Over the last few months, maximalist nail trends [1] have been popping up left and right. Last week it was "embo" manicures [2], and the week before that, it was all about "bimbo core" nails [3]. Just when it seemed like minimalist trends were officially taking a back seat, a new craze has taken over TikTok: "old money" nails.

The mostly neutral look is one part quiet luxury [4] and one part sophisticated elegance, which really just means no one will be able to tell you have £200 in overdue parking tickets just waiting to be paid. Your manicure can still make it look like private jets and elaborate European holidays are a possibility. Still, there's a lot of variation and fun to be had.

For everything you need to know about old money nails, celebrity nail artist Vanessa Sanchez-McCullough [5] and Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood [6], are breaking down the trend. From what they are to how to get the look at home, keep reading.

What Are Old Money Nails?

"Old money nails are all about chic, classic colours paired with super clean cuticle work," Hanna says. "Reds, soft pinks, and neutrals work very well for this trend." Sanchez-McCullough agrees, saying, "Old money nails represent class, elegance, and status. The perfect powerful red, the nude that complements your skin tone, a french manicure that's perfectly natural." It's a minimal, pared-down, timeless look that will go with every outfit in your wardrobe.

While the trend is most often associated with neutral shades, rich red tones are also seen quite frequently. As for the shape and length, "Old money nails look best on a nail that is a natural active length," Sanchez-McCullough says. "A medium-length squoval or short soft square will look best."

How to Get Old Money Nails

If you're visiting a salon, Sanchez-McCullough says to ask your nail technician for a deep rich red tone, a diffused french manicure, or a semi-sheer nude. Hanna suggests visiting a nail artist certified in Russian manicures [7] since clean cuticles are a key part in achieving the look. "As for short, square nails with rounded edges and opt for a colour that pairs well with the aesthetic," Hanna says. "You'll get the best results if you bring a reference photo of the shape, length, and colour that you prefer."

If you're planning to DIY [8] at home, Hanna says it's important you start with clean and hydrated cuticles and hands. She suggests prepping the skin every night before bed with a hand lotion like the Retrouvé Dermal Defence Hand Cream [9] (£50), as well as a cuticle cream like the Dior Crème Abricot [10] (£20).

As for shades, Sanchez-McCullough suggests the Chanel Le Vernis Ballerina [11] (£29) or Chanel Le Vernis Rouge Noir [12] (£29), while Hanna considers the OPI Big Apple Red [13] (£15) as her favourites for this trend.

Old Money Nails Inspiration

If you're ready to book your next salon appointment or start DIY-ing at home, keep scrolling for some of our favourite old money nail looks that you can check out for inspiration.