20 Nail Trends for 2027 You'll Want to Try ASAP

If you're anything like me, you probably have about 100 nail inspiration photos saved on Pinterest and still somehow end up getting the same manicure every time.

But the nail trends for 2027 are giving us plenty of reasons to switch things up!

We're seeing everything from magnetic cat eye nails and dreamy chrome finishes to unexpected colors, fun nail art, and a few nail shapes that are making a serious comeback.

And the Spring/Summer 2027 runways gave us even more inspiration, with striped manicures, purple cat eye nails, and barely-there natural nails all making appearances.

Whether you're a short, simple manicure kind of girl or love nails that practically qualify as accessories, there's something here worth screenshotting for your next appointment.

The Biggest Nail Trends for 2027

1. Velvet Cat Eye Nails

Cat eye nails aren't going anywhere in 2027, but the softer velvet version might be my favorite yet.

Instead of that really obvious magnetic stripe, velvet cat eye nails have this gorgeous, diffused shimmer that moves with the light. They almost look like crushed velvet.

I especially love this finish in deep burgundy, champagne, and smoky purple. It's one of those manicures that looks even prettier in person.

2. Short Square Nails

If you've been waiting for an excuse to cut your nails short, here it is!

Short square nails are still a favorite, and I love how cool they look with a bold, solid color.

The key is keeping the length short and the edges neat. A glossy cherry red or deep chocolate brown on short square nails just looks so good.

And as someone who actually needs to use her hands all day, I appreciate a nail trend that doesn't make everyday tasks more difficult.

3. Striped Nails

Move over, polka dots! Striped nails are making a serious comeback for 2027, and I'm kind of obsessed.

We saw striped manicures on the Spring/Summer 2027 runways, including a fun red-and-baby-blue version at Alice + Olivia.

And there are so many ways to wear this trend.

Think bold, colorful stripes, super thin pinstripes, or even a striped French tip if you want something a little more subtle.

I especially love unexpected color combinations like baby blue and red or chocolate brown and pink. It's giving preppy, cool-girl vibes.

4. Frosted Chrome Nails

Chrome nails are still very much in.

Frosted chrome has a softer, icy effect that looks especially pretty over pastel colors and sheer bases.

I love the idea of pale blue frosted chrome for winter or a soft lavender version for spring.

It's giving trendy girl vibes, plus it always makes you look tanner than you actually are.

5. Purple Cat Eye Nails

Purple is getting a lot more interesting in 2027, especially when you combine it with a magnetic cat eye finish.

We actually saw violet and amethyst-inspired cat eye manicures on the Spring/Summer 2027 runways, so this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

I'm talking rich amethyst, vibrant violet, and even softer lavender shades with a gorgeous shifting shimmer.

And if purple feels a little intimidating, try a darker plum shade. It's surprisingly wearable.

6. Black Cherry Nails

I'm convinced black cherry nails are one of those trends that will never really go out of style.

They're dark, sexy, and a little mysterious without being as harsh as solid black.

The best versions have that deep reddish-purple undertone that becomes more noticeable in the light.

Try them on short square nails for a really cool look, or stiletto nails if you want something a little more dramatic.

7. Soft Almond Nails

Almond nails are still MY favorite, but I'm especially loving the softer, more natural-looking versions.

Instead of a really long, sharply tapered almond, think shorter lengths with a gently rounded point.

It's flattering, feminine, and works with practically every nail design.

Plus, if you love French manicures or those barely-there pink shades, this shape is especially pretty.

8. Glass Nails

Glass nails are exactly what they sound like: super glossy, slightly translucent nails that almost look like colored glass.

They're different from a regular sheer manicure because the finish has so much depth and shine.

Think juicy pinks, soft peaches, and translucent berry shades.

If you love the look of a simple manicure but want something a little more interesting, this is such a pretty option.

9. Cherry Red Nails

Sometimes the trendiest manicure is also the simplest.

Bright cherry red nails showed up on the Spring/Summer 2027 runways, and honestly, I'm not surprised.

There's something about a glossy red manicure that makes even the most basic outfit feel a little more intentional.

For 2027, I'd pair this color with short square or natural oval nails.

No nail art necessary.

10. Pearl Chrome Nails

If frosted chrome is the cooler, icier version of the trend, pearl chrome is its softer, more romantic sister.

These manicures have a beautiful pearly sheen that catches the light without being too metallic.

They're especially pretty layered over milky white, sheer pink, or nude polish.

I could see this being a huge favorite for brides, but it's just as cute for an everyday manicure.

11. Chocolate and Espresso Brown Nails

Brown nails have officially earned a permanent spot in the manicure rotation.

And for 2027, I'm especially into those really rich chocolate and espresso shades.

They're a little softer than black but still have that dark, moody look.

A super glossy espresso manicure on short nails? So good.

You could also add a subtle cat eye finish if you want to make the color feel a little more special.

12. Tortoiseshell Nails

Tortoiseshell nails are one of my favorite ways to wear nail art without getting too crazy.

The mix of amber, caramel, and dark brown creates this really pretty layered effect that looks almost like an accessory.

You can do a full tortoiseshell manicure, but I especially love tortoiseshell French tips.

Or try the design on just one or two nails and keep the rest a solid chocolate brown.

13. Naked Nails

Not every nail trend requires a complicated salon appointment.

Naked nails were actually a standout look on the Spring/Summer 2027 runways, including at Calvin Klein and Michael Kors.

The idea is to embrace your natural nails with a clean shape, well-maintained cuticles, and a barely-there finish.

You can add a sheer pink or nude polish for a little shine, or skip the color entirely and just buff your nails.

It's simple, low-maintenance, and honestly a nice change if you've been getting elaborate manicures for years.

14. Aura Nails

Aura nails are sticking around, but I'm especially loving the moodier color combinations.

Instead of just bright pink and orange, think burgundy fading into black, purple with a soft lavender center, or smoky gray with a hint of blue.

The airbrushed effect makes even a simple two-color manicure look really interesting.

And if you want something more subtle, try a neutral aura design with beige and soft pink.

15. 3D Nail Art

Minimalist nails aren't the only thing having a moment.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, we're seeing more sculptural nail art with raised details, pearls, and little 3D embellishments.

Some of these manicures are basically tiny works of art.

Personally, I love the look of one or two accent nails with a clear gel design or a few strategically placed pearls.

You get the fun of the trend without having something sticking off every single nail.

16. Icy Blue Nails

Icy blue is such a pretty alternative to the pinks and neutrals we usually gravitate toward.

The best versions have a cool, almost frosted appearance, especially when paired with a pearl or chrome finish.

I love this color for winter, obviously, but a sheer icy blue would be so pretty for spring too.

And if you want to make it a little more dramatic, try a magnetic cat eye effect.

17. Animal Print Nails

Animal print has made its way back into practically every corner of fashion, so naturally our nails are getting involved too.

We even saw metallic zebra-inspired cat eye manicures at Sergio Hudson's Spring/Summer 2027 show.

Leopard is always a classic, but zebra stripes and Bambi-inspired spots are especially fun options.

I love how these prints look when they're done in more muted colors rather than super high-contrast combinations.

You can go all out with a full animal print manicure or keep it simple with printed French tips.

18. Micro French Tips

The French manicure has been reinvented approximately a million times, and somehow I'm still not tired of it.

For 2027, I especially love the micro French tip.

It's basically your classic French manicure with an incredibly thin line along the edge instead of a thick white tip.

You can keep it traditional or experiment with black, burgundy, silver, or whatever color you're loving.

It's also a great option for shorter nails.

19. Jelly Nails

Jelly nails have that juicy, translucent finish that makes the color look almost edible.

Unlike regular opaque polish, jelly colors let a little light through, giving the manicure more dimension.

I especially love deep raspberry, cherry, and grape shades.

You can even layer jelly polish over a subtle shimmer or cat eye base to make the finish more interesting.

20. Chrome French Tips

MY GO-TO! If you love chrome but don't necessarily want it covering your entire nail, chrome French tips are such a good compromise.

A sheer nude or pink base keeps the manicure looking clean, while the metallic tips add a little something extra.

Silver feels cool and modern, while champagne gold is a little softer.

I also love the idea of pairing chrome tips with a short square shape.

What Nail Shapes Are Trending for 2027?

If you're trying to decide what shape to ask for at your next appointment, I'd pay the most attention to short square, soft almond, and natural oval nails.

Short square nails are perfect if you want something practical and a little edgy. Soft almond nails have that pretty, elongated appearance without needing an extreme length. And oval nails are always a safe bet if you want something classic.

Medium coffin nails are another shape to watch, especially if you prefer extensions and want a little more room for nail art.

Of course, longer shapes aren't disappearing. But you definitely don't need super long extensions to try most of the nail trends on this list.

What Nail Colors Are Trending for 2027?

The biggest nail color trends for 2027 are a mix of rich, moody shades and softer, almost translucent colors.

Some of my favorites include black cherry, chocolate brown, vibrant violet, icy blue, cherry red, and sheer pink.

We're also seeing interest in brighter blues, soft greens, and warm terracotta-inspired shades.

And don't forget that the finish can completely change the look of a color.

A regular lavender manicure and a lavender cat eye manicure have totally different vibes, even though they're technically the same shade.

Final Thoughts on 2027 Nail Trends

I think my favorite thing about the nail trends for 2027 is that there's really no single look everyone has to follow.

You can go super simple with short, glossy natural nails or have a little fun with magnetic polish, chrome finishes, and statement nail art.

Personally, I'm especially excited about velvet cat eye nails, striped manicures, and all the new ways to wear chrome.

And if you're anything like me, you'll probably save a dozen of these ideas before your next nail appointment and still have trouble choosing just one!