Spring is here, and we beauty lovers are already starting to get an idea of which eye-catching nail trends will be missed this season. While spring 2025 was all about nostalgia with bold, negative space designs, micro-French manicures and coquette nails with 3D decals, this time, we’re expecting the nail space to change once again as the trend cycle continues. However, experts are saying that the season’s top nail looks will look much less “trendy” than before.
For a true Who Wears What Beauty Editor in fashion, I reached out to two celebrity nail artists for the inside scoop on which nail designs may be going out of style just in time for the temperatures to rise, and everything that will take their place. If this piques your interest, keep scrolling!
What won’t be in trend this spring?
celebrity manicurist queeny nguyen It predicts a shift away from the extreme, high-drama nails that dominated spring last year. “Trends you might not see include overly shiny ‘junk nails’, thick, high-contract French tips, exaggerated 3D elements, or even extreme shapes like ultra sharp stilettos,” explains Nguyen. celebrity nail artist analyze hernandez She and her clients have been experimenting with new designs over the past two years, moving away from gel flower nails to the spring-blooming ones.
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She adds, “I loved how buildable and versatile this flower set was, but I think my clients are now gravitating toward more realistic nail art.” Last year, simple, solid colors were embraced in manicures, but Hernandez says simple, solid colors (especially soft colors like butter yellow), but the trend won’t return this season. “While those colors are still relevant, this year is all about adding personality through design,” explains Hernandez.
What will take their place?
Nguyen says that instead of returning to last spring’s bold, runway-inspired nail art, citrus shades and dramatically longer lengths, manicures this spring will be softer and more wearable. “Think translucent, milky ‘your nails but better’ finishes, jelly nails that give a more translucent finish, micro nail art like micro French tips or micro gems,” Nguyen adds. She also predicts we’ll see a return of shorter lengths this spring, along with softer shapes like round, oval and ‘scovel’. Instead of the aforementioned gel flower nails, Hernandez expects floral milk nails to rise in popularity this season (dried flowers delicately encased within gel or acrylic).
To achieve this look, nail tech can start with a clear base like OPI Gelavette is flawless in OPI ($25) or similar line Soft Gel Almond Tips For extra length ($33). “A layer of clear, milky shade like OPI Gelcolor OPI I am a bubble bunny ($13) to create that soft, spring-ready ‘clean girl’ aesthetic,” she explains. Hernandez is also seeing a rise in patterned nails with playful designs like polka dots, stripes, and gingham prints. “These looks embrace a mix of colors, textures, and creativity,” Hernandez explains.
Why will these trends increase?
If you’re noticing an increase in the number of lifestyle-based beauty trends, you’re not alone. Nguyen says manicures this season will be about prioritizing a low-maintenance and polished look that complements personality and lifestyle. “Instead of replicating highly recognizable, ‘algorithm-driven’ trends (like a shiny donut or heavy chrome), people are gravitating toward more personal, understated styles that still feel intentional and fun,” she says. “I’m excited to see more techies leaning into this fun world and bringing back maximalist nails!”
For clean, healthy mirrors, Nguyen recommends asking Orly Builder in a Bottle (BIAB) ($25) as its Dealing with creating a clear, structured base that enhances natural nails. “If you’re at home, I love Orly Breathable 1 Step Manicure Because it combines nail care with color. Favorite spring neutral is ‘Kiss Me, I’m Kind,’ because it’s the perfect soft, light pink.” She also loves products from this brand. pH perfector ($15) For nail care and polish that delivers a sheer pink color while leaving a soft shine once removed.
Then: Dotted Floral | Now: Polka Dots
This charming manicure from Milan-based creative nail-artist Oksana Zavora combines the magic of a cat’s eye design with subtle polka dot details that catch the light perfectly. These ethereal and playful nails combine one of the season’s trendiest colors ( vintage blue ) with crisp cream for a versatile, spring-inspired look that’s timeless.
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Adore Professional
Metal Glass Cat Eye Gel Polish in Light Blue
Again: Solid Shades | Now: Ultra-wide
Solid, pastel shades of butter yellow and vibrant orange won’t be as popular this spring, but experts are predicting a boom in nails that feature bright spring colors with a charming, elegant touch. Apparently, Y2K-inspired looks are also alive, as proven by these The almond nails were created by Stafford-based nail artist Stephanie Holland.
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OPI
Nail polish is always green nearby
Then: Large Elements | Now: Small Touches
Maximalist, oversized 3D designs are officially on the way out, but we’re feeling a resurgence in delicate details to elevate mismatched designs. This nail look is the result of a freestyle mix-and-matched session that yielded nails with animal prints, diffused glow, minimal metallics, chic chrome French tips and faux nail piercings. 3D additions are “small”, but they have a huge impact on the finished look.
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Essie
Expressi Quick Dry Nail Color in Slate Blue
Then: Fashion-inspired | Now: versatile
According to Nguyen, other minimalist manicures will focus on enhancing natural nails for a “your nails, but better” look by using translucent, pink tones for a clean, structured base. If you want to add a hint of springtime sparkle, consider choosing a color with subtle sparkles of iridescent flakes to take your barely-there, pink nails to the next level.
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Kinetics
Gel in Bottle Pink Spark
Again: Preppy plaid | Now: Classic Gingham
School may not officially close for the summer Now! So far (we’ve barely made it to spring, after all), but experts are predicting that we’ll be replacing the preppy plaid designs that helped define nails with trendy gingham prints in 2025. Inspired by coastal towns, sun-drenched brunches, and lavender fields, Nguyen paired this gingham-inspired checker print with blue and white stripes and hand-painted blueberries.
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Took more
Nail Polish in Bell Bottom Blues
Then: Gel Florals | Now: Floral Milk Bath
The gel florals that Hernandez created for her celebrity clients last spring are being swapped out for garden-inspired floral milk nails (so, you don’t have to say goodbye to your phenomenal florals… but updating them might be worth it). We’re impressed with the results of this Encapsulated Pressed Micro Flower Manicure from Bettina Goldstein.
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Manucurist
green natural nail polish in milky pink
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