Manicurist Tells Us The Nail Trends We'll See Everywhere In Winter 2024

Looking back, it's already been a big year for manicures. This spring's nail looks were all about sheer nudes, coquettish lace and bow details, and even real pressed flowers. Then, summer brought us various shades of coral, peach-hued manicures, and more of the undeniably huge butter nails trend. The inevitable shift into fall didn't miss a beat, carrying on the nail-art torch with everything from classic autumnal earth tones to maximalist junk nails. All year long, we've been in hog heaven with so much aspirational nail inspo, but following on the heels of all these titanic (and, dare we say, iconic) nail trends, what could possibly be next?

Wonder no more. To get a peek at winter 2024's hottest nail trends, Glam spoke exclusively to Sonya Meesh, a celebrity and editorial manicurist. Meesh walked us through a few looks poised to become the biggest trends of the season, from continued favorites like shiny chrome to up-and-coming techniques like airbrush manicures.

From soft and leafy sage chrome nails to Kylie Jenner's moody gray chrome nails, we've been loving the sleek, reflective turn in recent manicure trends. Happily, Sonya Meesh exclusively assures us that heavy metals aren't falling out of vogue anytime soon. From 3D chrome appliqués and isolated chrome designs to full-coverage chrome manis, Meesh declares that metallic looks are "here to stay!" There are even DIY products to help you test the technique at home, including the Artdone Chrome Nail Powder, which comes in a set of 16 colors for only $9.99 on Amazon.

Tortoiseshell is one of those timeless trends that has recurring appeal. An understated and versatile pattern, the earthy color combo of tortoiseshell nails makes for a perfect transitional manicure into and throughout the winter months. "Tortoise [is coming] back," Sonya Meesh exclusively tells Glam, adding, "I've seen it return in a big way this fall and can see it carrying over into the winter season." We especially love this nail look with fashion trends like stealth wealth and quiet luxury, but don't be afraid to test it out with your own unique style.

Tidy square tips look undeniably fantastic with long nails, and as one artist showed off on Instagram, square nails also work incredibly well for medium-length manicures — or even shorter. So, it's no wonder that the popularity of short nails is skyrocketing once again this winter. "I love, love, love a short square nail," Sonya Meesh exclusively tells us. "They're easy to maintain and look good with any design or solid color." Consider that your cue to get creative, combining your square tips with trending patterns and colors or embracing playful seasonal motifs like snowflakes.

Think airbrush styles are only for makeup and body paint? Think again. These spray-on tools are currently making a splash in the nail industry, just in time to add a dash of vibrant color to your winter wardrobe. Sonya Meesh exclusively explains to Glam that "more techs are embracing airbrush looks," with some even achieving aura or ombré effects with eyeshadow. The resulting look is eye-catching all on its own, but as one nail artist showed on Instagram, airbrushing can also create a dynamic background for other designs and embellishments.

Not sure what you want to say with your next winter mani? Hand the reins over to your nail tech by letting them get creative with freestyle nails. Not only will this deliver some utterly one-of-a-kind nail art, but eclectic manicures are also the height of style this season. "I'm loving seeing everyone rocking all 10 nails with different designs," Sonya Meesh exclusively tells Glam. To get in on the trend, offer your manicurist a theme or a color scheme, or let them go totally wild with their own inspiration.