Want to nail your mani game? 2025 is set to bring a bold new array of manicure trends that every nail lover needs to know about.
This summer, we have continued the tradition of wearing bright colours; reaching for red's and orange's with trends like 'Sunset Nails' and 'Aperol SprItz Nails.' However, this year we're also still holding on to spring pastel hues like butter yellow, coral, milky white's and classic nude's perfect for adding a soft yet colourful edge to summer manicures'. But as we look at the full year ahead, 2025 nails will be all about personal expression, with a return to classic shapes and intricate nail art.
To give us an inside scoop, we spoke to Julia Diogo, the expert nail artist behind the manicures of celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Shanina Shaik. “I have been talking to a few brands and I know there will be some quite big launches around nail care this coming year,” Julia tells H! Fashion. “Consumers are wanting products with quality and active ingredients that actually make a difference to the hands and nails.” According to Julia, social media, especially Instagram, is a major influence on trends, as it allows clients to find their favourite nail inspirations: “It’s so easy to see something, love it and then ask your manicurist to recreate,” she explains.
We also got some insider tips from celebrity nail artist extraordinaire and Senior Mylee Ambassador, Tinu Bello. She predicts the rise of a wide range of designs from mirror nails to oyster-inspired manis. "2025 will be about practicality. I predict a lot of short lengths, especially in a soft square tapered shape. These are super low maintenance and versatile for an everyday mani," explains Tinu.
As 2025 is in full swing, nail trends are shaping up to be versatile, expressive, and filled with nostalgia. Whether you prefer the glimmer of a cat-eye effect or the playful elegance of a shorter length, there’s a look for every personality. Embrace these trends, experiment with shapes and colours, and let your nails be a canvas for self-expression.
Read on for expert insights into the key nail colours, shapes, and trends you’ll want to try this year...
The Hottest Nail Trends for 2025:
1/18
© SPR agencyPistachio Ice Cream Nails
"Soft, refreshing, and perfect for summer mani's, Pistachio Ice Cream nails are SS25's sweetest trend," Tinu tells H! Fashion. "This subtle pastel green evokes the creamy coolness of pistachio gelato, and is elegant while still playful. It flatters all skin tones and brings a subtle pop of colour that's more refined than neon and brights, but more playful than nudes." She explains that this hue is ideal for sunny brunches or poolside selfies, and has a hint of retro charm. Adding: "Plus, it pairs perfectly with gold jewelry and linen fits. I'm obsessed with Mylee's 'Gelato' Gel Nail Polish which is the perfect creamy pistachio."
2/18
© @kimkimnailsSeashell Nails
For SS25, expect nails to take on a dreamy, underwater aesthetic - think holographic top coats, sheer washes of micro-glitter, and delicate pearl details suspended beneath a glassy clear layer. "Seashell nails take inspiration from the soft shimmer and pearlescence of shells, using layered iridescent powders, chrome foils, and milky base gels to create a multidimensional, light-reflective finish," explains Tinu, "The main component of this style is a subtle opalescent glow that shifts between pastel pinks, lavenders, soft golds, and seafoam blues, reminiscent of mother-of-pearl."
3/18
© @lightslacquerSunset Nails
"Sunset nails are layered colour gradients of golden hour skies, blending warm summer tones like coral, tangerine, dusty rose, and soft lavender into a seamless ombré across each nail or hand," explains Tinu. "SS25 will see some added realism to the look, with subtle shimmer overlays or fine foil flecks to capture the effect of light catching in clouds or water."
Sunset nails will also get an artistic twist, with designs featuring sun motifs, palm trees, and reverse gradients that fade from cuticle to tip - evoking the dreamy glow of an upside-down horizon.
4/18
© @harrietwestmorelandIce Cream Manicure
The ice cream manicure mimics the soft scoop of delicious ice cream. It's an ultra-glossy manicure with a sheer pink base and sometimes an ombré creamy white french tip finish. This trend leans into subtlety and elegance, it's extremely versatile as it suitable for everyday wear or a high-fashion event.
5/18
© SPA PRBanana Split Nails
Tinu says: "Banana Split Nails bring a subtle, dessert-inspired finish to your summer man pedi.This buttery pastel hue channels the mellow sweetness of ripe bananas and is perfect for anyone looking for a clean, minimalist mani with a twist of whimsy." Tinu explains that if you love a nude, this elevates it without being OTT. She says: "The shade flatters all nail shapes and lengths, whether it’s a glossy single-color coat, a matte finish for a modern edge, or combined with white micro-French tips for a touch of contrast. It’s the kind of colour that feels like sunshine in a bottle and is perfect for summer, brunch dates, or just brightening your mood midweek." To get this look, try Mylee's pastel sunshine yellow shade 'Twist and Shine'.
6/18
© PintrestButter Yellow
This soft, creamy shade - reminiscent of pale sunshine - flatters a variety of skin tones while adding a subtle pop of colour. Unlike vibrant yellows, butter yellow strikes the perfect balance between playful and sophisticated, making it a versatile choice.
7/18
Clean Nails
"Less is more for 2025 when it comes to our nails," says Tinu, "Clean nails are all about sheer or barely-there polish in shades of ballerina pinks, milky whites, and soft nudes. This year we will see them paired with a high-gloss finish and short lengths for a minimalist aesthetic."
8/18
Lavender Milk
Milky shades have been trending since 2023, and in 2025, lavender milk will be the shade to try. "Milky lavender shades will be big," Julia confirms. "Biosculpture does a great shade called Fluttering Lavender for this." Lavender hues have a timeless appeal and, although they’re often associated with spring, they’re perfect year-round. "This unique, sheer lavender shade teams milky tones with soft pastels, offering a clean, minimalistic style that remains timeless and chic throughout any time of the year," explains Tinu. The hue combines the vibrant colour with a soft, calming tone that suits both minimalists and maximalists.
9/18
Mocha Mousse Nails
"Thanks to Pantone's colour of the year – Mocha Mousse, we can expect to see an array of light, creamy brown shades," says Tinu, "This is incredibly subtle and versatile, working for all occasions." She recommends trying Mylee’s Cozy Nights’ Gel Polish which "is the perfect creamy beige with a neutral undertone."
10/18
Cat Eye Manicures
"Cat eye manicures will be huge," explains Julia: "It’s all about the holographic and reflective manicures at the moment, which will definitely follow into the new year. Hailey Bieber was recently seen sporting the trend in an orangey-brown shade." Cat eye nails are marked by a subtle metallic line that runs diagonally across the nail, giving it a dimensional, reflective quality similar to a cat's eye. Typically, the line is in a colour similar to the base polish, creating a soft, intriguing effect. Tinu agrees adding, "Illusion nails are any mani that has an added optical effect. Think halo gradients, light-refracting cat-eye stripes, and layered smoky quartz patterns that appear to shift or glow under different lighting. SS25 will see evolution... incorporating tonal contrast, iridescent chrome overlays, and negative space for a more sculptural feel."
11/18
© Londontown BlogMirror Nails
“Mirror nails are the ultimate statement-making trend, without being over the top," explains Tinu. "A mirror mani has a high-shine finish that reflects light like metal. The finish is achieved by using chrome powders or metallic polishes, like Mylee’s Cushion Powder Pen, or ‘Access All Areas’ Gel Polish." She adds: "Mirror nails can be in an array of shades form silver, gold, and rose gold - whatever you fancy.”
12/18
Tiffany Blue
A standout shade for 2025 is the iconic Tiffany Blue. Associated with Tiffany & Co., this robin egg blue hue has been a symbol of elegance since 1837. "Tiffany blue is set to be big this coming SS25," says Julia. This luxurious colour calls to mind Audrey Hepburn's classic elegance, and is ideal for making a subtle yet chic statement.
13/18
© @harrietwestmorelandClean Nails
Tinu tells H! Fashion: “Less is more for 2025 when it comes to our nails. Clean nails are all about sheer or barely-there polish in shades of ballerina pinks, milky whites, and soft nudes." If we look at the red carpets, celebrities like Selena Gomez and Zendaya have swapped their usual dark hues for minimalist manis. "This year we will see them paired with a high-gloss finish and short lengths for a minimalist aesthetic," Tinu adds.
14/18
© @nailsbyzolaGlazed Cinnabon Nails
"Glazed donut nails will have an upgrade in 2025," Tinu predicts. Light pearl undertones will be swapped out for warm, cinnamon-brown bases with a glossy, glazed finish reminiscent of a Cinnamon bun. To get the look, there are affordable options. The nail expert suggests Mylee's Gel Polish in ‘Toffee Apple’, with a coat of ‘For Your Eyes Only’ on top. "You could also use 'Masterpiece' as a two in one."
15/18
Embellishments
Embellished nails, featuring nail piercings, pearls, and jewels, are here to stay in 2025. "Nail piercings, pearls, jewels - we saw a lot of it on the runway recently and I don’t think it will be going anywhere just yet. It’s definitely not for all, but if you have a longer nail, you may be influenced to try." For those looking to make a statement, these accessories allow for creative expression and add a unique, runway-ready look.
16/18
Abstract Nails
Abstract designs are becoming increasingly popular, allowing for an artistic approach to manicures. "Abstract nails are gaining more and more popularity - I remember doing some back in 2022 and it’s now coming back around again," says Julia. Abstract nails typically feature a nude or neutral base, with pops of colour in various shapes and designs, letting wearers mix and match shades and styles to create a one-of-a-kind look.
17/18
© @allisonk.s.nails_Plum Nails
According to Tinu, red theory is out this year. “Plum nails will replace reds in 2025 – bringing a rich sophistication to your manis," she explains. "Look for shades that combine the depth of deep purples with the versatility of neutral tones." For the perfect finish, plum nails look great with a high gloss, or matte finish, and make a fantastic base for nail art.
18/18
© @freetobeme_beautybristolOyster Mani
Similar to its 'Seashell nail' cousin, Tinu predicts that oyster nails will also be a playful nautical design trend this year. She says, "Inspired by the sea, iridescent oyster mani's are all about shimmering, pearlescent reflections that shift with the light, creating an ethereal effect." Adding: "Play with light pinks, greens and blues to really nail the look."
The Trending Shapes:
Nail shapes can change the whole look of a manicure, and Julia highlights three top shapes for 2025: Short Soft Square, Medium Almond, and Long Square....
Short Soft Square
Julia has seen a rise in popularity for short, soft square nails, a manageable yet stylish option. "I'm definitely biased of course, but I've definitely suggested people go short after being long for many years, and they love it," she reveals. This shape is practical and sophisticated, offering a polished finish that’s easy to maintain.
Medium Almond
Almond-shaped nails continue to be a favourite in 2025, but Tinu predicts these will be more subdued and shorter than the ultra long vampish styles in the past. "We will continue to see a lot of almond shapes, but the length will go from long to medium, to elongate the fingers without any potential inconvenience," she explains. To achieve an almond nail "hold the nail file at a 45-degree angle towards the centre of the nail and taper into a point," says Lauren Williams, director of leading nail care brand London Grace, "Then gently soften the tip of the nail to complete the almond shape. An almond-shaped nail works perfectly with a tonal mani or abstract French design." This shape adds elegance and works well for those seeking a slightly elongated look.
Long Square
For those who love a bold look, long square nails are making a comeback. "For an eye-catching look, square nails enhance a longer, narrow nail bed and provide a greater surface area for nail art," Lauren says. "Simply file the sides of the nails straight down from the nail bed and then shape straight across the tip of the nail to create 90-degree angles. We recommend this shape to clients looking for bespoke or hand-painted nail designs." This classic shape is versatile and allows for intricate art, perfect for making a statement.
