Every Chic New Yorker Is Wearing This Spring Green Manicure

If you’re a nail salon regular, you’ve likely mastered the art of manicure scheduling, aka strategically aligning each appointment with the shift of seasonal trends. (Or maybe that’s just me?) As a beauty editor, I’m definitely more invested in 2025 nail trends than anyone reasonably needs to be, but that doesn’t stop me from hyper-fixating on what’s hot each season, and, of course, sharing my findings with readers who are just as obsessed—which brings me to my latest preoccupation: spring nail trends.

To get the inside scoop on the spring nail trends and spring nail colors that are about to take over, I scoured the spring-summer runways, tracked what nail influencers are posting on Instagram and TikTok, and tapped three of the industry’s leading manicurists: Jin Soon Choi, Hang Nguyen,and Mabelyn Alva. A solid number of trends still stood out across the board: shorter lengths, soft pastels (milky blue and butter yellow are everywhere), subtle shimmers, and sheer “your nails but better” hues.

Ahead, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the colors, designs, and shapes that are about to dominate social media feeds (and your life) come spring. Expect plenty of screenshot-worthy manicure inspo to save for your next nail appointment, along with expert-approved products and pro tips for recreating these trends at home if you’re feeling ambitious.

Sage Green Nails

“Soft sage feels fresh and natural and pairs well with the earthy tones that have been seen in runway looks lately,” says Nguyen. This spring, there’s no shortage of ways to make the shade your own. Nguyen loves incorporating texture for added dimension, perfectly embodied in the accompanying look, which, for the record, I plan to show my manicurist ASAP.

Soft Nude Nails

There’s no telling exactly when the phrase “your nails but better” took off, but it’s now synonymous with natural-looking nails that are shaped, polished, and finished with a sheer or opaque neutral wash of color for a healthy, glossy effect. According to Choi, the key to nailing the look is finding the right soft nude for your skin tone, which creates “the perfect balance of softness and dimension.”

Delicate Metallics

At the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Spring 2025 Collection show, models walked the runway in a subtle yet statement-making manicure featuring a blend of two JinSoon polishes: Spiffy and Nova. The shimmery hues delivered just the right amount of sparkle (what Choi calls “delicate metallics”). She predicts the trend will have its well-deserved moment this spring, joining perennial favorites like chrome and velvet finishes.

Butter Yellow Nails

“Butter yellow has been big in fashion and we’re seeing it transition into beauty trends with nails,” says Mabelyn Alva, a nail artist and the creative director at the NYC-based nail studio, Paintbox. As someone who spends way too much time scrolling, I can confirm that the color is all over my Instagram feed, from buttery French tips to short, square designs.

Natural Shapes

“Natural, effortless nail shapes are taking center stage,” says Choi. “Round, oval, and squoval (square-oval) shapes feel timeless and low-maintenance while complementing the natural nail structure.” This approach is nothing new for the editorial manicurist, who regularly sends manicured models down the catwalk, but she’s thrilled to see it gaining traction across the beauty community. “On the runways, we always respect the models’ natural nail shape—there’s something so elegant and modern about keeping it organic. It’s all about enhancing rather than reshaping, making it super wearable for everyday life.”

Short(er) Nails

(Image credit: Paintbox)

Building on the natural nail movement, another trend dominating this spring is shorter lengths, according to Alva. She notes that going short has been one of the most requested styles at the Paintbox studio, signaling a growing preference for low-maintenance nails that won’t slow down your typing. The brand’s Short Length Press-Ons have also been a “huge success,” she says. (I’m personally obsessing over the micro-French version below.)

Carnation Pink Nails

A pink manicure is a given when warmer weather rolls in, but this season, one shade is standing out. According to Alva, carnation pink—a soft, feminine, and warm-toned take on the classic hue—is the freshest way to wear pink right now. For those looking to combine trends, Paintbox offers short press-ons in this exact shade.

Multicolor Manicures

Choi predicts that “minimalist but impactful nail art” like “multicolor manicures,” will be everywhere this spring. This trend involves layering different shades on each nail or spreading complementary (but different) hues across the entire hand. “It’s an easy way to play with color without going over the top,” she explains. “The key is finding shades that flow together effortlessly.”

In that same vein, Nguyen expects watercolor-inspired designs to take off, especially in the pastel hues that are already trending for spring.

Micro-French Manicures

“The French manicure is still having a major moment, but with a twist,” Choi says. This season, it’s all about “ultra-thin tips on natural nails,” a look she—and her clients—consider “ultra-chic and modern.”

Periwinkle Blue Nails

(Image credit: Paintbox)

Butter yellow and carnation pink may be dominating spring nail mood boards, but periwinkle blue is right there with them, rounding out the season’s top three trending shades. Alva calls it an “elevated alternative” to basic blue.

Pastel Play

Don’t worry, nail art lovers—you’re not being left out. “Negative space, watercolor effects, and fine line details are everywhere this spring,” says Nguyen. “These designs feel light and fresh and match the season’s focus on flowy textures and soft colors.” I adore this dopamine-boosting design of hers that blends all three trends.

Why Trust Marie Claire?

Beauty Writer Marisa Petrarca brings nearly a decade of expertise to this story, having covered nails, makeup, hair, and skin care since the start of her career. For this piece, she tapped four celebrity manicurists to break down the biggest nail trends of spring 2025.

Meet the Experts

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