Collage: Bella Geraci ; Source image: Luigi Galvao
Think back to art class. Remember the satisfaction you’d get when you haphazardly splattered paint onto a blank canvas and it would somehow turn into your very own Jackson Pollock? The biggest nail art trends of 2025 will have you reliving that feeling.
New York City-based nail artist Jin Soon Choi says 2025 will be the year of abstract designs that don’t require a steady hand (whew!). Expect paint splatters, swipes, blurs, and smudges worked into your manicures. You’ll also see updated takes on familiar maximalist nail art trends—like glazed donut finishes and 3D embellishments—and the triumphant return of nail stickers. (It’s like we never left the classroom.)
And before you close this tab and retreat back to your clean-girl manicure (which isn’t going anywhere, by the way) let us assure you: These nail looks are the good kind of messy. They require a carefree approach, which allows you to make mistakes and still end up with a work of art. Ahead, nail artists predict the biggest 2025 nail art trends and give you all the tips and tools you’ll need to achieve them yourself.
Meet the experts:
Cut-out nails
2025 is the year to push the boundaries of classic nail art looks. Instead of simply painting a heart or star on your nail, try a cut-out nail design. “They offer a futuristic, minimalist vibe that’s perfect for making a statement,” says New York City-based nail artist Julie Kandalec, who created a black cut-out star manicure for the Christian Cowan SS2025 show.
Kandalec recommends buying pre-made cut-out nail tips like these heart-shaped cut-out press-ons from Glam Goodies. She says you can also recreate this look by “using a hole punch on regular tips before applying.” For the manicure at Christian Cowan, Kandalec used a nail clipper to cut a small half-moon shape at the top of a clear nail tip, before securing a 3D black star nail sticker to the space with clear builder gel.
Colorful chromes
“The future is now,” says New York City-based editorial nail artist Miss Pop—and it’s bright. The all-over glazed donut effect gets a 2025 update with pink, green, and blue hues. “These shades aren’t sparkly or glittery, they’re supernaturally shiny making our hands look like they’ve transported us into a totally glam future,” says Miss Pop. “AI wishes it could create tips as glossy and fun!”
Miss Pop likes to top off her iridescent nails with stickers, echoing the sentiment that this embellishment will be big in 2025.
Animal print nails
“Animal print is the new black,” proclaims Los Angeles-based nail artist Betina Goldstein. Earlier in 2024, the “mob wife” aesthetic trend on TikTok hinted at a return to maximalism including full glam makeup, fur coats, and luxe-printed nails. While tortoise nails have been leading in animal-print manicure category, Goldstein predicts the trend will expand in 2025 to include cow, leopard, and snake prints.
“I have done many versions of this [cow print], but I wanted this one to feel more realistic,” says Goldstein, who created the non-uniform cow spots pictured above by using a fine-line brush to paint splotches of brown polish onto a white base. Then, she blended out the edges of each spot with a thin veil of top coat that she swept on in a diagonal direction.
Glazed ombré
Chrome finishes and ombré nail art are no strangers to the trend cycle, but Kandalec suggests marrying them for the new year. Combine a moody gradient with a sheer, white chrome “for a rich, trendy design that’s low-maintenance as it grows out.”
Start with a nude base (Kandalec recommends Lights Lacquer in Miss Honey) and layer another shade on top. Use a nail sponge tool to paint your second polish atop the base. “Start from the tip of the nail and paint down,” says Los Angeles-based nail artist Sarah Chue. As you move toward the middle of your nail, Chue recommends lifting your brush, and lightly flicking it toward your cuticle to achieve the fade at the end. Top your ombré with a chrome powder, like the Manucurist Glazed Effect Powder, which will give it a subtle glow.
Playful 3D embellishments
Jelly nails had a moment in the spotlight this spring, but come 2025, they’ll be taking more of a supporting role. Rather than full nails covered in sheer jelly polishes, experts predict we’ll be seeing jelly adornments, made to look like jiggly or gummy treats. “Fun 3D nail designs like hearts and teddy bears will be big in 2025,” says Kandalec. “They add a tactile dimension to nail art.”
The easiest way to achieve this look is by using clear 3D nail art stickers like these dew drops from Lights Lacquer. If you can’t find the shape you want in a pre-made sticker, try using builder gel like the Orly GelFX Builder in a Bottle to create your design, or book an appointment at your nail salon.
Brights on metal
Kandalec predicts the mingling of brights with sleek, metallic bases. Designs like French tips and half-moon shapes near the cuticle will be popular for this trend.
Silicone stampers can make this look a breeze. After laying down your shimmering base, Kandalec reached for a small, rounded silicone stamper for “fast and even application” of the yellow half-moons.
Choi agrees that nail stampers will be even more popular in 2025. “This trend is blowing up because it’s perfect for anyone who wants creative designs without advanced nail art skills,” says Choi. “It lets you experiment with bold patterns and colors while keeping things super easy and time-efficient.”
Abstract art nails
Choi says abstract nail designs, with no concrete form or shape, will be everywhere in the coming year. She recommends “just going for it” with this look.
“This trend embraces the use of diverse colors, textures, and techniques to create one-of-a-kind, playful looks,” Choi continues. “It’s perfect for those who love to showcase their creativity through bold, artistic designs.”
Without thinking too much of the end result, use a brush, sponge, or even your fingers to paint, splatter, and dot different shapes onto your desired base color. Try creating your art in a color that is dramatically lighter or darker than your base to create a contrast. “Don’t shy away from imperfections,” says Choi. “The unexpected results are what makes abstract art nails truly stand out.”
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Originally Appeared on Allure
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