Boring Nails Is The Perfect Manicure Trend to Start the New Year

Fact: There’s no shortage of manicure inspiration. A quick scroll through Instagram will deliver a slew of cool looks, including 3D designs, hand-painted nail art that deserves a spot in the MOMA, and a rainbow of trendy colors. The options are truly dizzying. In that vein, it’s easy to see why boring nails are having a moment right now. With simple colors and sleek finishes, the trend feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air in the world of nails.

Despite the name, boring nails aren’t exactly lacking in style. Instead of bright colors or overly complicated designs, the look is all about keeping things simple. A semi-sheer pink or creamy pearl shade, for example, create an alluring manicure and enticing look. Beyond the overall clean vibe of the trend, boring nails also showcase the natural and healthy look of your nails. Whether you prefer a long or short manicure, boring nails are the perfect look to mix into your routine. Ahead, we’ve gathered the best looks to inspire your next nail appointment.

Boring Nail Looks We Love

1 / 10

Milky White

Optic white nails may be trendy, but they're not always the easiest to pull off. If you've wanted to try a softer version of the look, a semi-sheer milky shade is a great alternative to opaque polishes. Not only does it have a chicer feel, but it also has a hazy, wintry touch.

2 / 10

Naked Chrome

You really can't go wrong with a chrome manicure in any color. But this nearly naked look takes the look to a new level. On bare nails, the chrome finish creates a polished iridescence that's simply stunning.

3 / 10

Peachy Polish

Looking for a new natural hue to replace your go-to pinky nude? Enter this sheer peachy shade. The soft, diffused nature of the color creates a chic manicure with a subtle tint.

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4 / 10

Nude Gradient

We love a gradient manicure. While the style works with any color scheme, a mix of nude shades is perfect for a minimalist look. To get the full effect, try mixing sheer and opaque shades for contrast.

5 / 10

Pink Satin

Pink chrome nails are bold and daring, but this pink satin manicure is quite the opposite. The sheer pink polish is just translucent enough to give it a subtle see-through effect while the glossy topcoat gives it a satin shine.

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6 / 10

Subtle Ombré

Of course, ombré , the manicure design that never disappoints, is perfect for the boring nail trend. To get it just right, try using a blend of creamy white and pink polishes and finishing with a light dusting of chrome powder.

7 / 10

Matte Finish

You may think that a matte manicure doesn't belong on this list, but that's where you'd be wrong. When paired with layers of sheer nude polish, a matte topcoat has an alluring and enticing appearance.

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8 / 10

Sheer Glitter

Understated isn't usually a word that's associated with glitter, but this set is the exception. It features a layer of clear glitter polish on bare nails, which creates a cool crystal effect and subtle sparkle.

9 / 10

Reverse French Manicure

The French cuff is a sleek way to shake up a traditional French manicure. It's also ideal for manicure minimalists, offering a playful yet clean design. Any color works, but for the ultimate clean aesthetic, opt for a slither of silver polish against a milky white base.

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10 / 10

Touch of Glitter

This manicure is all about simplicity and elegance. At first glance it appears to be just a plain manicure, but looking closer, you'll find tiny flecks of gold glitter that add a hint of sparkle.