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The Nail Trends Taking Over in 2026

MiniLuxe’s Donna Charloff shares the season’s most-requested nail art, the secrets to a polished bare manicure, and her trend predictions for fall.

Anne Moratto
Anne MorattoDirector of Brand Content Strategy, MODERN SALON and NAILS
Read Anne's Posts
August 4, 2026
A hand holding a bunch of Lily of the Valley flowers
Credit:

MiniLuxe

3 min to read


MiniLuxe is a nail-care brand known for high-quality services, safer products, clean studio practices, and its commitment to empowering nail artists through professional development and economic opportunities.

A closeup shot on a young woman's hands and blue nails

Into the Blue is a dreamy cat-eye pearl manicure inspired by the colors and shimmer of the ocean, and part of the Dreamy Girls Nails Summer 2026 Collection from MiniLuxe.

Credit:

Mini Luxe

Donna Charloff, MiniLuxe’s Service and In-Studio Product Director, has a window on a world--the nail world. She is able to see what is trending in nail design, nail art, and nail styles across their multiple locations.

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Charloff shares a few of the themes she sees taking off for the rest of the year.

NAILS: You have locations across the US—any prevailing nail art themes bubbling up?

DONNA CHARLOFF: Across our studios, chrome and cat-eye finishes continue to dominate, with clients gravitating toward dimensional, light-reflective looks that feel elevated yet wearable. We’re also seeing strong demand for mermaidcore-inspired designs and glazed nails, with soft, luminous finishes that add just the right amount of shine while still feeling sophisticated.

This summer, MiniLuxe is bringing these trends to life through our Dreamy Girl Nails 2026 campaign, which features three signature nail art looks inspired by the feeling of the season. Lemon Glaze is a pale yellow chrome manicure with a fresh, sun-kissed finish. Pearly Baby features an iridescent pink swirl design that gives nails a soft, luminous glow. Into the Blue is a dreamy cat-eye pearl manicure inspired by the colors and shimmer of the ocean.

Three young women sitting on the grass

MiniLuxe Dreamy Girls Nails celebrates the carefree, go-with-the-flow feel of a summer afternoon.


These nail art looks are available across all MiniLuxe locations until August 15.

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NAILS: We see a bare nail trend happening—what are some beautiful bare nail looks, and what are the most important elements for keeping nails looking healthy, clean, and conditioned?

A closeup of a hand on a purse

MiniLuxe Pure Polish Shade in Latte is a clean, understated look for a barely-there manicure.

Credit:

MiniLuxe


DC: The most beautiful bare nails are impeccably groomed: clean cuticles, a refined nail shape, and a soft natural buff or sheer finish that enhances the nail rather than covers it.

Professional nail care, consistent cuticle oil, and the use of hand cream throughout the day are essential to keeping nails strong, conditioned, and naturally radiant—making minimal nails feel polished and intentional.

I recommend keeping MiniLuxe’s Cuticle Oil close by. I love having one on my desk, in my purse, and on my nightstand so it’s always within reach. It’s EWG certified, and after using it for years, I can attest that it extends the life of my manicures while keeping my cuticles looking healthy and hydrated.

Three bottles of nail oil

MiniLuxe’s Cuticle Oil makes it easy to hydrate cuticles.


For people looking for something portable and lightweight for their hand care, I always recommend our Hand Renewal Cream, which helps keep hands looking bright, hydrated, and soft.
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NAILS: Any trend predictions for Fall 2026?

DC: This fall, we expect the bare nail trend to continue gaining momentum, with a growing focus on natural nail health and understated beauty.

As the weather gets cooler and nails become more prone to dryness, well-maintained nails with healthy cuticles and strong nail beds are becoming a true marker of care, style, and luxury.

We’re also continuing to see the rise of quiet-luxury neutrals, with sophisticated shades like mushroom, taupe, and cocoa offering a polished, effortless look.

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