21 new spring nail designs that’ll make you instantly happier

Days are getting lighter, brighter and longer. It’s time to stash away the wintery reds and muted browns, and turn your attention to zingy, perky new spring nail designs that will make you happy every time you look down at your hands. But where to start?

“Social media is a great place to find nail inspiration,” says nail technician Danae Gooch – who has a residency at cool London hair salon Hershesons. We certainly witnessed that when Hailey Bieber glazed donut nails almost broke the internet, not to mention the rise of the pierced nails trend.

“But also tap into your mood, how you feel and what you’re up to. If you’re off on holiday and planning on wearing brighter tones, then why not choose a colour to match? Or if you’ve got a series of different things happening in the next fortnight and need your nails to suit a few different moods and outfits, opt for something a little more neutral like the milky nails trend,” says Gooch.

Gooch also predicts that nail art is going nowhere. “Nearly all of my clients are asking for a little bit of nail art, whether that’s a really subtle and small heart on a ring finger, using negative space to create a design or a touch of metallic or glitter on the tip or around the cuticle. I love that nail art has become something for everyone, it doesn’t matter how old you are or how short your nails are you can always find something that suits you.”

So, with all that in mind, here are the freshest new spring nail designs – bookmark or screenshot to take along to your next salon appointment. From colourful tips to designs inspired by Greek holidays to a mani to match your matcha, there’s something here for every nail length and shape.

21 brand new spring nail designs to try

1. Soap nails

Soap nails are one of the hottest looks for spring-summer nails. So-called because the neutral shade is meant to resemble freshly washed hands, leaving your nails looking clean and fresh. The colour isn’t too pink or too white, but also isn’t completely clear. The soap nails sweet spot is the shade somewhere in between as demonstrated perfectly here with this set created by @blushingonhunter.

2. Double dots

Why have one dot when you go for two? We love this simple but effective look that elevates a classic nude polish to something more fun. This set was created by @monmayernails

3. Buttermilk yellow

Yellow remains a huge colour for nails. This buttermilk tone, created by @_nailsbybethany,  is perfect for early spring days.

4. Speckled egg

With Easter imminent, take your inspiration from Mini Eggs! We love the subtle and delicate pastel speckled dots, designed by @nails_and_beauty_by_daisy.

5. A moment in thyme

We love this combination, created by @swoonmaincures – block sage-meets-thyme green on some nails, plus polka dots in the same shade on just a few fingers.

6. Bands of silver

If you don’t think nail art is for you, maybe something as simple as a few swipes of metallic silver across a nude nail – like these, created by @jodieswannell.manicurist – could tempt you?

7. Ombré tips

Why choose one pastel shade for your tips when you can have an entire sunset? This fabulous design was created by Jazzy at @The_Glam_Vibe_LasVegas.  It requires a fairly lengthy tip to create the wash of colour.

8. Spring florals

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking! But if you can’t bedeck your nails in dainty blooms now then when can you? These were designed at @Bees.Knees.Nails and work for all nail lengths and shapes.

9. Giving the evil eye

Whether you’ve just booked a break in Mykonos and want to get in the mood, or you’re just dreaming of holidays, let your nails take you there with this gorgeous design by @nails_spa_midhurst that incorporates a protective evil eye with the blues and whites of the Mediterranean.

10. Strawberries and cream

Arguably the dessert of the sunny season, so of course that makes it prime inspo for nails too! Here @prettyandpolished85 has teamed the strawberry design with daisies and red French tips, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t have strawberries adorning every nail.

11. Glitter tips

You may think of glitter only working for one of your favourite winter or autumn nail designs, but it looks even more sparkly in sunnier weather. By placing the glitter at the tips, like @samrosenails then you’ll get maximum longevity.

12. Spring greens

How chic is this green-tipped nail design created by @nailsbymilee? It looks great on longer lengths but would look equally stunning on shorter nails.

13. Vanilla clouds

This milky cloud look – created by @paintedbyjools – is the perfect nude shade for spring and summer. It has just the right amount of white to pink ratio and will make shorter nails look longer. Plus, it goes with everything in your wardrobe.

14. French fancies

Eschew your usual white French tips in favour of a different shade on each finger instead, like these, created by @nailsbymh. We love the combo of reds and pinks but the world is your oyster when it comes to a colour palette.

15. Matcha mani

If you’re not matching your mani to your favourite Blank Street matcha, then are you really living life to the fullest? Do as @thehungryheron_ has done and get your nails painted the perfect shade of light matcha green.

16. Micro black tie tips

Another stunning nail look by @paintedbyjools that you might not think works as a spring-summer nail design, but we are here to tell you that it absolutely does. Pairing a nude base with a micro black French tip makes shorter nails look longer, goes with everything and the regrowth will hardly be noticeable.

17. Rose gold polka dots

@hollylocksandnails – who expertly created this gorgeous nail design  – says that a nude base with rose gold polka dots is the perfect bridesmaid nail look, and we couldn’t agree more.

18. Pastel tie dye

You know it’s spring time when you hanker after all things pastel, and this design – created by @magicalgirlmanis – is a chic way of incorporating lots of different shades into one look.

19. Swirls and curls

This combines everything we love about spring summer nail designs – nude base, pastel shades and hints of metallic. Created by @gelsbyabi_

20. Touches of tortoiseshell

It’s the perfect time to match your mani to your sunglasses with this tortoiseshell-inspired look created by @irmamustuatasehir. Go for placement on the tips, all over or a mix of the two.

21. Glazed nails

Glazed nails are back as one of the hottest spring-summer nail designs, but this year they are slightly pinker than before. Just like this set created by @_leonanails.