Love it or hate it, it’s impossible to ignore the speed at which trends come and go in the beauty industry these days. When it comes to nail trends in particular, it sometimes feels impossible to be able to keep on top of what’s “in” and what’s “out”. Indeed, sometimes it feels like the cool, fresh new styles I bookmarked on Instagram a few weeks earlier already feel tired by the time it comes to my next manicure appointment.
Most of the time, this doesn’t bother me—I know what lengths and colours suit me, and I often return to the same classic nail art designs I’ve previously worn. However, when it comes to this 2025’s spring nail trends, I can’t help but notice that there are a number of very cool, very chic looks that actually make their classic alternatives seem passé in comparison.
This season, we’re straying from the conventional (florals and pastels) and even from more recent classics (short lengths and plain French tips). Don’t believe me? You’ll find all the evidence below.
Scroll down for the spring nail trends I’m hitting pause on, the new ones I’m keen to try and the products you’ll need to recreate them at home.
1. Pausing: Naked Nails
Trying: High-Shine Nails
Like many of the trends on this list, this isn’t a complete 180 on a trend and more an evolution of one. Natural, “naked” nails have been trending for a few years now—I love that they look clean and fresh, and that they’re so low maintenance. For spring 2025, they’ve been upgraded with an eye-catching high-shine finish, which we’re labelling “glass nails”. It’s super easy to recreate this one at home—just aim for a thick, glossy, clear layer over your natural nail.
Shop the Trend:
Manucurist
Active Shine Treatment
One coat of this high-shine polish is all you need to enhance your natural nails.
OPI
Infinite Shine Long-Wear Gel-Like Clear Nail Polish
I’ve tried many a top coat and nothing gives such a glossy glass-like finish as this one.
2. Pause: Plain French Tip
Try: Cat Eye French Tip
I’m calling it—the cat eye finish is to 2025 what chrome nails were to 2022. The innovative application technique creates a sense of depth and a colour shift that catches in the light. We can expect to see this style being showcased everywhere in nails this year, and I’ve already spotted it being used to elevate the humble French tip.
Shop the trend:
Mylee
Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Blood Moon
Fancy trying a cat-eye French tip from the comfit of your own home? Thanks to Mylee, you now can.
Manucurist
Nail Art Brush
An essential tool for any French-tip design.
3. Pause: Pastels
Try: Muted Brights
Thanks to “millennial pink” and “Gen Z purple” (a pale lilac), pastels really have reigned supreme in the past few years—and they always seem to rise in popularity during spring. This year I’m seeing fewer pale pastel shades being used, and more mmuted takes on bright pops of colour like lime green and coral pink. It’s fun, fresh and uplifting, so I’m absolutely here for it.
Shop the Trend:
Sephora Collection
Nail Polish in Lime Zest
This true lime green is high on my wishlist.
Nailberry
Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Decadence
There’s something about a coral hue that gives me hope for summer.
4. Pause: Floral Nail Art
Try: Minimal Nail Art
As a beauty editor I spend a lot of time combing through pro-manicurist’s Instagram pages looking for inspiration. What’s struck me this year is that we’re halfway through March and I haven’t seen a single floral design. Instead, I’ve spotted lots of cute minimal designs—think micro nail art in the form of love hearts, chilli peppers, smiley faces and kiss prints.
Shop the Trend:
Le Mini Macaron
Flower Power Mini Nail Stickers
These easy-to-use stickers are a quicker and more affordable option than a visit to the salon.
It may only come in white, but this pen is perfect for minimal nail art designs.
5. Pause: Short Nails
Try: Long Nails
Now I have to admit that I love short nails, they’re just so much more practical and low maintenance than longer lengths. But with that said, I’ve noticed that longer nails seem to be increasing in popularity this spring. Gone are the short squovals shapes we’ve grown used to—longer, almond-shaped nails are officially back.
Shop the Trend:
If you’re unaccustomed to long nails, give them a test drive with a press-on set.
Elegant Touch
Acrylic Nail Kit – Coconut Water
This set is perfect for anyone whose natural nails won’t grow long.
