Once you’ve wrestled with your hair, squeezed into that dress, and shoved your feet into shoes half a size too small, what else will complete the perfect look? Your nails! Your fingernails, when properly groomed, can serve as an inexpensive accessory. They can be fun and quirky or polished and sophisticated. Whatever your style, there is a nail design to match it. Check out some of the hottest nail trends of the year and be inspired!
Minx Nails
These nails, popularized by Beyoncé, are essentially high end stickers. Minx nails give a flawless look you can’t achieve with regular nail polish. You can get virtually any design or picture placed on the sticker and they don’t require chemicals during application or removal. The cost of minx nails, depending on the design, is between $55-$80.
Rhinestones
Looking to add a little sparkle to your life? Try rhinestone nails. These little jewels reflect light everywhere, ensuring that a little piece of you will always shine. Whether you plan on applying them yourself or having them professionally done, you must be careful not to scrape or scratch these fake gems off your nail bed.
Lace Nails
When it’s time to show your classy side, embellish your nails with tiny pieces of lace. This elegant looking technique only requires a strip of lace, a top coat, and a tooth pick. You’ll be done in minutes and you’ll have a look people will remember.
Matte Nail Polish
Less is truly more with this look. If you don’t think you need sparkle to shine, this lackluster look is for you. Matte finish became popular on the runways and eventually stuck as a nail trend. Part of its popularity stems from the fact that it looks good on virtually any skin tone.
Patterned Nails
The key to this nail look is precision. If you’re going for the patterned look, the artist, whether it’s you or a nail technician, must be a perfectionist. If done correctly the patterned look will have people grabbing your hand in amazement and wonder.
Stiletto Nails
With these nails you’ll never be afraid to walk down a dark alley way. These talons are little weapons at your fingertips. This nail trend, popularized by Fergie and Rihanna, will either have people asking you where’s your nail shop or where’s your broom?
Animal Print
You’ve seen it everywhere, in the mall, on the street, and even in living decor. It’s animal print! If you’re not sick of the trend yet, extend it to your hands. Animal print nails can be the perfect accent to an otherwise fashionably, conservative ensemble.
Black Nail Polish
This insanely popular look was once considered rebellious or gothic. Black nail polish formerly reserved for rockstars and the emo types, suddenly became a mainstream trend. Popularized by a slew of male and female celebrities, people began to realize maybe black wasn’t so bad after all. (*side eye*) Go figure.
Naked Nails
When you forget what your real nails look like take a couple weeks to appreciate the natural color of your nails. Wearing a coat of clear polish over your nails protects them from breakage in between polishes. If you haven’t been applying a clear base coat it’s a good way to allow the stains on your nails to disappear.
Accent Nail(s)
Who says all ten of your fingers have to be the same color? Show a little diversity by including an accent nail on each hand to spice things up a bit. If you want everything to coordinate, this is not the trend for you; but if you like to break the rules every once in a while, go ahead girl!
Neutral Colors
Whether you’re light as vanilla ice cream or dark as vanilla bean this neutral look will work for you. Grays, light browns, and beiges complement any skin tone and will match any outfit. This look is great for everyday wear in practically any setting.
Fantasy Nail Art
Escape the hum drum of your everyday life just by looking down at your hand! These nails, although probably not suitable for corporate America, surely make a statement. With fantasy nails, a favorite of Keyshia Cole, you’ll be able to mesmerize people simply by waving your hand. These over the top nails are perfect for special occasions or whenever you feel like taking a bit of a risk.
