Nail polish trends are constantly evolving, with new popular shades coming in and out of style each season. Choosing the right colors for your nails can be tricky when the “it” colors are changing so frequently. To help you stay on top of the hottest nail polish colors right now, we’ve put together this guide on the top shades you need for this year.
Nudes and Neutrals
Neutral nude polish colors are a staple that never really go out of style. They provide a clean, classic look that matches with any outfit. Recently, nude shades have been trending towards warmer and more natural hues that better complement a wide range of skin tones. Popular nudes right now include:
- Mocha – A rich light brown that pairs well with darker complexions.
- Almond – A soft peachy beige that works on paler skin tones.
- Latte – A milk chocolate hue that’s flattering on medium skin.
- Blush – A pinky nude with just a touch of color.
- Greige – A mix of gray and beige that’s slightly edgy but still neutral.
Sheer formulations are also popular for a subtle, barely-there nude look. Nudes are perfect for work and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Pastels
Pastel polish provides a soft, romantic look for spring and summer. From pale pink to powder blue, these tinted shades are much more wearable than bright neons. Some of the trendiest pastel nail polish colors include:
- Lavender – A light purple with a calming effect.
- Mint – A refreshing cool green that brightens the nails.
- Melon – A creamy cantaloupe hue.
- Lilac – A light violet inspired by fresh blooms.
- Seafoam – A mixture of green and blue for an ocean vibe.
Pastels work beautifully on short to medium length nails. Keep the rest of your look minimal to let the pretty polish stand out.
Bright Cremes
While nudes and pastels have their place, sometimes you need a bold, vibrant color to make a statement. Solid creme finishes in bright shades make your nails pop. Fun, eye-catching creme colors that are hot right now include:
- Red – A true classic that instantly pulls any look together.
- Coral – A summery peach-pink that brightens your tan.
- Electric blue – A neon bright blue that really stands out.
- Lime green – A fun punchy shade for your nails.
- Tangerine – A creamy bright orange with a retro vibe.
These playful shades look best on short to medium length nail styles. They’re great for making a bold statement at parties and events.
Moody Hues
At the other end of the spectrum from the brights, moody darker polish shades are also having a major moment. These deeper, more saturated hues have an elegant, mysterious effect. Some of the top moodier colors include:
- Plum – A rich violet shade that’s elegant for fall.
- Forest green – An earthy green tone that’s soothing.
- Navy – A sophisticated dark blue for nighttime.
- Blood orange – A retro 70’s reddish hue.
- Charcoal – A grayish alternative to black.
Pair moody nails with black outfits and dark lips for a seriously glam vibe. These colors also work for daytime when balanced with lighter clothing tones.
Metallic Chrome
No longer just for accents, metallic chrome nail polishes are taking center stage this year. The high shine mirror-like finishes look amazing on any nail length. Some of the most popular chrome shades include:
- Rose gold – A warm metallic pink tone.
- Gold – A true glistening gold foil effect.
- Silver – A cool-toned chrome that’s almost holographic.
- Gunmetal – A dark silvery metal inspired by luxury cars.
- Copper – A shiny rose-bronze metallic.
Chrome polish doesn’t even need embellishments or designs – the reflective finish is statement enough. Just add one coat of your favorite topcoat to really make them shine.
Glitter and Shimmer
For a fun pop of sparkle on your nails, glitter polish is trending in a big way. From chunky glitters to fine shimmers, there are endless dazzling options. Some of the most popular glittery shades include:
- Rainbow – Packed with multi-colored flecks of glitter.
- Holographic – A two-toned glitter polish that shifts colors.
- Rose gold – Warm pinkish glitter in a clear base.
- Champagne – Super fine neutral glitter for a shimmery effect.
- Blue – Clear base loaded with bright blue glitter bits.
Have fun mixing glitter shades with cremes to create glitter gradients and ombre designs. Add glitter as an accent nail or go full sparkle – the choice is yours!
Trendy Color Combinations
Creative color pairings take nails to the next level. Mixing complementary hues on alternating nails or even half-and-half on a single nail creates cool effects. Some trending color combos include:
- Red and pink – Classic and romantic.
- Black and white – Strikingly bold graphic style.
- Navy and orange – Retro and artsy.
- Gray and mauve – Elegant and feminine.
- Yellow and blue – Bright and fun.
Explore using colors from opposite sides of the color wheel like blue and orange for dramatic contrast. Or keep it cohesive with tones next to each other on the color wheel, like blue and purple. The possibilities are endless!
Top 2022 Nail Polish Colors
Here is a quick rundown of the 20 hottest nail polish color picks for 2022:
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Bubble Bath | Sheer pale pink |
| Sea Salt | Hazy light blue |
| Paloma | Dusty pink nude |
| Rose Quartz | Warm iridescent pink |
| Botanic Garden | Deep forest green |
| Veri Peri | Bright periwinkle blue |
| Orchid Bloom | Light purple |
| Bronze Aesthetic | Rose gold metallic |
| Digital Lavender | Pastel purple |
| Barely Blue | Baby blue cream |
| Cognac | Warm brown shimmer |
| Russet Red | Rich autumnal red |
| Licorice | Dark black cherry |
| Sea Glass | Tiffany blue cream |
| Pistachio Cream | Light green |
| Sunset Orange | Bright coral orange |
| Fairy Sparkles | Multi-colored glitter |
| Smoked Almond | Mocha nude |
| Cosmic Dust | Holographic glitter |
| Black Plum | Deep amethyst cream |
Choosing What’s Right For You
While these are the most popular nail polish colors right now, the most important thing is choosing shades that make you feel confident and beautiful. Consider your skin tone, style and occasion when selecting colors. Play around mixing and matching to find unique color combinations that you love.
Nail art is also a fun way to customize any shade to match your personality. Explore different polish textures too like cremes, shimmers, metallics, and glitters for dimension. Top it off with a glossy topcoat and your perfect manicure will really pop!
Trends come and go but a polish in a great color that makes you shine is always in style. With so many gorgeous options, there’s something for every taste. So go ahead and rock your favorite shades – your nails will never go out of fashion.
Conclusion
In summary, popular nail polish colors this year run the gamut from nudes and neutrals, soft pastels, bright cremes, moody hues, metallic chromes, and dazzling glitters. Combining complementary shades is also on-trend for 2022. While keeping up with the latest fads is fun, choosing colors that complement your skin tone and style is most important. The right polish can make you feel polished and put-together. With an endless array of colors and finishes to explore, you’re sure to find your perfect shades.