The power of a great manicure cannot be underestimated: custom nail designs not only help you feel more put together, but also give you the opportunity to express yourself. With that in mind, it only makes sense to start the new year with a manicure you're obsessed with, and luckily, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best years for nail trends.
2025 favored minimalist manicures with understated trends such as nail soap And milky white manicure dominate our feeds (and salons). So it's no surprise that we're heading into 2026 with a taste for something bolder. Julie Russellnail expert and brand ambassador for Sally Beauty predicts that maximalism will set the tone for manicure trends this year. “The goal is intentional excess to make nails look well-groomed rather than cluttered,” she says.
Of course, “maximalism” can be interpreted into countless different nail designs, but Russell predicts that certain aesthetics will dominate. “The maximalist nail trend will be defined by a combination of designs throughout the set, intricate hand-painted details, and a thoughtful play of textures,” says Russell. “Expect to see glossy gels in combination with matte finishchrome layered over clear bases and 3D embellishments such as pearls, sculpted acrylic shapes and metallic accents.”
On the eve of the New Year, famous manicure trendsetters love Hailey Bieber And Kylie Jenner have already traded in their neutral glazed manicure for playing with patterns. Jenner recently rocked a multi-colored checkered manicure, while Bieber kicked off the holidays with a matching animal print manicure.
Even simple, single-color manicures are expected to get an upgrade in 2026, as trendy nail effects like magnetic cat eyes are only gaining traction. “This year, cat eye nails Soft, neutral tones will be in style,” says Russell. “The shimmer is subtle, the movement is intentional, and the overall effect is understated luxury. This is the kind of manicure that catches the light and complements compliments without much effort.”
