8 Trending Nail Colors for Spring, According to Experts

Slate nails

“Trending nail colors right now include muted shades of slate and blue,” says CND co-founder Jan Arnold. Founder of Glosslab, Rachel Apfel Glass predicts there will be a lot of subtle, light gray manicures on the horizon, noting they’re seeing a ton of requests for it in salons. Arnold says grounded grayed olive tones will also be popular. Glosslab OG Slate ($10) is a great essential gray to have on hand.

More shades we love: Essie Toned Down ($10) & Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color Grease Lightning ($7)

Feminine nails

“Things like pink, pastels and lace have previously been associated with being too girly. But now, there’s a shift in power and reclamation. It’s 2024’s version of girl power,” says celebrity nail artist Sigourney Nuñez. “On nails, this can look like a pink-on-pink manicure. Some of my favorite new pink shades this season are Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Party of Hue and Pink an Outfit ($13).” To up the femininity, Nuñez suggests adding a layer of Affairy to Remember for “a dewy, pearlescent and glowy finish.”

More shades we love: Manna Kaddar Fresh Coat of Paint ($20 for 5) & Essie Ballet Slippers ($10)

Red nails

Red nail theory aside, rich red manicures are timeless. Apfel Glass predicts “decadent, rich dark red” shades will be popular this season. Founder of sundays, Amy Ling Lin notes that as people seek empowerment, they lean towards red polish like Sundays No. 17 ($18), a deep red with dark cherry undertones. Kandalec adds that an orange-based red, like Chanel Les Vernis Incendiare ($32), is a bright, seasonless option you can’t go wrong with.

More shades we love: OPI Big Apple Red ($12) & Dior Rouge ($32)

Moody purple nails

“Neutral nails are seeing their way out and opulence is coming back,” says editorial manicurist Holly Falcone—cue the rich reds and purples. “Dark plum or eggplant shades add a touch of luxury and elegance to your nails,” says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. She recommends Lights Lacquer Brujita ($13), a limited-edition nail polish with a magical magnetic finish. If you’re seeking a chic look, Lin recommends a deep purple like sundays No. 21 ($18).

More shades we love: Deborah Lippmann Purple Haze ($20) & Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Adrenaline Crush ($13)

Metallic and chrome nails

Falcone and manicurist Morgan Haile both predict we’ll see a lot of chrome and metallic nail looks this spring. Morgan suggests using chrome over a nude or white polish “or incorporate it into 2D nail art like a floral look to highlight all the details.” Falcone recommends using KIKI World Pretty Nail Graffiti in Donut Worry ($29), a sparkling metallic copper.

More shades we love: Essie For the Twill of It ($10) & Cote Molten Metal ($18)

Light purple pink nails

Lin says she finds light purple shades to be soothing. “I think the color purple has a calming effect on the mind and is a reminder to take time to relax during a busy day.” Celebrity Manicurist Saccia Livingston says “If you could mix pink and purple for the perfect combination, it would be Apres Lavender’s Breath ($15).”

More shades we love: Essie Vintage Vanity Nail Polish Collection Primp & Powder ($10) & OPI Hue Is the Artist? ($12)

Lip gloss nails

Phasing out of naked nails, we’re now into lip gloss nails. Take the shiny lip gloss you love and imagine it as a nail polish. “Shimmery and shiny pinks, akin to a bubblegum or lip gloss sheen across your nails, is a huge trend this season,” says Apfel Glass.

More shades we love: Dermelect Makeover ($18) & Essie Birthday Girl ($10)

Green nails

“Wearing green can inspire feelings of hope and prosperity- it’s a big reason why a muted mint and a neon green are so popular in the spring,” says Nuñez . She recommends Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Cool as a Cucumber ($10). Livingston suggests Apres Tea Leaf ($15), “a beautiful intro to the spring meshing calmness with a hint of pizazz.”

More shades we love: OPI $elf Made ($12) & Gucci Beauty Melinda Green ($35)