Okay, real talk—have you ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok, spotted a celebrity’s nails, and thought, “Yep, I need that on my fingers yesterday”? Because same.
Celebrities aren’t just setting trends with clothes and makeup; their nails have practically become the blueprint for what’s cool right now.
From red carpet events to casual paparazzi snaps, nail art has officially gone A-list.
And if you’ve been itching (pun intended) to switch up your mani, buckle up—we’re about to go on a tour of the most celebrity-approved nail trends you need to try, like, ASAP.
Why Are Celebrities Nail Trendsetters Anyway?
Let’s be honest—celebrities have two things we regular humans don’t: unlimited access to top-tier nail artists and the kind of events where “boring nails” should basically be illegal. When Beyoncé shows up with chrome tips or Hailey Bieber debuts “glazed donut nails,” the internet collectively loses its mind. And guess what? Within days, everyone’s nail salon menu updates to include that exact look.
The best part? These trends aren’t just for the red carpet. With a little inspo and a good nail tech (or a steady DIY hand), you can totally rock these looks in your everyday life.
1. Hailey Bieber’s “Glazed Donut” Nails
If there’s one nail trend that’s basically a celebrity phenomenon, it’s Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails. Subtle, milky, and shiny enough to blind your haters, this look has dominated 2024 and refuses to slow down.
Why It’s So Popular
- It’s neutral yet glam, making it perfect for literally any outfit.
- The glazed finish gives off major “I drink green juice and own a million silk pillowcases” energy.
- It works for short, long, almond, or square nails—no discrimination here.
Pro Tip: If you can’t book Hailey’s manicurist (same, girl), just ask for a sheer nude base with chrome powder on top. Easy, breezy, donut-y.
2. Rihanna’s Bold Stiletto Nails
Would this list even exist without Rihanna? Her long stiletto nails have been a trademark for years, and she constantly switches up colors and designs—think neon, metallics, and full-on 3D art.
Why You’ll Love It
- Statement-making: These nails basically scream, “I run the world.”
- Perfect for anyone who wants to try out-of-the-box nail art (Rihanna literally wore nails with tiny shark charms once—iconic).
- Elongates your hands instantly—yes, even if your fingers are more “piano key” than “model.”
FYI: Stiletto nails are not for the faint of heart. If you’re prone to breaking nails while opening a soda can, maybe ease into it with almond shapes first.
3. Zendaya’s Minimal French Twist
Zendaya is the queen of quiet luxury nails—simple, elegant, but with a twist (literally). She often goes for classic French tips but swaps white for metallics, pastels, or even inverted styles where the tip color covers the base.
Why It Works
- Minimal but elevated—basically, French nails 2.0.
- Perfect for weddings, office vibes, or red carpets (yes, we’re manifesting red carpets for ourselves).
- You can easily DIY this with nail tapes or stick-ons if you’re broke from…you know, life.
4. Billie Eilish’s Extra-Long Acrylics
Billie has turned ultra-long acrylic nails into a signature look—sometimes painted black, sometimes neon green, but always unmistakably Billie.
Why Copying Billie is Fun
- It’s unapologetically bold and artsy.
- Long nails give you so much room to play—ombre, decals, airbrush… you name it.
- Lowkey? They make you type on your phone like a boss. (Tap-tap-tap ASMR, anyone?)
Heads up: Extra-long nails will test your patience. Texting, buttoning jeans, and even opening snack bags might require a whole new strategy. Worth it? IMO, yes.
5. Kylie Jenner’s Chrome Everything
Kylie basically reintroduced chrome nails to the mainstream, and suddenly every nail artist on TikTok was booked solid. From mirror silvers to rose-gold pinks, chrome nails scream “main character energy.”
Why You Need Them
- Super reflective—great for mirror selfies (and checking for spinach in your teeth).
- Works on short nails too (finally, a win for us non-acrylic folks).
- Endless color options—gold, blue, purple, even black chrome looks edgy AF.
Pro Tip: Chrome powder needs a gel base for that super-smooth finish. If you’re DIY-ing, invest in a good top coat. Trust me.
6. Dua Lipa’s Funky 3D Nail Art
Dua Lipa’s nails are like tiny art galleries—think pearls, rhinestones, and little charms you can spot from a mile away. Her vibe is fun, playful, and zero rules.
Why It’s a Vibe
- Perfect if you’re bored of basic nails and want something totally unique.
- Great conversation starter—someone will ask, “Wait, is that a tiny cherry on your nail?”
- Works amazing for festivals, birthdays, or vacations.
Warning: These nails can snag on clothes (been there, cried about it), so keep some nail glue in your bag.
7. Jennifer Lopez’s Nude Glam
J.Lo has mastered the art of nude nails that don’t look boring. Her go-to? Warm nude shades with glossy finishes or subtle sparkle that somehow looks expensive without screaming for attention.
Why Nude Glam Rocks
- Timeless and versatile—pairs with anything from jeans to ball gowns.
- Classy but still chic—basically nails that say, “I have my life together” even when you don’t.
- Works for all nail lengths and shapes—square, coffin, almond, whatever.
8. Megan Fox’s Goth-Chic Nails
Megan Fox has singlehandedly revived dark, vampy nails—black, deep burgundy, metallic navy—you name it. She pairs them with her edgy outfits, and suddenly we’re all craving a little gothic glamour.
Why Go Dark?
- Instantly dramatic and sultry.
- Perfect for fall, winter, or your “mysterious era.”
- Low maintenance—chips are way less noticeable on darker shades.
9. Selena Gomez’s Soft Pastels
Selena often rocks pastel nails—lavenders, mints, baby pinks—soft shades that feel fresh without being too loud.
Why Pastels Are Underrated
- Mood boosters—pastels somehow make bad days feel better.
- Perfect for spring and summer (but honestly, wear them year-round—rules are fake).
- Super easy to match with lighter wardrobes or floral prints.
10. Beyoncé’s Statement Metallics
When Beyoncé goes metallic, she doesn’t just pick gold—she picks liquid gold. Her nails are often high-shine and reflective, practically doubling as jewelry.
Why Metallics Slay
- Instantly glamorous—great for parties, concerts, or when you want main-character vibes.
- Pairs perfectly with chunky rings and stacked bracelets.
- Metallics can be subtle (rose gold) or bold (full-on holographic)—your call.
Quick Tips for Nailing (Pun Intended) Celebrity Trends
Not every trend fits every lifestyle (or budget), so here’s how to make celeb-inspired nails work for you:
- Start with a vibe check: Do you want bold, subtle, or somewhere in between?
- Consider maintenance: Long stiletto nails look amazing, but can you live with them? (Be honest!)
- Mix and match: Love Hailey’s glaze but want Rihanna’s length? Combine them—celebs break rules all the time, so you can too.
- DIY vs. Salon: Many of these looks are doable at home with the right tools—chrome powders, stick-on pearls, press-ons, etc.
Why You Should Try These Trends ASAP
Trends move fast. One minute everyone’s obsessed with glazed nails; the next, it’s all about “butterfly French tips” (yes, that’s a thing). Waiting too long means you might miss the wave—and if you’re anything like me, nothing’s worse than loving a trend after everyone’s moved on.
Plus, experimenting with celeb-inspired looks is fun. You don’t have to copy them exactly—just borrow the vibe. Hailey’s glaze but in neon pink? Go for it. Rihanna’s stiletto nails but in matte nude? Iconic.
Final Thoughts: Which Celebrity Nails Are You Stealing First?
So, are you feeling the quiet glam of Zendaya’s French tips, the extra-ness of Billie Eilish’s acrylics, or maybe the sparkle of Beyoncé’s metallics? Honestly, why choose? Switch it up every few weeks and live your main character moment.
Your nails are tiny canvases—let them show off your mood, your vibe, your inner celebrity. And hey, next time someone compliments them, just smile mysteriously and say, “Oh, these? Just something I whipped up after seeing Beyoncé.”
Now spill: which celeb nail trend are you running to try first? 👀