Move Over Barbie Pink – This Is The New Shade Dominating Nail Salons In 2024

By Charlie Colville

8 months ago

Blue hues are in the news


We’ve already had a whole host of nail trends crop up this year – from butter yellows and coquette aesthetics to almond shapes – but the latest colour to find itself in high demand might not be what you think it is. Say bye-bye to Barbie pink, see you later risky red and so long to creamy neutrals – this year, it’s all about blue nails.

The Nail Trends Already Dominating 2024

Why Blue Nails Will Be 2024’s Trendiest Manicure

If you’re pretty keyed in to manicure must-haves, the recent switch-up to blue nails won’t come as much of a surprise. But for those of you who didn’t see the transition from blushing pinks to pretty blues, here’s a recap: ‘We have had light, sheer nails trending for a while, with the likes of BB nails and variations of glazed doughnut nails dominating salons,’ says manicurist and Senior Mylee Ambassador Tinu Bello. ‘And while nude glossy nails will continue to be popular, I do think that we are ready for colour – which is why blue is coming to the forefront.

‘Blue is the perfect spring shade with the versatility of opting for bright and bold, light, and fresh or deep and dark with shades ranging from cobalt, cerulean and baby blue,’ she continues. ‘Not only is there a shade for everyone’s aesthetic, the wide choice of shades also means you can match your mani to the ever-changing spring UK weather.’

@iramshelton This colour 🤤💙 @OPI #bluenails #nailpolish #iramshelton #nails #summernails #diynails #nailtiktok #nailartist #musthaveproducts ♬ original sound – iramshelton

This isn’t the first time hints of a blue takeover have popped up in the fashion and beauty space; not only was it the leading colour in Burberry’s 2023 rebrand (then dubbed ‘knight blue‘), it was also the colour of choice for many makeup teams helping bring SS24 collections to the runway. Blue has also become quite a hit on the celebrity circuit. ‘The queen of quiet luxury, Sofia Grainge, brought blueberry milk nails to the forefront last summer,’ says Tinu. ‘And, ever since, the shade has been moving into the spotlight – and it will have its moment this spring.’

The stamp of approval has also been given by TikTok, where searches for #bluenails have racked up over 86 million views. It’s here that you’ll find plenty of manicure inspiration, with content creators documenting their take on the trend.

Which Shades Of Blue Are Trending?

It’s not just one shade of blue making a splash this season, but several. Tinu tells us that the main shades to keep an eye out for are baby blue, sapphire, Tiffany blue and a rich, almost-navy, dark blue. But which shade should you go for? ‘As for what your blue mani says about you – well, it really depends on the shade,’ says Tinu. ‘A darker blue or navy evokes confidence, sophistication and class, whereas a lighter, brighter blue is more fun, cute and flirty.’

Black varnish bottle

What’s Next For Blue Nails

While you can stick with a solid blue manicure (there’s nothing wrong with a classic), there are plenty of directions you can take your nails in with this trend. ‘Blue lends itself to some fun and beautiful trends,’ agrees Tinu. ‘One we’re seeing a lot of this year is aura nails, which starts as a light shade in the centre and radiates to a darker shade giving an ocean or galaxy feel. Blue also works really well with marbling nail art to create a cloud-like effect. For an ethereal look, the shades work wonderfully with silver foil. If you want to stick closer to a traditional manicure, you can add a fun pop of colour with cobalt blue French tips.’

Nail Inspiration

1. Solid Blues

 

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2. Shade Scale

 

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3. Interchanging Florals

 

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4. Love Hearts

 

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5. Blue Almonds

 

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6. Blue Aura Nails

 

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7. Dainty Illustrations

 

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8. Marble Tops

 

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9. Minimal Lines

 

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10. Multi-Blue Florals

 

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Featured image: Mylee