"Spring Nail Trends: A Sweet Twist on Classic Styles"

Spring is all about renewal. From delicate florals to pastel shades, the season brings lighter, brighter moments as it ushers in warmer weather and bluer skies. And while spring often means wardrobe changes—think skirts, dresses and lighter sweaters—it also invites a beauty refresh, starting with your manicure.

It’s time to swap the navy blues and vampy reds of fall and winter for fresh pinks, greens and other spring-ready hues. But it’s not just about color. This season also brings interesting shapes, unexpected finishes and reimagined classics. Expect pastel shades (with a twist), surprising sources of inspiration, and more.

Ahead, the best spring nail trends for 2026.

Think of your favorite sour candy. Whether you go for Airheads, Sour Patch Kids, hard sour candy balls or any other nostalgic sweet, they all have one thing in common: Bright, vibrant color. “This season’s it shades are channeling the sour ball candy,” says celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein. “Think grape, orange, cherry, melon, and sour apple shades.”

Product to try: Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Blushin’ Berry ($10)

When Hailey Bieber debuted her now-famous glazed donut nails, the look instantly became a classic. The chrome powder–topped manicure quickly turned into a salon staple. For spring, it’s evolving again—this time paired with pastels for a softer, more muted finish.

The pastel chrome trend features a “chrome, metallic, mirror or slightly pearlescent effect, but in soft pastel shades (not flashy),” says Olha Shtanhey. “It should be a crystal or smooth surface that looks modern and stylish.”

Product to try: essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish in Ethereal Escape ($13)

Almond nails have ranked among the most popular shapes for years. With tapered sides and a softly pointed tip, they elongate the fingers while still feeling refined. This spring, though, the silhouette is evolving.

“This season, the star shape is an elongated almond with a soft, squarer tip,” says Shtanhey, who calls it “the modern almond.” The update is more chip- and break-resistant than stiletto or coffin shapes, whose sharper edges are more prone to damage.

She especially loves it for spring thanks to its versatility. “It feels elegant and wearable,” she says. “It’s long enough to look editorial on set, yet balanced enough for daily wear.”

Product to try: Le Mini Macaron Soft Gel Tips Nail Starter Kit ($40)

After soap nails and milk bath nails had their moment, jelly nails emerged as the next big thing. The Y2K-inspired look gives nails a juicy, glassy finish thanks to translucent shades and high-gloss shine. For spring, that signature jelly effect gets paired with pastels for a softer, season-ready twist.

“Pastels will have a jelly finish that’s very translucent and just like a kiss of color,” says Gerstein. “Think of a rosy sheer mauve that’s very pinky and very jelly translucent, offering just a kiss of color. That’s the new take on pastel.”

Product to try: Nails.Inc 45 Second Speedy Gloss Jelly Effect in Amelia ($8)

When you think of spring, pinks, baby blues, and butter yellows may come to mind, but don’t overlook neutral shades. They’re the perfect transition from winter to spring and pair effortlessly with everything.

“This is a sophisticated sandy beige—a warm beige-taupe that feels polished and premium without being too bold,” says Shtanhey. “It’s very versatile and a great transition color as the weather starts to shift.”

Product to try: Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Taupe Shelf ($10)

Like the broader beauty trends of 2026, nail art is taking a more natural turn. Bold eyeshadow and maximalist manicures are giving way to no-makeup makeup and minimalist nail designs. That said, “Nail art is still very much alive with a shift toward refined, minimalist, and modern designs,” says Shtanhey. Think a soft shimmer polish instead of chunky glitter. Other creative styles to watch this season include “3D floral nails, subtle shimmer or sparkle finishes, and artistic graphic nails for a more fashion-forward statement,” she adds.

Product to try: Tip Beauty Nail Sticker Kit in Slumber Party ($10)

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