Back in January, I wrote about how various shades of green nail polish were going to be a dominant 2024 nail trend. As emerald green later made way for a sea of sage and pistachio manicures, another shade is emerging as very popular choice: olive nails.
Given that this particular shade of green was popular among this year’s spring/summer fashion trends (and looks set to be even more so for autumn/winter 2024), it’s not hugely surprising that this has seeped into beauty trends, too.
Not only that, olive is a more versatile colour than you may have first thought. You can opt for a polish that skews slightly warmer and more yellow-based or cooler and in the direction of khaki to complement your skin tone. Plus, it lends itself very well to nail art looks, whether you opt for chic, minimalistic swirls or a more on-the-nose olive-themed design. On that note, here are some of my favourite olive nails looks from social media to inspire your next mani appointment or DIY job.
1. Short olive nails
Olive nail polish looks great on any length of nails, of course, but if you like yours to be on the shorter side, full-cover polish on well-shaped squoval nails looks great. Don’t forget a good top coat to improve its longevity.
2. Chrome olive nails
Our love affair with chrome nails may have cooled a little, but it’s still a popular choice. Opting for a chrome add-on with khaki, sage or olive nails really elevates these shades.
3. Olive accents
Why not combine olive nail polish with another colour for a cool, contrasting look? Pink and green is a winning combination.
Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Candy Floss
Essie Nail Lacquer in Win Me Over
4. Olive tips
We love this twist on pastel tips, making for a great colourful French manicure. Unless you’re a dab hand at intricate designs, this might be one that’s best created by a nail artist in-salon.
5. Literal olive nails
Olive-inspired, but in a totally different way, I love this slightly abstract design. A tiny nail art sponge will help you create the circle shape if you want an easier method to outlining with a detail brush then filling in.
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Key Lime Pie
Palette London Nail Paint in Mulberry Silk
6. Olive swirls
I’m a big fan of negative space nails, a look that olive nail polish really lends itself well to, so these swirls get a big ‘yes’ in my book.
7. Hybrid olive tips
If you can’t decide between olive French tips or full cover nail polish, why not mix and match both like this half and half design?
Nailberry L’Oxygéné Nail Lacquer in Pistachi-Oh!
Boots Nail Art Tools 5 Pack
8. Micro olive nail art
Another literal take on olive nails, this teeny accent makes a great add-on to a neutral manicure—like a martini garnish for your nails. Again, if you don’t possess a steady hand or you don’t fancy your chances with a fine liner brush, book this as an add-on to your next in-salon manicure.
9. Square olive nails
And finally, square nails have been an increasingly popular choice over the past couple of years and make a great pairing for olive nails, like this cooler shade.
London Grace Nail Polish in Olive
