There are a million reasons why we're ready for winter to be over, from freezing temps to navigating how to dress for fake spring (aka those randomly warm days). But the main factor that tops our list? Spring makeup and hair trends. More specifically, getting to swap our winter nails with moody, deep hues for the spring-ready colors that uplift and exemplify the spirit of revival and renewal.
While we’re used to seeing dopamine-boosting pastel sets and dreamy floral nail designs, this spring, you can expect nail colors to be bolder and brighter than ever before. Take fiery reds, for example, which we're seeing across fashion trends, too, with red handbags and shoes. Of course, we can't forget the forecasted favorites, as seen on Spring/Summer 2024 runways, which showcased colors like sage green and ballet slipper pink. To get the inside scoop on what nail colors we'll be seeing everywhere this spring, we tapped celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein and CEO and founder of Ciaté London, Charlotte Knight. Keep reading for the seven best spring nail colors of 2024, straight from the pros.
Powder Blue
Pastel blue, powder blue, or baby blue—it doesn't matter what you call this soothing shade: All you need to know is that it's back. Last spring's "blueberry milk" nails are set to make an encore, with Gerstein noting this soft pastel's "dopamine-enhancing" powers and ability to translate across all aesthetics.
Butter Yellow
Not quite canary or cream, butter yellow is poised to be this spring's most popular color thanks to its proximity to neutral hues. It's an effortless, off-the-moment swap for those who love a good nude, sheer pink, or white.
Ballet Slipper Pink
Sheer versions of this classic, ballet slipper-esque baby pink fall perfectly under the trending coquette nail and balletcore nail umbrellas while reminding us of fresh florals. It's a no-brainer reach for springtime.
Red Hot
Has bright red nail polish ever truly left the beauty zeitgeist? We think not. Models at Kim Shui, Prabal Gurung, Brandon Maxwell, and Proenza Schouler all rode the red manicure wave this season—and you should too. Bright red with orange undertones is the dominant salon ask, according to Knight, but classic blueish-reds—like Gucci's Glossy Nail Polish in 25 Goldie Red ($35)—are gorgeous options as well.
Indie Sleaze Black
"Black nails are also back on the scene, too, thanks to the Tumblr revival trends that have been overarching many industries, including fashion," Knight says. If you're not keen on painting all your fingernails noir à la 2010s' indie sleaze aesthetic, experiment with abstract nail art, as we saw at Jason Wu, or black French tip nails, as we saw at PatBo.
Lip Gloss Nude
Michael Kors, Proenza Schouler, and Helmut Lang presented the manicure that's been popping up on our social feeds since the tail end of 2023. Dubbed "lip gloss" nails, this look only requires a sheer nude and a high-shine top coat to achieve. It makes every nail—no matter what shape or length—look polished and put together.
Mint Tones
Tying back to nature, minty, sage green nail polish reminds us of a full forest in bloom or fresh grass clippings. "Green has always been a favorite for me," Gerstein says, "It pairs with pastels, oranges, peaches, and purples. It’s a natural neutral."