It’s always a very sad time saying goodbye to summer (the few days we had, at least) and the beauty trends that go with it. But when the leaves start to turn, there’s one thing I always welcome with open arms—autumn nail trends. Yes, the biggest nail trends right now are getting me seriously ready for cosy season—everything from the best autumn nail colours and to cold-season-appropriate nail art is getting me excited.
Although it's not technically autumn yet, it feels like the gloomy weather has slapped us straight in the face and declared that the cosy season is upon us. Because of that, I'm ready to embrace the seasonal changes with deep berry shades, like Bio Sculpture Nail Polish in A Night At The Opera, which has me craving all things cosy weather. If you're not yet ready to say goodbye to the vivid shades of summer then there is also mint greens and syrup textures to satisfy you.
Ahead are the autumn nail trends that the UK's best nail experts want you to know about ahead of the new season.
The Top Autumn Nail Trends 2024
1. Syrup nails
Alex Philamond notes syrup nails as a huge autumn trend. "They’re specifically a type of Korean polish product that has a semi-sheer consistency so that the finished aesthetic isn’t an opaque block colour but has more of that dewy look that builder gel is so favoured for," he explains.
Philamond thinks this uptick is due to increased access to Korean and Japanese beauty products. "The interest in K-beauty is so feverish at the moment, and that doesn’t just extend to make-up and skincare. The formulations in K-beauty nail products are renowned for being just as innovative, so it’s a really exciting time to have access to K and J nail brands," he says, noting YogurtNail as a brand he loves.
2. Cherry cola
As much as we want to be original, autumn really is all about those deeper shades. One of those rich, opulent hues that nail artist Kari Roberts is creating for her clients is cherry cola nails. You can either find the perfect black-red for this or you can use a layering technique to achieve this. Roberts explains that you can first layer a coat of black polish before applying a coat of deep red, which has a jelly or syrup finish (basically, as Philamond explained earlier, something that's semi-sheer). Add a high-shine top coat to finish it off and you have the richest, most stunning nails for autumn. Roberts noted fellow nail artist Alyx Lippiatt's quick demonstration here.
I recommend visiting your local salon to achieve this exact look at home, but if you can't then you can certainly try this at home. Just be sure to allow your nails to fully dry between each coat.
3. Cosy cream
"If you aren’t ready to give up the lighter summer shades just yet, try a cosy cream," says manicurist, Keely Decosta. "It's more wearable than white with the warm fuzzy feelings of autumn." It's creamy, soft and can be customised for your skin tone, especially if you get a gel manicure with a pro. For gel polish, Decosta loves Relive by Kinetics and Cashmere by Glossify, but if you're trying this at home, I have a few recommendations below.
4. Layered chrome
"One trend I’m most excited for this autumn is the layered chrome effect," says Roberts. This is a trend best reserved for your next nail appointment as it requires gels. Layered chrome is achieved using two different special types of products and techniques. The first is with a cat eye nail polish, which uses a special type of polish that has magnetic particles in it and a magnet to create mesmerising effects. The second is using a chrome pigment, which is buffed into the nail to give a chrome effect.
Using the chrome over the top of the cat eye gives a "gorgeous shiny, iridescent finish to the nail", making it perfect for that transitional period into autumn.
5. Suede effect
If you're a neutrals person at heart but still want to jazz up your manicure, try suede nails. This is essentially using a matte top coat to create that suede-looking effect. "Suede is everywhere this season, so take this trend to your manicure by using a matte topcoat like the Ethos Matte Top Coat by Bio Sculpture," says Decosta.
6. Green French tips
Summer's iconic matcha mani is here to stay for autumn. Try Mii Cosmetics Colour Confidence Sage Potion in a French tip. "The green tips are unexpected yet sophisticated, offering a chic alternative to traditional white tips," says Mii Cosmetics’ pro nail ambassador, Hayley McColm. Use a small nail art brush like this Mylee set for extra precision.
7. Micro embellishments
Not every nail art statement has to be bold—I adore a micro embellishment. Autumn is the perfect time to try something like this if you want to say goodbye to bright and bold summer nail art in favour of slightly more pared-back looks. I particularly love this look, which features a deep autumnal red with tiny rhinestones added to the base of each nail.
8. Blooming gel tips
Blooming gel isn't new, but it's having a bit of a resurgence on Instagram right now. For autumn, I'm loving blooming gel French tips. There are so many ways to use blooming gel and so many colours to create with, this is one of those manicures that'll look unique every single time. If you want to dial up the fall vibes, use rich opulent hues. Or, if you're not ready to say goodbye to summer yet, then use your bright, complementary shades.
Timeless Autumn nail looks
9. Deep reds
“Nothing says autumn more than a deep-red manicure,” says Liverpool-based manicurist, Keely Decosta, and I couldn’t agree more. For this classic shade, she recommends classic brands. “Rough Noir by Chanel is the perfect shade for this,” a red-black that’s rich, glossy and autumnal definition of quiet luxury.
Manicurist Alex Philamond echoes this. “The manicurist community [is all] about the lore around Chanel's Rouge Noir and its predecessor, Vamp, which has consequently caused a spike in requests for so-dark-it's-almost-black reds,” he says. “Think: a room-temp bottle of vintage pinot noir and lavish, ebony furniture.” If you’re visiting the salon wanting a gel colour, Keely loves Pinotage by Bio Sculpture.
10. Naked manicure
Although this isn’t a seasonal trend per se, the popularity of the naked manicure (see also milky nails and BB cream nails) showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon. The 'your nails but better' trend is one that works year-round for every person, skin tone and nail type or length. Nailing this trend lies in choosing the perfect hue. “This trend is great for those who need a softer intro into an autumn manicure,” explains manicurist, Tinu Bello.
“Pick a sheer nude shade that complements your skin tone; warmer tones should look for peachier shades,” Keely explains. She recommends opting for Biosculpture’s Sweet Candy Breath, available in both nail polish and gel polish. Plus, it’s what Sophia Richie Grainge wore on her wedding day, so is a sure winner. For cooler tones, Keely loves Dior’s Nail Glow to “instantly transform nails”. Tinu recommends the Mylee Builder Gel with some jewels from the Mylee Be Jewelled Nail Art Kit for an elevated look.
11. Shorter lengths
Again, short nails are not an autumn 2024 specific trend, but it’s something manicurist Iram Shelton notices come autumn. “It’s a time where people are focused more on nail health after the summer,” she says. “I would always recommend applying a nail treatment to your nails regularly to maintain them; keeping them strong and healthy,” Iram says.
For maintenance, Iram recommends OPI Repair Mode Serum to help protect nails against breakage. “If you’re someone who is starting out their natural nail journey then this paired with OPI Nail Envy is something I would highly recommend—you can thank me later,” she says.
12. Autumnal tortoiseshell
One of the best trends for autumn comes from celebrity manicurist, Stephanie Staunton. “I’ve been doing lots of cat eye nails under sheer orange, earthy, rust shades,” she says. Her favourite is doing this to create a classic tortoiseshell nail with a cat eye twist on the base.
Layering textures and colours like this creates a set that changes with different angles and lights. This is definitely one to leave to your nail tech because it requires special products and an expert eye, however you can use layers of metallics and diluted polish to create a similar impact.
13. Tomato red
If deep reds aren’t for you, try a tomato red. “The reason I love this trend is because red can work for every skin tone and really make a statement when the season usually takes on darker tones,” says Bello. Her favourites include Mylee’s As Red As It Gets or Piping Hot. I also love nail-tech favourite, Biosculpture’s Pillar Box for this trend, too.
14. Autumn sunset
Think burnt orange but less summery and more autumnal. It makes for the perfect alternative to classic autumnal red by delivering a deeper, warmer, cosier look. I can’t think of a more perfect hue to say goodbye to summer and welcome in cooler, cosy evenings.
