The shapes that stuck
Almond is still the volume king in Dallas, but short squoval is having a real moment for the first time in years — especially on clients who type for a living or have finally given up on long nails breaking at week three.
Stiletto is out except at a handful of studios. Ballerina / coffin is still requested but most good techs will quietly push you toward a softer almond unless you're committed.
Colors Dallas techs are reaching for
Warm milky neutrals with a slight peach undertone replaced the blue-leaning milky whites that dominated 2024. It's a kinder undertone for most skin, and it reads 'done' without looking statement.
On the statement side: chocolate brown, dark claret red, and a soft sage green. Not neon, not pastel — muted and confident.
What's fading: chrome. Everyone got bored of it at the same time.
Art trends specific to the city
Micro-French (a hair-thin tip line, often in a non-white color) is the most-requested art across Dallas studios right now. It reads understated from a distance and intentional up close.
3D charms and jellies are a Uptown / Deep Ellum thing — not really landing in Preston Hollow or Highland Park, where the aesthetic is still quieter.
'Aura' gradients, the soft-focus halo of color on each nail, are everywhere on Instagram but harder than they look. Only book this with a tech who has posted at least 10 examples on their own feed.
What to ask for if you're behind
If you haven't updated your look in a year, ask for: short-to-medium almond, a milky peach or cool cream base, and an optional micro-French. You'll look current without any of it feeling like a trend risk.
If you want to look ahead of the curve: chocolate brown on a ballerina shape, no art. It photographs beautifully and it's where the high-fashion side of Dallas is already going.