It's True—Everyone Will Be Asking for These 8 Nail Colours in May

May has arrived, and I'm totally here for it. Finally, we're getting some warm weather, there are bank holidays aplenty, and the fact that summer is stretching out before us has me in the happiest mindset. So it's only natural that I'm looking for optimistic nail colours to wear in May to match the sunny outlook and tap into 2024's nail trends.

Spring is the ideal time to hit refresh on your usual red, neutral or pink nail colours and try something new. Pastels always work well at this time of the year, as does floral nail art. Florals, for spring? While they're not groundbreaking, they are certainly a pretty seasonal refresh to your regular mani. We're continuing to see the chrome 'glazed donut' manicure reign in nail salons up and down the country as well as those clean-girl nails and milky nails. Plus, there are even some summer nail trends that are starting to crop up too. 

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

So which nail colours are trending in May? To find out, I scrolled through the IG accounts of the best nail technicians and well-manicured hands to find out exactly which nail colours will be trending this month. If you're looking for some nail colour inspiration for your next nail appointment or DIY'ing at home, scroll on ahead to see the coolest nail colours I found.

May Nail Colours

1. Matcha Green

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Green has been trending for a while now, but I'm particularly enjoying this springtime twist with matcha and pistachio tones. Everyone wants to be seen in green in May.

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

I love this muted green nail colour.

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

Short nails and green make a winning combination.

Shop the trend:

2. Milk Nails

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

That's right—milky nails are here to stay, with just about everyone after this flattering white-pink wash of colour that suits all skin tones. To get your perfect shade, try layering sheer whites or pinks to let your natural nails shine through.

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(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

A milky base makes your nail plate look bright and healthy.

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Just in case you needed any more convincing, milky pink nail colours will see you through any occasion this month.

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3. Bluebell 

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Spring is the perfect excuse to dust off those brighter polishes that you may have stowed away during the winter. This bright blue-purple hue makes nails pop.

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Even nail minimalists can get on board with just a dot of bright blue on each nail.

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

This French tip outline looks great rendered in blue.

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4. Butter Yellow

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Yellow nails will be big news this month, with everyone on our social feeds going for butter manicures lately. Whether you choose vibrant yellow or soft butter tones, there is a shade to sun everyone.

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

These yellow French tips give me all the springtime feels.

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

Soft yellows are equally pretty at this time of the year.

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5. Lavender

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

I'm in love with lavender right now, and I'm seeing it all over my IG feeds. It's the perfect alternative to pink for a spring update that isn't OTT.

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Lilac lends itself well to abstract negative-space nail art.

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

I think I might book in for this exact lilac French tip design at my next nail appointment.

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6. Frombré Nails

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

The frombé is the chic update to the French manicure we've all been waiting for. The ombré effect sees a pink base blended into soft white tip, and we're into it. It's a classic look that'll see you through all of May's occasions.

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(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

I love this look on almond shaped nails.

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(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

It looks chic of square nails too.

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7. Petal Pink

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(Image credit: @pink_oblivion)

We can depend on pink nail colours year-round to take us through any occasion, but they really come into their own during the warm weather, making them appropriate for work to weddings.

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

This pale pink polish is so pretty.

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

Blush tones flatter all skin tones—they're a safe bet if you can't decide what colour to pick.

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8. Sky Blue

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Okay, while we can't guarantee good weather in May, we can secure a sunny outlook for out fingertips instead. Sky blue nails will be everywhere this month.

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

This blue shade immediately makes me feel excited for warm weather.

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Abstract nail art is a great way to dabble in a touch of blue nail colour.

Shop the trend:

Up Next, Experts Agree—These Will Be the Most Popular Pedicure Colours in Salons

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Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.