Scandinavian women have many things in common; impeccable style is a given, of course, but as I scroll through the feeds of Scandi influencers, it’s not just their chic, minimalist outfits (not to mention their incredible skin) that I’ve become besotted with as I plan my Autumn/Winter wardrobe. Look closely, and you’ll see that their nail game is on top form. Much like their fashion aesthetic, Scandinavian nails are understated yet polished, effortless yet timeless, and come in the form of Nordic neutral tones that are quietly luxurious.
That doesn’t mean to say that they’re afraid of colour, though. Instead, you might find a slither of cobalt, cherry or apple green in the form of a French tip among the Scandinavian fashion set. To confirm my sightings, I spoke to Therese Niko Busch, head of global product for Danish nail brand, Alûstre, which also has a salon in Copenhagen, to confirm the Scandi girl nail trends that are popular right now.
From chrome nails in Copenhagen to ombre French in Oslo, scroll ahead for the chicest Scandinavian nail designs I’ve spotted.
Chrome nails have been hugely popular, and it seems as though Scandinavian girls can’t get enough either. “Fresh takes on chrome nails have been on the rise; playing on the subtle differences of metallic and foil finishes through polish layering and the addition unexpected colours,” says Busch. While you usually need gels polish and a chrome powder to achieve this look, there are several chrome-effect nail lacquers that achieve a similar look in just one coat or two.
I love this pink chrome look.
Almond nails look amazing in a chrome finish.
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It turns out that milky white nails fit the Scandinavian aesthetic so well. “Clean minimalism is a Scandi aesthetic staple, and this market knows just the way to add subtle detailing to always keep the look fresh and not boring,” says Busch. “For nails, this trend takes shape with ‘barely-there’ polish—keeping gloss extremely high with a clear top coat layered on top of sheer coverage nude polish colours,” she says. “The best way to achieve this look is by using a milky nail polish with a pink undertone for that better-than-bare effect.”
This colour looks great on short nails.
This semi-sheer polish is *chef’s kiss*.
A French manicure has become a timeless classic around the world, but Scandinavian women have a penchant for its simplicity. “The French tip is making its way back into the Scandi nail scene, but in a much more subtle way,” says Busch. “Using sheer coverage polishes, such as a rosy base coat and a milky polish for the tip, the effect is an elevated and discreet manicure that reinvents this classic look.” While this neutral manicure is timeless in pink and white hues, we’ve been seeing colourful French tips among our feeds during the spring and summer months.
A bold blue French tips looks so chic.
I’m enamoured with this red French manicure.
Barely-there pink is another trend we see time and time again on Scandinavian women. The low-fuss and low-maintenance look involves a very sheer coat of pink, which instantly makes the nail plates look healthy and glossy. It’s like no-makeup makeup for your nails, which instantly makes them look polished and groomed. And do you know what the bonus is? Chipping doesn’t show up half as much with this nail colour hue.
A sheer coat of polish makes nails look so healthy.
Experiment with layering sheer polishes for a more opaque or see-through effect.
Brown nails are back in a big way right now, and Scandinavian girls and celebrities alike are jumping on the trend. “Experimentation with brown hues will define this season’s vibe, as we are already seeing through celebrity styling,” says Busch. “Light, milky browns and rich caramels mixed with a glazed finish effect is the perfectly elegant and elevated play on neutrals for the ultimate autumn shades.”
Dark brown makes a great choice if you find black polish too harsh.
So glossy, so chic.
“It was only a matter of time before the “blushing” trend made its way to nails,” notes Busch. “Taking the concept of lip blushing’s emphasis and concentration on a natural ‘blushed’ pigmentation, the nail look requires a warm and glowing polish colour with a translucent and glossy finish.” Want to try out the blush nail trend? Alûstre’s pink top coat is perfect for layering with the transparent top coat to create this glossy blushed look.
A bright yet sheer pink polish gives a healthy flush to nails.
