6 nail art trends to try this year, according to the pros

Come the new year, people are always looking for ways to rebrand and change things up. And that applies to their nails, too. So to get a sense of where we’re headed with nail art for 2026, we reached out to two experts in the field. Below, they share intel on trending styles and the inspiration behind them. 

Clean and simple

After years of maximalist designs, we’re seeing a shift toward simple and minimalist looks, like “no-makeup makeup” nails, said Toronto-based manicurist Karla Branco. “It’s barely there, but it’s very intentional,” she explained, noting that her clients have recently been craving very short, square nails with rounded edges, as well as soft and natural finishes.

She anticipates this look really resonating early in the year as people seek ways to prioritize their health — nails included. “When you’re doing such a natural, ‘clean girl’ finish, you do have to have really healthy nails to make that look complete,” said Branco. As for polish, expect to see milky pinks, sheer nudes and pearlescent washes that complement one’s skin tone. 

Antique florals

Handpainted florals with a vintage vibe have been trending lately, with many manicurists finding inspo in pottery, ceramics and tile work. It’s a style Vancouver-based nail artist and educator Janet Lau believes we’ll continue to see in the coming months. “It’s whimsical yet so elegant,” she said, adding that her clients have been loving sets incorporating tones reminiscent of nature, like greens and earthy reds. 

While you can always go to a professional to get the look, you can also try DIY-ing it yourself, said Lau. “Vintage florals can be created with a dotting tool, like a toothpick, or even with pencil crayons.”

Colour your world

Colour blocking and mix-and-match nails have been gaining popularity, and Branco believes the trend will only get bigger in 2026. “We’re having a lot of fun with colour again, but it’s done with purpose,” she said. “It’s very curated and it’s not chaotic.”

Think combos that lean more editorial — like solid butter yellow with translucent brown and a touch of chrome — as opposed to bright or neon rainbow hues. Branco cites the mismatched manicure in Phoebe Philo’s Collection C campaign from this past fall as a prime example, and predicts that this mix-and-match approach will also be spotted on French manicures.

Mini masterpieces 

Seeing more intricate designs coupled with reference pics on your feeds these days? Get used to it, as art-inspired manis are likely to trend this year, says Lau. These one-of-a-kind sets pull inspiration from everything from medieval tapestries to film scenes to album covers. And since they lean heavily into creativity, rather than copying and pasting a design that’s already trending, they give nail techs an opportunity to create something truly special.

“My clients love the individualism and my artistry, especially how I can create a different concept for them with every new set,” said Lau.

Checked out

For the past few years, Branco’s noticed the rise in accessorizing through nails, whether it’s been with fun bling (3D flowers) or glitzy finishes (chrome everything). Now, she’s seeing a move toward mirroring our outfits on our nails. So with preppy fashion being everywhere these days, keep an eye out for checks, plaids and argyle prints. 

Branco points to Kylie Jenner’s jelly plaid mani, created by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, that went viral last month. “Seeing someone with [Jenner’s] influence touch that esthetic signals where broader trends are heading,” she said.

Fun French tips

You can always count on the French manicure to stick around. But in 2026, Branco foresees tips getting louder and bolder, featuring multiple stripes in alternating colours. These manis are more expressive compared to plain French tips, she said, making them perfect for those looking for “just a little pop of something.” 

The nail artist anticipates we’ll also be seeing an uptick in airbrushing to create similar styles, since this offers a more gradual and natural finish as opposed to traditional tips which are created with a brush.