Red Manicure Resurgence: 2024's Chic Comeback

Slightly shunned by celebrities, this classic is experiencing a resurgence. Decoding a shade that does not lack appeal.

Long neglected by personalities on the red carpet, red manicure is enjoying a renewed favor. A new obsession for Selena Gomez who regularly sports it, a power statement for Natalie Portman... Scarlet nail polish commands attention at events early this year. It's a strong comeback on the Hollywood scene, even though in everyday life, red has never really disappeared from women's nails. "It's a classic that has never really gone out of fashion," emphasizes Elsa Durrens, nail artist for Chanel. "But right now, it completely corresponds to a desire for empowerment: it truly embodies feminine strength and power."

Last year, red was relegated to the background with the Barbie pink trend, taking a lower profile. "It's true that there was also a real craze for the baby-boomer manicure, a pinkish beige, and for pearlescent. Now, we're returning to something more assertive. And at the same time classic, as it remains a sure value," adds the Chanel expert.

Classic, certainly, but also very practical as this shade easily matches all looks. "It’s a color that avoids mistakes. It matches all outfits, suits all occasions depending on the undertone chosen. For me, it's really a reassuring color. The darker it is, the easier it is to match."

Always present in the graphic palette offered in nail polish collections or nail bars, it’s in its nuances and undertones that the color can vary. "There’s also a question of seasonality. In winter, bold, scarlet, burgundy tones, and Chanel's iconic rouge noir are more appealing. Whereas, as the warmer days approach, we tend to lean towards more orangey reds, coral, slightly fresher shades," observes Elsa Durrens.

But then in 2024, how are we going to embrace this iconic shade? First, let's talk about the shape. Selena Gomez loves it in a claw-nail version, while Natalie Portman wears it in a rounded square shape on fairly short nails. "These are for me the two alternatives. For the first, the well-almond-shaped version aims to elongate them and ultimately gives them quite an elegant touch. The option to avoid is the long square nails, as it creates a flattened effect at the tip of the hand which is not very fortunate."

Regarding the choice of red shade, Elsa Durrens advises turning to the rules of colorimetry. "When you have a cool undertone, you turn to reds with slightly bluish nuances, a touch of violet like a burgundy red or those leaning towards raspberry." Conversely, for warmer tones, an orangey red, with a hint of yellow is perfect. And for fans of mix and match, the nail artist always advises putting the darker color on the feet and the lighter on the hands.