The 10 nail trends you need to note for AW23
By Callie Iley | 29 September 2023 | Feature, News
Capture the essence of the coming seasons with Scratch’s roundup of nail art trends & shades to note…
Whether clients prefer a laid-back nail look or want to be bold with colour, nail art and design, the latter part of the year serves
up a multitude of trends to suit. With influences stemming from the runway, autumn/winter will see a versatile range of styles; from short and fresh nude manis to long, gothic and embellished designs.
1. Tones of nature
The natural world heavily influences nail trends this season, with dark browns, navy blues and khaki greens showing up on the catwalks and in nail colour collections.
Biggleswade-based manicurist, @gellybeannails, adds a neutral twist to gradient nails.
“Autumn nail trends for this year will be chic and minimal,” says Karen Louise, Salon System nail expert. “Expect clients to ask for a neutral shade with simple nail art. Soft browns and earthy greens will be go-to hues, with additions of a glazed top coat, small, detailed nail art, or delicate embellishments.”
The team at Leighton Buzzard Threading & Beauty (@leightonbuzzardthreading) adds a touch of gold to a leafy green gel polish overlay.
“I expect green and brown tones to prove popular this season,” shares Rosie Briggs, marketing executive at Sweet Squared. “Green used to be one of my least used colours, but requests for tones have green have grown over the last few years. My favourite shades are CND Shellac™ in Aura, Olive Grove and Gilded Sage, and Rags To Stitches from CND™’s Upcycle Chic collection.”
2. Velvet luxe
Add textured elegance to nails with the return of velvet- effect nails, offering a multi-dimensional, soft style to excite clients as the seasons change.
This dreamy overlay by Birmingham- based nail artist, Honorine Monteiro (@hono_nails), shimmers as it catches the light.
“You can create velvet-style nails in a variety of ways, such as using velvet flock powder, a metallic polish in a deep shade, or cat eye gel polish with a matte top coat,” says Stephanie Hathrill, celebrity nail artist & Magpie Beauty brand ambassador.
Kay’s Amazing Nails (@kaysnail) combines a velvet finish with earth tones for the ultimate autumn/winter mani.
3. Ruby hues
A range of rich red hues, from bright candy reds to deep, wine tones, will be adding a touch of luxury to nail looks this autumn and see clients through to Christmas.
Spicy red nails never go out of style, as shown by Carrie Murphy of The Nail Room (@carries.nail.room), Blandford Forum.
“Expect requests for mulled-wine reds and deep purples as we move into the latter part of the year,” predicts Glitterbels social media manager, Ebony Shepherd.
Bright and bold red nail enhancements by Denmark-based nail artist, Emilie Nielsen (@emnienails).
4. Chrome calling
Neutrals and earth tones will receive a glazed makeover for autumn/winter, with nail art additions created using chrome effect products for cool, statement-making looks. “Expect mixed metal designs using gold, silver, and copper chromes,” says Ebony Shepherd.
This full-coverage chrome style comes courtesy of Italian nail artist, Jeannette Marie Luna (@lunitas_magicnails).
“The chrome nail trend, made popular by model, Hayley Bieber, is going nowhere fast,” shares Rosie Briggs. “Adding chromes over autumn/winter colours looks just as fabulous as when the ‘glazed’ effect was added to spring/summer tones. Apply CND™ Over The Top Effects in Off the Chain over Shellac™ shades Toffee Talk or Wooded Bliss to create a chocolate glazed nail.”
This eye-catching nail style by Vanessa Armitage of Nailicious By Vanessa (@nailicious_by_vanessa), Reddish, features silver chrome swirls and tips over a natural-looking base hue.
5. Tortie time
A firm favourite year after year, tortoiseshell nail art combines deep browns and caramel tones for apt autumnal styling. The versatile tortie look can be worn alone or as a feature nail alongside other seasonal shades for a subtle yet striking finish.
Halo Platinum VIP, @byjessicar, complements this tortoiseshell look with an on-trend ruby shade and some sparkle.
6. Clean & serene
“A slick, clean manicure will remain popular into autumn/winter 2023, making use of sheer nude hues and even clear,” says Julie-Anne Larivière, Salon System nail expert.
Leeds nail stylist, Matilde Andre (@matildea_nailsbeauty), adds delicate metallic details to a nude base.
Ebony Shepherd agrees, commenting: “Delicate greys and barely-there beiges are sure to be a big hit with clients who seek a luxurious yet subtle and sophisticated finish.”
Glitterbels co-founder, Annabel Maginnis (@nails_by_annabel_m), showcases a sleek nail overlay, using Glitterbels Hema-Free Builder-Bel Gel in Barely There.
7. Gothcore
Step aside Barbiecore! Invite clients to explore the dark side of nail art with bewitching gothcore-inspired styles this AW23, switching the hot pinks of the summer for deep, dark tones.
Brighton-based tooth gem and nail artist, Hannah of @gellraiser, adds a smoky twist to enhanced nails.
8. Embellished & textured looks
Let your creativity flow freely with embellished, 3D and textured looks this season, choosing metallic accents and striking details.
This 3D design by French nail artist, Khun Mimi (@khun_mimi), makes a striking statement and evokes a wintry feel.
“Textured nails have been evolving throughout 2023,” says Stephanie Hathrill. “This autumn, think studs, leather, 3D bubbles and jewels.”
Glasgow-based nail tech, Aimee of @thelacquerlassie, showcases edgy, embellished silver and black enhancements.
9. The fail-safe French
The classic French offers versatility all year-round, but try twists on the traditional pink and white shades with earthy or neutral hues alongside micro-French finishes.
Justyna Maris of @justyna.maris.godivanails shows off a classic micro French.
“Swap the pastel shades of spring and summer for French tips with burnt oranges, mustard yellows, olive greens and strong royal blues,” says Jaz Moger.
Nail artist & content creator, Amber of @amberjhnails, combines two seasonal trends with gold chrome French tips.
10. 70’s style
Embrace swirls and fluid, transformative styles on nails this season as the spirit of the 1970’s takes over the trendsphere. Use on-trend shades to create the fun looks and change up as you head into winter and spring.
Nail artist, Amy Skillicorn from the Isle of Man, uses brown and glittery gold to create a statement-making look.
Lead image courtesy of Artistic Nail Design, showcasing the Away We Go collection, available via www.louellabelle.co.uk.