10 spring nail ideas for first mani of the season, it’s time to ditch long nails (2024)

SPRING is just around the corner - and what better to celebrate the sunshine coming out than a new manicure?

Among this years predicted style trends - low-key minimalism is at the top of the list, here we share the top ten nail designs to see you through spring.

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Square nails

You may have thought the days of squared nails were gone - but this year is all about wearability.

Short nails are all the range - so it's time to say goodbye to the stiletto nails that have dominated the salon for the last few years.

Nail expert, Julie Kandalec, says many of her celeb clients are asking for short, squared-off nails to fit the natural, "clean" aesthetic everyone has been leaning into lately.

French tips with a twist

Speaking with Cosmopolitan, Julie showed off the new French tip design she created for the Staud spring/summer show at NYFW.

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The simple design is the perfect spring twist on the classic style.

Start with aneutral base color, then draw a line a third of the way down your nails with athin paintbrushin whatever shade you choose (pastels for spring may not be groundbreaking - but it's definitely fitting.)

Chocolate Milk

With minimalism become a key player for nails this year - people are opting for simply designs in neautral colours.

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"I'm seeing a big transition to minimalist looks," says nail artistHannah Lee. "I think a clean, natural nail look will be popular in 2024."

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To make sure they look extra milky, the nail pro advises you to stick to a polish which doesn't have any shimmer.

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Ultra-shine

Glossy nails aren't particularly new, but this year we want them as shiny as our lipglosses.

Nail expert Julie says layering different textures will be the key to recreate the look.

Think of adding cat-eye polish that changes in the light with a chrome powder on top for the ultimate eyecatching manicure.

Bling Ring

If you can't bare the thought of totally neutral nails this season, a simple rhinestone gem will be enough to elevate your hands.

Hannah adds that it's also a super easy one to do at home.

"Just apply sometop coatand attach the rhinestones before it dries to secure them in place," she explained.

Barely There

A sheer nail polish is exactly what you need to keep in line with the 'clean girl aesthetic.'

Think your-nails-but-better when opting for this chic design, sticking with rosy pinks will add just a touch of colour.

Oyster Nails

Chrome powders were all the range last year - and they're sticking around for 2024 as well.

This time round though, you'll want to stick to pale shades and add a chrome, shimmery top coat.

The idea is that it will look like an oyster or pearl glistening under the sea - what better way to get you in the mood for summer?

Bow Power

The balletcore trend all over social media has now made it's way to our nail salons.

The trend is all about embracing girlhood - so think pinks and bows in any form for this fun design.

Aura Reading

These nails add a pop of colour to your manicure without being too out there and they're super easy to do at home.

The aura design has a spiritual nod so it's perfect for those looking for a fresh start this spring.

To do it yourself, paint your nail your go-to base shade and then dab your "aura" shade onto the centre of your nail with awedge makeup sponge.

Up The Anti

For those who aren't onboard with the minimalist theme set to be huge this year, there is one trend that'll make your heart flutter.

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If you do decided to go big on your nail art - then make sure it is completely over-the-top.

It combines builders gel, jelly polish, rhinestones and anything else you can think of to give your nails dimension.

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10 spring nail ideas for first mani of the season, it’s time to ditch long nails (2024)

FAQs

What color polish makes nails look longer? ›

“Much like wearing a nude pump elongates your legs, a nude polish elongates your nails,” Holford adds. A light, opaque shade leads the eye outward; the closer the color to your skin tone, the longer the nail will look, she says. If you want a little bit of contrast, opt for a hue just slightly lighter than your skin.

What are the nail trends for April 2024? ›

Tone-on-Tone Designs

"When it comes to nail art, the key word for Spring 2024 is tonal. You'll see a lot of looks that play in variations of the same color family," shares Van Iderstine. Olive & June's Plum Tonal French or HZ Velvet Press-Ons ($10 each) are both lovely examples.

What is the nail color for spring? ›

shimmery corals and sparkling pinks have become a new staple for spring palettes. capture the essence of the season in 'meet cute moment', a sheer, pinky coral nail polish with red undertones and a glowing gold pearl.

What nail shape makes fingers look skinnier? ›

Almond – The slimmer sides, gentle tapering, and rounded tip of this style make the hands and fingers appear slimmer. The overall effect is more feminine, elegant looking hands. Oval – This softer, blunter shape makes the fingers appear to be slimmer.

What is the best nail color for older hands? ›

“If you have a lighter skin tone, the color would differ depending on how fair your skin is, but corals, greens, and red would be good for older hands because it draws attention to the nails,” according to Orly. According to Orly, older adults with darker skin may look best in orange, gold, and gray shades.

What nail colour makes you look younger? ›

Bright Colors and Youthful Appearance

Vibrant shades like orange-based reds and corals are especially effective in bringing a youthful appearance to the hands and skin. They add a pop of energy and a fun, carefree vibe to your overall look.

What is the hottest nail trend? ›

Business Insider asked three nail professionals about trends that are in and out for 2024. Brown nails, simple rhinestone designs, and metallic finishes seem to be rising in popularity. On the other hand, jelly nails and long acrylic manicures are being replaced by minimalist trends.

What nail color is in trend for 2024? ›

Vibrant Neons: Neon nail polish shades are all the rage in 2024. These bold and eye-catching colors add a pop of excitement to any manicure, making them a favorite choice for those who want to make a statement with their nails. Pastel Hues: Soft and delicate pastel nail polish colors are also trending this year.

Are square nails out of style 2024? ›

Long nails never go out of style, but with celebs like Olivia Rodrigo and Sofia Richie Grainge embracing their natural nails as of late, shorter lengths will be favored in 2024. Saunders predicts that super short and square nails “reminiscent of the simplicity of the 90s” will be the new go-to look.

What color spring nails go with everything? ›

When it comes to finding a nail polish color that goes with everything, consider the following versatile options:
  • Nude or Beige. A timeless tone of beige or nude goes well with both formal and casual ensembles. ...
  • Light Pink. ...
  • Clear or Sheer. ...
  • Soft Gray. ...
  • Deep Red. ...
  • French Manicure. ...
  • Metallics. ...
  • White.

What two nail colors look good together? ›

Nail Colors that Go Together
  • Red, White and Blue. Pick a sparkly blue for the majority of your nails. ...
  • Mauve and Pink. This combo is not too surprising, but go with a sparkling or glittery mauve. ...
  • Berry Gold. A deep berry color is always classy and interesting. ...
  • Minty Orange. ...
  • Neon and Nude. ...
  • The Blues.
Jan 31, 2017

What is the most attractive nail color? ›

In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .

What nail shape is most feminine? ›

The almond shape is known for its elegant and feminine appeal. This nail shape is wide at the base and slender along the sides, that tapers to a rounded peak. It adds length and creates an illusion of slender fingers. Ideal for: This shape is ideal for those with short or wide fingers.

What is the most flattering nail shape? ›

Best nail shape: Oval. This shape will help make your fingers appear longer and more slender to balance out the length of your palm.

Do toes and nails have to match? ›

Our verdict: nope, no need to match!

Plus, with so many great manicure and pedicure ideas out there these days, we're happy we get to try out different looks on our fingers and toes.

What color looks best on really short nails? ›

Stay with nude or pastel nail colours to make your nails look longer than they are. A nude manicure is perfect for everyday wear since it matches with every kind of outfit.

How do you paint your nails to make them look longer? ›

“You want to get as close as possible to the cuticles without touching the skin, then paint a vertical line up the nail, leaving a small gap between the edge of the nail wall and the gel.” If you're not opting for a single shade, the Italian touch can also be applied to your tips.

What can I use to make my nails look longer? ›

You can create the illusion of longer nailbeds by using polish that doesn't contrast much with your skin tone, or doing a “French tip” manicure with thinner-than-average white tips.

What is the best nail option for short nails? ›

Acrylic manicure is the go-to style for people with short nails. It adds more length to your natural nails and can last as long as three weeks.

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