The UK-based salon/spa booking app Fresha has analysed global TikTok and Instagram data on posts about nail trends and found that ultra-feminine nails have been a global favourite with social media users so far this year.
The business' recent analysis has revealed the most popular nail trends in 2024 so far and discovered that long nails and French manicures have come out on top.
As TikTok and Instagram are awash with amateur nail artists and experts showing off their creativity and individualism, the research analysed video and view counts for manicure trends on TikTok, along with the number of hashtags on Instagram and overall social media engagement to reveal the most popular ones.
“The research not only unveils the hottest nail trends of the year but also offers fascinating insights into the ever-changing beauty industry,” Fresha said.
“It's clear that nail art isn't just a trend – it's a vibrant form of self-expression.”
From classic favourites to more avant garde trends, here are the top nail shapes, colours and styles so far this year...
1. Long nails
In 2023, short and practical nails were big news – thanks to the emphasis on clean girl and vanilla girl fashions. However, the new data compiled by Fresha is showing a backlash – as the most popular trend has been ultra-feminine long nails.
Between the start of the year and now, the ‘long nail’ trend has amassed 11,287,446 combined views and posts across TikTok and Instagram.
2. French manicure
Timeless looks never go out of fashion and the classic French manicure – with nude or light pink base and delicate white tips – has taken second place in terms of popularity according to Fresha’s data.
The iconic look has chalked up 9,406,341 views and posts across the social media channels so far this year.
3. Short nails
This was a universal favourite in 2023, but this year it has dropped down to third place in terms of global popularity on social channels.
However, the low-maintenance look has still reached a very respectable 6,338,707 combined social media views and posts.
4. Almond-shaped nails
Ultra-flattering almond-shaped nails have racked up 4,182,041 combined views and posts on Instagram and TikTok – making this a clear favourite in terms of nail shapes.
5. Square-shaped nails
The more modern square-shaped nails followed closely behind with 3,118,309 combined Instagram and TikTok views and posts, as many nail fans still plump for this clean-looking shape.
6. Chrome nails
Mermaid-esque, shimmering chrome nails add a ‘look-at-me’ edge to any colour. It seems that plenty of nail enthusiasts have taken notice of this trend, as it has acquired an impressive 2,750,114 social media views and posts.
7. Green nails
Peach Fuzz may be Pantone’s colour of the year, but in the nail sector, this year’s coolest colour has been green. From natural foresty hues to acidic limes, green nails have seen 1,736,528 combined views and posts so far this year.
8. ‘BIAB’ nails
BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) nails have captured the attention of 1,578,756 combined viewers and posters on Instagram and TikTok, providing a long-lasting solution for flawless manicures.
9. Pastel nails
With spring in full fling, it’s no big surprise that pastel shades have made an appearance. Manicures in delicate hues of cotton pink, baby blue, lilac and the like have gained 955,785 combined views and posts.
10. 3D nails
Manis with new depths and dimension – AKA 3D nails – have also made an appearance in the top 10. As a ‘rising star’, 3D nails have gained 835,654 combined views and posts, as creative nail enthusiasts continue to showcase their intricate designs.