The Most Used Nail Shades in 2020 – Ranked by Percentage
Sweety Karlak
In 2020, nail trends reflected a mix of minimalism, bold statements, and self-expression. Neutral nudes, soft pinks, and French tips dominated everyday looks, while reds, pastels, and glitter shades were popular for parties, fashion events, and seasonal trends. The year balanced timeless classics with trendy pops of color.
Nail Colors in 2020 (Percentage of Women Who Used Each Color)
Neutral Beige & Nude Shades – 24% of women used these colors
Nude and beige nails were the most popular choice in 2020. Women loved these shades for their versatility and “clean, polished” everyday look.
Soft Pink & Baby Pink – 21% of women used these colors
Pastel pinks remained trendy, especially among young women. These shades gave a feminine, subtle look suitable for work, school, and casual wear.
French Manicure (Classic & Modern Tips) – 18% of women used French nails
French tips stayed stylish but evolved with thinner lines and subtle variations, making them a favorite for weddings and office-ready manicures.
Red Nails (Bright Red, Cherry, Deep Red) – 16% of women used red polish
Red shades remained a statement color, widely used for evening events, parties, and fashion-forward looks.
Pastel Shades (Lavender, Mint, Baby Blue) – 14% of women used pastel nails
Pastel colors were especially popular on social media. Lavender, mint, and sky blue added a soft, playful aesthetic.
Dark Shades (Black, Burgundy, Navy) – 12% of women used dark colors
Dark nails became a fashionable choice for bold, edgy looks. These were mostly worn during fashion seasons or evening events.
Metallic & Chrome Shades – 10% of women used metallic nails
Silver, gold, and chrome polishes were mainly used for glamorous events or statement manicures, reflecting shine and luxury.
Glitter & Sparkle Nails – 9% of women used glitter polish
Glitter nails were less frequent but popular for special occasions, festivals, or photo-ready manicures.
Bold Colors (Hot Pink, Orange, Blue) – 8% of women used bold shades
Bright statement colors were trendy during summer and party seasons but less common overall.
Clear Gloss / Transparent Shine – 7% of women used clear polish
Clear polish continued to be a minimalistic, low-maintenance choice for healthy-looking nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the most popular nail color in 2020?
Neutral beige and nude shades, used by 24% of women, were the top everyday choice.
2. Were soft pink nails still trendy in 2020?
Yes, 21% of women used soft pinks and baby pinks for a feminine, subtle look.
3. Did French manicures remain popular in 2020?
Yes, 18% of women wore French tips, often with modern thinner lines and subtle variations.
4. Which red shades were popular in 2020?
Bright red, cherry, and deep red were used by 16% of women, mainly for evening events and bold fashion statements.
5. How popular were pastel shades like lavender, mint, and baby blue?
Pastels were used by 14% of women, mostly teens and young adults for playful and soft Instagram-friendly looks.
6. Were dark nail shades trending in 2020?
Yes, 12% of women wore black, burgundy, and navy shades for edgy, bold, and fashion-forward styles.
7. How widely were metallic and chrome nails used?
About 10% of women used metallic or chrome shades for parties, special occasions, and statement nails.
8. Were glitter or sparkle nails common in 2020?
Glitter nails were used by 9% of women, mostly for festive or photo-ready manicures.
9. Did bold neon or bright colors see usage in 2020?
Yes, 8% of women chose bright pink, orange, or blue nails, mainly for summer and trendy looks.
10. Was clear polish still used in 2020?
Clear gloss remained a choice for minimalism and healthy-looking nails, used by 7% of women.
