Winter 2022 Nail Trends Include Tortoise, Pop Art, and Chrome

Is there any better way to usher in the new season that a fresh set of nails? This year, tortoise nails are the hottest trend for winter 2022, with searches on Pinterest up 1900%.  

To help you find the perfect design for your next manicure appointment, or DIY nail session, the team of trend experts at Wethrift has uncovered the top winter nail art trends for 2022, by analyzing search volume data on picture sharing site, Pinterest. 

Nick Drewe, Trend Expert shares his insight into the winter nail trends:

1. Tortoise – 1900% 

Tortishell nails are back in full force. Animal prints seem to be one of the hottest trends of the year, but for autumn and winter, we’re stepping away from the bold prints and opting for a more toned-down design. The technique using caramel, brown and black shades is going to be a huge hit this winter, with searches up by 1900% on Pinterest. 

2. Pop Art – 1150% 

Pop Art is the latest nail trend to take over social media, dominating our Instagram and TikTok feeds in a variety of different styles. The demand for comic book-inspired designs has increased by a whopping 1150% on Pinterest in the lead-up to winter, while over on TikTok the #popartnails hashtag has amassed a colossal 35.2 million views. 

3. Chrome – 691% 

Chrome nails have become a go-to design over the past few months, and it looks like more people will be joining the hype in the lead-up to winter with an increase of 691% in searches. The best thing about nail design is that it can be incorporated into your individual style. 

You can go for a bold and daring full chrome look or opt for a futuristic twist on the classic French tip. Lizzo, Zendaya, and Dua Lipa are just a few of the A-list celebrities that have been seen sporting the mirror effect nails, in shades of silver, gold, and copper. 

4. Cherry Red – 285%

Red is considered a timeless winter classic and will never go out of style. This season cherry red is becoming a firm favorite among manicurists. Go simple by creating a red french tip,  get creative with a fun design or play around with different colors to create a rainbow effect. If you want something that leans on the classy side, go for a simple red gloss finish. 

5. Plum – 270% 

If you’re always guilty of sticking to a classic nude polish, then winter is the perfect time to experiment with color. This season, we’re going to see a lot of dark tones making a comeback, and plum will be the hot color of the season. There are more ways to wear dark tones than just a solid shade, you can print thick lines, opt for polka dots or add curves and swirls. 

6. Maroon – 233% 

This nail colour makes a comeback every single winter and we can totally see why. You simply can’t go wrong with a classic deep maroon manicure, whether it’s a block colour or a french tip there is a style to suit everyone this season – but we’re swooning over a matt finish. 

7. Celestial – 188% 

It seems that our fascination with what’s happening in the sky is making its way into our nail art inspiration. The celestial nail trend is a show-stopper this year and we’re seeing it everywhere. Not only is the astronomy-themed design versatile, but it pairs well with nails of all different lengths and shapes. Sky dwellers try your hand at the design! 

8. Forest Green – 115%

Forest green is a must-have trend this season, with searches up by a whopping 115% on Pinterest. If you love earthy tones, chances are you haven’t been waiting for winter to break out your favorite staple shade. Forest green is a muted tone with just enough depth to make a statement but soft enough to go with literally anything. 

9. Chocolate Brown – 93% 

If there is a nail color of the season, it’s chocolate brown. Just a few weeks ago, style icon Hailey Bieber debuted the chocolate glazed doughnut nails, which resemble the iced desert. The trend has been making waves on social media, along with a simple chocolate tone. 

You can’t go wrong with an on-theme brown for autumn and winter, but if you’re looking for something more unexpected, ‘70s swirls are on-trend. It’s a fresh way to embrace darker tones and give your traditional solid shade a break. 

10. Navy – 91%

Navy is having a major moment right now, because who doesn’t love a pop of blue? Deep navy blue works so well for autumn and winter and is a relatively simple look to recreate at home. The best thing about it is that there’s a style to suit every taste, whether you’re looking for a simple or intricate design, the color makes for a super elegant look. 

*We analyzed Pinterest search volume data from September 2022 to current. 

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