As we get ready to flip the calendar and bid a not-so-fond farewell to Old Man Winter, we talk a lot about refreshing our closets for spring, but let’s not forget about that nail polish drawer. Nail shapes and colors go in and out of style, just like clothing and accessories, and this is a great time to rethink and maybe update your go-to mani/pedi.
photo credit: Amazon
I was sitting in the pedicure chair a few weeks ago, getting ready to pick out my next color, and I started to grab one of my favorite deep neutral shades. Then it struck me that we’ve been doing the dark and moody thing for years, and where it once looked edgy and fresh, it now seems a little drab and tired.
Even though there will always be a special place in my heart for Lincoln Park After Dark, I intuitively knew that I wanted something lighter and more natural on my nails during these last few weeks of winter. I did a quick Google search on 2024 Spring Nail Polish Trends, which verified my suspicions, and I chose a really pretty dusty lavender called Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around.
Before we start talking about the trending nail colors and designs, we also should talk about the nail shapes that are having a moment right now. If you like to keep up with nail trends, long and pointy stiletto nails are the most current look, and coffin and tapered shapes are still going strong. I also hear that short stiletto nails are coming into vogue, and the almond shape is always a classic.
Personally, I’m sticking with my short squared-off nails because I feel like that looks best on me, and I spend hours a day typing, but I do try to keep up with the color trends… at least the ones that align with my personal style.
So, what are the trending nail colors for Spring 2024? Let’s discuss!
7 Trending Nail Colors for Spring 2024
#1. Milky Nails
photo credit: Amazon (IN.HYPE UV/LED Gel Polish – Semi Sheer Milky White)
Sheer, milky nails give you a delicate and sophisticated look. It’s almost a natural manicure with a glossy, gel-like finish. This is basically, your nails but better!
#2. Ballet Core
photo credit: Amazon (OPI Mod About You)
Think ballet-inspired pink polishes, pearly whites, and similar ethereal tones.
#3. Chrome Nails
photo credit: Amazon (OPI Work from Chrome)
Nail polish colors with a metallic, reflective, mirrored finish are super popular right now, made popular by Haley Beiber, apparently.
#4. Nouveau French
photo credit: Sephora
This playful take on the traditional French manicure ditches the white tips and opts for a metallic or pop of color instead. The easiest way to do this at home is with press-on nails, or you can order these half moon guides.
#5. Pastels
photo credit: Ulta (ESSIE Atelier at The Bay)
Pastels aren’t really a new idea for spring, but they play into the barely there nail trends we’re seeing right now. Think buttery yellow, sunny orange, soft pink, romantic lavender, and periwinkle cream.
Bonus: Jelly Nails
photo credit: Amazon
This is less of a color and more of a technique, so I’m throwing it on here at the end. The purpose of this look is to get an ultra-shiny manicure that has a transparent finish, almost like stained glass. You can achieve this look with any color. Just use one coat of polish to get a transparent, unfinished look, then add a high gloss top coat. Fun!
Which of these nail trends are you leaning into this spring?
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14 Responses
This was fun to read! I do square nails because I work at a computer all day, but I have long nail beds, so my short nails look long (though not super long) compared to others. I had my gel polish nails done yesterday and went for a pale milky pink. I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I love it. I played with the idea of trying something more transparent (but not iridescent) in a neutral, but I wasn’t that brave. LOL. The trends with the different colored tips or pointy shapes don’t appeal to me. I think for nails, I prefer traditional looks. They match my understated modern style.
Perfect timing since I have a pedicure later today! I take off a couple of months during the winter to give my toes a rest. It is springy here in NC, so time for open toe shoes/sandals. I was thinking a blue shade, spring. I found a few possibilities from your list. Thank you!
I do my own manicure with Londontown nail veil, but I may splurge on a manicure soon. I love a gel manicure, but then I have to keep getting them or try to remove at home (doable, but a pain). If I do a regular manicure, it chips too easily. A serious world problem haha!
Hope your ankle is healing. They say that sprains and pulled ligaments take longer to heal than a break.
Use pure acetone, soak fingers in hot liquid. Gel and powder dip, comes right off in 15 minutes! No pain from a nail salon. Little bowls, with bowls underneath where you put the hot water heats up the acetone. No more drilling or scrapping it off. They were very cheap also. I Love this glassy top coat. It’s beautiful!
This was a fun (and helpful) post! Thanks!
I’m sorry you’re dealing with injuries. Hope you‘re able to resume your normal activities soon. I’m sure it’s frustrating!
I had surgery late December. I’m not sure what you like. I’m a crime junkie. I loved “How to get away with Murder”. It’s an older series, starring Viola Davis. The Night Agent is only one season, but another is coming. I understand how hard staying put is when you are active🙏♥️
Yeah, I like crime shows if they don’t get too dark or graphic. We loved Shetland, although it did get a little grim. Mare of Easttown was good too, it was filmed nearby! I just looked up How to Get Away with Murder, and it looks really good. I’m going to try it! We are also watching Suits, but I’m not allowed to watch it without Paul, lol.
I’m watching Suits right now too. I really like it. I try to get in an episode or two every night, but I often fall asleep and have to rewind and watch again!
I am such a traditionalist with nail colors. Clear, pale pink and shades of red (including the super dark, Chanel Vamp type shades as well as classic reds) are pretty much all I’m interested in anymore. I can’t think when’s the last time I’ve done a crazy color. Maybe I’ll branch into lilac this spring if I’m really feeling wild. lol.
My teens tell me that chrome nails are still the “it” look. I did them at the holidays and it was really fun. You can do any color and then the salon finishes off with a special chrome powder.
I don’t like long pointed nails. They look witchy to me. I prefer shorter nails. I have to be careful with the nail polish. I need “clean” ingredients otherwise my nails start to peel. Dr. Remedy is a brand that’s clean. The podiatrist created it for his wife when she was pregnant. It’s a hassle to have overly sensitive skin and nails.
I look forward to your posts everyday! Thanks so much…it helps to keep me current on what’s trending.
I twisted my ankle ( stepping off a 4 inch curb and broke my ankle…so painful) I know your pain.
Some of our favorite streaming shows are: ( we loved Shetland too, and got to see Jimmy’s house on a recent cruise that included the Shetland Islands. So fun!)
One Day ( new on Netflix…romance etc) , Last Tango in Halifax( sweet British story originally on BBC) ,The Fall ( Jamie Dorman serial killer story set in Belfast…scary but not too graphic…so good! And who doesn’t love Jamie Dorman!) Line of Duty ( another police drama set in Ireland…if you loved Shetland…check it out).
Hope your poor ankle is on the mend!
I give my toes and nails a rest in the Winter most the time. I have a pedi coming Monday and I’m taking her a color similar to yours but darker. I just have a whitish pink on my nails. I like to use the cleanest polish I can find. I haven’t tried the Remedy someone mentioned here. If I use OPI I use Nature Strong I think it’s called and I believe it’s a natural one of Sally Hansen. I’m not home so can’t check .
I tend to keep my nails in a short, squoval manicure. Long nails look great but drive me nuts. Of these trends, I will try the milky white. I’ve never done that color before. I’m curious to see how it looks!
Just discovered a different OPI color. Lighter than Lincoln Park(my favorite) but darker than Malaga wine. “Complementary Wine”. Love it!