Looking for the best spring manicure ideas for this season? We’ve got you – here’s our roundup of our favourite spring nail art & how you can recreate them at home
Put down the bottles of deep red and black – spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to trade in your winter nail polish for brighter, bolder or more vibrant tips.
The internet is awash with spring nail designs for this year, ranging from pretty pastels to light-catching chromes and a more au-natural nude, so whatever style you normally like to choose, there’s a spring switch-up waiting for you.
To get the full low down on trending nail colours for the season and the most sought-after sets in the salon, we asked qualified nail tech Emma (@nailsbyemmaleeds) about the nail art ideas she’ll be trying on her clients.
“Being a nail technician allows me to fully embrace my passion for art and provides an outlet for my creative instincts. I've noticed that my clients are mostly drawn to floral and abstract designs,” she says. “Regardless of the season, floral designs are always a good choice! Abstract designs also give you endless creative possibilities and are guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind every time.
“I'm happiest when I can create a unique design for each client. I love the opportunity to experiment and showcase my artistic skills by bringing inspiration from various sources, like clothing.”
Whether you’re a whizz at an at-home manicure or prefer to leave it to the pros in the salon, Emma’s rounded up her favourite nail art ideas for you to recreate. Which one will you try first?
Get started with some tip-top nail care
Looking for ways to improve the health of your nails, or just want your mani to last that bit longer? “It’s so important to use a nourishing cuticle oil twice a day. It can improve blood circulation which can stimulate nail growth, but also prevents your nails from becoming dry and brittle,” says Emma.
“Your nails are not indestructible, they require proper nurturing, avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals and remember to wear gloves when doing any household chores. Use a gentle hand scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells and improve the overall appearance of your hands and nails. If your nails are in good condition, your manicures will last longer!”
When it comes to switching up your shades or removing a full set, there’s a whole host of nail polish remover options to explore depending on your needs, including pads, pots and corrector pens. If you’re removing gels and need the help of acetone, try applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails before you get started. This will help protect your nails and keep them moisturised.
8 spring nail trends for 2024
1. Pastels
“Pastel colours are often associated with spring because they evoke a sense of lightness, softness, and freshness,” says Emma. But pastels don’t always mean a subtle wash of colour – if you’re normally more of a fan of a bold look, why not give a more opaque pastel look a go?
How to nail the trend:
“Pastel designs are versatile and can be easily incorporated into various looks,” says Emma. You can stick to one colour or switch it up on each nail with a different but complementary hue, or even try adding small pastel details on the top of a more natural base. There are many ways you can play with pastels, and Emma agrees: “They look great finished with either a shiny or a matte topcoat!”
2. Florals
“When it comes to floral designs, you have the freedom to explore a wide range of colours, allowing you to create a vibrant and bold look or an intricate and elegant design,” says Emma. “With each nail being a new canvas, you can make every design unique.”
How to nail the trend:
“Use a fine nail art brush and dotting tool to experiment with different shapes and sizes to create a variety of flowers and leaves. Using different shades of green for the leaves is a good way of adding depth to the design.”
3. Nude
More of a minimalist when it comes to a manicure? The good news is that nudes are back for spring! Sleek, simple and perfect for the ‘clean’ vibe we’ve seen trending for a while now, nude nails are all about enhancing your nail’s natural beauty.
How to nail the trend:
“While a good manicure is essential for any nail design, it becomes even more crucial when opting for a clean and simple colour. Filing your nails into your desired shape and gently pushing back your cuticles can make a huge difference to a clean and simple look.”
4. Abstract
An abstract design is a fun way to experiment with on-trend nail colours and nail art ideas without needing to worry about things looking ‘perfect’. Think lines, swirls, shapes or even mixed metallics – there’s a whole world of spring-inspired abstract nail art ideas to explore.
How to nail the trend:
“To create an eye-catching look that sets you apart from traditional nail designs you could use a variety of colours, nail glitter, different nail art brushes for different effects, and a dotting tool. One of the wonderful aspects of abstract art is its ability to embrace and celebrate wiggly lines and imperfections!”
5. Micro nail art
“If you're searching for a sophisticated yet playful nail design, look no further! The options are limitless. Micro nail art encompasses a wide range of nail art, from delicate cuticle cuffs to tiny polka dots.”
How to nail the trend:
“If you find it challenging to paint small intricate designs by hand, don't fret, as nail art stickers are always available as a convenient alternative.”
6. Frenchies
“One of the most loved nail designs is the classic French manicure, but why not add a touch of flair with a couple of delicate flowers or by swapping the traditional white tip to a colour?”
How to nail the trend:
“The key to perfecting this look lies in selecting the right nude or sheer pink base, as it significantly impacts the final design. For the tip, opt for a highly pigmented polish, remember it doesn’t have to be white! After the base colour is dry and no longer tacky, carefully paint the tip and use a clean, dry nail art brush to clean up any errors along the smile line. There are also nail tip guides or tape and even stickers which can be helpful in creating precise French tips.”
7. Speckled
Want inspiration for an event you’ve got coming up this season? “Speckled nail designs are a popular choice every spring, as they add a textured look to the nails, resembling speckled eggs or confetti.”
How to nail the trend:
“There are two main methods to achieve a speckled look: using a speckled nail polish or using a sponge to dab on a contrasting nail polish over a dry base colour. It’s important to only dab a very small amount of polish, you don’t want to totally cover up the base colour. If you’re going for the speckled egg look, I recommend using a matte top coat!”
8. Metallic & chrome
Metallic and chrome shades like silver, gold and rose gold can elevate your nail design and create a glamorous look in a simple way.
How to nail the trend:
“You can opt for a solid nail for a sleek and polished look or apply a metallic polish or chrome to one or two accent nails to add a pop of shine without it being too overpowering. A chrome effect top coat is the easiest way to achieve this look at home.”
Faking it with falsies
Find doing your own nails a little tricky? Let false nails be your secret weapon. They’re less expensive than visiting a salon, are easy to apply and in most cases can last you up to a week. Plus, with plenty of designs to choose from, you can easily try your favourite spring nail trends for size. Still fancy your hand at designing your own? Pick up a plain set, get your nail tools at the ready and go crazy!
So there you have it. With so many spring nail varnish colours to try, rest assured you have endless options to see you and your nails through the season!
