Nail trends to try in 2012

From neutral nail color to dazzling designs, check out what's hot in nails for 2012. Here are some of our favorite nail techniques and colors for the new year.

Nail techniques

Ombre
Ombre hair was trendy in 2011 and for 2012, we will see more ombre nails.

"My personal favorite trend at this moment is ombre. It looks professionally done if you have the patience for it, and all you'll need are two different shades of polish. I always recommend using a top coat and a base coat, and find that having a makeup sponge handy can help to clean up any mess and tighten up the edges of the colors," says Creative Director of Pretty Woman USA, Aija Vilemsonne. Execute this trend at home with this ombre nail tutorial courtesy of Vilemsonne and www.PrettyWomanUSA.com.

• First, make sure that your hands are moisturized, clean and dry. That's the first step to any successful manicure, and should be a standard practice.
• Apply your base coat and the base color -- Vilemsonne recommends two coats, depending on the polish used. This will show as the lower color on your nail, closest to the cuticle.
• Use a paper bowl to pour a small amount of the second color , and dab a tiny amount on your makeup sponge. Do this slowly and carefully, never applying too much at a time. This will help to keep the mess manageable.
• This is important: make absolutely certain that your nails are fully dry before applying the second color. Dip the makeup sponge into polish and dab the tips of your nails in quick, short strokes. Make sure to cover the end of your nail.
• The top coat becomes a blending tool with this style. It will act as a re-wetting agent to bleed the two colors together, and keep your color lasting and solid.

Stripes
"Stripes are a trend that is slightly more time consuming, so save it for the weekend or a stress-free night," explains Vilemsonne. "Even though they take a little longer to apply, the look is complicated and beautiful, and looks very well put together in any situation. Whether you're at brunch or out for a night on the town, stripes can work with any look."

Glitz
For a night out, try ultra shiny nails with all-over sequins or chrome holograms. Look for a nail salon that specializes in Minx. Minx nails have been hot for a couple years now and will be going strong in 2012. Celebrities from Beyonce to Katy Perry wear Minx nails for special occasions, performances and events. Applied in a salon like stickers and set under a heat lamp, Minx nails can deliver amazing designs you never thought possible.

Nail colors

Neutrals
The most popular shade of nail color this fall will have little color at all. Shades of cream, white, light gray and very pale pink will grace the fingertips of ladies around the globe.

Cherry
Cherry-red nails and matching lip color will be all the rage in spring 2012. We saw a little sneak peek of this look from Christian Dior.

Chartreuse
Unexpected colors take center stage, particularly in the yellow family. Look for yellow shades ranging from an amber orange-yellow to a green-tinted chartreuse.

Nail collections

For 2012, one of today's hottest artists is teaming up with OPI to bring you fun nail colors with lots of style. The Nicki Minaj for OPI Nail Lacquer Collection 2012 features shades like Super Bass Shatter, Fly, Metallic 4 Life and Pink Friday among others.

In the Chanel 2012 Spring Harmonie de Printemps makeup collection, we will see three Le Vernis nail colors dubbed April, May and June. Our favorite is June -- a limited edition pastel apricot. This fresh color is light enough to almost be a neutral, especially if you just wear one coat.

Whatever nail polish you are wearing in 2012, make sure you touch-up your nails often. Chipped nail polish is definitely not in style for the New Year.

More nail tips and trends

Go funky fab with these nail trends
How to: 5-minute manicure
Inspiration for cool nail designs