The days are getting longer, daffodils are popping up and we’ve survived a seemingly never-ending January, which can only mean one thing—spring is just around the corner. And I’m here for it. As a beauty editor, I’m pretty excited about the spring nail trends that we’ll see in 2024. The year started with a flurry of trends (was anyone else thrown by the mob wife aesthetic?) and I’m curious about how these will translate to our nails, and what other nail trends we’ll see in the year ahead.
Even with a new TikTok beauty aesthetic cropping up each week, it seems for nails at least, we’re mostly drawn to the timeless nail colours that stand the test of time when we sit down in the salon chair. Maybe its the the influence of quiet luxury that is trickling down from our wardrobes and onto our fingertips, but after speaking with celebrity manicurist and OPI ambassador Iram Shelton (who has tended to the hands of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), she confirmed that those timeless shades of sheer pink, classic red and neutrals and firmly here to stay.
However, there is also something else at play. “People are choosing to do their own nails and with so many gel-like press-on nails available to purchase, why wouldn’t you? Nail lacquers are also a lot easier to apply and remove at home and are always a cheaper option,” says Shelton.
Whether you’re heading into the salon or doing a manicure at home, scroll ahead for the spring nails trends we’ll be tapping into this year, as well as the best nail polishes and products to create the look. Ahead, your next best manicure awaits.
“The French manicure will always be trending—that’s a no brainer,” says Shelton, who tips the popularity of French tips to continue into spring. We’re seeing the look paired short, square or squoval (a rounded version of square) nail shapes, as well as longer almond shapes, such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s nails below.
To keep your French manicure looking modern, opt for an off-white hue, or even a vanilla or beige, on the tips, which looks softer and less stark than bright white. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s ‘vanilla chai’ French tips are in my saved folder.
With spring beckoning, it would be rude to not to dabble in some mood-boosting pastels. This cornflower blue has me dreaming of the new season.
Chanel has created the most perfect vanilla cream hue.
These brushes allow you to craft a crisp French manicure every time.
This colour would look so fun in a French manicure.
“I think the long almond or short square/soft square nails are the most popular shapes and I reckon it’s going to stay this way,” says Shelton. “They’re the most flattering nail shapes in my opinion and most people can pull off one or the other. My personal preference is short because it’s more practical and gives that clean, old money look. They’re also so much easier to maintain and more achievable for those who don’t like nail enhancements,” she says.
I love the simplicity of a short square mani and a neutral base.
Shelton shows that short square nails are always a good idea.
This nail serum makes your nails look and feel stronger in just a couple of weeks.
This set contains a cuticle remover and a treatment to perfectly prep your nails for a manicure.
IMO, glass nail files are unrivalled for creating a smooth finish.
If you sit in the long nail camp, then long almond nails are for you. This is another elegant shape that suits everyone and elongates the fingers.
How beautiful are these brown chrome almond nails?
I can’t stop thinking about the almond + chrome combo.
I’ve been testing this nail serum, and I’m amazed at how quickly my nails are growing.
Cheat the look with press-ons—this set is so pretty.
Bring even the most fragile and bendy nails back from the brink with this Who What Wear Next in Beauty award-winner. It really does transform weak nails into long and strong lengths.
While burgundy tones dominated winter, we’re entering spring by embracing brighter tones of red again. Shelton tips red to be another big spring 2024 nail trend that stands the test of time—it’s a totally timeless nail colour.
This true-red hue is such a classic, and looks great on short nails.
The key to an expensive-looking red is a glossy finish.
Everyone loves this timeless red shade from OPI.
The most perfect bright springtime red.
The chicest red we ever did see.
Neutrals are another timeless nail colour option that work year-round, but we can expect to see the popularity of sheer pinks, browns and milky white continue to reign into spring 2024, says Shelton.
Look for sheer white nail polishes to achieve that milky effect.
A sheer pink instantly makes hands look manicured.
Chanel’s Ballerina nail polish is the most perfect sheer pink to enhance the colour of your natural nails.
OPI Funny Bunny is beloved by the likes of Hailey Bieber for that sheer milky wash.
Match your nail polish to your skin tone to create the illusion of longer fingers.
With the mob wife aesthetic taking off in January and leopard print dominating the runways, it was only a matter of time before we saw animal prints make a roaring revival to our fingertips. From leopard to tortoishelle, you can expect to see the entire animal kingdom in form of nail art for spring 2024. “Who doesn’t love an animal print? Celebs like Hailey Bieber are already rocking these looks,” says Shelton.
Hailey Bieber has been seen wearing tortoiseshell-inspired nail art.
I’m wild for this chrome zebra look.
No salon appointment? This is the easiest way to tap into the trend.
This fine-tipped brush is ideal for creating all kinds of nail art, including leopard spots and zebra stripes.
Nail sticks are such an easy way to try the trend—simply apply over your regular polish and set with a top coat.
Our love affair with chrome and metallics is set to continue, says Shelton. “They’re huge now and aren’t going anywhere for spring,” she says. The glazed look is here to stay, so why not experiment with different shades underneath your chrome powder? While you’ll need gels for this to work, there are polishes which give a very similar look—scroll ahead for our favourites.
Sage green + chrome is such a winner for spring.
When in doubt, a light pink chrome is always a good idea.
Apply this over any polish and it turns it chrome—magic.
Price shown is member price. This glazed-effect nail polish looks so pretty worn alone on bare nails.
I’ve heard great things about these press on nails (which last up to two weeks) and this set looks exactly like chrome gel nails.
I recently interviewed Sarah Jessica Parker, and when I asked her what nail colours she liked, she said she doesn’t wear nail polish. “I buff my nails. I always say I try to have nails [like a] newborn baby,” she said. And she was onto something. As we all strive for better nail health, ‘naked nails’ involves embracing your natural nails and prioritising hand and nail care. “Natural nails and nail care will be huge,” confirms Shelton. “People are taking care of natural nails and looking more into nail treatments.” Cuticle oils, nail serums and sheer nail polishes with nail health benefits will help you achieve naturally beautiful nails.
Dior’s abricot base coat leaves a sheer pink tint to the nail plate to let your natural nails shine, all while strengthening your nails.
Cuticle care is essential for making your nails look their best.
OPI has formulated its iconic Nail Envy treatment with one of its most iconic colours, Bubble Bath, which helps to strengthen and repair nails as you wear it.
This is the only cuticle oil I’ve tried that really works. It made my fragile nails grow stronger and longer within a month.
Leaves nails with a sheer bright pink shine that makes nails look healthy and glossy.
Nail stickers are back in a big way, says Shelton. “So many brands have come out with nail stickers and I think it’s just an easy and quick way to level up your nail game. From beginners to pros, we’ll be seeing the use of stickers everywhere,” she says.
While our nail techs might have the steady handy for tiny nail art like this, you can easily recreate the look at home with nail stickers.
Tiny hearts are always a chic way to wear nail stickers.
In this set of three Chanel nail polishes is also this sticker sheet. So. Chic.
These tiny hearts would look so cute on a sheer pink nail polish.
Every kind of nail sticker you could ever need.
Up Next, These Are the Only 2024 Nail Trends That You Need to Know