As the seasons change and you swap your sandals for boots and shorts for trousers, your manicure could also use a fall refresh. Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails continue to reign as the manicure of 2022 with many changing it up for fall with autumn-inspired nail polish colors. In addition to the glossy look, many fall nail art trends coincide with some of the biggest fashion trends this season and, surprise, surprise, the return of the Y2K style has a lot to do with it.
According to Sonya Belakhlef, a nail artist based in New York City, and Lauren Ladnier, a DIY nail art expert who has worked with nail brands such as Chillhouse, here are the most popular nail art trends we can look forward to this fall.
Meet the Experts
Sonya Belakhlef is a nail artist based in New York City.
Lauren Ladnier is a DIY nail art expert.
Raised Nail Art
Raised or 3-D nail art continues to dominate as a popular style for fall. These designs are typically achieved with acrylic powder to create the raised effect. They can vary from gummy-looking appliques to solid-colored manicures with 3-D elements added for texture and dimension.
Stars and Constellations
With Y2K styles growing ever more popular, some of the symbols of the early 2000s are making their way to our nailbeds. The star nail art trend is a subtle nod to the era and is totally Zenon Girl of the 21st Century-approved. We love this trend because it’s versatile, with various star shapes to try out, including designs with more constellation-inspired art.
Multi-Colored French Tips
The multi-colored French tips trend is another way to bring the 2000s style to 2022. Inspired by those iconic French tip manicures that defined the manicures of Y2K, this trend uses color for a creative and statement-making splash. It’s also one of the most universal trends on our list, as you can choose any color combinations you like, creating a design that’s unique to you.
Tortoiseshell
If subtle nail art is more your speed, the tortoiseshell trend is an excellent choice. With its combination of black and white tones, this nail art trend has made its way into the zeitgeist over the last couple of years as a fall season staple.
Mix and Match Illustrations
“Fun, random nail illustrations with each nail featuring different objects — such as a smiley face, eight ball, etc. — will gain popularity in the fall,” says Ladnier. Another nod to Y2K fashion, this trend is the ultimate statement-maker and a fun way to try a little bit of everything.
Bedazzled
Rhinestone-encrusted nails are another popular trend this season. And we’re seeing a mix of full bedazzle and minimalistic styles, so there’s something for everyone. In addition to crystals, you can also take inspiration from one of 2022’s biggest jewelry trends and add pearls to your manicure.
How to DIY Fall Nail Art
The great thing about these popular fall nail art trends is that they are super easy to mix and create a stylish look that feels personalized to you. For example, you can combine the tortoise shell, French tip, and illustration trend to create a fun, statement-making manicure. Or, mix and match styles on individual nails, transforming each nailbed into a mini canvas.
Although some nail designs are more advanced and require some practice, a few are achievable at home. “I think French tips are super easy to do at home and a great and fun way to have something other than a solid nail,” says Ladnier. For example, to achieve the multi-colored French tip trend, all you need to do is apply half-moon stickers under the tips of your nails, swipe a different color onto each nail, remove the tape, and finish it off with a glossy top coat.
The bedazzled design is another beginner-friendly nail art to try this season. To get the look, paint your nails a solid color (or leave them natural for a more minimalist version) and use a dotting tool or the tip of a bobby pin to apply a rhinestone base and top coat to the areas you want to bedazzle. Then, use tweezers to add each rhinestone to your nail bed.
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To up the ante, Ladnier recommends investing in some multi-functional tools that can help you create and clean up your looks. “I highly recommend a tool that has a brush on one end and a dotting tool on the other, and a brush for cleaning up little mistakes is also a life-saver,” Ladnier explains. She recommends the Clean Up Brush from Olive & June. “Every time you paint your nails, you’ll get better,” Ladnier encourages. “Certain designs may take a lot of practice, but have fun with it and see how much you grow,” she adds.
If DIY isn’t your thing, Belakhlef says to head to the salon with a clear vision. “Depending on the salon, the timing might be tight, so make sure you know exactly what you want,” she explains. Ladnier also recommends coming prepared with a picture or your drawing. “I also highly recommend having a backup plan that might be easier for the salon to execute just in case,” Ladnier adds, noting that it helps to check out the nail artist’s website or Instagram page to get an idea of their style and designs they have done in the past.
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