Short Square '90s Nails Are Back, According to Meghan Markle and Taylor Swift (2024)

FAQs

What nail color was popular in the 90s? ›

Perhaps another by-product of the grunge scene, deep, sultry nail polish shades like oxblood, plum, and black were among the most popular in the '90s. These days, you'll mostly see these hues categorized within a winter nail color palette, but we're all for bringing them out year-round.

Meghan chose CND Shellac in Unmasked and Negligee for her bridal manicure. When Meghan Markle tied the knot with Prince Harry in 2018, she too mixed a number of nail polish shades. The bride wore one layer of Unmasked CND Shellac, with two coats of CND Shellac Negligee on top.

The Birth of Nail Enhancements

In China during the Ming Dynasty, nail extensions were considered a status symbol reserved for the elite classes. The upper classes, particularly amongst the intelligentsia (and both men and women) would grow their nails long as a sign of wealth.

“Things are getting simpler and cleaner.” Shorter nails are taking the place of extra long acrylics, fun finishes like chrome and velvet are pushing bright, bold designs to the sideline, and French manicures, which received a funky twist as one of 2022's nail trends, are becoming even more dainty and elegant.

Half-moon nails are a vintage '90s look that took a French manicure to the opposite extreme. They covered everything but the natural moon shape at the base of the nail. If you're worried about getting the perfect curve, try a stencil, nail tape, or painting around the end of a spoon.

Milky Hues

While Jennifer Aniston is primarily known for her incredible hairstyles and Rachel Green outfits, she should also be credited for boosting the popularity of milky-neutral manicures. Whites and creams with a milky finish were all the rage in the '90s—and for good reason.

The princess is known for her groomed fingertips, regularly stepping out with a pink manicure courtesy of Essie's 'Allure'.

In particular, Princess Di preferred a a squared-off, short white French tip with a sheer pink base. She wore this look to exclusive family events, royal visits, public appearances, and community service projects time and time again.

(Previously Kate would always circle back to 'barely there' glass or milk polishes like her wedding enamel by Essie called Allure). And while her colorful fingernails at Easter may have provoked a strong reaction, the princess has actually been stealthily painting her famous feet for years.

Molten chrome accents

One of the biggest nail trends and pedicure colors of 2023 was chrome — specifically, a full set of monochromatic silver that screamed bling. But for 2024 nail art, the megawatt shine will be dialed back and replaced with molten chrome accents that snake along your nails like flames.

What is the rich girl nail trend? ›

"Rich girl" nails don't necessarily have to be nude in tone—they just have to be neutral to effortlessly go with everything. With this in mind, a subtle, shimmery white nail look can qualify as a "rich girl" manicure, too.

Gel nails are less likely to cause damage to natural nails than acrylic nails. They are less harsh on the natural nails during the application and removal process, which can be beneficial for people with weaker nails.

Square-shaped tips are everywhere, taking over salons in a variety of lengths, styles, and designs. As of 2024, you can't scroll through Instagram or watch a red carpet without seeing someone sport a square nail.

Medium length nails are lively, sophisticated, and classy.

Vibrant Neons: Neon nail polish shades are all the rage in 2024. These bold and eye-catching colors add a pop of excitement to any manicure, making them a favorite choice for those who want to make a statement with their nails. Pastel Hues: Soft and delicate pastel nail polish colors are also trending this year.

The most viral product of the 1990s, Chanel Vamp nail polish. This product was so iconic, it made time magazine's top 20 products of the decade.

Alternatively, the 1990s are also known for noisy jewel-colored fashion, composed of rich blues, bright purples, deep greens, and hot reds.

The 1990s. After two decades of saturated and vibrant colors, the 90s grunge scene brought darker, subdued colors into style. Dark plum, forest green, dark brown, black, and deep red began to emerge as fashion turned towards flannel shirts, jeans, and combat boots[5].

There were two extremely different nail trends happening in the 90s: the completely natural trend and thanks to the heavy grunge influence, the dark colors became desirable. Men and women in the 90s began to paint their nails in dark nail polishes, especially black (and sometimes dark purple).