The Most Used Nail Shades in 2021 – Ranked by Percentage
Sweety Karlak
In 2021, nail trends focused on versatile, elegant, and social-media-friendly colors. Neutral nudes, soft pinks, and French tips were everyday favorites, while reds, pastels, metallics, and glitter were used for events, fashion statements, and seasonal trends. Minimalist manicures combined with statement colors defined the year’s nail aesthetics.
Nail Colors in 2021 (Percentage of Women Who Used Each Color)
Neutral Beige & Nude Shades – 24% of women used these colors
Nude and beige nails dominated daily wear, offering a clean, polished, and versatile look.
Soft Pink & Baby Pink – 22% of women used these colors
Soft pinks remained highly popular, providing a feminine, subtle, and timeless aesthetic.
Milky White Nails – 20% of women used this color
Milky white nails gave a modern, glossy finish, popular for casual, professional, and social media looks.
French Manicure (Classic & Minimal Tips) – 18% of women used French nails
French tips stayed in style with thinner lines and subtle variations, perfect for weddings, office, or everyday chic.
Pastel Shades (Lavender, Mint, Baby Blue) – 16% of women used pastel nails
Pastels were popular among teens and young adults, ideal for casual, seasonal, and Instagram-friendly designs.
Red Nails (Cherry, Bright Red, Deep Red) – 14% of women used red polish
Red nails remained classic, mostly chosen for evening events, parties, or statement looks.
Dark Shades (Burgundy, Black, Navy) – 12% of women used dark colors
Dark shades were trendy for bold, edgy, or fashion-forward statements, particularly in fall and winter.
Metallic & Chrome Nails – 11% of women used metallic nails
Metallic shades like silver, gold, and chrome were popular for parties, photo-ready looks, and fashion events.
Glitter & Sparkle Nails – 10% of women used glitter polish
Glitter nails were chosen for festive occasions, parties, and special events.
Bold Colors (Hot Pink, Orange, Bright Blue) – 9% of women used bold shades
Bright, bold colors were mostly worn for summer, party looks, or trend-driven statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the most popular nail color in 2021?
Neutral beige and nude shades, used by 24% of women, were the top everyday choice.
2. Were soft pink nails still trendy in 2021?
Yes, 22% of women wore soft pinks and baby pinks for subtle, feminine style.
3. Did milky white nails remain fashionable?
Yes, 20% of women used milky whites for modern, glossy, and versatile looks.
4. How widely were French manicures used in 2021?
French tips were used by 18% of women, often with thinner lines or minimal variations.
5. Were pastel shades popular in 2021?
Yes, 16% of women chose pastel shades like lavender, mint, and baby blue for casual, trendy aesthetics.
6. How common were red nails in 2021?
Red shades were used by 14% of women, mostly for evening events, parties, and statement looks.
7. Did dark nail colors remain trendy?
Yes, 12% of women wore dark shades like burgundy, black, and navy for bold or edgy statements.
8. Were metallic nails widely used in 2021?
Yes, 11% of women chose metallic shades for parties, photo-ready looks, and fashion statements.
9. How widely were glitter nails used?
Glitter polish was used by 10% of women, mainly for festive or special occasions.
10. Were bold neon or bright colors common in 2021?
Yes, 9% of women wore bright pink, orange, or blue for summer or statement nails.
