The Hottest Nail Trends That Will Rule 2026—From Deer Print to Cat Eye and Beyond
Fresh set of ideas
New year, new nails! We’ve scoured the web for the cutest nail art inspo to see you through 2026.
We’re officially three weeks into 2026, which means the jury is in—the year’s hottest trends have been decided, and we’re here to disseminate our findings. Better yet, we’re doing this just in time for both Chinese New Year and Raya!
Overall, the trends are leaning back to basics, with versatility taking precedence. Think barely-there nails and texture-focused designs—even the wilder trends like deer print and tartan are built to pair well with any capsule wardrobe. In short, this year’s nail trends are meant to be practical and timeless. So, before you head to your nail salon ahead of the festive season, find the full list of 2026’s biggest nail art trends below to inspire you:
Deer print
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Leopard print, move over! This year, deer print is all the rage. The Bambi craze has been all over the runway and the streets, so it only makes sense for it to grace your manicure next. Whether you’re opting for an accent nail or a full set, this is a great way to incorporate texture and pattern while staying fairly neutral. After all, animal print goes with everything!
Barely-there nails
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If you ask the experts, recession-core is coming back en vogue, and with it, the girls are trending back towards basics and cost-effectiveness. Think milky white nails, translucent pinks, and classic nudes—the goal here is to skip the awkward growout phase and extend your time between appointments.
Mismatched mani
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Can’t choose one colour? Choose them all! This is the ultimate trend for the indecisive. Better yet, you can rock it with any style of manicure, be it colourblocked or French-tipped, long or short.
Matte on gloss
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If you’re looking for a manicure that’ll set you apart from the crowd, this is the one for you. Whether it’s cute polka dots, pretty stripes, or intricate designs, this textural mani is set to rule this year! Stick to a monochromatic palette or play around with colour—the possibilities are endless.
Tartan nails
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Can’t get yourself to the highlands anytime soon? Bring the highlands to you! These tartan nails are beyond cute, and work on any nail length and with any colour combination. Match them to your everyday ‘fits or jazz them up for a special occasion!
Reverse French Tips
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French tips, F-T… flip it around? Reverse French tips! If subtle but unique is your style, we’ve got just the thing. Reverse French tips work on any nail length and in any colour combination, and it’s the perfect way to elevate a basic mani with little to no effort.
Reinvented Cateye
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Cat eye nails have been super popular in recent years, and 2026 promises to take them to the next level. Think crescents, swirls, hearts, and halos—it’s time for your manicurist to get creative at your next nail appointment.
Velvet nails
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For an easy way to elevate your monthly mani, play around with the velvet texture trend. It’s super versatile—keep it subtle with a muted shade and let the velvet speak for itself, or opt for a statement shade to dress up the set.
Subtle 3d accents
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Minimalism may be trending, but don’t let that stop you from indulging in your favourite 3D designs. You don’t always have to go big to make a statement, and these subtle 3D nail art ideas are a testament to that. That said… there’s nothing wrong with going big either.
For more beauty inspiration, click here.
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