The autumn nail trends to know for 2023, according to the pros

Who's ready for a change of scenery? Us too. To get a kickstart on the autumn nail trends, we asked our favourite nail artists to spill the deets on their top trend predictions for the nail art and nail shades we'll be wearing for the season ahead, whether you're more of a mani minimalist, or you want something super statement.

So, if you want to swot up (and jump in) early, here's the autumn nail trends to have on your radar...

Latte nails

Latte makeup has taken off big time on TikTok as the warm and pretty transitional beauty trend to take our complexions from sunkissed summer to cosy winter – and it will be infiltrating mani trends, too. “I think this autumn we will see a lot of rich brown shades. I can see lots of caramel, toffee, chocolate and cream shades trending,” says luxury nail artist and educator, Jess White. “The warm and inviting tones exude a sense of cosiness and sophistication," she adds.

Autumn Frenchies

“Dark French tips on a sheer natural base, like a black tip, are big,” confirms top nail artist, Harriet Westmoreland. “They're delicate with a bit of an edge,” she explains. “I think the ‘cool girl’ shape will be a long almond, with a nod to the grunge trend. So a deep french in colours like Lady in Black and Malaga Wine by OPI,” Harriet says. Although, if you prefer a shorter shape, squoval micro Frenchies are the way forward.

"Everyone will be asking for deep coloured Frenchies," agrees luxury manicurist, Julia Diogo. "Olive green frenchies will be very cool," she adds, or try rouge noir, black, brow or deep forest greens.

And the Frenchie style will be getting a little remix, too. “As autumn approaches, it's no surprise that we will witness exciting twists on the classic French tip manicure,” says Jess. “Side French tips and reverse French tips have gained popularity as they offer a playful and refreshing take on the traditional style. These variations allow you to mix things up and add a touch of uniqueness to your manicure. What's even more captivating is that these designs can be executed with a dark colour, deviating from the classic white. This adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, making it perfect for the winter season,” she says.

Syrup nails

An up and comer that you'll be seeing a lot more of, is syrup nails. “This trend originated in Asia a while back, and now seems to be taking over,” confirms celebrity manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, who counts Dua Lipa and Adele as clients. “This is where glass or jelly colours are layered over the nail to give a sheer syrup effect, and it can be developed into bespoke designs with several colours. For autumn, it works so well with subdued and muted tones: think honey, amber, glass bottle greens, dark purples,” says Michelle. And it works as a Frenchie too. “Try a more intense saturated pink base or even a honey shade, then layer the tip over the top,” she says.

Chrombre

After a few seasons in the spotlight, chrome remains on the agenda. “Yup, more chrome. Chrome is pretty much killing it at the moment,” says Michelle. But for a new twist, try “chrombre” – a chrome ombre. “Have your nail tech create an ombre nail using the colours of your choice, then apply a sheer chrome over the top.” says Michelle. “It can be done in any colour, it's so versatile,” she adds.

Monochrome

If you sit somewhere between a minimalist and a maximalist, monochrome nails may be the way to go. The black and white colour palette keeps things simple, but the opportunity to introduce pattern is endless. “I think we’ll be seeing lots of monochromatic nail looks,” confirms pro nail artist and OPI ambassador, Iram Shelton. “As winter approaches, it's evident that dark nails will take centre stage in terms of popularity,” agrees Jess, who also predicts “striking monochromatic” nails will be big.

Short nails

For the new season it looks like we're going back to basics with short nails becoming more popular. “I think that short nails are definitely in this autumn! After a summer of flaunting long fun nails, it’s time to cut them back and bring in the new season with fresh short nails. I think many will agree with me when I say that September, with its aura of fresh beginnings, is the perfect time to embrace short nails as a symbol of the new season,” says Jess who points out: “short nails are also super practical.”

As for how to shape them, “I've had several requests from my clients for a squoval nail shape - which is a square/oval shape, think straight side walls with a rounded tip - this is a very old school nostalgic shape and I expect it to grow in popularity this autumn-winter,” says Michelle.

Blush, eyeshadow and nails

If you love something with a little more design going on, “eyeshadow and blush nails have become a captivating new technique that is taking the nail industry by storm. This innovative approach involves using a fluffy brush to delicately tap powder onto the nails, resulting in a stunning airbrushed effect. It's an incredibly fun and creative way to infuse your manicure with a burst of colour,” says Jess

And OG airbrush is going nowhere either. It involves using an airbusuh machine to achieve the diffused effect. The trend has even branched out into aura nails which sees the airbrushing technique used to create a mani that suits your mood and “aura”. “Airbrush nails are a huge trend right now, from chrome aura nails to precise stencil work,” says Michelle. “Make your airbrush manicure perfect for autumn by choosing a dark background as your canvas, like navy blue, rouge noir or plum. Get the look at home using nail polish and make up sponges. Layer colours onto a sponge and gently dab onto the nail create this effect, then clean up any overflow on the skin using a q-tip in remover,” says Michelle.

Olive and forest green

Yes it comes back every autumn, but just because it's classic, doesn't mean that green isn't a major trend for autumn. Avo is perfect if you want an offbeat shade, but if you want something a little deeper, forest green will continue to trend after headlining last autumn. “Biosculpture do an amazing shade called Free Lovin which is a super deep forest green,” says Julia. “I definitely think olives and matcha greens will be very popular to,” she adds. And, with social media crowning new trends every day, the shade could be repackaged and re-energised. “Be prepared for there to be lots of new names for classic colours – not too long ago Sofia Richie had everyone calling pastel blue nails blueberry milk nails. So, you never know the olive and matcha manicure could be the new thing,” says Julia.

Moody tones

Likewise, moody tones will have their moment. “I think we’ll see trends moving towards the moodier tones and incorporating an accent of these colours whether all over, as a french tip, or nail art,” says Harriet. “Subdued tones and earthy colours like browns, taupes, off whites, forest greens, grey toned blues, and burnt oranges will be popular,” says Michelle. “We’re seeing lots of the colours of nature for autumn-winter: the deep reds, taupes, browns, blacks and dark blues. The classic autumn shades are just forever chic,” Harriet adds.

Glossy black

“The darker colours are definitely going to be a hit with my favourite being a glossy black nail. You just can’t go wrong with it,” says Iram. “Gucci Beauty's nails polish in Crystal black paired with beautifully manicured nails is *chefs kiss*,” she adds.

Rhinestones, crystals and gems

Want to add an extra something-something to your mani? “Nails are becoming much more than just nails they’re an accessory,” says Iram who's noticing rhinestones and other dinky details making their way onto our tips. “Upgrade your mani by adding a random scattering of crystals,” agrees Michelle.

Naked nails

“In my opinion, clean glossy nails will still be very much in this autumn-winter. People are still really stripping back and it’s lovely,” says Julia who recommends neutrals to match individual skin tones. “The trend of the 'barely-there nail' is gaining popularity at the moment, and it's no surprise to see it making waves across social media," agrees Jess. "This minimalist design involves applying a super sheer nail shade, such as OPI's 'Love is in the Bare’ or ‘Put It In Neutral’ to create the illusion of naturally flawless nails. It's like having your own nails, but enhanced and perfected,” she adds. “I don’t think the sheer and milky neutrals will be going anywhere in autumn, as they're such a chic, fresh, classic that work for everyone,” Harriet concurs. As for colours, “OPI bubble bath and Chanel Ballerina are my go to nudes,” says Iram. “They are staple colours that can be worn alone or as a base for nail art or a french tip. These are a hit all year round.”

Animal print

Animal print is as eponymous for autumn as florals are for spring. We're loving the Safari print nails we keep spotting.

Cobalt

“OPI Shore Is Something is my favourite shade at the moment and was a huge hit over on my socials. It’s a gorgeous cobalt blue that can easily be transitioned from a summer look to an autumn nail look,” says Iram.

3D effect

Want something out of the box? 3D nails are ahead of the game. “3D nails are a huge hit right now due to the evolution of nail technology and products which are allowing nail technicians to push boundaries when it comes to creating 3D designs," says Michelle. “Perfect for the die hard nail fans, conceptual nail art has become a huge hit and will continue into autumn-winter. Dua Lipa [one of Michelle's celeb clients] is a firm fan of a 3D nail and wears them regularly. It's definitely not a technique you can achieve at home, but something a nail pro can create for you to enjoy for a few weeks at a time.” One 3D design Michelle is particularly fond of? The illusion bubble or droplet tip. ”This is an advanced technique that your nail pro can create over a clear nail tip. It literally looks like water drops under the nail," she says.

Mixed matte

“I would also like to think we’ll be seeing matte nails as it usually looks best on darker colours,” says Iram. "I adore the matte vs gloss nail art. Dark matte nails with a glossy french tip work beautifully," she says.

For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk.