December 04, 2025

2026 Nail Art Trend Predictions

While 2025 isn’t over yet, it’s never too early for nail techs and clients who love to stay ahead of the curve to start thinking about the nail art trends that will define 2026. This year has laid the groundwork for even more innovation, and 2026 is shaping up to be all about high-impact finishes, cat eye nails, and colour stories that feel rich, moody, and ultra-lux. Think deep, dimensional tones, soft-focus pastels inspired by trending makeup looks, and manicures that mirror dewy skin, blush draping, and chrome-finish eyeshadow.

From OTT, maximalist designs to soft, clean, “your nails but better” manicures, 2026 nail trends are all about personal expression and customisation. Expect to see intricate detail work, layered textures, hyper-reflective cat eye effects, and fresh twists on French, seasonal shades, and modern nudes. Whether your clients love vibrant statement art or chic, minimalist nails, 2026 nail art trend predictions point to serious variety.

HONA has you covered with all the colour and nail art inspiration you need to stay ahead of 2026 nail trends and create standout designs for your clients.

1. Moody Lux Tones 

Moody Lux tones are set to be a key 2026 nail trend, combining deep jewel shades with a high-gloss, expensive-looking finish. Think oxblood, forest green, navy, aubergine, olive and tortie browns in rich, creamy gel polish that flatters every skin tone. Perfect for salon clients who want chic, minimal nails that still feel bold and luxurious.

2. Spotty Nails 

Spotty nails aren’t going anywhere – this 2025 favourite is set to stay a key nail art trend for 2026. From tiny micro-dots to bold, abstract spots over sheer bases, this look is perfect for clients who want playful, on-trend nails without committing to complex designs. Spotty manicures work on any nail length, are quick for techs to create in the salon, and are ideal for mixing neutrals, pastels and bolder accent colours.

For more spotty inspo: Trend spotting Polka Dot Nails 

3. Cat Eye 

Cat eye nails are firmly here to stay, and they’ll be huge again for 2026. That magnetic, shifting shimmer is ideal for clients who want nails that look detailed and expensive, without lots of hand-painted art. You’ll see cat eye finishes layered over moody luxe colours, soft pastel bases and modern French designs, as well as aura and halo effects. They’re fast to apply in the salon, super photogenic and a must-have look in any 2026 nail trend line-up.

4. Matcha Nails 

Inspired by the ongoing love for matcha lattes and wellness aesthetic, Matcha Nails are about to have their moment. This earthy, muted green is the perfect balance between subtle and statement, making it a go-to for clients who want something trendy yet effortlessly chic!

5. Abstract Patterns 

Abstract French tips are set to be a big 2026 nail trend, putting a modern twist on the classic French manicure. Instead of a simple smile line, expect to see swirls, waves, squiggles and graphic shapes painted just on the tip or along the outline of the nail. This look is perfect for clients who love clean, minimal nails with a creative edge!

6. Soft French 

Soft, blurred French tips are another key 2026 nail trend, offering a gentle, diffused take on the classic French manicure. Instead of crisp smile lines, the colour is softly blended or airbrushed to create a hazy, cloud-like edge that feels modern and wearable. This look pairs beautifully with sheer nudes, milky bases and pastel tones, making it ideal for clients who love subtle, feminine nails with a fresh, editorial twist.

7. Pantone Colour Of The Year 2026

Colour Trends 2026 

Milky builder gels are set to have a major moment in 2026, especially with shades inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer. Think soft, semi-sheer white and cloudy neutrals that give a clean, milky finish while still showing the natural nail underneath. This trend is perfect for creating “your nails but better” overlays, soft French bases and minimalist manicures that feel fresh, airy and ultra-modern.

2026 Colour Trends Colour in 2026 is all about contrast and mood. Expect to see Moody Lux tones – deep forest greens, inky navies, aubergines and tortie browns – sitting alongside soft, makeup-inspired pastels that mimic blush, eyeshadow and skin tints. Cat eye gels continue to dominate, adding magnetic, light-catching dimension over everything from rich jewel shades to sheer nudes. Milky, semi-sheer whites and Cloud Dancer–inspired builder shades keep that clean, expensive “your nails but better” look firmly on trend, while reflective finishes, chromes and subtle shimmers bring depth without overpowering the design. Whether your clients love bold, editorial colour stories or soft, wearable manicures, 2026 colour trends are all about customisation, layering and creating nails that feel personal, polished and ultra-modern.

Written by Grace Evans