7 nail trends that are in right now and 4 that are out, according to nail artists and salon employees

Lauren Ortega, an independent nail artist based in New York, said she’s starting to swap out her lighter shades for jewel tones.

“We’re making the transition right now from brights to really deep, dark, rich colors,” she told BI. “This is just what fall and winter calls for.”

She uses DND Gel, and specific shades she recommends from the brand for fall include Cherry Mocha, Jelly Marine DIVA, and Walnut Brown.

Chrome nails have reigned since Hailey Bieber debuted her glazed-doughnut manicure in 2022.

Julie Kandalec — the founder of Julie K Nail Academy and a celebrity manicurist who’s worked with stars like Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt, and Camila Cabello — sees the trend staying in style alongside shimmers, micro-holographic, and gems.

“People are not afraid of texture; they’re not afraid to feel a little chrome 3D moment,” she told BI.

The “demure” trend blew through social media at record speeds this summer, but its elegance is still popping up in nail looks.

“Fall is a time where people just want to have everything pretty neutral, very simple for the most part,” Ortega said.

The trend includes subtle textures, like swirls, and everything from small gems and dainty 3D texture to airbrushed looks and vertical ombré.

Ortega said animal prints strike a balance between uniformity and fun and recommended looking into tortoiseshell, zebra, leopard, and even snake prints.

But if you want something a little more out there, Kandalec said fall is also the perfect time for abstract prints.

Instead of literal depictions of designs, opt for a deconstructed look, which can be accomplished with dotting tools, an airbrush machine, or even a sponge.

Kandalec told BI that the “clean girl” aesthetic is still popular in the nail world, so subtle pink manicures and French tips remain classic designs.

“I don’t think it will ever go out of style,” Rianna Basurto, the director of marketing and brand development at Bellacures nail salon, said. “I think it’s ever-evolving.”

The salon employee has specifically noticed more clients requesting micro French tips with a lot of negative space.

Basurto said the broader fashion and beauty scenes always influence the next nail trends.

“What’s trending in makeup and in fashion — that kind of ties in with what people are getting on their nails,” she told BI.

Metallics were all over the runways at New York Fashion Week earlier this month, so gold, silver, and copper nails are on the rise.

Although almond-shaped nails are widely flattering and do a great job of elongating fingers, both Ortega and Basurto said square-shaped nails will be more popular this fall.

All three nail experts said neon polish should be left in summer. The shades don’t match this year’s fall aesthetic.

But Ortega added that neon green may be an exception as the “Brat” trend inspired by Charli XCX’s album (and its iconic neon-green cover) continues.

Kandalec is waving goodbye to the big, bold sets with everything from chunky glitter to holographic designs.

These clunky, 3D looks were branded as “junk nails” this summer, but the nail artist said they’re fading out with the season.

Minimalistic styles are taking their place.

With the exception of pinks for French tips, Kandalec said pastel and white nails will enter hibernation when summer ends.

In their place, Basurto predicts we’ll be seeing more gothic, moody shades this fall.

3D flowers, made with builder gel, were big for summer manicures.

But as loud, textured designs fade out, Ortega said the florals will go with them.

If you love the look, don’t worry. They’ll likely return next spring.