice up an otherwise-ordinary nail look." - Emily H. Rudman, CEO and Founder of Emilie Heathe
