From the runway to star clients like Jessica Chastain and Emily Blunt, Julie K is one nail artist who never slows down. And she’s sharing her picks for the next big thing in nails. With the new year right around the corner, these are the looks guaranteed to be everywhere as the top nail trends of 2025.
From Runway to Red Carpet
If Julie K’s not creating gorgeous manicures that define NYFW, she’s crafting the red carpet looks that become our favorite trends. As a celebrity manicurist and educator based in New York, Julie K is on the cutting edge of what’s new in nails, helping establish major looks we’ve loved like the precious gem mani and the infamous jammy nails.
The Top Nail Trends of 2025
When it comes to forecasting for 2025, the best place to look for inspiration is on the runway. Fashion week has long helped set the tone for what’s next in fashion, makeup and hair. The same is true of nails! Working behind the scenes at NYFW, Julie K’s creations have instantly landed on our future mani wishlist.
Cut-Out Nails
Topping her list of top nail trends of 2025, cut-out nails are a super bold look that’s already runway-approved.
“Inspired by the ones I created for Christian Cowan’s SS2025 show, these nails feature edgy cut-out shapes,” Julie K explains. “They offer a futuristic, minimalist vibe that’s perfect for making a statement. You can buy pre-made cut-out nail tips or DIY them by using a hole punch on regular tips before applying.”
After you’ve achieved your cut-out nail shape, you can apply any design of your choice in the space using a strong adhesive.
Chocolate Latte Nails
This year we’ve seen the meteoric rise of chocolate and latte-inspired nail looks. And now, the pair meets for a top trend of 2025.
“This look combines gradient tones with sheer white chrome for a rich, warm design that’s both trendy and low-maintenance as it grows out,” Julie K says. “It also mixes two top trends—gradients and chrome—for an elevated yet wearable look.”
If you want to recreate this gradient at home, you can use an ombre brush ($10). For gently blending your nail polish colors, these brushes utilize precisely aligned ultra-sharp bristles to create nail art.
“Use this brush to blend gel polish from left to right across the nail tip,” Julie K advises. “Top the look off with a chrome, and then seal it with a final top coat.”
Playfully 3D
“Playful 3D embellishments like hearts, teddy bears and more will be big in 2025,” Julie K predicts. “These looks offer a fun and tactile dimension to nail art.”
From coquette bows and dainty flowers to more edgy looks like chrome flames, you can find an infinite variety of adorable nail charms.
Chrome Meets Color
We all know chrome has had a major moment this year. And Julie K predicts we’ll see a new version as a top trend in 2025.
“Taking the chrome trend to the next level, this look incorporates bright pops of color over a sleek chrome base, much like what we did for Libertine,” Julie K explains. “It’s a modern update to the solid chrome designs of past seasons.”
To recreate this look, Julie K recommends using a silicone stamper tool ($8) instead of a makeup sponge for faster and more even application.
