The 12 Biggest Nail Trends in New York Right Now

New York City is one of the biggest centers from which trends emerge. To stay on top of the freshest nail trends, we asked some of the best manicurists in NYC what they’re seeing emerge. We’ve made it super simple to bring photo inspiration to your next nail appointment—the hardest part will be choosing which look to try first from these New York nail trends.

Featured Experts

• Molly Romah is the head nail artist at Chillhouse.
• Jin Soon Choi is a celebrity and editorial nail artist and founder of JINsoon.
• Sonya Meesh is a celebrity and editorial nail artist.
• Julie Kandalec is a celebrity nail artist.
• Ariela Zuniga is the director of operations at Vanity Projects.

New York Nail Trends

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Chrome Nails

The head nail artist at Chillhouse, Molly Romah, says chrome nails are currently the most requested trend right now. We’re not shocked, as we’ve seen a surge in increase in chrome nails online as well.

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Metallic French Manicure

“The classic French manicure gets a modern twist with metallic tips instead of white,” says celebrity and editorial nail artist and founder of JINsoon Jin Soon Choi. “Sleek, edgy and perfect for holiday glam or everyday style.”

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Milky Manicure

Celebrity and editorial nail artist Sonya Meesh says she’s seen a lot of milky nude and milky white manicures. The trend has been seen on the nails of a handful of celebrities and keeps coming back around.

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Cat-Eye Under Jelly Manicure

This look combines two huge trends to create a mega trend. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec loves it so much that she wore it herself to the Eras Tour. Pictured is Kandalec’s navy gradient cat-eye jelly combo.

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Neutral Shades

“Nude tones are always in style, but this season, soft, versatile shades are especially in demand,” says Choi. “They’re timeless and effortlessly chic.”

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Tortoiseshell Nails

We love this chic, dynamic manicure that gives off serious rich girl vibes. Director of operations at Vanity Projects, Ariela Zuniga, says tortoiseshell nails have been popular at their New York salon.

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Dark Academia Nails

Romah says she’s seeing an increased interest in dark academia nail colors as we get closer to winter. “Deep, striking hues like black cherry and inky blue are dominating nail palettes. These shades exude confidence and pair perfectly with fall and winter fashion,” says Choi. Hailey Bieber's nail artist, Zola Ganzorgit, also previously told us rich, dark hues were having a moment. Meesh notes that she’s noticing a lot of oxblood manicures in particular.

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Cat-Eye Under Chrome Manicure

If you’ve already tried cat-eye nails and chrome manicures, why not meld the two for a unique look all your own? Here, Kandalec employed cat-eye and isolated chrome.

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Earthy Tones

“Warm, grounded colors like terracotta and dark brown are the current rage,” says Choi. “These shades bring a sophisticated, natural touch to any look.”

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Using Dual Forms to Create Extensions

Kandalec says using dual forms to create extensions instead of paper forms or soft gel is becoming more popular. She used the approach to create this crystal, free-edge manicure.

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Magnetic Gel Manicure

“A lot of people are embracing the magnetic gel trends,” says Meesh. “Whether it’s a touch or a full coverage application (with or without art), people are really into the dynamic effect.”

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Airbrush Nails

Romah says airbrush manicures are a close second to chrome nails when it comes to popularity. Here, she used an airbrush technique to create a seamless ombré look.