There’s something so rejuvenating about spring. The warmer weather, brighter days, budding flowers, flowy sun dresses, and cute sandals make the season a standout—especially since it’s a prequel to the most carefree season of all: summer. Speaking of sandals, have you gotten a fresh pedi lately?
While it’s pretty common to let your toenails breathe over winter, come spring, a crisp pedicure is par for the course. If you’re like us, you likely have a signature pedicure color in mind. Why not try something new, though? Ahead, find 20 spring pedicure ideas to inspire your next nail sesh.
Meet the expert
Hang Nguyen is a nail artist and Nailing Hollywood pro based in England.
Rachel Joseph is a nail artist and Nailing Hollywood pro based in L.A. and New York.
Tomato Red
Is there anything more classic than a bright red pedi? Some of our favorite red nail polishes include Chanel’s Le Vernis ($32) in the shade Incendiare, OPI’s Nail Lacquer in the shade Big Apple Red ($12), and Dior’s Vernis ($32) in the shade 999 Rouge. (Psst: Have you ever learned why red nails are so popular? Learn why, here.)
Vibrant Mismatch
You’ve heard of mismatched manis—this is how cute mismatched pedicures can look. Nailing Hollywood artist Hang Nguyen created the cute pedi, opting for vibrant neon polishes and fun nail art.
Neutral Ombre
Would you believe us if we told you this picture-perfect pedi was actually press-ons? Well, it is! Specifically, the BTArtbox Pink Ombré Baby Boomer Short Square Press On Toe Nail ($16).
Like the idea of neutral toenails but aren’t sold on press-ons? Nailing Hollywood nail artist Rachel Joseph suggests using Bioseaweed Gel Polish ($12) in the shade Be The Light. “When going neutral, Be The Light by Bioseaweed is a beautiful milky shade,” she says. “Neutrals are always the easiest way to go if you’re trying to go for the clean girl aesthetic.”
Tonal Brown
Neutral toenails don’t have to be sheer shades of pink. Nguyen proves that brown hues work, too. Create a similar look using the NAILS.INC Keep It Tonal Quad ($22).
Matte Peach
This pastel neon peach pedi works for spring and summer alike. For a similar look, try using essie’s Nail Polish ($10) in the shade Sew Gifted, finished with a matte top coat. If you want something a bit brighter, Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna recommends reaching for Gelcare UV Gel Nail Polish ($20) in the shade Cantaloupe. “Cantaloupe is a great pedicure color for spring vacations,” she says. “It’s a vibrant refreshing color that is perfect for mid-late spring.”
Daisy
Black nail polish might not seem like the most springy selection but with cute daisy nail art, it can be. To DIY this playful pedi, you’ll want bottles of black, yellow, and white nail polish, as well as a set of dotting tools.
Heart Evil Eye
We love this simple pink pedi Nguyen whipped up. Hanna suggests using Dazzle Dry ($22) in the shade Alluring Charm to DIY the look. “If you want a great transition shade from late spring to summer, Dazzle Dry’s Alluring Charm is the one,” she says. “It’s a chic and refreshing pale pink shade that looks beautiful on all skin tones.” After creating the base, use a Q-tip or dotting tool to create the evil eye heart accent with red, white, and blue polishes.
Lavender Leopard Print
Animal print is trending in 2024 and leopard tops the list. Instead of a neutral leopard pedi, though, consider incorporating seasonal shades like lavender. “Gelcare’s Taro Tea is a pastel lavender shade that will give you a gorgeous pedicure that is not too bold but not too bland,” Hanna says. For the leopard print nail art, top it off with the shade Granite Purple.
Abstract Picnic
At first glance, this pedicure looks like two totally mismatched feet. But what if it’s a theme? We like to think of it as a spring picnic pedi.
Neon Yellow
How fun is this bright neon yellow pedi? You can DIY the look with the Le Mini Macaron Party Babe Gel Polish ($13). Prefer something a bit more subtle? Opt for a pastel iteration of the same shade. “Spring means sunshine, which is what came to mind when I discovered Mimosa ($14) by Manucurist,” Hanna says. “It’s light and bright and makes me think of warm weather and daffodils. Its creamy formula and beautiful bottle is an added bonus.”
Artsy Mix-n-Match
You don’t have to overthink your spring pedi. You can always just put something totally different on each nail. In today’s mix-n-match world, it will work.
Earthy Ladybug
Feeling Earthy? This olive, chartreuse, and buttercream pedicure features daisies and ladybugs, giving it a grounding allure.
Neutral Eye
This cheeky eye pedicure looks bare at first but it actually features an ultra-sheer pink base. “Sheer pinks are a beautiful yet subtle option for pedicures year-round,” Hanna says. “My favorite sheer pink for a pedicure is Dazzle Dry’s Prima Ballerina ($22)—I love that it has buildable coverage that can cover any imperfections on your nails. To add a touch of fun, consider adding some nail art to your sheer pink pedicure.”
Ombre Pink and White
Not ready to rock summer’s crisp white pedi? Edge out of spring’s pale pastels and into summer’s brightest pedi with a pink and white ombre approach.
Pastel Color Block
Speaking of pastels, check out this fun colorblock pedi. Soft shades of blue, green, and purple make this spring pedi pop.
Lime Green Snake Print
Neons might feel reserved for spring but we say embrace them a little early. A super trendy way to do so? With a snake print pedi!
Pineapple
Fruit nail art is popular for spring and summer. Just keep in mind that upside-down pineapples have certain connotations (IYKYK).
Pink Zebra
Another animal print we can’t wait to wear this spring and summer? Zebra print! It’s so playful and nostalgic, especially in shades of pink. For the base, use Joseph’s favorite spring nail color: Dazzle Dry’s Yoga Mama. “Yoga Mama is my current favorite as it’s so springy and playful,” she says. “It is so flattering as well—the perfect pink!”
Happy Skittle
Skittle manis translate well to pedis, too. Plus, checker and smiley face nail art are never a bad idea.