For the maximalists, 3D designs are everywhere, from graphic swirls to dainty bows. And silky glazed donut nails are set to head in a more audacious direction. Tanjinder Banwait, founder of vegan and halal nail paint brand Palette London, told us: “The glazed nail trend has been solidified thanks to the influence of trendsetters like Hailey Bieber, but as we move into 2024, get ready for a touch of alchemy coming to this popular look. Instead of the minimalist neutrals, the glaze effect will pack more of a punch with a color and depth upgrade.”
We’ve been seeing tons of rainbow chromes and pastel chromes, too. In its 2024 beauty report, Beauty Pie spotlit lavender chrome nails as the one to watch, which works perfectly for spring. Elsewhere, sheer textures in cute colours will become a whole movement. Pinterest called out ‘jelly’ as a major trend in its 2024 Pinterest Predicts, noting: “Gen Z and millennials are driving this squishy aesthetic”. So, expect to see ultra glossy jelly manicures splashed across fingertips.
But, according to research conducted by Ripe Hair & Beauty (who analysed Google search volume data to determine the most sough-after spring nail trends), there are five designs in particular we’re coveting right now. We’ve rounded them up below alongside some more of our favourite big-hitters.
Below, all the spring nail trends to watch out for…
Bright florals
According to Ripe, searches for “bright floral nails” are up by 250% year on year. So, despite being a classic, they remain as popular as ever. In fact, they’re this season’s most-wanted mani.
Nude chrome
Searches for “nude chrome nails” have seen an increase of 156%. So, although we’ll see bright and pastel chromes creep in, neutral nudes are still a forever fave.
Strawberries
Last summer’s trending “strawberry girl” movement is tipped to make a confident return and already, searches for “strawberry nails” have increased by 140%.
Yellow French tips
Colorful French tips are a mainstay for spring nail art but the shade this season is yellow, if search data is anything to go by. The bright shade has brought in 133% more searches year on year for a fun, fresh and zesty take on Frenchies.
Olive green
Olive nails started as an oddball outlier shade, but this spring nail trend has slowly picked up a growing fanbase and this year, it’s generated 125% more searches than last. We love that it’s equal parts awkward and sophisticated for an offbeat mani that’s a little more unpredictable.
Pastel Frenchies
“Mine and my clients go-to spring manicure is always a sheer base with a pinky hue and a pop of color, particularly a neon or pastel french,” says luxury bio sculpture manicurist, Georgia Rae, who was responsible for Sofia Richie’s wedding mani. “I feel like this gives us that much-needed dopamine hit after winter. It’s the perfect way of experimenting and being adventurous with shades you’re drawn to but wouldn’t necessarily wear as a block color,” she says. “It’s a subtle nod to spring-summer whilst still keeping that clean, minimal look that everyone is loving lately,” agrees pro bio sculpture manicurist, Alyx Lippiatt.
Jelly nails
Pastels, yes. But remixed with a sheer, shiny jelly texture to give them a whole new modern spin? Easily one of the biggest spring nail trends out there.
Bold chrome
We don’t need to stick with silky pink when there’s a whole spectrum of rainbow chromes out there. These color-changing magnetic chrome nails are mesmerizing.
Floral nails
“This classic nail trend comes back year after year and it’s easy to see why. Pastel shades for floral nails are on trend, so opt for lemons, pastel blues, pinks and purples. All you need is a dotting tool to create the look,” says Ryan Notman-Watt from Cult Beauty Concierge.
3D nails
If you want something fun, futuristic and definitely not boring, 3D nails will take your nails up a notch.
Pink and red nails
“Summer has come early with the pink and red sangria tones. Bright red and pink nails have been going viral on TikTok as well as Pinterest. Why not merge two trends together and try a French tip in a red or pink polish next,” says Ryan. We also love alternating colour block gradients of the shades, one on each nail, or these adorable squiggles.
Lipgloss nails
This trend mimics the plush, sheeny finish of lipgloss applied on lips. It takes your bare nail base and adds a sheer layer of gloss (complete with a hint of pretty pink tint) to create a yummy, fresh finish. “Lip gloss nails are a twist on the natural manicure that gives an extra oomph and looks great on all nail lengths,” says Ryan.
Green
Google searches for green nails increased by 60% over last month and the shade’s popularity is set to keep rising and rising. From bright limes to muted sage, pastel pistachio and awkward avocado, green in every different shade is set to be spring and summer’s favorite hue and we’re very much on board.
