From Cat-Eye to Nail Piercings: The Nail Trends Everyone Will Be Asking for in 2026

One of the quiet joys of a new year is that sudden rush of fresh nail ideas flooding your feed. New colours, new finishes, new ways to wear old classics, it’s like a soft reset for your fingertips. Yes, neutrals and nudes will always have their moment (they never truly clock out), but 2026 is shaping up to be far more playful, expressive, and slightly unhinged in the best way possible.

If there’s one thing the last few years have taught us, it’s that nail trends move at lightning speed. One minute we’re all obsessing over glazed doughnut nails, the next it’s chrome everything, micro polka dots, then dramatic cat-eye finishes that catch the light from across the room. Nails are no longer an afterthought; they’re a full-blown fashion statement.

So, to help you stay ahead of the curve (and walk into your nail appointments knowing exactly what you want), I’ve rounded up the nail trends that are set to dominate 2026. These aren’t random guesses; they’re the styles already bubbling up in salons, on runways, and among nail artists who practically predict the future for a living. Consider this your insider cheat sheet.

If you thought tartan was reserved strictly for school uniforms or Christmas jumpers, think again. Plaid is having a massive resurgence, channelling a mix of 90s grunge and Vivienne Westwood punk chic.

In 2026, we are moving away from traditional red and green. Expect to see pastel plaids, sheer "negative space" checks, and even neon grid lines. It’s a bit preppy, a bit nostalgic, and looks absolutely brilliant on a square or squoval nail shape.

The cat-eye trend has been bubbling under the surface for a while, but in 2026, it is getting sharper and more magnetic. We aren’t just talking about that soft, velvet look anymore.

This year, it is about high-contrast, galactic designs created with precision magnets with deep gemstone colours like sapphire blues, emerald greens, and amethysts. It gives the illusion of depth and texture while remaining perfectly smooth to the touch. It is chic, sophisticated, and perfect for evening wear.

READ ALSO: 9 Hottest Christmas Nail Trends You’ll Want to Copy in 2025

Maximalists, this one is for you. Nails are officially becoming an extension of your jewellery box. The "pierced" look is set to dominate, involving small holes drilled into the free edge of the nail (usually on acrylics or builder gel extensions) to hold dangling charms, hoops, or chains.

It might not be the most practical trend for typing all day (or putting in contact lenses!), but it is a serious statement. If you aren't ready for the drill, many manicurists are using heavy-duty resin to attach silver and gold hardware that looks like a piercing without the commitment.

Chrome isn't going anywhere, but it is evolving into something much more industrial. Forget the soft, pearlescent glaze; 2026 is all about molten metallics.

We are seeing a shift towards "liquid metal" aesthetics with silver and gold designs that look like they are melting or dripping down the nail bed. It’s futuristic and edgy. If it is a full set of high-shine silver chrome or 3D gold bullion accents, this trend reflects light beautifully and acts as a neutral that goes with absolutely everything in your wardrobe.

READ ALSO: The Beauty Products We Reached for Again and Again in 2025

Smooth, glossy top coats are taking a backseat to tactile experiences. You might hear this referred to as "texturised nails" or simply "3D art," but the concept is the same: nails you want to touch.

This includes:

• Croc-print effects raised with clear gel.

• Cable knit patterns for the colder months.

• Bubble textures and raised swirls.

It adds a whole new dimension to your manicure. It’s visual and sensory, making your nails feel like a piece of wearable art rather than just a splash of polish.

Finally, for the indecisive among us, abstract patterns are the ultimate saviour. This trend is the antithesis of the "perfect" manicure. There is no symmetry required here. It features mismatched lines, random blobs of colour, organic shapes, and squiggles that flow across the nail plate. No two sets look the same, and that’s the point. 

The beauty of this trend is in its freedom. You can combine a nude base with neon swirls or go for a monochromatic look with matte and gloss finishes mixed. It is playful, personalised, and impossible to mess up. If 2026 nails had a personality, it would be confident, expressive, and just a little bit bold.

If you’re leaning minimalist or a full statement manicure, the trends ahead only confirm that there’s room for everyone. From textured finishes to metallic drama and playful details like piercings, nails are becoming an extension of personal style rather than a finishing touch.