With each new day, the nail art industry is observing some new trends. Just like fast fashion accessories and makeup, nail lovers are also experimenting with new looks that go viral on social media in no time.
It wasn’t a long time ago that ‘peach fuzz’ and watermelon nails were trending on Instagram and TikTok. And now if you check these platforms, they are filled with the newest manicure trends. From ‘butter yellow’ to aura nails, there are several new designs we are seeing everywhere.
While some trends make a comeback from the past just like croc nails, some are newly found and some are even a ‘tweaked’ version of the ones that already existed. One such hottest 2024 nail trend is the 3D nail art.
It isn’t what you’d imagine as some drugstore appliques stuck on top of your nails with super glue. The newly trending 3D nails are mostly designed by professionals using builder gels, rhinestones, chrome powders, and the like. These 3D nail designs are trending because of an inclination of nail enthusiasts towards coquettes, blob core designs, dewdrop manicures, and bejeweled nail art.
15 3D Nail Art Ideas – The Hottest Manicure Trend of 2024
If you are also planning to hop on the hottest manicure trend of 2024 but cannot think of anything unique yet versatile, look no more! We have rounded up 15 3D nail art ideas for you to try before the trend fades away.
So, check out the designs here, choose your style, and quickly book an appointment at your favorite salon to get it done.
1) All About Coquette
Did we already mention about coquettes? Of course, how can we forget? With Barbiecore nails trending for a long time, this maximalist bow accent manicure reminds us of the same. In 2024, coquettes are everywhere. From celebs to social media influencers, everyone is flaunting the age-old bow trend. Whether it is dresses, hair accessories, or jewelry, this Pinteresty cuteness has made its space everywhere. And just as you’d guess, this trend has not left nail enthusiasts alone. People are flaunting coquette bows on their nails in various ways from stickers to chromes. And this 3D coquette nail art takes the trend to the next level. Don’t miss the long-ass stiletto French tips on the base.
2) Chrome Blobcore
If something has boosted the 3D nail art trend on Instagram and Pinterest, it is these blobcore designs. These are to nails what Crocs are to footwear. They are loud, maximalist, borderline ugly, and yet trending. And this is the perfect depiction of the 3D blobcore nail art. Get pretty long pointed nails with silver chrome all over the base. Choose your favorite color combination with vibrant shades like tangerine and hot pink. Get your nail tech to create random gel ‘blobs’ on top of the chrome in these bold shades. You can rock your unique personality with this nail trend making all heads turn towards your nails.
3) 3D Opal Swirls
This is a decent version of the otherwise loud and gaudy 3D nail designs. You can choose to do it on your natural nails with some grown-out length shaped in pointy almonds. The design looks fun and dreamy and is versatile enough so anyone can flaunt it well. The base has an opal chrome in an iridescent finish. You can even place some chrome flakes for that extra depth and definition. But the main 3D charm is with the silver chrome swirls. With different thicknesses and textures of the gel, get a design that has various shapes and patterns. From butterfly wings to random brushstrokes, you may let the nail tech play with the design to create the look.
4) Pastel Aura Dewdrops
A personal favorite! This pretty, polished, and feminine nail design flaunts multiple nail trends of the year. With a clear base on a long oval shape, it beautifully blends all the pastel tones in ‘aura’ nail art. All the pinks, blues, lilacs, and greens are placed randomly in an airbrushed texture creating an imperfectly perfect base. The colorful aura nails are then topped off with unicorn chrome for that dreamy touch. Lastly, the 3D nail art is incorporated with a clear gel placement resembling dewdrops. Looks Pinteresty, doesn’t it?
5) Bejeweled Mermaid
Another idea for French manicure lovers! If you feel that your usual nude and white French tip nails are boring, add a touch of maximalism to your manicure with this bejeweled nail inspo. It is for the ladies who like to keep their diamonds huge and blinding and cannot settle for less even when it comes to nail jewelry. The huge colorful gemstones bring a touch of glam to the otherwise basic French mani. Make sure your manicurist uses a thick layer of builder gel and cures it well under a UV lamp to secure the nail jewels in place.
6) Wet Dewdrops
Speaking of 3D nails, we cannot forget this ‘it’ nail trend that has gained recent fascination. To recreate the look, get fake acrylic nail enhancements from a professional nail salon. For a bold and bossy charm, ask for an extra-long coffin shape with sharp edges. Don’t forget to get a matte base in a pastel pink color for that monochromatic look. Ask the nail technician to top it off in builder gel blobs resembling wet dewdrops on your nails. Finally, get a pink jelly gel on these dewdrops to complete the art.
7) Silver Chrome Swirls
Swirls have been trending in the nail industry since 2021. But this 3D upgrade of the OG swirl nail art is a recent idea and we are loving it! If you want to go basic with your pink base with silver swirls but are looking to add a 3D touch to it, this is the design that’s meant for you. Notice how the matte base in a pastel bubblegum pink looks so cute and feminine. Contrasted by a bold effect of 3D silver chrome swirls, the nail art speaks volumes about your dual personality.
8) Vibrant Tangerine Mani
If you are not into pastels and mattes and are looking for something vibrant and glossy, this is what you’ve been wanting. While the fruit nail trend is still in bloom with lemons and oranges everywhere, you can choose to stay lowkey and still shine with this vibrant tangerine mani. The bold and beautiful tangy orange gel on long-ass coffin nails looks oh-so stunning. Don’t forget to ask for a super glossy top coat for that juicy effect on the base. Topped off with clear gel droplets, it resembles the freshness of the fruit. Be careful, not to take a bite!
9) Reverse Ombré Blobcore
Yes, we are back with blobs! And we cannot get over them this year. But this reverse ombré blobcore nail art looks so dreamy and beautiful straight out of a Pinterest board. The long stiletto nails with a blue and purple ombré is giving a bold feminine vibe. Notice how the deeper tones of both shades add depth and detail to the overall design. The dreamiest part of the entire look is how the 3D blobs contrast the base in a reverse ombré. It doesn’t look as easy as it is to create this optical illusion but the result is worth the experiment.
10) 3D Mermaid Nails
If there’s something that makes the 3D nail trend worth trying without any loud hype, it is this design. It is such a feminine look serving the soft girl era. Though the base flaunts extra-long stiletto nails, they don’t look too bold or bossy owing to the colors, effects, and designs that follow. The translucent milky base adds a sheer charm especially when topped off with unicorn chrome that gives a subtly colorful vibe. What makes the art stand out is the 3D mermaid design with pearl accents. A gentle touch of gold chrome and a sprinkling of gold foil glam up the entire idea.
11) Frozen Jelly
Remember Elsa from Disney Frozen? Doesn’t this nail set give you those icy vibes from the beautiful character? This princess-inspired nail art flaunts not just one but two of the trending nail ideas of 2024. The base of the manicure has been created using a bright ‘electric’ blue tone and that too in a jelly texture. Yes, jelly gels are back in trend this year and this design makes perfect use of it. The base has been built using a structured gel manicure and the blue jelly gel resembles Elsa’s famous blue gown. Topped off with, of course, 3D blobs in clear gel, the nail art looks extra glossy and fabulous.
12) Maximalist Gemstones
Are you a real-life Billie Eilish who loves to wear all things loud and messy? If yes, you can experiment with this design because it screams ‘LOUD’ very loudly and clearly! We mean, just look at it! It is so maximalist and over-the-top that it will be very bold of you to even try recreating it. A traffic jam of gemstones, that’s what we’d like to call this design. It is the brightest and most clustered of the 3D nail designs. It has a mixed blend of all different kinds of gems from diamonds to rhinestones. And if that was not it, it has been topped on a bold chrome base with a hard gel.
13) Clear Dewdrop Nails
Contrary to the previous one (thankfully!), this clear dewdrop nail art is a subtle charm that gives ‘it has just started to rain’ vibes to your nails. The milky nude base with an iridescent sparkle makes it look so versatile that it can be carried by everyone. This design can even be flaunted by brides on their big day. The carefully yet randomly placed blobs of clear gel on top give a smooth 3D feel of raindrops in all sizes. Don’t miss the accent nails with 3D swirls that make the art stand out.
14) Pastel Floral Accents
Are you not over Spring yet? If you want to try the 3D nail trend but still want to stick to the feminity of florals and greens, this is the idea for you. The pastel green and pink design uses 3D floral accents that have been trending in the nail market for a while now. The matte marble effect on a long coffin base gives a fresh feel while the flower embellishments add a monochromatic 3D charm. The overall manicure gets enhanced by a touch of gold with the 3D balls that have saved the design from becoming dull.
15) Stiletto Tinted Blobs
Lastly, this colorful super long mani gives ‘straight out of TikTok’ vibes. It is an all-inclusive design with all the colors and art concepts squeezed into one. It has everything from ombre and aura to Frenchies. But what makes the look unique and special is the dual-tone 3D art. The tinted blobs aren’t quite loud but they add a texture to the design. If you are looking for a different color and design for each nail in your set, this is what you can consider.
Wrapping Up 3D Nail Art
Diving into the hottest manicure trend of 2024, we realize that this trend is here to stay and is only getting more exciting. From intricate floral designs to bold geometric patterns, 3D nail art offers endless possibilities for self-expression and creativity. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a salon regular, these ideas are sure to inspire your next manicure adventure. The tactile beauty and visual appeal of 3D nail art make it a standout choice for anyone looking to make a statement. So, why not embrace this trend and let your nails become a canvas for miniature masterpieces?
As we step further into 2024, let your fingertips reflect the style and innovative spirit of this year’s hottest manicure trend. Dive into the world of 3D nail art and discover how this trend can elevate your nail game to new heights.
