2021 Nail Trends
The year 2020 was particularly trying and interesting for the beauty world as a whole, but it was especially so for our nails. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw closure and timid re-openings of nail salons. Nail artists and manicurists are confident about one thing: DIY nail trends are going to remain every bit as popular, even as professional manicures once again become a routine part of life. We asked them to break down which nail colors, art, and techniques are going to be big. Here are the biggest 2021 nail trends to watch out for, according to the experts who know:
Multi-Colored Manicures: Learning to think outside the box was a necessity in 2020, and in 2021, people are going to apply that mentality to their manicures by painting each of their nails a different color.
Personal Statements: With stress at an all-time high, people are looking for new ways to express themselves, and that's why runway and editorial nail artist Gina Edwards foresees a spike in calligraphy and other hand-lettering on manicures soon. Given the A-list people who are already fans of this growing trend, she must be spot-on. Jennifer Lopez wore calligraphic nail-art to the American Music Awards in November, as did Billie Eilish in her "Therefore I Am" music video.
Embellished and Pre-Painted Press-On Nails: Speaking of press-on nails… this easy DIY manicure technique made a major comeback in 2019 and only flourished more when we got caught at home in 2020. While salons were shut down, nail artists began commissioning custom press-on sets to send directly to their clients — in 2021, people are going to be trying it more on their own. "These are going to be big because of the easy application — they deliver salon-quality nail art, which would normally take hours in a salon and be costly, at home," Elle explains. "They are easy to change the shape, style, and shade, and last just as long."
Throwback Designs: Nostalgia has also been a key factor of 2020 for obvious reasons; according to nail artist and OPI educator Sigourney Nuñez, that's not letting up in 2021, either. "This is why there's been a wave of a retro revival through manicures that give a nod to the '60s and '70s aesthetics," she says. "This is expressed through rustic shades paired with pastel bright and graphic, swirly patterns that are therapeutic to execute." You don't need a particular tool to pull this off, by the way, as Nuñez demonstrates in a recent IGTV video. If you don't want to purchase a fine-tipped nail brush, you can use the brush that comes in your polish of choice and simply tilt it to the side while painting your design.
Going On Mute: As Elle points out, celebrities have been leaning toward bright colors with muted undertones — she lists sage, melon, and buttery yellow as examples— in recent months. "Celebrities gravitate towards these colors for red carpets, cover looks, and everyday wear because they complete any look without a glaring statement. They are also calming colors that have a feel-good mood."
Negative Space: "For those who are going to the salon for services, the negative space nail art trend is very popular because the grow-out is less noticeable over time," Nuñez explains. "A negative space nail art design allows for a peekaboo effect of the natural nail, usually around the cuticle area. This allows the clients to extend the time between their appointments and save money as the frequency of the salon visit can extend from every two to three weeks to about every four to five weeks."
Minimal Graphics: Elle and Nuñez both say that minimal and graphic designs are in the nail-art forecast for 2021. That's also caused by less access to professional manicures. "People are looking for ways to express themselves artistically and creatively while opting for self-care at the same time," Nuñez points out. "Painting your nails is one way to do that and minimal nail art is very beginner-friendly.'
Mask Matching: Let's face it: wearing a face covering in public is going to be a withstanding part of our lives, throughout (and probably after) 2021. "Due to the pandemic, I think we are showing more details in our appearance due to wearing face coverings and working remotely from home," Edwards explains. "Now, part of our style is more incorporated into our nails and eye makeup." That said, matchy-matchy manicures and masks aren't going anywhere.
Although no one can really predict what 2021 will be like, with these expert-approved manicure ideas, we can at least rest well with the knowledge that, if anything, at least our nails will be really, really good.
