For those who experience all four seasons, May is the first breath of fresh air. In New York City, the trees in Central Park are finally in full bloom, and the dry grass has been replaced by green grass. Nature has come alive again and our style choices from head to toe nails reflect it. So when I contacted three professional manicurists for advice What color to get at my May nail appointmentThey came back with a flurry of trend-forward recommendations that varied from soft and subtle to edgy and alternative.
A lot happens in May as a celebrity nail artist patty yankee Tells. This month has officially started wedding season (“Expect to see a lot of blush pink and milky nudity,” she notes), and we’re currently experiencing it coming from Coachella and Stagecoach, where the style-minded have introduced many of the hottest spring manicure trends. “May is that beautiful moment in between where spring is in full bloom, but summer is just around the corner, and we’re seeing nail trends reflect that softness and optimism,” says Rebecca Isa, creative director of Zoya. It is the bustle of rebirth – the blooming flowers, sweet spring warmth, and refilled social calendar – that inspired This month’s trendiest colorsAnd this is evident from the experts’ recommendations below.
From soft pastels to glitter topcoats (plus a handful of à la mode color combos), see May’s top mani contenders below.
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May 8th Nail Color Trends
sophisticated pastel
pastel for spring? Bhoomi pujan. Although these lighter iterations of classic colors are spring Manicure staples, Isa predicts a sweeter but more sophisticated look — shades she calls “dessert-inspired pastels” that feel “sweet and joyful but in a sophisticated, adult way.” The result is a blend of dreamy pink, raspberry tints and milky lilac (like above), ending with a glittery, hard-candy finish. “These are not the chocolate pastels of past seasons; they are richer, more saturated, and read as polished rather than playful,” Isa concludes.
Inky Alternatives
This next trend seems anti-spring at first glance, but it’s one of the best options you can choose from at the salon right now. just didn’t do it Hailey Bieber’s nails are dark, flowery The first weekend at Bieberchella (photographed by go-to celeb manicurist). Zola GanzorigatWho constantly sets nail trends music festival season), but going against the seasonal grain with any styling choice is a fast way to look good. However, Yankee says black polish isn’t mandatory to participate in this trend. She adds, “For those who prefer darker nails but still want some color, cobalt blue or emerald green (the May birthstone!) seem to be some popular choices.”
londontown
Lacur Nail Polish in Vibe
natural glow
Healthy nails are always on trend, and Isa says the recent resurgence of attention to nail health is translating into a spring trend. “We’re seeing a strong shift toward shiny, elevated natural finishes that don’t cover up the nail, but rather diffuse light to make it look healthy and shiny,” she explains. Take the coral wash of color at the manicurist, for example. Mateja Novakovic’s nails, made possible by Tinted Manucurist Nail Strengthener in Cranberry. Isa explains that these polishes with built-in benefits give your nails “your nails but better” shine, which “sounds especially perfect for May when we’re transitioning into bare skin season and want our hands to look effortless.”
subtle glow
“The subtle sparkle is back but not in a maximalist way,” Issa declared. She adds, “We’re seeing rich, rose-gold glitter and pearlescent glitter being used as accent shades or topcoats over creams to add dimension without overwhelming the look.” Take, for example, this subtly shimmery gel manicure created by a London-based expert manicurist karolina zukWhich made fine pieces of glitter, which look very attractive.
soft pink
“Pink is the shade of summer!” says Olivia Van Iderstine, trend expert at Olive & June. She adds, “There are so many ways to get into this trend, from almost neon hot pink to low-key neutrals.” However, softer iterations of the bubblegum color, such as Milky pink, on top of that, has been unquestionably dominating the trend cycle for quite some time now. If you’re looking for a non-boring neutral that goes with everything this month, soft pink is your new best friend.
Orange Creamsicle
There’s nothing better than a soft citrus shade to celebrate the transition between spring and summer. This milky clementine hue not only looks stunning on all skin types, but it has a sweet hint of summer nostalgia that doesn’t feel childish or weird. “Orange Creamsicle is one of our favorite flavors — sweet and bold in equal amounts,” Van Iderstine says of this saccharine trend. Increase the saturation with a deep orange hue for a little more brightness, or go for a soft peach iteration like the photo above for something even better.
butter yellow
light-wash denim
When it comes to May manicures professionals are taking inspiration from seasonal fashion. While sky blue seems like the perfect spring shade to me, Van Idersteen says this trend is a bit more intentional than that. “[It’s]your favorite pair of summer denim cutoffs in nail form,” she says. “They pair with everything (just like denim) and strike the perfect balance between neutrals and statement (nails),” she explains.
olive and june
vintage quick dry polish
Color combo is trending in May
berry + blue
tonal pastel
Isa also noticed that alternating nail polish mashups — especially when each shade is from the same color family — has been a popular request these days. “Like soft lilac next to creamy pink, or powder blue next to icy mint,” she explains. “[It]feels modern and a little unexpected without being loud. It’s the perfect way to wear a manicure that looks cohesive but has more personality than a single color.”
