- Every year, new nail-art trends emerge, and 2022 is no different.
- Two celebrity manicurists are sharing the top nail-art trends we can expect in 2022.
- Popular designs include extreme maximalism and '90s motifs.
Some people get excited for the new year because of New Year's resolutions. We get excited about new beauty trends [1]. In 2021, nail art flourished [2], paving the way for 2022 to be even more epic. Given the nature of at-home manicures and the limitations of our own amateur nail skills (which, we will admit, did mildly improve during the past two years), we're eager and excited to continue to enlist the help of professionals to make all of our wildest manicure dreams [3] come true in 2022: meaning, bring on the fun colour [4], bold themes, and intricate designs.
There's a lot to look forward to in 2022 in the world of nail art, and the best part is there's something for everyone. Extreme maximalism! '90s motifs! Barely there designs! Keep reading to see the best nail-art trends of 2022 to look out for in the new year.
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Art-Inspired Ideas
If the turnout at Art Basel is any indication, people are taking an interest in art in a big way. Abstract designs aren't new, but in 2022, we'll see a fresh take on them. "Bold abstracts and geometric shapes will continue to trend as people explore playing with color combinations and shapes," Brittney Boyce [5], celebrity nail artist, Orly brand ambassador, and founder of Nails of LA [6], told POPSUGAR. "Nail artists will explore different techniques, textures, and finishes."
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Art-Inspired Ideas
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Art-Inspired Ideas
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Extreme Maximalism
The predominant nail-art theme of 2022: maximalism. "Think decals, metallic foils, nail stickers, gold cuffs, chains, spikes, and even 3D shapes," said Boyce. The ultimate example of the extreme maximalism manicure is the ever-popular "kawaii" nail-art trend [7]. "For these, it's harder to DIY [8] at home, but press-ons and nail wraps [9] are a great option for these."
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Extreme Maximalism
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Extreme Maximalism
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Dainty Designs
On the opposite end of the spectrum of extreme maximalism is extreme minimalism. "Dainty, delicate nail art is going to be requested by people who have shied away from the busyness of elaborate nail art," said Michelle Saunders [10], celebrity manicurist and owner of Saunders and James Salon [11]. Saunders calls this a "whisper of nail art," and it can incorporate tiny moons, hearts, swirls, polka dots — there are endless options. "If you add these simple touches to different areas of the nail, the hand-painted, mini designs feel very special," she said.
This barely there take on nail art provides a refreshing break from over-the-top designs. "It's designed to look ultraclean, ultrafresh, but still very exact," said Boyce. "In a way, this feels a bit rebellious from all the nail art we see."
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Dainty Designs
2022 Nail-Art Trend: Dainty Designs
2022 Nail-Art Trend: ‘90s Motifs
Claw clips, lip gloss, pastel eyeshadow, chunky highlights — it's no secret that the '90s are back. "As self-expression continues to the tip of our fingers, different graphics reminiscent of the '90s will trend, but with a more punk and grunge aesthetic," said Boyce.
2022 Nail-Art Trend: ‘90s Motifs
2022 Nail-Art Trend: ‘90s Motifs