The 6 biggest nail trends coming out of Paris 2024

Sha'Carri, we're looking at you

Sha'Carri Richardson's nails are in a league of their own. Image: Instagram

The competition may be the primary focus of Paris 2024, but we've got eyes on the athletes' innovative approach to nail art too. From flag-inspired paint jobs to Sha'Carri-length talons – these are the top six nail trends to peep in Paris. 

Well, folks. After months of anticipation, it's officially time: when our sleeping patterns officially go in the bin, our circadian rhythm is all over the place, and we take out all of our Australian paraphernalia out of the closet in the quest for patriotism. Yep, it’s Paris 2024! 

And while it might seem that we’re all here for the love of sport, miracle stories, and happy endings, the truth is that the competition is just one part of what we love most about the world’s biggest sporting event. 

Our new hobby? Checking out the nail art. 

While there are aesthetic rules that athletes must adhere to – whether that’s needing to wear their hair a certain way or wear the team-issued uniforms around the Athlete's Village, regardless of just how ugly they actually are – self-expression is a tough gig at the Games.

But thanks to nail art, athletes aren’t letting regulation impact their self-expression. 

While some athletes might be required to keep their nails shorter than they might like to usually, the humble manicure and statement-making nail art has come out in full force for the Games, with athletes across the world taking to nails as a means of self-expression – and it seems Aussies are taking note. 

According to data from Pinterest – which we all know is the best place to gather inspo for nail art – searches for ‘Green and Gold nails’ have increased by 50 per cent in the past week. And with the world's best and brightest showcasing their medals alongside noteworthy nails, it's no wonder spectators can't wait to emulate their favourite athletes' looks. 

From designs that pay homage to flags and ancestry, to innovative and fun uses of 3D gems, to elevated and new takes on the humble French manicure (they are in France, after all), these are the six biggest nail trends that have come out of the Paris 2024. 

#1. Flagspo

Of course, flag-donned nails are having a big moment in the Village, with athletes searching for fun and innovative ways to support their country.

Our favourite might just be Australia’s own, volleyballer Taliqua Clancy, who is proudly representing First Nations people through a simple yet effective manicure. The Wulli Wulli and Goreng Goreng woman is donning nail art with the Aboriginal flag on it, paying homage to her identity. 

Across the pond, British equestrian Laura Collett is sporting a Union Jack on her nails, representing the Brits. The flag sits alongside the Olympic rings, as well as a homage to the city of Paris, and a llama – because why not?

Simone Biles has customised her nails for her turn in Paris. Image: Getty

#2. 3D nails

But it’s not just flag nail art that athletes are donning this year. We’re seeing a trend in the rise of 3D elements, like gemstones, across manicures in the Athletes' Village, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice aesthetics just because you’re going for a gold medal. 

American track and field athlete Sha’Carri Richardson might be doing it best with these 3D US-inspired nails. Donning nails with the American flag painted on them, the champion sprinter has taken her manicure one step further, utilising glued-on 3D gems to create a textured and innovative Olympic-themed manicure. 

Gymnastics queen Simone Biles has also taken a leaf from the 3D art book, opting for one, simple gem at the cuticle line for each finger. It’s a simple, yet effective way of elevating even the most classic of manicures.

#3. French Manicures With A Twist

Speaking of classic manicures, there’s none more iconic than the humble, yet chic French manicure. 

While some Olympians aren’t going full throttle on the nail art, it doesn’t mean their looks are any less elevated. 

Take legendary gymnast Simone Biles for instance, who has opted for a simple French manicure with a 3D gem on each finger. It’s chic and clean, proving that you don’t need to go full throttle in the Athlete's Village to make a head-turning nail statement. 

Other athletes have opted for a coloured take on the French manicure, swapping out the white tips for flag-inspired colours. 

Australia’s own Brianna Throssell has chosen to swap out the classic tips for a green and gold twist, adding some Aussie flair. 

Similarly, gymnast Jordan Chiles – who is known to sport a long mani – has opted for a French manicure with red, blue and white tips in the spirit of the United States flag. 

#4. Geometric colours

If there’s one thing the British Olympic team are getting gold in this year, it’s fun nail art. The Brits have a clear theme in their manicures this year – and that’s the use of fun colours in geometric patterns.

British swimmer Keanna MacInnes has given a masterclass in nail art this year, playing on the colours in the Union Jack flag. With a geometric square and circle design in blues, pinks, reds and whites, Keanna has shown that you can express yourself and support your country. 

Other members of Team GB have taken similar colours and manifested them in a more flowy, swirly pattern, making for a statement piece that’s a piece of art – on and off the field. 

American gymnast Joscelyn Roberson has also opted to play with colour and shapes, opting for nail art with blue, red, green, and black colours with a white accented swirl. It’s a play on the five Olympic rings, proving that you don’t need to be as literal in your nail art inspo.

@joscelyn_roberson

Nails, olympic edition!! 💙💛🖤💚❤️#olympicrings #olmpics #nails

♬ 901ENT x YEAH GLO - Marcus.901

#5. Short and sweet

In terms of length, the brief is clear in the Athlete's Village: it’s either short and sweet nails, or as long as humanly possible. No in between, thanks!

The short nail front makes sense for practical reasons (and likely, because of sporting regulations, too). But just because athletes might be required to keep their manicures short, it doesn’t mean it makes for less of a statement.

The Matildas' own Mary Fowler has opted for a short in simple black, proving that you don’t need to be showy to look good. Fellow Matilda Charli Grant has also opted for a short-length manicure, this time in a bright yellow colour to match her kit.  

#6. Statement lengths

While shorter nails might be more popular in the Games likely due to sporting regulations and rules, there are a few athletes who have opted for length.

Sha’Carri Richardson is one of them – and remains the queen of nails. While some might think that Olympians opt for shorter nails in a quest for practicality, she’s throwing tradition to the wind and instead opting for uber-long nails that really make a statement. 

US gymnast Jordan Chiles has also shown that size does matter, opting to sport extra-long acrylics in a French manicure style, with blue and white accented tips. While many might think that having long nails might impede on her ability on ground, Jordan says it’s the opposite. 

"A lot of people always ask me how I do gymnastics with such long nails. To tell you the truth, they actually help me with my technique,” the gymnast recently told the Associated Press. “People always have to have that one little touch of who they are within their sport – mine are my nails.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself, Jordan! 

Originally published as The 6 biggest nail trends coming out of Paris 2024