Express Yourself: Find Your Perfect Seasonal Nail Trend
Nail art and decorating nails for seasonal events and holidays has become an extremely popular trend in recent years. According to research from https://gitnux.org/nail-industry-statistics/, the nail care industry in the US alone is worth over $8 billion, with nail polish accounting for over 50% of total sales. There are an estimated 54,000 nail salons in the US catering to this demand. With each new season and holiday, countless nail trends and designs emerge as people look to decorate their nails in creative and stylish ways. This guide will explore some of the most popular nail trends for each season and tips on how to choose colors, designs, shapes, and lengths that complement the season.
Spring Nail Trends
Spring is the perfect time to experiment with fun, fresh nail trends. According to The Prettiest Spring Nail Trends You’ll Want To Try Right Now, some of the most popular looks this spring include pastel colors like baby blue, bright pops of orange, pale pinks, and mint greens. Floral designs are also huge for the spring season, with delicate flowers and botanical motifs adorning nails.
Nude and neutral tones are ideal for a spring manicure as well. As noted in popular spring nail trends to try now, nude nails are clean and elegant while still embodying the fresh spirit of spring. From soft pinks to sandy tans, nude nail polish allows your nails to shine without being too overwhelming.
No matter your personal style, there are endless options this spring for fun, fashionable nails that celebrate the season.
Summer Nail Trends
Summer is the perfect time to express yourself with bright, vibrant nail colors and designs. Some of the hottest summer nail trends include:
Neon brights – Paint your nails in bold neon shades like hot pink, lime green, and electric yellow. These fun, bright colors represent the energy of summer. For maximum impact, do a different neon color on each nail.
Tropical prints – What says summer more than tropical prints? Adorn your nails with palm leaves, pineapple prints, watercolor flowers, and ocean waves. These summery motifs will transport you to paradise.
Watermelon designs – One of the most popular summer nail trends is to create watermelon-inspired nails. Use red, pink, white, and green polishes to mimic the colors and striped rind of the fruit. Add some black seeds for extra flair.
Other summer nail ideas include nautical stripes, rainbow colors, beachy seashells, and fruit wedge designs. The summer months are the perfect time to showcase your bright, fun personality through nail art and polish colors. So take inspiration from the season and give your nails a fresh new look.
Sources:
https://www.missrich.co.za/2019/10/summer-nail-inspiration-i.html
https://www.lemon8-app.com/discover/summer%20nail%20trend%20ideas
Fall Nail Trends
In the fall, nail trends tend to shift towards darker, richer colors that reflect the changing leaves and cozy sweaters of the season. Deep reds, burnt oranges, chocolates, and chestnuts dominate the autumn nail palette.
Glitters and shimmers also come out in full force for fall, adding warmth and sparkle. Popular glitter colors include gold, copper, and bold jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue. Adding a sheer layer of shimmery glitter as a topcoat is an easy way to try this trend. For more dramatic glitter nails, opt for a full-coverage glitter polish or glitter ombre starting mid-nail.
Pumpkin spice nails are another quintessential fall manicure. Paint your nails a creamy nude or delicate pink, then add pumpkin accents like stripes, dots, or mini pumpkins. You can also accent with leaves in rich fall hues like orange, red, and brown. Paint a simple brown french tip or leaf tips instead of the traditional white for a seasonal twist.
According to experts at Refinery29, darker reds and oranges are surging for fall 2022 nails. Painting all ten nails a matching deep cranberry or clay red makes a bold statement. Or try an ombre look fading from orange to red to brown. Check out their nail art gallery for more inspiration: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/fall-nail-art-trends-2023
Winter Nail Trends
When the weather turns colder, it’s time to embrace icy and cozy nail trends perfect for the winter season. Metallic colors like silver, gold, and rose gold make a glamorous statement. Adding snowflake designs brings a literal touch of winter to your nails. And red and green hues evoke the holidays.
Metallic chrome and shimmer add wintry sparkle and elegance to any manicure. Chrome is an on-trend metallic with an eye-catching mirror-like finish. Pair it with holiday colors like deep red or forest green for a seasonal yet sophisticated look.
Delicate snowflake nail art makes nails look frosted and frozen. Paint a sheer white or icy blue base coat to simulate snow, then use a nail art brush to paint on snowflakes. Add crystal rhinestones for extra shimmer. Keeping snowflake designs minimal allows them to shine.
No nail palette evokes winter festivities more than classic red and green. Paint each nail alternately with rich red and deep green hues. Add touches of gold for a jolly manicure. Red and green plaid designs also capture the spirit of the season. So do holly leaves and berries for a natural holiday look.
Check out these sources for winter nail inspiration:
40 Winter Nail Designs – InStyle
Choosing Complementary Colors and Designs
When selecting nail colors and designs, it’s important to consider your own unique features and personal style. Choosing complementary colors that flatter your skin tone and coordinate with your wardrobe can help pull together a polished, put-together look.
Cool-toned skin with pink or red undertones looks beautiful with nail lacquers in berry tones, blue-based reds, and metallics like silver, steel gray, and icy pastels. Warm skin with yellow, peach, or golden undertones glows with coral, peach, terracotta, olive green, and rich gold or copper shades.
If you want your nails to pop against your skin, look for nail colors that contrast with your skin’s undertones. For example, those with warm undertones might opt for cool blue-based purples or pinks, while cool undertones shine against warm oranges, yellows, and reds.
When coordinating your nails with your fashion style, choose on-trend colors that complement what’s in your wardrobe for the season. Refer to current runway shows or fashion magazines to guide your color selection. Alternatively, match your nails to a flattering color you wear often to tie your look together.
Don’t forget about nail shapes, lengths, and designs too. Short nails look great with solid colors or simple patterns, while longer nails can pull off bold graphics and color blocking. Refer to this guide for fool-proof color combinations that work for any occasion.
Nail Shapes and Lengths
When selecting your perfect seasonal nail look, one of the most important considerations is nail shape and length. The shape and length you choose can dramatically transform the look of your manicure. Here are some of the most popular seasonal nail shapes and lengths to inspire your next manicure:
For spring and summer, shorter nail lengths are very on-trend. Popular shapes for the warmer months include rounded, squoval, and oval shapes. Rounded nails have a continuous curve from cuticle to tip and offer a soft, feminine look perfect for spring. According to Allure, squoval nails combine the straight edges of square nails with the rounded corners of oval nails for a modern, polished shape ideal for summer.
In fall and winter, longer nails come into style. Oval and almond-shaped nails are especially popular for autumn and winter months. Almond-shaped nails are like oval nails but more pointed at the tip, creating a elegant, dramatic shape for fall. Elongated stiletto or almondetto shapes are also trendy in the colder months, adding some flair and edge for winter.
No matter what nail shape and length you choose, make sure to consider the season and what will best complement your personal style. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect nail silhouette to express yourself in any season!
DIY vs Professional
When it comes to nail care, there are pros and cons to doing it yourself at home versus going to a professional nail salon. DIY manicures and pedicures can be more convenient and affordable. However, professional services offer higher quality products, techniques, and longer lasting results.
Some benefits of DIY nail care include:
- More convenience – you can do your nails whenever you want at home.
- Lower cost – DIY kits and products are cheaper than professional services.
- Creative freedom – you can experiment with different colors, shapes, and designs.
- Relaxing self care – taking time to pamper yourself can be therapeutic.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider with at-home manicures and pedicures:
- Messy process – DIY can get messy with nail polish, files, clippers, etc.
- Risk of injury – improper nail care can lead to cuts, infections, ingrown nails.
- Lower quality products – many DIY kits lack the finesse of salon products.
- Shorter lasting – professional manicures tend to last longer with reinforced polish.
The benefits of visiting a nail salon include:
- Specialized expertise – technicians are trained in proper nail health and services.
- Higher quality products – salons use professional grade polishes, tools.
- Longer lasting manicures – techniques like acrylics and gels extend wear.
- A wider range of services – salons offer special treatments beyond just polish.
The downsides of professional nail services are:
- More expensive – salon manicures can cost $20-$60+ per visit.
- Inconvenient scheduling – you must book appointments in advance.
- Risk of infections – unsanitary salon practices can spread bacteria, fungi.
- Potential damage – harsh chemicals/acrylics weaken nails over time.
When deciding between DIY versus professional nail care, consider factors like budget, convenience, and what services you’re looking for. For special occasions, most turn to the quality and expertise of nail salons. But for casual everyday polish changes, DIY kits offer an affordable at-home alternative.
Sources:
https://www.happi.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2022-06-27/diy-nail-care-is-outperforming-the-professional-segment-kline/
https://glitterbels.com/en-us/blogs/news/professional-vs-diy-manicures-pros-and-cons
Nail Care
Frequently changing your nail color and style can take a toll on the health of your nails. Here are some tips for keeping your nails in great shape through all the seasonal changes:
Use a strengthening base coat under your polish to protect nails. Brands like OPI Nail Envy and Essie Grow Stronger are great options. Apply cuticle oil daily to hydrate and nourish nails and cuticles. Jojoba oil or vitamin E oil work well. Avoid overfiling nails when removing polish; use remover instead. Trim nails into a rounded square or oval shape for strength. Keep nails hydrated by applying lotion or oils to hands and nails regularly.
Take occasional breaks from polish by going bare for a few days. Let nails breathe! Consider biotin supplements or prenatal vitamins to promote strong nail growth. Gently push back cuticles rather than cutting them to maintain health around the nail bed. Wear gloves when cleaning and washing dishes to avoid excessive water exposure and damage to nails.
Getting regular manicures or pedicures can allow professionals to monitor and maintain the health of your nails. Be sure to visit a reputable salon that follows sanitation best practices. With some extra care, your nails can stay strong and beautiful through all your seasonal nail art adventures!
For more tips, check out these useful resources:
https://www.pinterest.ca/polishedopinion/nail-care+-tips+-hacks/
https://voesh.com/blogs/professionals/nail-salon-success-5-strategies-to-increase-sales-during-challenging-times
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed, nail trends provide a fun and creative way to express your personal style. Each season brings new colors, shapes, lengths and designs to choose from. While some prefer classic, neutral manicures, others use nails as a form of self-expression through vibrant colors, patterns, jewels, and art.
In the spring, pastels, florals and short rounded shapes are popular. Summer brings bold brights, beachy tropical prints, and square shapes. For fall, deeper tones, metallics and darker reds make a statement. In winter, glitter, jewel tones and longer almond shapes reflect the season.
Whether you stick with a French manicure or go bold with nail art, you now have inspiration to experiment with different nail looks throughout the year. Let your nails be one more way to showcase your unique personality.
