Your cuticles called — they’re ready for a glow-up.
Ah, autumn. The time of year when we swap out our summer sandals for Ugg boots, our iced lattes for something pumpkin-spiced, and our manis go from summer vibes to moody tones.
But not this year. Autumn 2024 is about to turn your nails into a statement-making accessory – because why shouldn’t your cuticles get as much attention as your carefully curated knitwear collection?
We asked a selection of nail experts to spill the tea on how to dress your fingertips for the season, because your hands deserve more than just that leftover chip of green polish from Brat summer.
Oxblood red
Nail expert Hayley Walker says: “Deep reds are having a moment, as autumn-lovers channel the season’s notable hues of red, burgundy and deep purple.”
She adds: “This is the perfect nail style for a minimal, autumnal look”
Fashion experts have also forecasted that dark reds will be everywhere as the leaves shift from vibrant greens to warmer hues.
Get the look at home with this French Cancan gel polish from Mylee for £8.95.
Read more: The London salons & spas every bride-to-be should visit
Leopard print
Leopard print will be spotted everywhere, according to nail expert Tinu Bello.
Tinu, senior ambassador at Mylee, says: “Leopard is the trend for AW24 across fashion, shoes and accessories, so it’s no surprise that it’s also translated to nails.
“Animal print is nostalgic of the 1990s and 2000s, so it’s a really fun way for people to relive their old favourites.”
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Creating the look yourself at home couldn’t be easier.
Tinu explains: “Use a contrasting colour to your base, like black or deep brown for the leopard spots.
“Dip your dotting tool into the polish and create irregular, rounded shapes on your nails. Be sure to make them different sizes and vary the spacing between them.”
Alternatively, you can buy these stunning leopard print press-on nails from Beauty Bay for £9.
Tortoiseshell
Hailey Bieber painted her nails tortoiseshell, so we painted our nails tortoiseshell.
When trendsetter Hailey debuted her chic new look on Insta last September, Google Searches on how to achieve the look have skyrocketed – and remain high this season.
Fancy recreating her buff ‘n polish at home? The experts at Fresha have supplied some fool-proof steps to nail the look:
- Start by prepping your nails. This often includes removing any previous nail varnish and making sure your nails are clean, as well as pushing down your nail bed slightly and clipping down your nails to a desired length.
- Once your nails are prepped, file your nails into an almond shape. An almond shape usually keeps a good length at the centre, so try to file down the side of your nails while maintaining this. Once this is achieved, you can file the tip of your nail into the shape of an almond — buffing out any rough edges to create a semi-pointed look.
- Apply one coat of light brown or tan polish as the base colour — this will serve as the background. Next, take a nail-art brush and create irregular shapes on your nails using dark brown polish. Allow this layer to partially dry and then add a sheer layer of amber polish over the nail to help blend the colours and create more dimension.
- Finish off the look with a thin layer of top coat to seal the design and help it last longer. If you’re looking to take this look up a notch, use cuticle oil to nourish your nail beds and give a natural shine to your nails.
Read more: Pantone colour of the year 2024: 10 of the best ‘peach fuzz’ beauty buys
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Metallics
You know how every influencer seems to be bathed in a permanent golden-hour glow? Now your nails can get that treatment, too, as one of the hottest trends for autumn 2024 is metallics.
Hayley from JustMyLook explains: “This edgy style has a playful, daring tone that’s fun to wear and can spice up the season, shifting a dark and gloomy vibe to a bolder and livelier tone.
“This nail trend’s versatility suits any style; opt for silver, gold, blue or even purple to match your desired autumnal aesthetic.”
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Expect people to mistake your hands for the wings of a celestial being as you WhatsApp with a perfectly polished nail click-clacking on your phone screen.
Keep it girly with this metallic pink nail gel from Mylee for £8.95.
Micro French tips
For those of us who appreciate a classic look but don’t want to fall into the ‘same-old-French’ trap, the micro-French tip is here to save the day. This tiny, delicate twist on the classic style takes your nails from ‘standard’ to ‘chic minimalist’ in no time.
Read more: ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic is trending again — here’s how to get the look
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Hayley explains: “The elegant tone of a French manicure is perfect for this time of year, with the trend tuning into darker hues to match the cosy season.
“Expect almond-shaped nails with dark tips to dominate this autumn’s nail trends.”
Embellishments
Didn’t you hear? 2D nails are so last season. Everyone who’s anyone has added an extra dimension to their nail look, with celebrities including Khloe Kardashian embracing embellishments.
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Hayley explains: “3D artwork and rhinestones will be a popular nail feature this season, with this trend incorporating colours with accessories for a stand-out finish.”
You can buy some stunning Claw Culture nail gems from Debenhams for £7.
That’s that me, espresso
We wonder what chart-topping, coffee-themed song could have inspired a wave of chocolate hues this autumn?
Tinu says: “Espresso nails are a standout trend for autumn/winter 2024, offering a deep, rich brown that exudes warmth and sophistication.
“This luxurious shade, reminiscent of a perfectly brewed coffee, is a modern alternative to classic autumnal darks such as black or burgundy.”
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Tinu advises adding subtle gold or bronze accents, or even minimalistic coffee swirls, to add a touch of glamour.
She says: “To bring your espresso nails to life, add a touch of glamour with subtle gold or bronze accents, a glitter finish, or fine lines or minimalistic nail art, like coffee swirls.”
A luxe look that’s bound to be Sabrina Carpenter-approved.
Nails Inc stocks a great shade range of browns for £8 each at Debenhams.
BlackBerry
This 2000s classic is making a comeback for 2024.
Celebrities from Rihanna to Avril Lavigne were rocking BlackBerry nails 20-odd years ago, when the device was the height of technology. The shape and the shade of said phone was notable, as it matched the all-black (or almost-black) short, rounded nails everyone was rocking at the time.
Fast forward two decades, and Charlie XCX sported the look all Brat summer long, with many others following suit.
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Tinu says: “BlackBerry nails are a sophisticated, edgy choice for those who want a bold, dramatic look that still retains a touch of classic elegance.”
Not actually mini BlackBerries for nails, but rather short, square, black nails,
the look can be softened with nail art, including metallic accents, ombre effects, gradients and minimalist line designs, says Tinu, who adds: “Seasonal adaptations will also become popular, such as incorporating glitter or shimmer for a festive touch.”
If you’re not ready to go jet black, then the £12 Black Cherry Bomb nail polish from Beauty Pie is a great vampy alternative.
