Celebrities around the world are going back to the basics when it comes to their nails. Though it wasn’t long ago that long, square-shaped acrylics were plastered across our Instagram explore pages, a look through the social media accounts of household names—think: Han So-hee and Zoe Kravitz—make it clear that pared-back designs such as skin-like shades and short red nails are making a comeback.
But what prompted the renaissance of low-maintenance, minimal styles? Our guess: the rise of quiet luxury and stealth wealth in 2023, fuelled by the internet’s obsession with HBO’s Succession that saw trends like logomania and eye-searing shades on athleisure pieces plummet in popularity. It’s no surprise then that this mass anti-bling movement has changed mindsets about maximalist designs on nails as well, leading to the myriad of refined nail looks that we’ve been spying on the hands of the stylish celebrity set.
Some celebrities like Hailey Bieber are ahead of the crowd. The Rhode Skin founder had unofficially been crowned the queen of nail inspiration after the debut of her “glazed donut” nails in 2022. The style is named after the shimmering, cloudy look given by coating sheer polish-clad nails with chrome powder, resulting in the ultimate “clean girl” nails—ones that are elevated yet minimal.
But other stars like IVE’s Wonyoung and model Irene Kim are ditching the chrome powder all together, opting for subtle nude polish and ombre designs featuring soft pink shades.
The most outstanding trend on this list so far? The classic red nail, albeit in a short, rounded rendition instead of long, dramatic shapes seen in past years. Stars seen sporting this style include(G)I-DLE’s Shuhua and actress Zoey Deutch, just to name a few.
We’ve rounded up the best nail looks from celebrities to cop at your next nail appointment below.
Your Nails But Better
Of all the looks on our list, “your nails but better” takes the cake for the most minimal design. Spotted on model Irene Kim, internet personality Jenn Im, actresses Han So-hee and Zoe Kravitz, the look involves thin layers of sheer nude polish to allow their natural nails to show through, while masking imperfections such as ridges and chipped edges.
A short almond shape is a favourite pick for this trend.
Nude Chrome Nails
Hailey Bieber’s chrome nails live on. In 2024, white sheer polish is swapped out for nude shades such as pink, as seen on Hailey and Kylie Jenner, and beige, worn by Jennifer Lopez, who had her set done by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik.
Pink Ombré Nails
For a subtle pop of colour, take a cue from IVE members Wonyoung and Leeseo and pair a skin-like shade with a soft pink in an ombré design. Both singers opted for longer almond shaped nails.
Solid Red Nails
While red is typically a celebrity-favourite colour for fall and winter seasons, celebrities like (G)I-DLE’s Yuqi and actress Zoey Deutch are sporting a brighter shade right now.
LESSERAFIM’s Yunjin, one of K-Pop’s biggest trendsetters, stands out from the crowd with longer nails painted in a transparent red.
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