Express yourself with the latest nail trends of the season. Bright, bold or bling – it’s all about the detail.

Nails are the new mood board, so ditch the single shades and shout about who you are with rhinestones, swirls and neon details. 

Abstract Swirl  

Abstract nails have “curly waves in different colours and styles,” explains Jenet Seroka, the founder of Hotspot Beauty Salon in Johannesburg.  

Not to be confused with marble nails, abstract nails are more curved and have a dizzying spiral look, whereas marble nails look like swirls of ink in water. This look was a post-lockdown favourite with the hashtag bagging over 40 million views on TikTok alone.  

Neon Details  

On the bright side: even if you’re not into bold colours, you can still add a little pop with minimalist dots, circles or stripes of neon colour.  

Go for a French manicure with neon tips, or pair neon shapes with grey or dark blue to make them really stand out.  

Extra Length  

Long nails are not going anywhere, they’re just becoming longer with each season. “Personally, I adore long nails. They need patience and a gentle hand to perfect,” says Jenet. If Cardi B can change nappies with long nails, surely, we can too?  

Combo  

The beauty of this trend is that you can mix and match all of these elements as you please, from month to month or even nail to nail. Each set, or even each individual nail, can tell its own story. Let your imagination run wild – more is more, right?  

Rhinestones  

A little bling never hurt anybody. Go big by covering your nails in rhinestones or keep it subtle with just a few here and there. Whatever you decide, it does take an expert to place and glue down these gems.  

“The key is the gel: rhinestones can last up to two weeks if you stay away from hard labour,” smiles Johannesburg-based nail artist Ade Dawodu. He counts DJ Zinhle and rapper Nadia Nakai among his A-list clients.  

Words by Sindeka Man Doyi
Photography: Getty Images, Shutterstock