As someone who used to bite their nails, I’m now feeling proud of them.
Since I’ve made a real effort to stop biting and picking, my nails are actually long, and it’s unlocked a whole new world of manicure possibilities I never really got to enjoy before. (Because when your nail beds are super short, even press-ons don’t always stand a chance—I’ve had plenty crack or pop off right after application.)
But now, I’m excited to finally experiment! The timing is great too, because 2026 is shaping up to be such a fun year for nail trends. From soft understated milky white shades, to playful patterns (hello tortoise print!) and bold designs like plaid and swirls, these are the nail trends everyone’s going to be asking for in 2026. Get ready to screenshot!
Polka dot nails were big in 2025, and they’re still trending in 2026. This playful, retro-inspired vibe somehow feels both nostalgic and fresh—and it’s surprisingly customizable, too (think classic, black-and-white dots, colorful pops, or even accent nails).
OPI Black Onyx ($11.99)
To get the polka dot look, it doesn’t get more classic than a true jet-black polish like OPI’s Black Onyx. It’s glossy, opaque, and the perfect high-contrast base for dots, whether you’re keeping things minimal or going full retro.
COYAHO Nail Dotting Tool ($5.99)
Pair OPI’s Black Onyx shade with an easy nail dotting tool (like this set from COYAHO), which makes creating perfectly round dots super simple, even if you’re not a nail art pro. The different tip sizes let you play with scale, so you can mix tiny, delicate dots with bolder statement ones for a more modern finish.
SHANGMENG Black French / Polka Dot Tip Press On Nails ($15.99)
If freehand nail art feels intimidating (or you just don’t have the patience), press-ons are an easy shortcut to the polka dot trend. These SHANGMENG polka dot tips give you the retro look in minutes; plus, they’re made from soft, flexible gel that actually feels comfortable on your nails.
Plaid nails blew up over the holidays, and I love how versatile they are—you can go classic-preppy or give the pattern a modern twist with fun accents. Plus, the color combinations are totally up to you, so you can make the look feel as bold or subtle as you like.
essie Blanc ($9.97)
For a clean base, essie’s Blanc nail polish is your go-to. Its glossy finish and streak-free application make it perfect for setting the stage for any design.
Artdone Metallic Nail Art Pens ($9.63)
From there, grab a set of fine liner brushes like these metallic nail art pens by Artdone to create your plaid pattern with precision. These tools will help you customize the colors and line thickness for a preppy or modern plaid look that’s totally your own.
Mivota Almond Plaid Press On Nails ($7.99)
I love the idea of nail art pens, but I’m not personally sure if I’d trust myself with them (yet… anyway), so I’d probably take the press-on nails route. This chic brown-and-nude plaid design and long almond feels incredibly elegant, while the soft gel material is lightweight enough for all-day wear. With 24 customizable sizes included, you can mix, match, and reuse them for a hassle-free, trendy mani anytime.
Milky white nails might never go out of style. This creamy, translucent shade has inspired tons of spinoffs, including the milk bath mani, and I’m loving the minimalist vibe for winter.
essie Marshmallow ($8.99)
If you’re looking to emulate the milky white trend at home, start with essie’s Marshmallow shade. This sheer, cloudy white polish gives your nails a glossy, creamy finish that feels clean, modern, and oh-so-chic. Pro tip: Apply at least two coats to really let the milky translucence shine.
Glamnetic Press On Nails – White Swan ($15.99)
For anyone who gravitates towards press-ons, Glamnetic is one of my favorite brands. Their White Swan shade nails the milky nail trend, but with zero drying time. The off-white, glossy short ovals are giving luxe yet understated, and they last up to two weeks with a custom fit for every finger.
If milky nails are the minimalist option, swirl nails are the complete opposite: full-on maximalism. These abstract patterns, swooping swirl designs, and unconventional French tips are set to be one of the most eye-catching trends to try in 2026. So…are you feeling bold?
OPI Opaque Bright Blue ($11.99)
To really make swirl nails pop, try OPI’s Opaque Bright Blue. This iconic, vivid blue crème— which I’ve been seeing everywhere lately—delivers smooth, even coverage and up to seven days of chip-resistant wear. It’s ideal for bold, abstract designs that stand out.
RikView Blue Acrylic French Tip Press On Nails ($8.49)
Of course, there’s no at-home salon needed when you go with press-ons nails. I’m obsessed with this Blue Acrylic French tip design, which screams funky and abstract to me (in the most fashionable way). With 24 nails, a nail file, and reusable glue stickers included, you can get a bold, on-trend look in just 15 minutes.
This soft, barely-there “ballet pink” feels especially right for winter, but it’s already trending straight into spring thanks to its fresh, minimalist vibe. Elegant, refined, and just a little girly, a ballet pink manicure is one of those looks A-listers seemingly never get tired of—because honestly, who doesn’t want the perfect pinky mani?
essie Ballet Slippers ($9.97)
essie’s Ballet Slippers is basically this entire trend in one nail polish. The key to that soft, ethereal finish is layering thin coats and letting each one fully dry before adding the next, which builds the perfect sheer pink without streaks.
Glamnetic Press On Nails – Think Pink ($15.99)
For all my press-on girlies, Glamnetic’s Think Pink is another shoo-in for this trend. This soft pastel shade and glossy short oval shape feels both youthful and polished, and thanks to their durable, salon-style finish, you can wear them for up to two weeks with minimal upkeep.
If Hailey Bieber’s cheetah print mani over the holidays was anything to go by, animal print is about to be all the rage in 2026. Tortoise print nails feel like the chic, grown-up evolution of the animal print trend. The warm amber, brown, and black tones give the look depth and dimension, so while it’s bold, it’s surprisingly wearable.
GAOY Jelly Tortoise Brown ($12.99)
For a more hands-on approach, this GAOY Jelly Tortoise Brown Gel Nail Polish Set is such a fun way to recreate a layered tortoiseshell effect at home. The six sheer shades are meant to be built up gradually, letting you customize the depth and pattern for a truly one-of-a-kind mani that looks way more intricate than it actually is.
CESTSIREN Leopard Print Nail Art Stickers ($5.99)
Once you’ve built out your base colors, you can really lean into the maximalist vibe with leopard print nail art stickers that bring the whole look to life. They’re an easy, no-fuss way to add bold pattern and texture. Just peel, press, and seal with a top coat for a statement-making tortoise-inspired mani that feels straight out of a salon.
BTArtbox Tortoise Shell French Tip Press On Nails ($21.99)
Nail art stickers aren’t for everyone though, and you can still get maximum impact with minimal effort thanks to BTArtbox’s tortoiseshell French tip nails. I especially love how the amber hoop detail elevates the design, making the whole mani look polished and professional in minutes.
In short, 2026 nail trends are all about having fun and expressing yourself. Whether you DIY at home or reach for press-ons, the best manicure is the one that makes you feel pulled together, confident, and excited to show off your hands.
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