Another fashion month of manis has come and gone, cold-weather nail designs are in full swing, and we’re all eyes on the emerging nail trends taking shape for 2025. In other words, it’s an exciting era for nails. We’ve got the return of cult classics (like French tips galore), an influx in whimsical nail art, and a continued reign of beverage-inspired nail colors. The best part? There’s a nail trend for everyone—even if your preferred nail polish is nothing at all.
So if you’re looking for the inspo to break out of a manicure rut or cure your decision paralysis, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the feeds, runways, and red carpets to hone in on the 2025 nail trends we’re betting on and saving for our next trip to the nail salon.
Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik concocted this bespoke olive green shade for Selena Gomez and by doing so, opened up a world of potential that we think will be the quiet luxury flex of next year. Rather than trying to find the closest nail polish match in existing shades, work with a manicurist to color mix the exact shade you’re pining for—like the nostalgic red your grandma wore, a neutral that perfectly complements your skin tone, or a fashion-inspired pop of color that doesn’t exist anywhere else.
Textured manicures are poised to transition from niche to mainstream in 2025. Adding embellishments might require getting used to at first (you’ll be tempted to pick at them!), but the wow-factor is well worth it. To get the look, try incorporating gems for a pop of sparkle, use builder gel to create 3D-effects (like flames, swirls, or shell grooves), or load up on charms for a maximalist, kawaii aesthetic. More is absolutely more.
Plenty of Y2K trends have returned to the zeitgeist as a way for many to relive what sparked joy as a teen and for younger generations to experience (and put their own spin on) these trends. Case in point? This mishmash of all things sparkly. The combination of a glittery base coat, different confetti shapes, and shimmery pastel colors create a manicure that’s both nostalgic and new.
Chrome continues to have a stronghold on nail trends, and it’s easy to see why. The metallic mani brings a bit of bling to any outfit and is easy to match with your accessories (as pictured). Whether you prefer to incorporate chrome by way of 3D nail art designs or an all-over silver shimmer, it’s sure to elevate your look. You can even try layering the chrome powder on top of another color for a kaleidoscopic take on the trend.
Chocolate tints are always a popular manicure trend for fall and winter, but we’re seeing these rich hues become seasonless mainstays that can be worn any time of year. Darker nail polishes can take on a neutral quality and their deep saturations are both universally flattering and easy to style to your preferences. Choose a short-and-sweet espresso mani in the heat of summer (à la Sabrina Carpenter) or heighten the drama with longer nail shapes (like stiletto or square) for a goth-chic look.
Nail health, nude nails, natural nails, and naked nails will be huge trends this year. We wouldn’t be surprised if we see the “it girl” nails trending sometime soon boasting clean, natural nails with that perfect clear polished sheen on them. Think of this trend like skincare but for your nails, designed to deliver much-needed vitamins to condition and strengthen.
Red has been splashed all over algorithms (like the TikTok famous “unexpected red” theory), so it only makes sense the color would translate to our manicures. Candy-apple red nails seem to be the most popular version of the bright nail color, but just like finding your ideal lipstick shade, feel free to experiment with what works best for you. A darker black cherry hue could offer a more dramatic take on the trend, while scarlet accents are great for first-timers to the color.