beauty

The 5 new rules for nails you need to know about, according to a beauty writer.

Just like fashion and beauty, nail trends are ever-changing. From short and chic to bold and talon-like, it can be hard to keep up with what we're supposed to be doing with our hands. 

Whether you're a regular customer at the nail salon or prefer an at-home mani, there are some new rules you should really be across. We're talking reverse French tips and skincare routines for your cuticles - yep, really.

So as we head into the cooler months, here are 5 newsworthy nail trends to know about. 

Ready? Grab your buffer and let's go!

Watch: Life with and without nails. Post continues after video.


Video via Mamamia.

Rule #1: Nail care is just as important as skincare.

If you get your nails done regularly, you'll know that fresh-from-the-salon mani comes with an unfortunate downside.

Whilst Shellac, SNS and acrylic nails look amazing, the process of getting them done and getting them removed can cause potential damage to your natural nails underneath.

In 2022, there's been a real shift from nails that just look good to nails that are healthy too. And it makes total sense.

Just like with makeup and skincare, makeup is always going to look better if your is skin is cared for. The same applies with nails - the better taken care of underneath, the better they will look and wear on top. 

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According to Beauty Independent, beauty brands are releasing nail products including serums, oils and creams zeroing in on ingredients familiar in skincare products such as peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to try to encourage consumers to think of nail care like they would skincare.

But it doesn't have to be a whole regime if you don't want it to be (one skincare routine might be enough work). Consider painting your nails with a nail strengthener on the weeks you can forgo a mani.

Rule #2: Long nails are done for.

In an interview on Mamamia's fashion podcast, What Are You Wearing?, costume designer for And Just Like That..., Molly Rogers, said long nails are a trend she's ready to see the back of.

"Long, talon nails. I'm sick of them. I hate them. I'm over it," Rogers said, clearly not mincing her words.

And when the woman behind SJP's on-screen wardrobe says that, we listen.

Much like the rise of minimal makeup and the "clean beauty" aesthetic, there's been a real shift from long OTT nails to short, neat fingertips. 

There's something about tidy, natural-looking sets that look effortless yet put together. Similarly, with the increase of nail care, acrylics are becoming less and less popular.

A-list manicurist Harriet Westmoreland exclusively does short manis, and just look at her work:

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Rule #3: French tips are cool again, but not as you know them.

French manicures have always been a go-to nail option. But over the past year, they've had a bit of a glow up.

In case you haven't seen it all over your Instagram feed, the revamped French manicure is where instead of opting for your traditional white tip, you pick a colour instead. Think fluorescent pink or punchy black on the end of your nails. 

Somehow the little change makes the trusty French mani look a little fresher, and it's the perfect way to introduce a subtle pop of colour.

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Similarly, nail artists have taken the revamped mani and turned it on its head. Literally.

Consider a French tip starting at your cuticle instead:

Rule #4: The classic shades have been replaced.

If you're more about complete colour on your nails, consider this rule for you.

Pink and red nail polish will always have a place on our fingers, but right now, they're taking a back seat. After some pretty dismal winters in both 2020 and 2021, with nail salons shut for the most of them, we're leaning into more surprising colours. Specifically, greens and bright blues.

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Green isn't just the it-colour in fashion this year. Bright green has also dominated nail trends, and we'll see it evolve into more earthy tones this winter, with UK nail artists already jumping on the bandwagon. 

Think moss and forest green which, while still bold, are a little more subdued. 

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Similarly, blue is everywhere right now, with manicurists including celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen looking to cobalt blue and teal.

Want to be really on-trend? Try Pantone's 2022 Colour of the Year, periwinkle blue, next time you're at the salon.

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Rule #5: Bling is here to stay.

Thanks to celebrities and shows like Euphoria, a little sparkle on the fingertips isn't going anywhere. 

It's the simplest way to spice up your mani, especially if you have a fun event coming up. You can keep it minimal with dainty diamantes or go ham with plenty of them, it's completely up to you.

Here's some inspo to get you started:

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What nail trend will you be trying first? Tell us in the comments. 

Feature image: Instagram/@jessicajrhoades @harrietwestmoreland