I Wouldn't Say These Spring Nail Trends Are Dated, But I'm Way More Into Their 2025 Upgrades

Love it or hate it, it's impossible to ignore the speed at which trends come and go in the beauty industry these days. When it comes to nail trends in particular, it sometimes feels impossible to be able to keep on top of what's "in" and what's "out". Indeed, sometimes it feels like the cool, fresh new styles I bookmarked on Instagram a few weeks earlier already feel tired by the time it comes to my next manicure appointment.

Most of the time, this doesn't bother me—I know what lengths and colours suit me, and I often return to the same classic nail art designs I've previously worn. However, when it comes to this 2025's spring nail trends, I can't help but notice that there are a number of very cool, very chic looks that actually make their classic alternatives seem passé in comparison.

This season, we're straying from the conventional (florals and pastels) and even from more recent classics (short lengths and plain French tips). Don't believe me? You'll find all the evidence below.

Scroll down for the spring nail trends I'm hitting pause on, the new ones I'm keen to try and the products you'll need to recreate them at home.

1. Pausing: Naked Nails

Trying: High-Shine Nails

Like many of the trends on this list, this isn't a complete 180 on a trend and more an evolution of one. Natural, "naked" nails have been trending for a few years now—I love that they look clean and fresh, and that they're so low maintenance. For spring 2025, they've been upgraded with an eye-catching high-shine finish, which we're labelling "glass nails". It's super easy to recreate this one at home—just aim for a thick, glossy, clear layer over your natural nail.

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2. Pause: Plain French Tip

Try: Cat Eye French Tip

I'm calling it—the cat eye finish is to 2025 what chrome nails were to 2022. The innovative application technique creates a sense of depth and a colour shift that catches in the light. We can expect to see this style being showcased everywhere in nails this year, and I've already spotted it being used to elevate the humble French tip.

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3. Pause: Pastels

Try: Muted Brights

Thanks to "millennial pink" and "Gen Z purple" (a pale lilac), pastels really have reigned supreme in the past few years—and they always seem to rise in popularity during spring. This year I'm seeing fewer pale pastel shades being used, and more mmuted takes on bright pops of colour like lime green and coral pink. It's fun, fresh and uplifting, so I'm absolutely here for it.

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4. Pause: Floral Nail Art

Try: Minimal Nail Art

As a beauty editor I spend a lot of time combing through pro-manicurist's Instagram pages looking for inspiration. What's struck me this year is that we're halfway through March and I haven't seen a single floral design. Instead, I've spotted lots of cute minimal designs—think micro nail art in the form of love hearts, chilli peppers, smiley faces and kiss prints.

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5. Pause: Short Nails

Try: Long Nails

Now I have to admit that I love short nails, they're just so much more practical and low maintenance than longer lengths. But with that said, I've noticed that longer nails seem to be increasing in popularity this spring. Gone are the short squovals shapes we've grown used to—longer, almond-shaped nails are officially back.

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