Of all the year's biggest nail trends [1], there's one that everyone on social media is suddenly raving about again: matte nails. That's right, the manicure finish is officially in its comeback era. Think of it like the edgier cousin of the high-shine looks you know and love that can make textures and nail-art designs really pop.
Unlike classic trends like the "rich girl" designs [2] you've been seeing everywhere, matte nails are timeless. The satiny finish adds a flatness to any nail look and is versatile enough to pair with all designs, including hearts, swirls, smiley faces, and even the classic french manicure [3]. The best part? This style is a year-round staple, with colder months championing darker shades like burgundy, emerald green, or deep brown, while the warmer parts of the year often see more mood-boosting hues [4]. If you want to take things up a notch, there's always the option for matte nail art, too.
You can expect to see all kinds of matte nail ideas taking over your social feeds, whether it's dark hues, pastels, or something else entirely. You may even spot some out-of-the-box matte nail art designs like clouds or geometric shapes. Whether you want to go bold or keep things simple and classic, there are no limits to what you can do with matte nail designs. Here's everything else you need to know about the comeback trend, as well as some manicure ideas you can bring with you to your next salon appointment.
Best Matte Nail-Polish Topcoats
What we really love about matte nails is how easy it is to create the finish at home or, if you'd like a more complicated design, take it to the salon. Giving yourself a DIY [5] manicure doesn't mean you have to stock up on matte colors, either. Grabbing a topcoat with a matte finish will provide equally flawless results while allowing you to continue using your favorite shades. Some of our favorites include the Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish [6] ($10), OPI Matte Top Coat [7] ($11), Beetles Gel No Wipe Matte Top Coat [8] ($7), and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Matte Top Coat [9] ($10). For anyone on a budget, we also recommend the Wet n Wild Matte Top Coat [10] ($1).
Best Matte Nail Colors
There is no limit to the color options for this staple trend; you can adapt them to your aesthetic. If you're on the hunt for a more grungy look, consider reds and blacks, or opt for pastels and neutral shades if you're after a soft, delicate look. Neon colors will brighten your entire disposition and allow you to add bold patterns and designs to your manicure.
Burnt Orange Matte Nails
Burnt orange is always a classic color for manicures around the holidays, especially near Halloween [11] and Thanksgiving. Take your nail game up a notch and add fun designs like moons and stars, as shown above.
Blue Swirl Matte Nails
If you want to opt for a matte manicure, not everything has to be matte. You can add some metallic swirls as shown in the example above.
Daisy Matte Nails
We love a classicly chic manicure in a neutral color, but the addition of tiny daisy flowers really makes this set stand out.
Fruit-Salad Matte Nails
If you're looking for unique matte nail ideas, try combining the soft finish with fruit salad nail art [12]. This manicure features watermelon slices, cherries, and strawberries with a matte top coat.
Black Matte Nails
Matte finishes and black polish go hand in hand, but just like with a little black dress, basic doesn't have to mean boring. This black matte nail design, which features a glossy gel texture, is a great example.
Red Matte Nails
Why pick just one finish? This red manicure features a matte and glossy topcoat combination that delivers the best of both worlds. Plus, matte nails look great on the squoval [13] shape.
Glitter Accent Matte Nails
While grown-out nails usually signal the need for a manicure refresh, adding glitter to the cuticle area, like these blue matte nails, adds a bit of pizzazz.
Neutral Matte Nails
Neutral nails already look edgier with a matte topcoat. Throw in various line designs, and you've got a one-two punch.
Blue Matte Nails With Pearl Accents
Blue nails are always fun, but they can be pure elegance with the addition of pearl-like accents. Add a small star for an even more gorgeous result.
Matte Purple Nails
These matte nails get a velvet paisley finish with a purple background for the perfect spring manicure.
White Matte Nails
It doesn't get more simple — and therefore wearable — than a solid white nail polish. Finish with a matte topcoat, and you've got a timeless look that transcends seasons.
Black Matte Nails With Foil Chrome
The answer is always yes to glitter mixed with black polish. Add some foil chrome details [14], and your matte nails will be hypnotic.
Matte Sage Green Nails
If soothing green colors are your vibe, you'll love this matte nail art with dainty white flowers and sage-green accents.
Negative-Space Matte Nails
For a simple yet cute look, add a nude base coat with black hearts in the center. The small detail on this matte nail art packs a big punch.
Gray Gradient Matte Nails
If subtle is your preferred style, add different shades of gray for a neutral look that works any season, especially on one of our favorite nail shapes [15], stiletto.
Geometric Matte Nails
The splatter in this manicure looks like fresh brushstrokes, while the geometric rectangles add a modern twist.
Pastel Matte Nails
Pastel manicures [16] are trending, so why not keep your matte nails simple with this mix of light pastel hues you can pair all your outfits around?
Abstract Matte Nails
Consider the black notes like ink splatter on a freshly painted abstract canvas on these matte nails.
Floral Matte Nails
This matte nail idea combines many trends into one: the french manicure, floral decals, and matte polish.
Cheetah Matte Nails
Even Barbie will be giving these matte nails a second look with their notes of fuchsia and always-in-style cheetah print.
Cloud Matte Nails
This airy matte nail art features fluffy clouds, giving you clear-sky views every day.
Heart Matte Nails
Hearts look good no matter what type of shade or shimmer they're applied with, but we especially love this matte manicure that has them accented on different fingers.
'70s Matte Nails
One way to make a statement with your already-standout nails? Try swirls of mismatched matte colors on a few nails.
Brown Matte Nails
Rather than go for a plain manicure, just adding some clear, shiny flames will have your brown matte nails looking fire. (Pun intended.)
Neon-Pink Matte Nails
This matte nail idea uses a neon shade for the base and tips, then uses a lighter shade to decorate with lines.
Polka-Dot Matte Nails
Make those dots really pop by decorating them on top of a flat matte shade like white and black.
Pink-Chrome Matte Nails
Can't decide on just one trend? Fortunately, you don't have to. These nude matte nails will emphasize any other trend you combine them with, including these shiny metallic accents.
Tiny Flower Matte Nails
Carry florals wherever you go and incorporate bright, '70s-inspired colors to make a statement. These matte nails are perfect for the warmer months and beyond.
— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez [17]
Rylee Johnston [18] is a New York City-based freelance writer who covers everything from beauty, fashion, and celebrity trends to home, pets, and more. With a degree in journalism and over three years of industry experience, she enjoys interviewing experts and testing out products to make the best recommendations for readers.
Renee Rodriguez [19] (she/her) is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.