The daffodils have bloomed, the sun is peaking through the clouds and the cold has (somewhat) seeped away. That can only mean one thing: goodbye winter, hello spring. Celebrate the arrival of spring with our guide to the biggest nail trends for the season.
Which Nail Trends Will Be Big In Spring 2024?
We’re stripping back when it comes to nail trends this season, with nude and natural shades becoming a firm favourite in salons. While colours may be muted, we’re on track to see textural designs take centre stage in a big way. Keen to sink your claws in? These are the spring nail trends to try this year:
Top Trends At A Glance
- Mini Eggs Nails
- BB Nails
- Butter Nails
- Almond Nails
- Nude Nails
- Barbie Pink
- Abstract Nail Art
- Metallic Textures
- Matcha Manis
- Lip Gloss Nails
- Dainty Flowers
- Pastel Airbrush Nails
- Coloured Micro French
- Clean Aesthetic
1. Mini Egg Nails
Celebrating Easter this year? Then why not get well and truly into the spirit with the latest spring beauty trend: mini egg nails. Reminiscent of the elite springtime treat, this design focuses on the pastel, mottled texture associated with mini eggs – and when paired with almond shaped nails, they look almost as delicious as the real thing…
2. BB Nails
A newer take on the clean girl aesthetic comes in the form of BB nails this season, which (as the name suggests) created the effect of an airbrushed, creamy gloss on the nail. ‘Emulating the recent trend of glowing, sheer and beautiful skin created by using a blemish balm, or BB cream, BB nails is a new style of manicure that enhances natural nails – just like how a BB cream would work on skin,’ explains manicurist and Senior Mylee Ambassador, Tinu Bello. ‘This manicure is all about glowing-up what you already have, camouflaging imperfections and creating natural-looking but perfectly polished nails.’ Get your inspiration fix with our guide here.
3. Butter Nails
The gloomy British weather might not have gotten the memo, but spring calls for light, pastel tones and syrupy shades. This season, think butter yellow. The trendiest of manicures right now, butter nails are all about those signature pastel yellow tones – brighter than vanilla but slightly less vibrant than lemon or canary. It’s a pale, creamy colour that brings to mind daffodils and spring sun (and the butter on your hot cross buns, of course). Red might be taking over the runways, but butter yellow is set to be a go-to when it comes to beauty. Read all about how you can recreate the look at home with our guide here.
4. Almond Nails
As for nail shapes, it seems we’re going nuts for almond nails these days. ‘Almond nails are nails that have been shaped with thinner side walls creating a soft reverse triangle shape, so that they look like the pointed tip of an almond,’ explains Emma Brown, Nail Technician at YoungLDN, who also advises on the best way to create almond nails at home. ‘Make sure the tip of the nail is straight and not wonky when you are filing. To combat this, look at the nail from the angle of your hands flat out in front of you – this will help you see if any points are over-filed to one side or the other. It is also fun to try out variations of the pointed end of the nail, from softer to more pointed curves. Then you can discover your favourite way to wear the almond nail.’ Channel almond nails with our guide here.
5. Nude Nails
Neutral designs are having a bit of a renaissance this season, with barely-there designs and skin-colour shades used to create simpler looks. ‘Remember the “no make-up” look? It is coming back as a manicure staple,’ says Mariana Eidelkind, founder of Oblique Beauty House. ‘”Nude” or “naked” nails is one of the hottest trends we’re seeing pop up in the salon right now, with many opting for a more minimal look.’
For those who prefer something a little more decorative, fear not; Mariana tells us that nude nails can easily be elevated with simple designs: ‘Some might find the trend a bit too humble and would love to push it creatively. Our nail artists at Oblique can add playful, delicate swirls in milky white to make your hands stand out.’
(c) Oblique Beauty House
6. Barbie Pink
‘Thanks to the recent Barbie movie, we’re seeing shades of pink – especially hot pink – come back in across beauty and fashion,’ explains Mariana. ‘We’d recommend trying a french manicure with a contemporary twist, using various pinks to make your nails really pop. This design is perfect for any nail length and shape, and can visually elongate the nail bed. You can use a nude base, or try another colour to create even more contrast.’
(c) Oblique Beauty House
7. Abstract Nail Art
Don’t have the time to grow your nails out (but still want them to look pretty)? Then this one could be for you. ‘You can achieve a bold pop of colour with some artsy, abstract nail art,’ says Mariana. ‘It’s a fun way to express yourself and boost your mood even during April showers. If this doesn’t say springtime, we don’t know what does. It also looks great on short nails and ties in nicely with hand accessories you like wearing.’
(c) Oblique Beauty House
8. Metallic Textures
Your inner magpie will be well and truly sated with this trend, which is all about bringing metallic textures to the fore. ‘Adding an extra flair to the DIY mani, the metallic and chrome look is BACK and better than ever,’ says Lynn Mason, in-house nail expert at Mavala. ‘Another hark back to the Y2K era, the fresh and trendy metallic look can be explored in a multitude of ways, whether it’s a futuristic twist on the French mani or experimenting with a colourful chrome effect.’
9. Matcha Manis
Spring greens will also be taking a more muted tone this season, according to Tinu Bello, manicurist and Senior Brand Ambassador for Mylee. ‘Green is one of my go-to colours. It’s versatile enough to suit confident and bold individuals, but also those who are more down-to-earth. Green is popular all year round, but is especially trendy for spring, as it coincides with nature, green grass, lush trees, and blossoming flowers. Sage green is a stunning shade that works well on its own for a minimal look, or paired with white or brown accents or nail art for a mani that stands out.’
10. Lip Gloss Nails
‘Lip oils are trending all over social media, and it’s spilling over to nails,’ adds Tinu. ‘This nail trend mimics the shiny sheen finish of lip gloss applied on bare lips or nude lipstick. It’s all about that glossy topcoat – you want your nails to shine from every angle and sort of look like jelly. To tap into the trend at home, start with nails that are buffed, super clean and immaculately filed into shape. For the base colour, choose between a sheer nude, a pearlescent pink or a bright popping hue, and then apply a few coats of a glossy topcoat for the ultimate lip gloss finish.’
11. Dainty Flowers
While not necessarily ‘groundbreaking’ as Miranda Priestly would say, florals always come back into fashion as soon as we get a whiff of spring air. ‘There’s really nothing that screams “spring”,’ admits Amanda Lee, owner and founder of Iris Avenue. ‘Florals can be delicately hand-painted on nails for a spring meadow feel, or alternatively you can use dried flowers encapsulated in a gel manicure for a small 3D effect.’
(c) Iris Avenue
12. Pastel Airbrush Nails
Another big trend we see in fashion – and one that’s making its way over to the beauty sphere – is pastels. Amanda suggests we try an airbrushed look when try it out: ‘Using an airbrush machine, multiple colours can be sprayed onto the nails with pastel hues, creating this seamless fade of colours for a whimsical, dreamy feel.’
(c) Iris Avenue
13. Coloured Micro French
While you may know it well from the early noughties, rest assured that this updated take on the French will do far more than its predecessor ever could. ‘The classic French manicure has been around since the 70s,’ says Ashleigh Alli, founder of ASHE London. ‘This latest iteration is great for those of us who want a bit of colour without committing fully to a particular shade. Short, neatly manicured nails are finished with a thin clean line of colour at the tip of the nail – use a thin paint brush to achieve the perfect line – and try using a green or apricot pastel hue for a spring update.’
(c) ASHE London
14. Clean Aesthetic
And finally, we come back full circle to a more natural look. ‘In the spirit of spring cleaning, minimal manicures with a base of neatly groomed cuticles and nails are finished with light translucent colours to show off clean, healthy nails,’ says Ashleigh. ‘Create the look at home by pushing back cuticles so your nail beds look neater and longer and the colour bonds better with the nail. Apply a base coat and always seal the colour at the tips with a top coat. Once dry, apply a cuticle oil to hydrate the nail and stimulate nail growth.’
(c) ASHE London
Featured image: Roman Kraft, Unsplash
