AUTUMN EDIT
Houston megaspa boss reveals how to totally nail it with fall's coolest trends
Maybe it's the new season or a bit of Barbie fatigue, but nail techs everywhere are seeing a resurgence of darker fall-inspired nails. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Haily Bieber, Lizzo, and Kylie Jenner are opting for richer hues and more simple styles.
Nails are an excellent option for those looking to channel their inner cozy girl aesthetic without overhauling their wardrobe. From hot chocolate hues to vampy reds and seasonal nail art, there are many options to stay fashioniable.
To uncover the hottest autumn-inspired nails, we went straight to Brian Nguyen, managing partner of Milano Nail Spa The Heights. Nguyen spends his days in the largest nail salon in Texas, giving him the inside scoop on the most sought-after styles right now.
Clean aesthetic/quiet luxury nails
This chic and understated trend, popularized on social media, embraces a minimalist look. Kylie Jenner, once queen of oversized talons, proved that less is more in her latest photoshoot for Kylie Cosmetics.
According to Nguyen, shades like OPI's Funny Bunny and Bubble Bath are staples. He has also seen a resurgence of the classic French manicure with an updated twist. "We have a lot of requests for French manicures on almond or squoval tips (square and round). We are also seeing a lot of thin tips and bolder double French tips – this timeless style is making a strong comeback."
The squoval tip (square + round) is an updated choice for the classic French manicure. Photo by Opi/Instagram
Colors of the season: Cherry Red and Chocolate Brown
The pink and silver nails of spring and summer have given way to the richer hues of fall. Celebrities like Hailey Beiber embrace the chocolate brown tortoiseshell look, while Selena Gomez opts for a cherry red vampy color.
Selena Gomez rocks a dark red color for the VMAs. Photo by Tom Bachik Nails/Instagram
Chrome
With over 1.4 billion views on TikTok, the Chrome nail trend might be here to stay. Nguyen and his team see chrome used over colors, including blues, greens, and French manicures. They are also seeing a rise in requests for chocolate-glazed donut nails. A play on summer 2022's hottest trend, this look has a velvety brown look perfect for fall fashion.
The Chrome nail trend has racked up 1.4 billion views on TikTok.Isobel Grace Wassall/Instagram
Retro/Mix Match Nails
Intricate nail designs with patterns and multiple colors are a fun way to set off any outfit. Gwen Stefani chose checkerboard nails by celebrity nail artist Eri Ishizu for the premier of this season's The Voice. Nguyen says flower art and geometric designs are also popular with his younger clients, who often pair the looks with almond or squoval-shaped tips.
Gwen Stefani chose a retro checkerboard pattern for The Voice. Photo by Eri Ishizu/Instagram
Halloween Nails
It's spooky season, which means Halloween-themed nail art is the best way to live out your costumed dreams. While pumpkins, skeletons, ghosts, and spider webs are the most requested designs at Milano Nail Spa, glow-in-the-dark nails, two-toned nails, and dark French tips are also options.
Halloween nails make an excellent accessory for any Halloween costume. Photo by Alex Montoya