What’s New in Nail Techniques? Must-Know Nail Trends

KEY TAKEAWAYS: What's new in nail techniques? We're glad you asked. From builder gel manicures to velvet nails, our current fave nail trends offer plenty of ways for nail techs to expand their skills and keep their services fresh. The best part? These trends are hot now – but the nail tech industry is always changing. Learn and love these, but be ready for new and exciting nail trends right around the corner so you can always grow your nail tech biz. 

UPDATED: October 13, 2026 

Ready to nail it when it comes to the latest and greatest nail trends? (Go ahead and laugh at our pun; we know you want to).

Well, guess what – you’re in the right place.

Whether you're a seasoned nail tech or just getting started, keeping up with what's trending in nails now can help you find inspiration, attract new clients, and give your regulars something new to get excited about.

You don't have to learn a new trend every day (even though it feels like it in our ever-changing industry), but learning a few new nail techniques can help you stay creative, keep your skills sharp, and give clients more options when they sit in your chair.

So, let's dive in and get into the trending nail techniques worth knowing.

You don't need to jump on every trend the second it hits your feed.

Instead, pay attention to the techniques that fit your clients, your skill set, and the services you want to offer.

While some staples will live in popularity forever (don’t worry French manicure, you’re not going anywhere), there are some fads that, despite being quick trends, are must-know techniques for every tech.

So, no, we don’t think you should drop your most popular services at the drop of a hat, but we do encourage you to learn new nail trends as often as possible.

What's New in Nail Techniques? The Top Trends to Try 

Wondering what is trending in nails now? Here are six techniques and styles worth exploring as you update your skills and service menu.

Here we have ‘em, you guys—some gotta-know trends that we’re willing to bet plenty of clients have already asked for this year.  Do a little research, look up some sweet pics, and get to know these styles—it’s likely you’ll want to add one or two (or more) to your repertoire.

Builder Gel & BIAB Nails

Remember when dip powder manicures were the it girl service everyone seemed to be talking about? Builder gel, including BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), is basically that technique now and most nail techs should have on their radar.

BIAB is a type of builder gel designed to add structure to the natural nail. Depending on the product and application method, it can be used to reinforce a client's natural nails, create a smooth finish, and support a polished but very understated manicure.

Why are nail techs paying attention to it now? BIAB fits right in with the demand for natural-looking nails that still feel strong, structured, and put together. Clients can wear it in a sheer nude or milky shade for a minimalist look, or use it as a base for more elaborate nail art.

How to add it to your menu: 

Start by learning the application, shaping, curing, maintenance, and removal requirements for the specific builder gel system you use. It always helps to take a course or certification program if you're starting from scratch – there are plenty of niche courses you can take on these! Proper prep and product compatibility matter, so follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than treating every gel system the same.

Velvet & Cat-Eye Nails

If your clients want a manicure that catches the light without relying on heavy glitters or chunky art, velvet and cat-eye nails are worth a closer look. 

Both styles use magnetic gel polish containing reflective particles, so they can have a light, almost subtle (but super eye-catching) effect. A magnet manipulates those particles to create a shifting, multidimensional effect.

The difference between these two trends comes down to the finish – think about it like this:

• Cat-eye nails: Create a more defined streak or band of light across the nail, reminiscent of the reflective appearance of a cat's eye.
• Velvet nails: Distribute the shimmer more broadly for a soft, luminous effect that resembles the sheen of velvet fabric.

These can look so dramatic in deep jewel tones or fun and subtle in neutral shades. You can also experiment with magnetic effects alongside chrome finishes or French tips for a more customized look.

How to add it to your menu: 

Practice moving the magnetic particles into different patterns before curing the polish. Small changes in magnet placement can create noticeably different effects, giving you plenty of room to experiment with your designs.

Airbrush Nails

Airbrush nails – sounds a little bit early 2000s, we know – but these are still a fun option for nail techs who want to offer more intricate designs without relying entirely on hand-painted details. Y2K looks are all the rage in the beauty and fashion industries right now, and our nail trends and nail tech techniques are absolutely following suit.  

This technique uses an airbrush tool to apply fine mists of color to the nail. Depending on your equipment, products, and technique, you can create soft gradients, ombré effects, stenciled patterns, and layered designs.

Airbrushing can also be used to blend color transitions that are difficult to replicate with a traditional nail polish brush.

How to add it to your menu: 

Practice controlling your spray pattern, pressure, and distance on practice tips. Experiment with stencils and color combinations before offering more detailed designs to clients. You'll also want to make sure your setup supports appropriate ventilation and product handling.

Eye-Catching Chrome & Velvet Chrome Finishes

Chrome nails aren't what they used to be – trust us! Over the last few years, these have evolved well beyond a single metallic silver manicure that you probably think of. 

Today, reflective finishes can be layered over different base colors and designs to create everything from subtle pearlescent effects to bold, futuristic looks.

The look changes even more when we talk about velvet chrome. Velvet chrome combines the dimensional shimmer associated with magnetic finishes with the reflective appearance of chrome. It's one way to give a familiar manicure technique a fresh twist that looks textured and more visually interesting.

Other options include chrome French tips, glazed finishes, and metallic accents over neutral or sheer bases.

How to add it to your menu: 

Learn how your chosen chrome powders interact with different gel systems and top coats. Test your application process on practice tips, paying attention to the finish, coverage, and durability. A little experimentation can help you create multiple looks with a relatively small set of products.

Textured & 3D Nail Art

We've never thought that nail designs have to be flat – and the nail world is finally following our lead. (Just kidding, we didn't kickstart this trend as much as we wish we had). 

Textured and three-dimensional nail art gives clients a chance to experiment with sculpted details, raised patterns, embellishments, and designs inspired by fabrics and other textures.

Need some inspo to start your 3D nail journey? Try a few of these ideas: 

• Tweed nails: Layer fine lines in complementary colors to mimic woven fabric.
• Raised gel designs: Use appropriate sculpting gels to create dimensional swirls, waves, or abstract patterns.
• 3D add-ons: Incorporate charms or other decorative elements into designs suited to the client's preferences and lifestyle.
• Lace-inspired nail art: Use fine brushes and detailed patterns to create delicate, intricate designs.

The beauty of this trend is its versatility. You can create an understated textured accent nail or go all out with a more elaborate set – it's really up to your client. 

How to add it to your menu:

Practice your line work, product control, and placement on nail tips before attempting intricate designs on clients. Consider the practical side, too (if your client cares) – raised embellishments and textured surfaces may not be ideal for every client's day-to-day activities.

Sheer, Sculpted, & Natural-Looking 

Not every client out there wants extra-long extensions, bold colors, or elaborate nail art. This all depends on the type of client you want to work with and what your special skillset is, but sometimes, a simple manicure with a little extra polish is the goal.

Sheer milky finishes, soft neutral shades, and sculpted almond-shaped nails are popular ways to create a natural-looking manicure that still feels intentional.

These looks put the focus on nail shape, clean application, and a smooth, glossy finish. They can also work well with builder gel or other suitable enhancement systems, depending on the client's natural nails and desired result.

How to add it to your menu:

Spend time refining your nail prep, shaping, cuticle-area application, and finishing techniques. A minimalist manicure may use fewer colors and decorations, but the details make all the difference.

If you’re glad you read this nail tech article, we’ve got good news—we’re constantly upping our knowledge on what’s on-trend so we can share it directly with you.

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