Nail art is a creative way for people to express themselves, and taking the time to do one’s nails is a great form of self-care. In the last several years, we’ve seen people embracing nail art as a fun way of experimenting with their look and exploring ways of expressing their femininity. Men have even begun to embrace nail care and even nail art in a more public way and sharing their experience with finding new ways of expressing themselves through social media.
While in the past, many people chose bold colors and intricate designs, this year, simple nail designs are the most popular. Why? Because they’re versatile. Simple nail designs can still be creative, fun, and eye-catching, but they’re also appropriate for every occasion.
For beauty salons, these simple nails offer the perfect mix of speed and style to keep clients coming back. Here, we will dive deeper into the nail care market, look at the top trending simple nail designs this year, and outline all the essential tools you need to make these designs happen.
Table of Contents
Why simple nail designs are trending
Top simple nail designs
Essential tools and products for creating simple nail designs
Final thoughts
Why simple nail designs are trending
Minimalist nail art is appealing because it’s modern, professional, and easy to maintain. As you can see, with the top simple nail designs in the next section, there are still ways to have a little fun with these designs, but ultimately the goal is to keep the designs minimal.
Of course, social media has played a role in popularizing simple nail designs. Over the last year, people have been sharing tutorials on easy-to-achieve simple nail designs with hashtags like #SimpleNails and #EasyNailArt on TikTok. These hashtags have thousands of posts and millions of views. For many, the ability to do their own nail designs at home is a big appeal.
The nail care industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with the global nail care products market projected to reach over USD 36 billion by 2032. Nail polish holds the largest market share, surpassing 70.0% in 2021, while the artificial nail and accessories segment is expected to have the fastest (compound annual growth rate) CAGR of 5.7% between 2022 and 2030.
It’s also important to remember, men are now embracing their nails as a canvas for personal expression. From sleek manicures to bold nail art, the boundaries of traditional male grooming are expanding. The global men’s personal care market was valued at USD 124.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 276.9 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2021 to 2030. So, if you’re a beauty business, don’t forget to market your products to people of all genders.
Want to learn more about the nail care trends for men? Read this article.
Top simple nail designs
These are the top simple nail art designs that are trending in 2024 that are also classic and timeless:
French manicure
French tips will always be a well-loved classic. Traditionally, French tips feature a nude or pale pink base with a crisp white tip, but modern variations include colored tips or glitter accents.
In 2024, we are seeking French tips with bold pink and blue tips as well as stand out chrome tips. Other variations include angled tips, glitter-lined edges, or even double French lines that add a unique flair while maintaining their classic roots. This versatility makes French tips a go-to option for clients seeking a polished yet trendy look.
Minimalist patterns
Many people are opting for simple, minimalist patterns over bold designs. What do minimalist patterns look like? Think tiny polka dots scattered across a deep nude base or single, thin stripes running vertically or diagonally on the nail. These types of minimalist patterns are great for people of every skill level because they don’t have to be intricate; it is totally okay if your polka dots turn out to look more like blobs.
Geometric shapes, like triangles or rectangles, are also trending, especially when paired with neutral tones or metallic accents.
Negative space designs
A newer trending design and an interesting take on minimalist nails is negative space designs. By leaving parts of the nail bare, you can create stunning patterns like half-moons at the base, diagonal cutouts, or even abstract swirls. A popular example is using a clear base with thin black or white lines forming geometric patterns, giving the nails a clean yet eye-catching look.
Negative space designs are also an easy way to incorporate bolder colors while still keeping a simple nail design that is elegant.
Ombre effects
An ombre nail is a beautiful way to get a sophisticated look that seems complicated, but with the right tools it doesn’t have to be. Ombré nails are loved for their soft, gradient transitions between colors. Subtle variations, like blending nude and blush tones or pastel shades like mint green and baby blue, are particularly popular.
Solid colors with accents
Another great way to have a simple nail design stand out is with interesting accents. A monochrome manicure with one or two accent nails is a simple yet striking style. For example, a deep plum color across all nails with a glittery silver accent nail adds just the right amount of sparkle. (Many people seem to choose their ring finger as their accent nail; a glitter ring finger is a popular choice.)
Other popular options include solid pastel shades with a metallic accent or bold reds complemented by a single nail adorned with gold foil.
The simplest nail designs like these make it easy to experiment with fun designs without going overboard. They can also be easy to do at home. For those who don’t have a steady hand for creating their own artwork, cute stickers with sheer nail polish on top are another great way to embrace DIY nail art. Cute nail designs don’t have to be complicated or a lot of work.
Essential tools and products for creating simple nail designs
To create these stylish looks, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s what you should have on hand:
- Cuticle tools: For prepping nails before creating designs.
- Nail polish: Invest in high-quality polishes in trending colors.
- Nail brushes and tools: Fine detail brushes and dotting tools make creating precise designs a breeze.
- Stripping tape: This tape helps to create geometric shapes, stripes, and many other simple nail designs. It can even help with a French tip outline.
- Sponges: Soft, porous sponges are essential for achieving gradient blends.
- Nail stickers and decals: Perfect for adding intricate designs without extra time.
- Base coats and top coats: Ensure a long-lasting, professional finish with reliable top and base coats.
- UV/LED lamps: Speed up drying and setting time for a seamless salon experience.
With these products, everyone can create stunning, simple nail designs.
Final thoughts
These simple nail designs offer something for everyone, from classic elegance to modern minimalism. Classic French tips remain a timeless favorite for those who appreciate understated sophistication, while minimalist patterns and negative space designs are perfect for anyone drawn to clean, contemporary styles. For a bit of sparkle or subtle flair, solid colors with accents and soft ombré effects provide the ideal balance between simplicity and creativity that make nail designs pop.
By staying on top of these trends, you can provide the perfect options for customers looking for stylish yet practical nail art.
