The 2016 nail trends making a 2026 comeback

Social media has fallen head over heels into a time warp.

Users are embracing 2016-core, from shoelace chokers to Snapchat filters… but what are the 2016 nail trends that are making a comeback a decade later?

The March 2016 edition of Scratch shone a spotlight on trending nail styles, and we are shocked by how many are circulating again…

1. Cyber girl

“Candy colours rocket into 2016 with a toxic twist,” states the decade-old Scratch feature. Now, the acidic hues that dominated the year are resurfacing.

According to the 2026 Pinterest Palette™, ‘Wasabi’ is poised to trend this year, with the platform attributing the revival of the ‘electric chartreuse’ shade to ‘Gen Z’s cyber-Y2K aesthetic and a hunger for colours that pop both on-screen and IRL’.

2. Metallic manis

Chrome has long been a favourite finish for fingertips, however 2016 heralded a new era that, according to Scratch, was ‘ideal for disco divas and goddesses with sparkle in their eyes’. Molten metallic chrome framed nail designs, with gold and silver accents elevating everyday styles into luxe looks.

This year, we are seeing celebrities reclaim this trend, cladding their claws in chrome. Most recently, actress, Megan Fox, rocked a silver style courtesy of LA-based nail artist, Brittney Boyce (@nails_of_la). Rapper & singer, Lalisa Manobal (aka Lisa), was also spotted sporting a metallic mani. Her gold tips were crafted by nail artist, Juan Alvear (@byjuanalvear).

3. Pearlescent princess polish

Dubbed by Scratch in 2016 as ‘pearly queen’ nails, the style focalised ‘subtle shimmers, stark whites and hints of negative space’ for ‘a clean, chic and super stylish finish’.

Nowadays, we know this trend as ‘princess nails’. The perfect pink polish has stood the test of time, experiencing a resurgence in early 2026 as the trend has been dominating red carpets. Specifically, the 31st Critics Choice Awards and 83rd Golden Globe Awards showcased a plethora of stars boasting ballet-toned tips.

4. Graphic goddess

Characterised by ‘zig-zags, clean lines and geometric shapes’, Scratch explored the art-deco designs that topped the trend chart in 2016. Think checkerboard print and block colours in a wave of nautical hues.

This trend has made a comeback – with a distinctly 2026 twist. Today, nail artists are leaning into the finer details, favouring slimmer lines and doodle-like motifs arranged in a more scattered, freeform way (read our article about the chaotic nail trend here).

That said, the geometric core remains intact, with Pinterest Predicts 2026 noting ‘Neo Deco’ – a ‘retro aesthetic’ featuring ‘crisp chevrons, fan arches and other geometric hits’, as a style set to dominate this year.

5. Botanical beauty

With a focus on earth tones and nature motifs, Scratch named this 2016 trend, ‘Woodstock wanderer’. Featuring a palette of greens, browns, deeps reds and yellows, this ‘outdoorsy look’ oozes elemental energy.

Pinterest Predicts 2026 tipped ‘Wilderkind’ as one of this year’s standout styles. The trend adopts a similar colour palette to the decade-old iteration, with soft taupe and leafy greens ruling. Pinterest noted this as ‘a trend that whispers instead of roars’. “Think soft fawn freckles, butterfly wing nail art and fox-inspired outfits that hint at forest magic,” it commented.