14 Beauty Trends We’re Leaving Behind in 2024 (And What to Try Instead)

Aura Nails first popped up around 2021 and has continued to be a popular look for many. However, one manicurist believes this design will fizzle out in favor of more minimalistic manicures in 2024. “I see people leaning towards simpler nails or modern French designs and ‘Aura Nails’ aren’t very DIY friendly,” says Ganzorigt. She adds, “I think we’ll be seeing a major shift next year towards more home manicure sets that support easier techniques that people can actually do themselves.”

In 2022, we predicted matte nails were no more and we stand by that claim. While glossy manicures are here to stay, we’re taking them up a notch with more 3D nail art (like blob nails) in the new year. “Matte nails provide a simple and sophisticated look, but this trend can lack the dynamism and experimental canvas that is becoming increasingly favored in the nail art community,” says Nguyen. “In 2024, we’re going to lean towards more vibrant, eye-catching designs that matte finishes just can’t deliver. 3D nail art offers a literal new dimension and involves creating raised designs on nails with shapes, patterns and even mini sculptures.” 

The beloved nail trend popularized by Hailey Bieber is taking a backseat come January. “‘Glazed Donut’ nails took the world by storm. While we won’t completely leave this trend behind, we are switching out of the sheer base for something bolder now,” shares Russell. Instead of the traditional white or light pink base, the nail artist predicts warm browns will be a fan favorite. To achieve the look, Russell suggests applying a caramel shade as a base before applying a chrome powder on top for a frosted effect. 

Checkered nails are having their last hurrah. “Wavy or straight, black and white or colored, 2023 was the year of checkered nails. The look is retro and modern, but fun and classy. However, it will be fizzling out in the new year,” says Russell. In its place? Colorblocked nails. “This look calls for a curated color palette and it can be worn as a full nail design or as French tips with crisp edges. Colorblocked nails are totally customizable and give you a fun way to incorporate color and design to any manicure.” 

While there’s a plethora of nail shapes out there, our experts are seeing a favorite among their clients: rounded tips. “Whether short or long, rounded tips are making a huge comeback. In GLOSSLAB, clients are asking less and less for the square nail shape,” says Glass. Luckily, this trend is simple to achieve at home, as all you need is a nail file to get the job done.

Although intricate buns took off this summer, we’re going to see less styling and more carefree looks moving forward. “We’re now embracing ‘Effortless Elegance,’ characterized by bouncy blowouts and the celebration of natural textures like tousled bobs, lobs, layered upswept hair that offer a fresh take on ‘90s hairstyles,” says Dotson. “This move away from elaborate hairstyles is a response to how over-styling can increase breakage and cause overall hair damage. Even traditionally structured styles, like finger waves, are being approached with a softer touch.” As a result, Dotston believes we’re shifting towards using less heat tools and trying more air drying techniques in 2024. 

We’ve already started stepping away from money piece highlights, so it’s no surprise that chunky highlights are on their way out next. “The upkeep is not worth the funds. If you don’t completely cover chunky highlights when they begin to grow out, they will get brassier as time goes on. Instead, we’re leaning towards a more elevated and natural finish in 2024,” says Sears. The stylist predicts babylights will make their triumphant return. The process involves weaving extremely fine highlights throughout your hair to create a subtle brightening effect. And according to Sears, the highlights are usually done in tones that are closer to your natural hair color, so you can get fewer touchups.

Bobs aren’t going anywhere; however, we have our eyes set on a particular style for the new year. From the ‘box bob’ to the ‘Italian bob,’ we’re asking for choppier iterations of the cut over straight ends. “A blunt bob doesn’t have volume or movement. In 2024, we’re going to see haircuts with more volume like the choppy bob, which has layers and creates more movement,” says Ashley. To style your new cut at home, the stylist suggests applying mousse to damp hair for extra hold and texture before drying it. 

We’re all about low-maintenance looks and clouding (a highlighting technique that involves scrunching color into your curls for a multi-dimensional ombré effect) just isn’t cutting it anymore. According to Ashley, we’ll be trying more lived-in, monochrome hair colors in the year ahead. She assures, “Your hair will still make a statement with colors that look more natural and blended instead of being just an accent.”

Searching for a new protective style? We predict the braided bob is going to take over in 2024. “Bobs, but specifically braided bobs, are having their moment. They’re great for all hair types and can be styled in a variety of ways,” says May. The expert suggests chatting with your stylist to find a bob length that flatters your face shape. She adds, “If you want it to be chin-length, consider leaving the ends unfinished for a gentle flip, or extend them to shoulder-length for a chic lob.”

Whether you like applying falsies or prefer using mascara, fluffy lashes are here to stay. We’re just lightening things up in 2024. “Big, thick lashes are so 2023. They can be too heavy for the eyelids, making them extremely uncomfortable and can take away from your natural eye shape,” shares La’Pearl. “In 2024, we’re trying wispy angel lashes. They offer a fine, feathery look that makes your eyes pop, while still looking natural.” Tip: Use individual lashes or smaller clusters instead of full strips for an even more natural look that’s easier to customize to your eye shape.

The ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ was all about keeping things minimalistic with our makeup. But according to Birdwell, we can expect a major shift towards more color, glitter and abstract looks next year. “With the revival of the club scene and emphasis on self-expression, it’s going to be all about the ‘Party Girl Aesthetic’ in 2024,” he says. “We’ll see lots of graphic eyeliner looks and playful colors on the lips, as well as glittery, multichromatic finishes and creamy textures for luminous skin.” 

There’s no denying that 2023 was the year of Barbiecore and sweet, hyperfeminine pink looks were everywhere. But in the year ahead, we’re opting for darker, bolder shades. “We’re going to see more red, which is considered a stronger, fiercer shade,” says Patinkin. From vibrant red lipstick to striking eyeliner, this shade is going to be front and center in 2024.

Although Akram is all for face rolling (if you’re using ice globes or cryo sticks), the esthetician believes LED devices are going to become a bigger part of our skincare routines next year. “I think at-home technology [for the skin] continues to get better. I think we’ll see more microcurrent, LED and sonophoresis (aka ultrasound therapy) being used,” says Akram.