Nail trends fall into two categories: the timeless classics that get reinvented again and again (think of all the new twists on the French manicure) and the totally novel ideas (how else would you describe “fisherman core”?). We see plenty of both every year, but 2025 had a special goal: to take those beloved staples and make them feel surprising, fresh, and even a little daring.

With soapy metallics and fairytale pinks flooding our feeds—along with what might be the boldest spin on a standard manicure, which is skipping polish altogether—we’d call that mission accomplished. Here’s a look back at the defining nail trends of the year and a preview of what’s to come in 2026.

‘90s/Y2K
Flip phones, pageboy hats, low-rise everything, flared yoga pants tucked into Uggs—look around, and it’s clear the ‘90s and early 2000s are back in a big way. On nails, that shows up in shapes like the midi stiletto worn by stars like Dakota Johnson and Jayme Lawson, and in styles like Kylie Jenner’s deep French tip, inspired by a specific 1997 cover of Nails magazine.

French Forever
“About 30% of my clients choose only French, no experiments, no exceptions,” says nail artist and educator Valeriia Telemaniuk. It’s no surprise: the simple, chic classic goes with everything and works for any occasion, plus it’s endlessly adaptable—from licorice French tips to Hailey Bieber’s cheetah print and even Tabis-inspired designs.

Princess Manicure
Searches for “princess nails” jumped 300% this year, so it’s clear the soft, subtle shades and squoval shapes inspired by real-life royals are here to stay. The trend traces back to the late Queen Elizabeth’s loyalty to Essie Ballet Slippers and Catherine, Princess of Wales’s eternally elegant soft nude manicures, and it’s kept alive today by stars like Victoria Beckham and TikTok creators who can’t get enough.

Naked Nails
With not a drop of polish in sight, the truly naked nail takes the sheer nude look a step further: what if the chicest, most expensive-looking manicure is just a shiny buff or clear top coat? This back-to-basics style appeared on red carpets, at Paris Fashion Week, in A-list engagement announcements, and in Charli XCX’s “House” music video, proving that strong, healthy nails are the ultimate statement.

Soft Metallics
Defined by barely-there nudes with a hint of chrome or shimmer, soft metallics have the clean, spa-like appeal of soap nails with a fairytale twist. “Milky whites, sheer pinks, and soft beiges are very clean, very ‘your nails but better,’” says Telemaniuk. “Then we add clear or pearl chrome for that subtle, mirror-like glow.” (Halle Berry’s Oscars look, coincidentally, showed how perfectly they pair with actual mirrors.)

Smoked Shades
With the “toasted” beauty trend taking over autumn, it’s only natural that winter’s foggy skies and roasting chestnuts would bring cozy, smoky designs and hues into style. That might mean a hazy layer over a typically understated nude, as seen at Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2025, or an opaque soft mauve with dusty undertones. “This color sits beautifully between neutral and color, making it perfect for clients who want something subtle but with a pop,” says nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur.

Plaid Nails
Minimalist nails ruled for most of 2025, but this last-minute trend makes a serious statement (that might just whisper, “I studied English Literature at Oxford”). Reminiscent of chunky knits, argyle scarves, and heavy textbooks, the look was already a favorite of Kylie Jenner’s.Plaid nails are the fall favorite we’re betting will still be trending in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the nail colors and trends that shaped 2025 designed to sound like questions from real people

General Beginner Questions

Q What was the biggest overall nail trend for 2025
A The biggest trend was Skinimalism for nails This means minimalist skintoned and your nails but better looks focusing on health sheer washes of color and subtle nail art

Q I keep hearing about Glazed Donut nails What are they
A Its a shiny glossy and slightly opalescent finish that makes your nails look like theyre coated in sugary glaze or ceramic Think highshine top coats over pale pinks champagnes and lilacs

Q What colors were everywhere in 2025
A Three categories dominated
1 Sheer Neutrals Vanilla Buttercream Ballet Slipper Pink and transparent taupes
2 Earthy MidTones Mushroom Olive Green and Terracotta
3 Cool Metallics Chrome especially in silver gunmetal and lavender

Q Is nail art still popular or is it all minimal now
A Nail art is huge but it evolved Instead of loud designs its more about quiet luxury details a single microflake on one nail a barelythere French tip or delicate line art using fine brushes

Advanced Practical Questions

Q How do I get that perfect chrome finish at home
A The key is a completely smooth nonporous base Use a nowipe gel top coat cure it and then immediately rub a chrome powder into the sticky layer with a silicone applicator Seal with another top coat

Q Whats the difference between Jelly nails and Stained Glass nails
A Both are translucent but Jelly refers to a single sheer juicy color Stained Glass nails are an advanced art technique where multiple translucent colors are placed next to each other often with metallic outlines to mimic stained glass windows