Sorry, Florals and Pastels—Celeb Nail Artists Are Swapping Dated Designs for These TK Spring Manis
Spring is here, and us beauty enthusiasts are already beginning to get an idea of which buzzy nail trends this season will be remembered for. While spring 2025 was all about leaning into nostalgia with bold, negative space designs, micro-French manicures, and coquette nails featuring 3D decals, this time around, we're expecting the nail space to transform once more as the trend cycle continues. However, experts are saying the season's top nail looks will look significantly less "trendy," than we've seen in the past.
In true Who What Wear beauty editor fashion, I reached out two celebrity nail artists for the insider's scoop on which nail designs will be falling out of style just in time for the temperatures to rise, and everything that will be taking their place. If that piques your interest, keep scrolling!
What won't be trending this spring?
Celebrity manicurist Queenie Nguyen predicts a shift away from the maximalist, high-drama nails that dominated spring last year. "Trends that you might not see include overly bling 'junk nails', thicker, high contract french tips, enlarged 3D elements, or even extreme shapes like an ultra sharp stiletto," Nguyen explains. Celebrity nail artist Analysse Hernandez shares she and her clients have been experimenting with fresh designs, departing from the blooming gel flower nails that made appearances for spring over the last two years.
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"I love how buildable and versatile this flower was in sets, but I do feel like my clients are now gravitating toward more realistic nail art," she adds. Last year, manicures embraced simple, solid colors, but Hernandez says simple, solid colors (especially soft shades like butter yellow), but the trend won't be making a return this season. "While those colors are still relevant, this year is all about adding personality through design," explains Hernandez.
What will be taking their place?
Rather than returning to last spring's bold, runway-inspired nail art, citrus shades, and dramatically long lengths, Nguyen says manicures this spring will be softer and more wearable. "Think sheer, milky 'your nails but better' finishes, jelly nails that give a more translucent finish, micro nail art like micro french tips or subtle gems," continues Nguyen. She also predicts we'll be seeing shorter lengths with softer shapes like round, oval, and 'sqoval' making a comeback this spring. Instead of the aforementioned gel flower nails, Hernandez foresees floral milk nails rising in popularity this season (dried flowers are delicately encapsulated within gel or acrylic).
To get this look, nail techs can begin with a clean base like OPI's GELavate in OPI'm Flawless ($25) or the same line's Soft Gel Almond Tips ($33) for added length. "Layer with a sheer, milky shade like OPI GelColor in OPI’m a Bubble Bunny ($13) to create that soft, spring-ready 'clean girl' aesthetic," she explains. Hernandez is also seeing a rise in pattern nails featuring playful designs like polka dots, stripes, and gingham prints. "These looks embrace a mix of colors, textures and creativity," Hernandez explains.
Why will these trends be on the rise?
If you've been noticing an uptick in the number of beauty trends based on lifestyle, you're not alone. Nguyen says manicures this season will be all about prioritizing low-maintenance and polished looks that lean into individuality and lifestyle. "Rather than repeating highly recognizable, 'algorithm-driven' trends (like glazed donut or heavy chrome) people are gravitating toward more personal, understated styles that still feel intentional and fun," she says. "I’m excited to see more techs lean into this fun world and bring back maximalist nails!"
