I don’t know about you, but I never get nail fatigue. In fact, as much as I love buying new makeup, switching up my skincare routine or trying something different with my hair, shifting my nail MO reigns supreme. Painting my nails has become my happy place, and while I absolutely love the boost a shiny new colour gives my mood and confidence, the actual process of painting my nails—or even going to the salon—is one of my favourite ways to wind down and turn the world off for a second. You know what I mean?
I don’t typically buy into trends when it comes to my mani of choice (I’ll paint my nails any hue I damn well please, thank you very much), but that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in finding out which nail colours will pop more than others in 2022. (I love some inspiration, after all.) To get some intel, I reached out to two top nail pros for their predictions on which nail colours will eclipse all others this year. Below, find nine popular nail colours for 2022 to consider for your next paint job. Keep scrolling!
“A clean, soft white that gives a sense of simplicity and inner peace will be big in 2022,” shares celebrity manicurist Sigourney Nuñez. “My favourite soft white right now is Perfect Pearl from Pleasing.”
This soft white hue from Harry Styles’s line, Pleasing, looks as stylish on nails as it does on your dressing table.
Nailberry’s formulas are seriously long-lasting, and this shade is the perfect off-white hue.
“Think of this as a new take on a nude that’s brighter than your classic tan,” notes Nuñez. “This shade will give a soft, upbeat feeling to a traditional muted nude mani.”
This iced-latte shade is so stylish.
A shade that’s almost good enough to eat.
“A gentle and powdery take on a staple shade,” continues Nuñez. “My favourite right now is Granny’s Pink Pearls by Pleasing—it even has a pearlescent finish.” (Editor’s note: You can nab the shade when you buy Pleasing’s entire set below!)
You can create endless nail combinations with this set, but we’ve got our eyes on the ‘Granny’s Pink Pearls’ shade.
We’re into this nostalgic pink shade, which has a subtle shimmer.
“Although it’s not quite a ‘colour’ per se, nail polish toppers will be the dark horse of polish shades next year,” says Nuñez. “Pleasing’s Pearly Tops, for example, is a clear polish with a subtle iridescence that dries to a matte finish. It can be worn alone for a subtle effect, or you can apply it over your favourite shade and watch it transform. Another favourite topper is gold. You can add a hint of metallic finish to any shade by layering it on top.”
A sheer coat of this sheer pearl shade leaves nails with a subtle gleam–we’re into it
Infused with shimmery glitter, this sheer polish looks great alone of layered on top of your nail colour.
“I love this creamy shade of celadon,” shares celebrity nail artist and founder of Nails of LA Brittney Boyce.”I think we’ll be seeing colours that are opaque and pigmented rather than sheer.”
The most perfect green shade we’ve found.
A green hue that looks great on all hands.
“In general, warm, bright shades will be big in 2022—whether it’s green, blue, orange or lilac,” adds Boyce.
Vibrant blues are so chic right now.
Does it get better than a blue Gucci nail polish? We think not.
“Colours will tend to run on the warmer side to be more universally flattering across skin tones,” says Boyce. “A rich shade of olive—green will be so big in 2022—is a great option.”
Olive is unexpected and is a great option if you’re looking to try a new nail polish colour.
The finish on this polish is so shiny.
“Sand tones, rather than a typical light pink–based neutral, will trend in 2022,” notes Boyce. (Maybe consider retiring your collection of baby pink?)
We’re obsessed with this soft sand colour.
Prefer a shimmer? This sandy tone has a beautiful pearl finish.
According to Boyce, the 2022 way to do purple will be creamy, opaque and lilac-esque. Vertigo, a sold-out shade from Machine Gun Kelly’s new brand UN/DN Laqr, is her top pick, but it’s only available in the U.S. right now. We found a few other options you can get your hands on now.
This sheer lilac is so pretty.
You can’t go wrong with Mavala’s colours and formulas. Next up, trust us—you’re going to want to show your salon these 18 winter nail designs.
