Just as we were figuring out how to perfectglazed donut nails, the trend officially started dying down. That's not to say we don't still approve of the shimmery, glossy manicure that monopolized fingernails for months, but we would be remiss not to introduce you to a new class of nail designs for spring that are here to usher in the season.
The latest2023 nail trends start with inspiration from both viral TikTok manicures and timeless classics — and then become fresh with a modern twist. For example, French manicures are getting scaled back: Nail artists have been painting on a micro-French look, featuring a pencil thin tip, instead of the usual half-moon shape.
And, of course, a more colorful palette than the one we saw all winter has arrived on the scene, though it’s not in the finish you might expect. “Usually when spring comes people tend to get pastel nails,” says nail artistZola Ganzorigt whose clients include Hailey Bieber and Vanessa Hudgens. She predicts that will hold true for this year too, though, Ganzorigt says we can expect to see lavender, sky blue, and mint green nails take on pearlized orvelvet finishes, rather than your standard glossy cream.
Ahead, more experts share the top nail looks they predict will be all over our feeds this spring.
Meet the experts:
- Zola Ganzorigt is a Los-Angeles based nail artist
- Jin Soon Choi is a Korean editorial nail artist and founder ofJINSoon
- Morgan Dixon is a nail artist and owner of Lab & Lounge salon in New Orleans
- Danielle Candido is a New York City-based editorial nail artist
- Rita Remark is a New York-based nail artist
- Hang Nguyen is a Los Angeles-based nail artist
- Erica Hipp is a Brooklyn-based nail artist
1. Metallics: Shine bright with a touch chrome.
Megan Cencula
Megan Cencula
Thechrome trend that took off in 2022 shines on in a more subtle way. Instead of an all-over finish, an accent of foil is the way to go. “It’s subtle while imparting a 3D appearance,” saysnail artistJin Soon Choi, who created the look seen above atPeter Do’s Spring 2023 show. Stamp each nail with foil flakes (available at the craft store) in random placements to “add an element of coolness to your nails,” says Choi.
2. Pastels: Add a pretty finish to spring’s favorite palette.
Erica Hipp
Anouk Nijs
Pastels are a perennial springtime favorite —andthe cheery palette doesn't have to be boring. Ganzorigt encourages people to step away from a solid, glossy manicure in favor of experimenting with eye-catching finishes like chrome or velvet. For a chrome finish, apply one to two coats of your pastel of choice and top with chrome powder using a nail sponge. For a velvet finish, layer on magnetic nail polish.
3. Ombré: Bring back faded tips in a bold way.
Megan Cencula
Megan Cencula
“Ombrés are hot,” says Choi. But it’s not the ombré of the early aughts. Choi says the fade is starker this time around with more color concentrated at the tips. “Take a small soft sponge and dab at the tips with the darker color, gradually fading [toward the cuticle],” says Choi, stopping about a third of the way down your nail bed. If black isn’t your springtime vibe, you can remix the look with different color combinations.
4. Micro-French: Keep things minimal with a dainty design.
The classic French manicure has gone full-on minimalist this spring. “Micro-French nail art is the most frequently requested nail design at my salons,” says Choi. She predicts the look will replace solid-colored pastels, at least for the next few months.
5. Milky Nails: Dress up your neutral manicure with a pearl finish.
Healthy-looking nails never go out of style, and this spring is no exception: “[A sheer, pearly manicure] was the most sought-after and favorite on runways and fashion campaigns of the season,” says Choi. We spotted it at both Sandy Liang and LoveShackFancy’s fall 2023 shows. To dress up your bare nails with a milky finish, apply one to two coats of opalescent pink lacquer like JinSoonPixie orOPI Bubble Bath. It’s your nails, but better.
6. French Ombre: Blur the lines of two designs.
If you love the look of ombre and French manicures, why choose? Combine them for an ethereal look. "The ombré effect diffuses the [usual] contrast and adds a touch of subtlety,” says nail artistRita Remark. To blur the lines, “layering is essential,” says Ganzorigt. “Apply layers of polish as thin as possible to create the gradient effect.” This allows the color the blend together.
7. Florals: Embellish your nails with a blooming design.
Erica Hipp
Cliché as it may be,florals continue to scream spring. We aren’t talking about one dainty daisy though. “I'm seeing so much more detail going into floral-designed nails and clients are wanting louder, more eye-catching sets,” says nail artistMorgan Dixon. If you’re not confident in your freehand painting abilities, nail artistErica Hipp recommends using a dotting tool to create petals. Also, “retracting the click button on a ballpoint pen does a good job,” says Hipp.
8. Black Polish: Channel Wednesday Addams this spring.
Morgan Taylor
TheWednesday Addams effect isn’t dying down anytime soon, so expect to see some moody manicures. Models at Rodarte and Alice and Olivia’s fall 2023 shows walked the runway with long, stiletto-shaped nails coated in black polish. At Rodarte, nail artistDanielle Candido added a metallic finish for a bit more shine. In the spirit of spring, Candido suggests using black as an accent color (try a black flower accent nail) or testing out a French manicure with dark tips.
9. Negative Space: Try a design on half of your nail.
Erica Hipp
This spring’s take on negative nails is slightly different than the traditional. Unlike the original negative space look, the whole nail is painted with a sheer lacquer to make the design look “more polished,” says Hipp. One negative space design we will be referencing is Vanessa Hudgens’s black and white mod-inspired manicure she wore to the Oscars. Nail artistHang Nguyen recommends painting on these intricate designs with a thin nail brush.
