Nail trends from 2016 are making a significant comeback, as evidenced by a recent review of styles popular a decade ago and their current resurgence. Vibrant, 'acidic' hues reminiscent of the 'cyber girl' aesthetic are reappearing, with Pinterest predicting 'Wasabi' – an electric chartreuse – will trend in 2026, driven by Gen Z's Y2K influences.
Metallic chrome finishes, previously associated with 'disco divas,' are also back in favour. Celebrities like Megan Fox and Lisa have recently sported silver and gold chrome nails, respectively, highlighting this renewed interest. The 'pearly queen' style, featuring subtle shimmers and negative space, now known as 'princess nails,' has also seen a surge. This trend was prominent on red carpets at the 31st Critics Choice Awards and the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.
Geometric designs, once characterized by zig-zags and art-deco patterns, are evolving. While still featuring clean lines and checkerboard motifs, modern iterations favour slimmer lines and scattered, doodle-like elements. Pinterest's 2026 forecast includes 'Neo Deco,' an art-deco revival with geometric shapes. Finally, 'Woodstock wanderer' or botanical beauty, with its focus on earth tones and nature motifs like greens and browns, is resurfacing as 'Wilderkind.' This trend, characterised by soft taupes and leafy greens, embraces subtle elements such as fawn freckles and butterfly wing art.
