Fortunately, there are a couple things we can count on to ease our end-of-summer scaries: cool-weather wardrobes, a fresh hairstyle, and — most affordable of all — autumn nail art trends.
This season, there are easy nail-art options for everyone, with designs ranging from abstract to graphic and saturated to subtle. One thing you’ll see everywhere? Updated takes on ’90s faves, like remixed French manis and checkerboard motifs. Craving something more playful? Swirl nails are here to stay — just switch up your palette.
Best of all, these designs can be tackled by salon pros yet are easy enough to DIY, so whether the fast-spreading Delta variant ushers us all back into our living rooms this autumn, we’ve got options.
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Terrazzo Nails
Speckled designs are staging a comeback on countertops and coffee tables — and now on our fingertips, too. For this set, Cambridge, ON–based nail artist Alyssa Allen (@nailditbyalyssa) pulled inspiration from a terrazzo-tiled sink. “I love the subtle pops of bright yellow,” says Allen. “It’s there without being totally in your face, which works for even the neutral-nail lover.”
Terrazzo Nails
Get the Look: “Don’t overthink the process of making the dots,” says Allen, who uses a small detail brush to dab them on (though a dotting tool would work too, she notes). “It’s better when they’re uneven and oddly shaped!”
Essie Nail Polish in Serene Slate, $, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
’90s Nails
Cropped cardis, baggy denim, and satin slip dresses — the ’90s nostalgia is still going strong in our closets. To translate the trend to nails, try a subtle nod to Nirvana. “The playful ’90s vibes of the checkered pattern and smiley faces are so fresh and trendy,” says Montreal-based nail artist Alexia Katravas (@amorianails). “I love the clean lines and the pop of green which has been so popular this year.”
’90s Nails
Get the Look: Katravas’ advice is simple: “Get a good thin brush and practise, practise, practise!” She freehand paints the lines first, then fills the squares in with colour. “Practising painting evenly spaced straight lines vertically and horizontally will definitely help you achieve the perfect checkered pattern.” And don’t be afraid to clean up your lines with a brush dipped in polish remover — accidents happen.
CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish in Cream Puff, $, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
Tortoiseshell Nails
Animal-inspired prints are big for nails this season, but it’s not all flashy croc and zebra designs. “This look was inspired by the timeless look of tortoise-shell glasses frames,” says Church Point, N.S.–based nail artist Elyse Connery (@angoranails). “They go with everything, look sophisticated, and at the same time feel subtle.”
Tortoiseshell Nails
Get the Look: “Proper layering is key,” says Connery, who recommends checking out a few YouTube tutorials first. You’ll want to work with sheer shades from light to dark, dabbing them over each other while still wet to create what Connery calls a “blooming effect.”
Quo Beauty Breathable Nail Colour & Treatment in Coffee First, $, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
Polka-Dot Nails
“Polka-dot manis have really gained popularity not only because they’re cute, but they’re something that can be done at home quite easily,” says Toronto-based nail artist Rebecca Ramsdale (@rebeccapaintsnails). These ones up the fresh factor by layering in two other 2021 nail-art trends too: mix-and-match sets plus negative-space moons.
Polka-Dot Nails
Get the Look: Once you pick bright contrasting colours, “the key is finding the right tool,” says Ramsdale. “You can use a dotting tool like we use in salon, or if you’re a DIYer, you can use a bobby pin, toothpick, skewer — anything that will really get you a precise dot.”
OPI Nail Lacquer in Strawberry Margarita, $, available at Amazon
Two-Tone French Manicure
“French manis have definitely made a comeback this year, except with bold fun colours that modernize this ’90s trend,” says Nargis Khan (@nailsfromnars), editorial manicurist and nail artist at Toronto’s Tips Nail Bar. “My inspo for this look was the shifting of seasons, showcased by melting a popular summer colour — hot pink — into a bold orange for fall.”
Two-Tone French Manicure
Get the Look: Create this mani one nail at a time, says Khan. That way, you can blend the two tones together while they’re still wet (Khan recommends using a thin striper brush).
Revlon Ultra HD Snap! Nail Colour in Hot Stuff, $, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
Abstract Swirl Nails
There’s a reason why so many of Vancouver-based nail artist Julia Nguyen’s clients — and 90% of your Instagram feed — keep opting for swirl nails: “The design works with long or short nails, and with a variety of colours—it’s a very solid and versatile choice,” says the pro (@prettywth.julia). Not an expert painter? No prob; the negative space and abstract squiggle leave room for less-than-perfect execution.
Abstract Swirl Nails
Get the Look: The colour combo is what makes this mani pop. Start with an unexpected pairing like Nguyen’s pink and green, then build it out with lighter or darker hues of each. “Choose a thin brush and relax when you’re doing this freehand,” says Nguyen.
JINsoon Tila, $, available at JinSoon
Cow Print Nails
Ready for an animal print that’s a little more out-there? “The cow print is always on trend,” says Toronto-based nail artist Shar Jasmine (@grippngrabbn). “We love this set because of its bright colours.” If you’re looking for something more neutral, try it with a milky base and cinnamon-brown spots.
Cow Print Nails
Get the Look: Don’t overthink the freestyle spots. “Get your hands on a dotting tool to get the shape right but anything with a rounded edge will work too,” says Jasmine. “And take your time!”
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure Vegan Nail Colour in Laven-Dear, $, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
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