
Between Japanese manicures and 'Russian nails', to the new French mani and 'old money' manicures, 2024 has been all about the natural-looking nail.
But there's a new nail trend on the block — and it's gaining popularity for its ability to offer a natural look that mimics real nails while providing the strength and durability often associated with BIAB.
Watch: Keen for a giggle? Here's life with an without nails. Post continues below.
It's called 'hyperrealistic nails' and it's all about creating the appearance of naturally long and healthy nails — even if you can't grow them yourself.
Because if you're someone with perpetually short nails who's always wanted someone to ask, "are they your real nails?!" this could be the trend for you.
Here's everything you need to know.
What are hyperrealistic manicures?
Hyperrealistic nails are a nail trend that aims to create the illusion of natural, long nails without having to grow them out. Put simply, hyperreal manicures are like your nails but better.
On TikTok, 'hyperrealistic manicures' have millions, upon millions of views, featuring long, enviable, natural-looking nails with one secret: they're not actually real.
Commonly created using gel or acrylic extensions, these nails are carefully sculpted and coloured to mimic the look of real nails, down to the smallest details like the nail bed, lunula, and colour variations (for example, you'll notice they feature yellowed or milky tips as opposed to stark white tips).