No greater indecision exists in this world than the moment you're standing in front of a wall of nail polish [1] at the salon, hopelessly waiting for the on-trend color [2] that will embody your mood for the next four to seven days to choir-sing your name. Now, you could: A) Let this agonizing song and dance play out from now until the end of time, or B) Take matters into your own hands and nail every manicure you get this year [3].
The first step is to try to think about it all a little less. "The overarching theme for 2020 is about having more fun with your nails, represented not only by color, but by effect and finish [4]," said NYC-based manicurist and founder of her eponymous brand Jin Soon Choi [5]. "Traditional pastels will morph into cool, bright 'punch' colors [6], and you will continue to see simple yet strong designs in 2020."
Whether you're after poppy shades that reach highlight fluorescent levels or one step above what you'd get from your average neutral, this year's nail color trends [7] will not disappoint. Ahead, a handful of pros are breaking down the most fail-proof polishes you can buy [8] — so you can redirect your stress to trying to pay without smudging your nails in your purse like the rest of us.
2020 Nail Color Trend: Chill Neutrals
You don't always have to go-go-go at the start of every new year. In fact, sometimes the best things come when you shift things into neutral — especially with nail polish. "Whereas in 2019 we embraced sheer nudes [9], I anticipate opaque creamy neutrals will be among the top nail trends in 2020 because of their elegantly stylish yet cool, modern vibe," Choi said. "You can also add a fun spin on neutral looks such as nude in matte finish, ombré, or on its own to complement your skin tone."
Some of our favorites on our radar right now? Shades of beige, off-white [10], and gray.
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Mannequin Moves [11] ($18)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Chill Neutrals
OPI Nail Lacquer Dancing Keeps Me on My Toes [12] ($11)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Chill Neutrals
Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Moxie [13] ($18)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Chill Neutrals
Dear Sundays Nail Polish No. 32 [14] ($18)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Chill Neutrals
Essie Nail Color Polish in The Wilde Nude [15] ($8)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Chill Neutrals
Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in 212 Annabel Rose [16] ($28)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Ruby Reds
A perennial favorite year after year — and along the theme of jewel-toned colors taking center stage in recent months — is a deep red polish hue that falls on the far end on the "seductive" spectrum. Think: vampy blood reds that "help add a bit of drama and seduction to your look," said Sarah Bland, celebrity manicurist and brand ambassador for Smith & Cult.
Fast Gel Fast Drying Gel Nail Lacquer by Maybelline [17] ($2.50)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Ruby Reds
Onekin Polish in K St [18] ($10)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Ruby Reds
OPI Muse of Milan Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer in Complimentary Wine [19] ($13)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Ruby Reds
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Lover's Creep [20] ($18)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Retro Brights
According to Choi — and the 2020 runways, Instagram, and the Pinterest board of everyone who still has one — the future of nail polish is looking bright. "Apply '80s-hip, bright shades on all of your fingers or use various bold colors on different fingers [21]. The ideal retro brights this year are hot orange, yellow, purple, pink, blue, and turquoise."
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Fuchsia Fever [22] ($10)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Retro Brights
JINsoon Color Field Collection Nail Lacquer in Pop Orange [23] ($18)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Retro Brights
Zoya Nail Lacquer in Saint [24] ($9)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Retro Brights
Essie Nail Polish in Sweet Supply [25] ($9)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Retro Brights
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Va Va Violet [26] ($5)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Fashion Classics
It's the same reason Taylor Swift [27] always goes back to her signature red lip and cat eye: some polish hues have that classic thing that you (aka we) like. "Much like Pantone's color of the year — Classic Blue — fashion cult-classic nail polish shades like blues, reds, and blacks are in for 2020," Choi said.
JINsoon Nail Polish [28] ($18)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Fashion Classics
H&M Nail Polish in Neo Noir [29] ($6)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Fashion Classics
Olive & June Nail Polish in SC [30] ($8)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Fashion Classics
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Bleu Trompeur [31] ($28)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Subdued Pastels
Pastels year-round? Might as well get used to it, people. The biggest difference for 2020 is in the base, which veers a little more powdery and less in-your-face. "These muted pastels are gaining popularity for their ability to work well on people of all ages and skin tones," Choi said. "It's a more unique take on traditional pastels."
Look for blues, peach tones, and — if you're feeling bold — yellows.
Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Blue Orchid [32] ($18)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Subdued Pastels
China Glaze Nail Polish in Lemon Fizz [33] ($7)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Subdued Pastels
Essie Nail Polish in Go Ginza [34] ($7, originally $9)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Subdued Pastels
Morgan Taylor The Color of Petals Professional Nail Lacquer in Young, Wild, & Freesia [35] ($10)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Subdued Pastels
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Exit the Void [36] ($18)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Earthy Emeralds
Deep jewel tones "with subtle, earthy undertones, such as dark hunter greens" will be huge in the coming months, Bland said. This will also go along well with a matte-meets-shiny top coat combo (you know, in case you want to be really on trend).
Essie Nail Polish in Sweater Weather [37] ($11)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Earthy Emeralds
NCLA Beauty Camo is the New Black [38] ($16)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Earthy Emeralds
Zoya Nail Polish in Mel [39] ($10)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Major Metallics
Another nail polish trend you can expect to see everywhere in the coming weeks: dark and light metallics — in a range of colors. "Hopefully the shiny metal looks will add a little pizazz, even in quarantine," said Bland.
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Color in Lava Rocks [40] ($9)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Major Metallics
Nails.Inc 45 Second Speedy Gloss in Keeping It Real In Kensington [41] ($9)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Major Metallics
Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in Girls Night Out [42] ($5)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Major Metallics
Sinful Colors Quick Bliss in Ice Ice Cherry [43] ($3)
2020 Nail Color Trend: Major Metallics
Olive & June Nail Polish in OJSM [44] ($8)