2025 Nail Trends You’ll Be Seeing All Over Your Feed

Glass Velvet Nails

There’s no doubt about it: Glass velvet nails are the hottest nail trend of all heading into 2025. The ultra-glossy, reflective nail art can be accomplished in any color of the rainbow. “Glass or velvet nails are the trend right now, and it’s clear they’re here to stay,” says nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens. “They’re the perfect way to make your nails stand out while still keeping things chic and minimal for those who love a more understated look.”

Mohair Sweater Nails

Looking for a cozy and colorful nail look for the new year? Nail artist Olivia Sabellico says to try your hand at mohair sweater nails—or hire a professional manicurist to do it for you. “Drawing inspiration from the fuzzy texture and rich, blended tones of Marni’s iconic mohair sweaters, this take on sweater nails combines warmth and luxury with an artistic edge,” she shares. “Using an airbrush machine, layers of sheer, gradient colors are built up to mimic the texture of mohair, giving the nails a soft-focus, fabric-like appearance. This method allows for seamless blending and unique, organic patterns that elevate the traditional sweater nail look.”

While typically done in bright colors, Sabellico says that mohair sweater nails can also be crafted in neutrals. “The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility—whether recreating Marni’s bold, vibrant colorways or sticking to muted, cozy hues, the result is a chic, tactile design that feels both seasonal and high-fashion,” she says. “This modern approach to sweater nails is perfect for anyone looking to merge runway inspiration with cutting-edge nail art techniques.”

Clean Girl Aesthetic

Minimalist nails will always be a top salon request but in 2025, Sapiens says to expect reimagined classic designs. “When it comes to the clean girl aesthetic, minimal and simple manicures are always in style—and French tips are the ultimate timeless classic, perfect for any season,” she elaborates. “To elevate the look, try adding delicate pearls or a touch of iridescent jelly polish to your white tips for an extra hint of flair.”

3D Nails

On the opposite end of the spectrum, 3D nails exist to take manicures over the top. “3D nails are set to be a defining trend for 2025, pushing the boundaries of nail art into sculptural, wearable works of art,” Sabellico says. “This style allows for endless creativity, as textures, shapes, and designs come to life with materials like nail clay or putty, which have become the most popular medium for achieving this look. With nail clay/putty, artists can mold intricate designs directly onto the nail, from delicate floral accents to bold geometric shapes, creating a unique, tactile effect.” With that in mind, modern 3D nails are nothing short of a masterpiece and, as such, require the utmost skill to create. So unless you’re a pro yourself, make it easy on yourself and book an appointment to hop on this beautiful bandwagon. 

Don’t think 3D nails are for you? Think again! “What makes 3D nails so appealing is their versatility—clients can opt for subtle raised patterns for everyday wear or bold, avant-garde designs for special occasions,” Sabellico says. “It’s a trend that celebrates individuality and craftsmanship, making it a standout choice for those looking to elevate their nail game in 2025.”

Bows Galore

We love cutesy, demure nail ideas and according to Sapiens, bow accents are the perfect way to achieve such a vibe. “Bow supremacy is making its way into 2025, and I couldn’t be happier,” she exclaims. “It’s the perfect way to add that delicate, coquette touch to your manicure.”

Plaid Nails

Plaid nails might be popular for the holidays but Sabellico says the layered nail design can be worn all year long. “Plaid nails are set to be a major trend for 2025, bringing a nostalgic yet modern twist to nail art,” she assures us. “Inspired by classic patterns often seen in fashion, plaid nails allow for endless creativity with color combinations, line thickness, and layout variations.”

The trick to rocking plaid nails in every season is knowing which colors to reach for. “This trend is versatile, ranging from traditional muted tones like beige and navy for a preppy, understated look, to bold neon or metallic plaids for a contemporary, edgy vibe,” Sabellico says. “Layering the plaid pattern with textures, such as matte finishes or glossy overlays, adds even more depth and dimension. As a nail artist, I’ve noticed clients gravitating toward plaid nails for their ability to be both playful and sophisticated. It’s a design that feels fresh, fun, and perfect for making a statement in any season.”

Chrome Nails

Chrome nails are an oldie but a goodie—the trend kicked into high gear in 2024 and there’s no sign of it slowing down in 2025. “Chrome nails were a major hit this year, and they absolutely deserve to keep trending into 2025,” Sapiens agrees. “Their edgy, cool vibe adds a modern twist to any manicure, making them a go-to for those who love a bold yet sleek look.”

If you want to modernize your chrome manicure for 2025, though, Sabellico says to skip the full coat of color and opt for an isolated application. “Isolated chrome nails are a fresh and innovative trend for 2025—it’s all about contrast and precision,” she explains. “This style involves applying chrome powder to specific areas of the nail, creating intentional pops of reflective shine while leaving the rest of the nail bare or painted with a complementary base color. Popular designs include chrome accents on tips, edges, or geometric shapes, as well as abstract placements that let the chrome stand out against the untouched canvas. The result is a sleek, futuristic effect that feels both refined and artistic.”

Aura Nails

Aura nails are another lasting nail art trend that are set to extend beyond 2024 into 2025. “Aura nails are emerging as a must-have trend for 2025, blending soft gradients and vibrant energy-inspired designs to create a look that feels both ethereal and modern,” Sabellico says. “This trend mimics the appearance of energy fields or ‘auras’ through seamless, diffused color transitions. What sets aura nails apart is their customization—colors can be chosen based on mood, personality, or even alignment with spiritual themes. Popular combinations include warm tones like pinks and oranges for passion and energy or cool blues and greens for calm and balance.”

While aura nails are traditionally mastered with airbrush machines, they can also be achieved with a little DIY action using a sponge. Simply choose your two colors, and paint a small, rectangular sponge with one color in the center and another around the border; dab it onto your nail and finish with top coat.

Cat Eye Nails

Also known as velvet nails, cat eye nails are all about reflective pigments, albeit in a more magical, shade-shifting fashion. “Cat eye nails are set to dominate nail trends in 2025, offering a mesmerizing, dimensional look that’s both elegant and futuristic,” Sabellico says. “This design uses magnetic gel polishes infused with reflective particles to create a shifting, light-catching effect that resembles the glimmer of a cat’s eye. The trend is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless creativity. Whether opting for classic jewel tones like emerald and sapphire or experimenting with softer pastels, metallics, or holographic finishes, the result is always striking. For added impact, designs can incorporate negative space, layered effects, or even patterns like waves or lines to elevate the magnetic shimmer.”

Junk Nails

Last but not least, we have junk nails—an iteration of 3D nails. “Junk nails are set to be a standout trend for 2025, celebrating maximalism and individuality in nail art,” Sabellico says. “This style is achieved by layering an eclectic mix of stones, charms, piercings, and other embellishments, all strategically placed on the nail using charm or rhinestone glue. Each design is a unique composition, blending textures, shapes, and materials to create a bold, statement-making look. Whether paired with grungy, dark tones for a punk-inspired vibe or vibrant colors for a fun, eclectic feel, junk nails are the ultimate expression of nail art’s limitless potential.”