From chrome with glitter accents to alphabets and symbols, personalisation is key. Here is how to celebrate birthdays in style with top birthday nail designs for 2024!
Top Birthday Nail Designs 2024
For her fifty-fifth birthday, Jennifer Lopez turned heads with a stunning Bridgerton-themed nail design. Her manicurist, Elle Gerstein, elevated her viral milky-nail manicure by applying two coats of CND Moonlight and Roses white shimmer as the base, complemented by metallic details. Truly, bespoke birthday nail designs capture the essence of celebrating in style!
Blake Lively also showcased the potential of birthday nail designs when she paid tribute to her role as a florist in the film, ‘It Ends With Us’. Her manicure featured hand-painted flowers on the edges of each nail. And, Hailey Bieber announced her first pregnancy with a floral-themed nail design. Nail art is more than just a fashion statement—it is a form of celebration, a sense of expression.
How to choose the right birthday nail designs
- Consider the Theme: Align your nail design with the theme of your birthday celebration, whether it’s a specific scheme, a party theme, or an outfit. This adds a cohesive touch to your overall look.
- Reflect Your Personality: Choose birthday nail designs that reflect your personal style and interests. Whether you prefer minimalistic elegance or bold, vibrant patterns, your nail art should feel authentic to you.
- Match the Occasion: Tailor your nail art to the nature of the event—opt for more understated designs for an intimate gathering, or go all out with glitter and embellishment for a birthday bash.
- Incorporate Special Elements: Personalise your nails with elements that hold special meaning to you, such as your birthstone, zodiac sign, or symbols that represent important memories or milestones.
- Prioritise Comfort: Ensure the design is comfortable to wear and suits your lifestyle. For example, if it is going to be an active day, consider simpler designs that won’t be easily damaged.
Personalised Nail Art
In 2024, customisation and personalisation is key, and this trend has made its way into birthday nail designs as well. Custom nail art that reflects a person’s mood, interests, or zodiac sign is becoming increasingly popular. Whether it’s a favourite cartoon character, a symbol, or a themed design that complements the dress, personalised nail art allows the birthday girl to express herself in a unique way. Lettered or numbered nail stickers is the perfect birthday nail design too. Keep it simple with initials or birth date! This bespoke trend is perfect for those who want their birthday nails to be one-of-a-kind and reflective of who they are.
Metallics and Chrome
To make a statement, birthday nail designs featuring metallics, chrome or glitter accents is the perfect choice. From rose gold and silver to holographic shades, metallics are versatile and can be paired with glitter to add that extra bit of sparkle to your special day.
“Metallic styles are evolving. Until last year, the most common style was to dye the nails all over, but my nail artists are increasingly designing metallics in a variety of styles. Gold, silver, unicorns, and various shiny chrome powders are being incorporated into traditional designs, for a playful twist,” Yukie Natori tells Vogue. “Silver and gold ornaments are now not only adorning our fingers but are also adorning our nails. With the invention of thin, three-dimensional lines and nail products that look like rings, we can create any form of jewellery. The style goes very well with magnetic nails.”
Bold Colours and Playful Patterns
One of the biggest trends in birthday nail designs 2024 is the use of vibrant colours and playful patterns. This year, expect to see neon shades in matte, bold colour blocking, geometric patterns, texture and length. These nail designs are perfect for those who love to make a statement and want their nails to be as festive as their birthday celebration.
Crystal Manicure
A crystal manicure is an eye-catching nail art technique that involves the application of sparkling crystals onto the nails, creating a dazzling effect. This manicure can range from a subtle accent with a few strategically placed small crystals to a full, intricate design covering the entire nail. The crystals are typically applied over a base of polished nails, either clear or coloured, and are secured with a strong adhesive to ensure longevity.
Manicurist Michelle Humphrey tells Vogue: “…a little bit of bling is an easy way to spice up any manicure. It’s also a trend that can go as maximalist or minimalist as you like. Cuffs are cute, and so are single crystals placed in the same spot on each nail. Several of my clients regularly opt for a crystal manicure, they’re actually quite popular. Apply crystals with a small dot of nail glue and use a top coat to secure…” Crystal can be replaced with rhinestones or other jewelled embellishments.
Pastels with a Twist
Pastels have always been a beloved choice in nail designs, but in 2024, pastel nails are being reimagined with a contemporary edge. Birthday nail designs are taking pastel shades like lavender, baby blue, and soft pink and pairing them with unexpected elements like matte finishes, 3D embellishments, and abstract patterns. These updated pastel designs are ideal for individuals who favour a soft, feminine style but still want their nails to reflect the latest trends.
The combination of gentle colours with innovative design elements ensures that these nail looks are both classic and cutting-edge, making them perfect for special occasions like birthday celebrations. Whether you’re drawn to the understated elegance of a matte finish or the playful creativity of 3D art and abstract patterns, these pastel nail designs offer something fresh and exciting while maintaining the delicate charm that has always made pastels a favourite.
FAQs on Caring for Nail Designs and Nail Art
Top Birthday Nail Designs
How long does nail art typically last?
Nail art can last anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the quality of products used and how well you care for your nails.
Can I apply a top coat to protect my nail art?
Yes, applying a clear top coat every few days can help protect your nail art and extend its longevity.
How can I prevent my nail art from chipping?
Avoid using your nails as tools, wear gloves when doing chores, and regularly apply a top coat to prevent chipping.
Is it safe to use hand sanitiser with nail art?
Hand sanitiser can cause the nail polish to become dull or even chip. It’s better to wash your hands with soap and water instead.
What should I do if my nail art starts to lift or peel?
If your nail art begins to lift, gently file the affected area and reapply a top coat to seal it back down.
How often should I moisturise my hands and cuticles?
Moisturise your hands and cuticles daily to keep them hydrated and to maintain the integrity of your nail art.
Can I go swimming with nail art?
Chlorine and saltwater can weaken the nail polish, so it’s advisable to apply a waterproof top coat before swimming or avoid prolonged exposure to water.
How do I remove nail art without damaging my nails?
Use an acetone-free nail polish remover and gently rub the nail art off. Avoid peeling or scraping, as this can damage the nail surface.
Is it okay to file my nails after applying nail art?
Filing after applying nail art can cause the polish to chip. It’s best to shape your nails before the application.
What’s the best way to store nail art products?
Store your nail polishes and tools in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
