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 winter we have continued he tradition of deep, rich colours like burgundy, chocolate browns, and classic blacks, perfect for adding depth and sophistication to cold-weather styles. But as we look at the full year ahead, 2025 will be all about personal expression, with a return to classic shapes and intricate nail art.
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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 begins, 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:
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."
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.
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."
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
"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."
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.
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.
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.
Tinu predicts that oyster nails will be a playful 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.
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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.
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