When it comes to the world of beauty, 2022 will go down as the year that nails ruled supreme. From colorful tips to cow-print, it would seem that nothing is off the table when it came to nail art and our lust for experimental manicures. And our nail obsession shows no sign of slowing down for the year ahead with top nail technicians already predicting some seriously beautiful nail trends. But if like me you’re a little more pared-back when it comes to what you put on your nails, then you might be pleased to learn that we’re also going to see a return to classic, one-color manicures in plenty of covetable new shades. So whether you’re after something nicely natural or more adventurous, there’s a nail polish color with your name on it in 2022. Keep scrolling for all of the nail color inspiration you need for the year ahead.
“The Bottega green was big last year, but I predict blues will be the color of 2022,” says OPI Brand Ambassador, Georgia Rae. “They look cool as a detail on a nude nail or worn as a block color” “I’m thinking electric, cobalt blues in the summer and rich, deep blues in the winter.”
“I’m thinking electric, cobalt blues in the summer and rich, deep blues in the winter,” predicts Rae.
“Gold, bronze, amber, and marigold were abundant in many designers’ collections this year, and I think solar shades will be huge,” predicts Dani Bailey, OPI Nail Boss Artist.
“According to Pantone, 2022 will be about colors that bring us joy,” continues Bailey. “And what can bring more joy than the sun?”
In complete contrast to the maximalist nail art designs that ruled the roost in 2021, this year will see us opting for sheer, glossy neutrals and minimalist manicures. “Fresh neutrals are timeless,” explains Bailey.
“Clean cuticles, nourished skin, and a thin layer of a sheer nude to compliment your skin tone will remain a trend in 2022,” Bailey continues. “I even think short, neat nails worn bare are so chic—you could just buff up the nail plate to give them a natural glow.”
Not just for the festive season, sparkly shades are set to be one of the biggest nail color trends of 2022. “Sparkle, glitter, and metallic accents can be worn all year round in so many ways depending on how subtle or daring you’d like to be,” says Rae.
“I personally like to wear them as a minimal detail such as a tip, a dot, or a reverse French manicure,” says Rae.
Next, we wore a different luxury nail polish on each hand for a week—here’s the verdict. This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
