Nail Trends
New year, new nail trends! We asked our OPI Global Ambassadors about their predictions for 2024, from must-try styles to nail tech no-nos.
Saltburn Valentine’s Day Inspired Nail Look by @natalieminervanails
OPI Shades Used: Buttafly, Without a Pout, $elf Made, *Verified*, Apricot AF
Take it from the pros: Zola Ganzorigt @nailsbyzola (creator of the glazed donut nail trend), Natalie Minerva @natalieminervanails (lead nail artist for HBO’s Euphoria S2), and Iram Shelton @iramshelton (luxury manicurist to the stars).
In or Out: short vs. long nails
ZOLA: Short nails are in and long nails are out! At the same time medium length nails are here to stay.NATALIE: Short is IN: Long nails will always have a place in our hearts, but short nails are really nice for functionality. I’ve noticed a huge uptick in shorter nails in the last couple of months.IRAM: Long nails are back in. I feel like we’re slowly moving away from the clean girl/quiet luxury trends and most people are taking on more of a maximalist approach when it comes to fashion/style. Longer nails are huge at the moment because they not only are a statement piece but can also make fingers appear slender and more feminine. The only downside is that if you’re someone who works a lot with your hands it might not be as practical as short nails.
Tuxedo French Nail Look by @iramshelton
OPI Shades Used: Black Onyx, Alpine Snow, Bubble Bath, Love Is In The Bare
In or Out: almond nails vs. square nails
ZOLA: Depending on length! For short nails, definitely square shape, and for long/medium length definitely an almond shape.
NATALIE: Almond is IN. Almond-shaped nails elongate the hands and bring a feminine touch. We’ll never lose the love we have for square nails either, but at the moment an almond nail just feels right.
IRAM: Almond nails are in. They’re so much more flattering in my opinion and I find that if you’re wanting to grow out your natural nails, almond nails tend to stay stronger. I also think nail art looks nicer on almond nails.
In or Out: choosing a shade that brings you happiness
ZOLA: Definitely in! Getting your nails done always brings happiness.NATALIE: IN! To me, a shade that makes you feel good is ALWAYS in.IRAM: In! Colors affect your mood way more than you realize and I think that when you paint your nails a happy color they can instantly bring you joy. The color “Shore is Something” just brightens my day and has remained one of my favorites for a few years now.
In or Out: planning your mani vs. letting your nail tech take the lead
ZOLA: As a nail tech, I always love collaboration. Clients bring their initial idea and I add some professional touches to it! That way we come out with the perfect result.
NATALIE: Letting your nail tech take the lead is IN. If there’s one piece of advice you should take from me: let your nail tech make something beautiful for you that’s custom to you. She will always bring the heat if you let this happen.
IRAM: Planning! As a busy nail tech, there’s nothing worse than someone being so indecisive when it comes to getting their nails done. I love to give my input but I’d rather they have the choice as they’re going to be wearing the set for the next 2 weeks.
In or Out: Nail Health vs. Nail Health
ZOLA: Always Nail health!!!! Duh…NATALIE: Nail health is IN: without a solid foundation, no nail service can thrive.IRAM: Nail health always. It was actually nail health that got me into nails in the first place so this is super important to me. I’d rather have short healthy nails than damaged nails that constantly have enhancements on them. Nail health isn’t even a difficult thing to consider. Just remember nails are jewels and not tools. Protect them. Oil your cuticles and certainly do not pick them!
In or Out: communicating your needs with your nail tech
ZOLA: That’s a must!!!! Especially if it’s your first time working with your nail tech. Communication is really important.
NATALIE: IN! Let your nail tech know what you are comfortable with and what you love and don’t love about a service. Communication is key!
IRAM: In always! If you don’t like something, speak up. At the end of the day you’re paying for a service. Same goes with if you like something. Your nail tech will appreciate the honesty and it will create a better relationship between you and them.
In or Out: only applying cuticle oil when you get your nails done
ZOLA: Cuticle oil should be part of your daily skincare routine. Applying cuticle oil everyday will help your nail health and ensure you have a long lasting manicure.NATALIE: Moisturizing your cuticles just all around is a good practice. It makes your manicure look better and it feels good to practice these tiny moments of self care.IRAM: This should be a daily habit not only when you’re fresh out of the salon. The more you oil your cuticles and take care of your nails, you’ll see the longer lasting results and also over time your nails will just grow out healthier and stronger.
Vanilla French Nail Look by @nailsbyzola
OPI Shades Used: Put It In Neutral and Funny Bunny
In or Out: skinny french tips vs. regular french tips
ZOLA: Skinny french tip nails are in. It looks more elegant and sophisticated. We are not using white plastic tips anymore, why still keep that wide french tip?
NATALIE: Skinny French is IN: I prefer this delicate version of the French because it feels more elevated.
IRAM: Both ahh, I can’t choose! This just depends on the person's nail shape and length. I always like to tailor the french tip to the person's nail bed if they have short nails. Personally, I like them a little thicker just enough to go over the natural free edge but I also think skinny can look cool.
In or Out: nails to match your mood
ZOLA: It is out! Getting your nails done can literally brighten your day and change your mood so why would you match your nail to your old mood?NATALIE: IN: The beauty of nails is that it’s wearable art, like a tattoo, except it’s boundless and changeable with who you are. Wear your nails like you wear your heart on your sleeve!IRAM: Yes! Nails are a form of self expression. Just like art they should reflect your mood/style or personality in fact. I generally wear brighter colors in summer but that’s also when I’m at my happiest. I definitely am not a winter person so I’m drawn to darker colors and neutrals.
Frosty Ice Holographic Nail Art Look by @nailsbyzola
OPI Products Used: Verified, Glazed N' Amused
ZOLA GANZORIGT
Zola Ganzorigt AKA @nailsbyzola is a Los Angeles based celebrity nail artist. She’s known for the viral glazed donut nails. Her careful eye and creative approach to nails has made her a favorite with talent such as Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, Adele, Christina Aguilera, Sabrina Carpenter, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner and Vanessa Hudgens.
NATALIE MINERVA
Natalie Minerva’s eye for detail and design has made her a leader in the nail industry for the last 11 years. As the lead nail artist for the second season of HBO’s Euphoria, Natalie is responsible for some of the biggest nail trends taking over social media. She is a true artist, always pushing the envelope and creating looks that are not only unique but innovative. Born and raised in California, she moved from Orange County to Los Angeles in 2008. While working at “A Club Called Rhonda”, a highly revered party amongst industry professionals, Natalie began her nail journey on Instagram. Through social media, she made connections that have allowed her to become the go-to artist for celebrities like Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Halsey, Barbie Ferreira, Addison Rae and more. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Elle and Cosmopolitan amongst other publications.
IRAM SHELTON
Iram Shelton is a celebrity nail artist, specializing in minimal, luxury manicures. She has a dedicated clientele and regularly works with several UK and international celebrities, most recently Sonam Kapoor, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nicola Coughlan & Addison Rae. Iram is a regular backstage at London Fashion Week, creating signature nail looks for brands such as Mulberry and Richard Malone, and works with celebrity clients to get their nails ready for A list awards shows such as the BAFTAs. Over the past three years, her signature luxury manicures have taken social media by storm, and Iram is a proud global ambassador for OPI.
Be sure to follow Zola @nailsbyzola, Natalie @natalieminervanails, and Iram @iramshelton on Instagram!
