Colour PLAY

AW22 will bring a fun and fresh twist on the classic French tip and clients will play with textures as matte nails make their return. Lollie Hancock uncovers the trends

As the days get colder and nights get shorter, the fun and bright designs taking over our Pinterest boards and Instagram feeds will be fading out in favour of autumnal styles and darker shades. “We’re expecting colour trends to move towards burnt orange, sage, soft reds, greys, burgundy, warm browns and mustard yellow,” shares Mirela Bosnjak, nail technician for Rawr Beauty, which has locations across the UK including within retail stores.

When it comes to shaping, Bosnjak anticipates that clients will be choosing almond, which she says is “an inclusive, elegant nail shape for all”.

Texture is set to do the talking this AW22, as on-trend clients opt for velvet effects and matte finishes as an alternative to nail art, even mixing textures within their mani for interesting 3D nail art effects and a mismatched look.

Colour-pop tips

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For a modern twist on a style that will never go out of fashion, Georgie Smedley Group educator Amy Martin loves how the classic bright white tip of a French manicure can easily be swapped out for another, more autumnal colour.

“Going into AW22 we can expect to see some beautiful, rich deep tones in ranges of reds and browns,” she says.

Clean-girl nails

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A look that Juanita Hubert-Miller, founder of nail salon group Townhouse, is seeing grow is the ‘clean-girl mani’, as clients choose a less-is-more approach and go for what she describes as “a super pared-back look that focuses on really beautifully manicured hands with a natural, healthy-looking nail achieved by a topcoat alone or a delicate natural shade.”

In a complete contrast to the popularity of retro nail art, clients are also opting to keep it simple for AW22. Louella Belle brand ambassador Tabby Casto says, “There is a return to very clean, simple manicured nails as well. Pale nudes are perfect for clients wanting to keep nails short and sweet.”

’60s nostalgia

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Retro-inspired nail art has always been popular, particularly designs that emulate the ’60s. “Rather than ’60s black-and-white mod, think groovy vibes. Shapes and designs will take inspiration from past record covers, fashion posters and art,” says Casto.

For a more autumnal finish, use neutral shades and deep oranges and reds for a subtler look.

"Some clients are truly SHIFTING AWAY from just a COUPLE OF ACCENT NAILS and enjoying the THRILL OF HAVING multiple designs in ONE MANICURE"

Matte finish

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For clients wanting to subtly switch up their manicure for autumn/winter, a matte nail is low-key way to add some texture. “Whether a full nail effect or a contrasting matte tip, the cool, frosted finish is this season’s must-try,” says Sophie Rogers, founder of Emery Nails. A matte finish is a great way to play with colours as well, as adding a matte topcoat to a gloss polish can change the appearance of the colour.

Try playing with textures to make your nail art pop. For example, having a matte base and then using a gloss finish on top of nail art features can give a 3D effect.

Fresh foils

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Amp up a basic mani with the addition of reflective foils – think gold leaf accents, tiny copper hearts and silver stars.

“Foils are also always a hit for autumn: gold, silver, rose gold!”, shares Bosnjak. “They introduce a subtle look with a touch of class.”

Pattern clash

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Accent nails are a fun way to show off your clients’ personalities through mixing multiple nail art styles on two or three accent nails or having one nail stand out from the rest.

Casto says that this season we can expect a new take on the trend, with some serious pattern clash. “Some clients are truly shifting away from just a couple of accent nails and enjoying the thrill of having multiple designs in one manicure,” she adds.