Nail Trends You'll Want To Try In 2020

Nail trends evolve, just as fashion and hair trends do. Nail shapes, polish colors, and appliqués all change over time — and this is certainly true of 2020. While some of the nail styles of the new decade are fit for DIYers, you may want to consider visiting a salon for the others. However, we must first advise you to select one carefully.

"When choosing a salon, look for a clean environment, clean work stations, clean employees, and sterilization practices," Susan Nam, celebrity manicurist and owner of Polished Beauty Bar, revealed to Good Housekeeping. Hiroko Fujikawa, owner of MARS The Salon, added, "A good nail salon should not only take care of the appearance of your nails, but also the health and overall condition of your nails. Think of it like a hair salon — you want a stylist to take good care of your hair while making it look good. You should want and expect the same care, protection and treatment from your nail technician."

Now, what should you ask for once you choose your salon? According to top nail artists and 2020 runway looks, these are the nail trends you'll be dying to try in 2020. And you'll be sure to want to avoid all things that can ruin a manicure and take advantage of all hacks to make your manicure last because these looks are seriously stunning.

Citing Spring 2020 runway trends, Cosmopolitan revealed that "mixed-medium [manicures]" are going to be a hit nail trend in 2020. "[Manicurist] Julie K. sent models down the Christian Siriano runway with mint-green polishes, matte tips, and lucite, sparkly bases," the publication explained. Basically, you can experiment with a pop of color and a splash of glitter without giving it a second thought. Or, maybe you're more into a gem appliqué against a multicolor nail? That works too. Whatever your jam, you can be confident that your mixed bag of nail art is not only going to work, but it's also going to be a hot trend — and one that you're going to be able to completely customize and make your own.

Because the possibilities are endless, though, you may have a hard time figuring out where to start. Thankfully, Pinterest and Instagram are always sure bets for nail inspo.

Safari fashion was a surprisingly popular choice on the Spring 2020 runways, but the jungle trend didn't stay relegated to clothing. Considering the hottest runway trends, nail artist Miss Pop revealed to StyleCaster that she expects nails to be veiled in animal print throughout 2020. But not just your standard, run-of-the-mill animal print. No, the manicurist said this nail trend will feature untraditional "electric" colors. 

Why the bold choice? According to Miss Pop, 2020 is all about the "futurists" who won't be holding back when it comes to trends. "I guess right now, what we're saying is be extra. Life is hard enough. Indulge yourself," she continued. You heard the woman. Now's the time to embrace those neon green cheetah nails you've always secretly wanted or those hot pink leopard tips. Seriously, go for it. Why not add some bold color and patterns to your manicure?

For the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya Spring 2020 runway show, nail artist Naomi Yasuda "made every manicure look like it took a time machine to the 1970's with almond-shaped tips drenched in deep, moody shades," Marie Claire reported. And we are all about the nail trend. 

Choosing a nail in a rich, dark color is definitely a bold choice, but it's also a beautiful one. "Sexy, sultry for me is always a dark burgundy nail," Gerry Holford, a manicurist at Paintbox nail studio in New York City, told HuffPost. 

Of course, the only thing better than a moody nail color is pairing it with a moody nail shape. Considering almond-shaped nails are about as stunning as an oxblood-colored polish, they're a sure bet. In fact, celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann dubbed the retro nail shape "the chicest nail shape in the fashion world." She continued, telling Harper's Bazaar, "Sexy, slenderizing, and strong is how I would describe an almond nail shape."

In 2020, what you don't put on your nails is going to matter as much as what you do put on them. Yes, negative space is a nail trend to look for in the new decade. If you're not familiar with the term, My Modern Met explained negative space as "the area around and between a subject" and cites it as a "fundamental of art" that appears in all drawings and paintings." And, apparently, in some nail art.

Paintbox revealed in an Instagram post in September 2019 that the brand's artists "created a fresh take on our Holding Pattern design with Like Wild and Like Spice lacquers combined with negative space." Paintbox first premiered the exciting look at Ulla Johnson's Spring 2020 fashion show in New York. Once uploaded to Instagram, Paintbox's fans quickly fell in love with the trend, writing comments like "love love!" and "so rad!!" We are inclined to agree.

Although natural shades are neutrals, neutrals don't have to be a natural shade, you know? Jin Soon Choi, founder of Jinsoon nail polish, told StyleCaster that neutral polishes in cool shades will be a big nail trend in 2020, especially ones that coordinate well with all of our different skin tones. And these colors aren't like the "barely there" trend. The nail guru said these nails are going to be understated, yes, but "not sheer." 

Of her brand's collection, Choi recommends trying the creamy deep beige shade Dulcet, the pale and cool gray Grace, and the stunning purplish brown Toff. You can even use these cool neutrals to add more pizzazz to your classic French or American manicure. "When we decided to start treating light shades of blue and lavender and pinks as neutrals at the salon, a whole world of mani possibilities opened up," Sarah Gibson Tuttle, chief executive officer and founder of Olive & June, revealed to Yahoo! Lifestyle. And what a fun world that is.

Since 2020 is calling for all kinds of extra nails, why not bedazzle your tips with gems? Manicurist Gina Edwards created a runway look for Alice + Olivia that she dubbed "a French pearl drip," which featured hand-picked stones and pearls. "I am absolutely obsessed with the nail look," Edwards confessed in an Instagram post, showing off the nail trend. "We all know that French [manicures] are trending again!!!"

Although you might want to book an appointment with a nail technician for this kind of nail art, it is actually possible to create a similar look at home using appliqués, like Kiss' Jewel Accents Luxury Nail Art. According to the brand's site, you'll just need to apply your polish as usual and let dry before moving onto the gem application process. Using tweezers, you'll remove the gem from its packaging and press into place. Although you don't necessarily need a top coat, the brand recommends applying one "for longer wear."

If you only try one nail trend in 2020, then "milky nails" — especially in white — may as well be it. "Milky white is such a good background neutral color for any splash of design as well," nail artist Katie Masters revealed to Elite Daily. If you want something a little more eye-catching, Masters said "adding a white chrome on top makes it that much more classy and shiny." Milky white nails have been popping up on celebs' hands, including Lizzo and Jennifer Lopez, in the latter half of 2019 and are only expected to become more popular in the new decade. 

Interestingly, milky nails can be created using different techniques. Virginia-based nail artist Victoyria explained her process to Allure, saying, "I laid that one color [Core White by Young Nails] and topped it with a gel topcoat. A lot of people like using polish to create the milky white look, but I prefer acrylic." Either way, you'll find it looks awesome.