Spring Nail Trends That You Need To Try

The seasons are once again changing and this means we need to switch up our manicures accordingly! A trip to the nail salon is still looking unlikely, so now is the perfect time to experiment and try out a few designs on our own nails.

I’ve spent hours scouring through Instagram to find the best of the best, and have compiled a list of some of my favourites. These look super cute and expensive, but can be easily done in the comfort of your own home.

So, here they are, my top 20 spring nail trends for 2021…

1. Double French Tips

French tips are one of those styles that never seem to go out of fashion. So how can we make them better? Double them up!

Paint a thick arch at the bottom of your nail, then add a thin line just above it. Super simple!

I love this design in black, but how good would it look in something a little brighter?! Opt for a lilac or emerald green polish to really maximise those spring vibes.

2. Cute Cherries

I’ve been seeing fruit-themed nails everywhere and I’m not mad about it. I mean, these are just adorable.

The little cherries look so good on a nude base, and I love the addition of white sparkles – it makes the design even more fun!

3. Dotty Daisies

I couldn’t create a list of spring nail trends for 2021 and not include something daisy-related. Daisies are practically the emblem of springtime!

This look is so cute, and it’s surprisingly easy to do. Simply use a cocktail stick or the end of a bobby pin (dipped in polish, of course) to create the dots and petals.

4. Abstract Pastels

Pastels are always a good look … but they just hit different in spring. I’m super excited for these colours to fill my wardrobe, and I can’t wait to paint my nails to match!

Abstract designs like these aren’t hard to replicate. You can freehand all the shapes to make your own unique pattern.

5. Matte Lemons

When life gives you lemons … you paint them on your nails. They’re the perfect fruit for your spring/summer cocktails AND your at-home manicure!

Bright yellow is a staple spring colour so don’t be afraid to try it out.

6. Wavy Pastel Tips

Let’s be honest, getting that perfectly round French tip is a nightmare. That’s why these undulating edges are such a great idea. Not only do they give you a bit more room for error, they also look super cool!

7. Colourful Doodles

Mismatched nail art is all the rage this season, so don’t be afraid to experiment and paint something different on each nail.

Following a spring theme will help to keep the look cohesive, while still allowing you to include loads of cute little design elements (like rainbows, flowers and hearts).

8. Speckled Mini Egg Inspired Nails

Mini eggs are, hands down, the best Easter chocolate. So why wouldn’t we want them on our nails?

This is a really simple way of adding a bit of interest to the traditional French tip look. So definitely give this one a try!

9. Floral Tips

Flowers and French tips are a winning springtime nail combination. This is an amazing way of nailing (pun 100% intended) two trends at once.

Choose bright yellows and oranges to amplify that warm, sunny vibe. Or, go for more subtle, pastel shades to keep it cool and calm.

10. Matte Polka Dots

There’s something about these nails that makes me immediately think of Easter. I’m not sure if it’s the pastels or the polka dots. But whatever it is, I love it.

The matte polish over the top is a genius idea as well. It heightens the look and makes the pastel colours stand out even more.

11. Bright Bubbles

Why have one feature nail when you can have three? I think this works so well, especially when they’re all variations of the same theme/design.

To keep the focus on these centre fingers, make sure to paint the thumb and the little finger in single, block colours. Try Essie’s Madison Ave-Hue to follow the same palette as the look above.

12. Terrazzo Nails

If pastels really aren’t your thing, why not try something a bit bolder. Terrazzo nails are the perfect excuse to incorporate all of your favourite colours into one design. They don’t even have to match! Although, it would be good to choose similar tones.

I like the single orange nail here. It really helps to tie the whole look together.

13. Yin Yang

Yin yang nails have been all over Pinterest … and for good reason. They’re gorgeous. I love the pairing of the olive green and bright white, but I have a feeling this would look good in almost any colour match.

Use a tool like this to create uniform dots on each half of the nail.

14. Gold-Flecked Tortoiseshell

If you’re not ready to let go of the autumn/winter tortoiseshell nail trend just yet, why not try something like this?

The single, thick swirl down the middle is a bit less intense than the all-over tortoiseshell nails we’ve been used to. And the gold flecks have an instant brightening effect. It’s an excellent transitional look!

15. Brown Swirls

Ok, hear me out, brown might not be a typical spring colour. But there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be!

Bright colours aren’t for everyone. So if you want to switch up your nails for spring, and you prefer nudes or neutrals, you might want to give something like this a go.

16. Bright Blocks of Colour

This is one for all the minimalists out there. Keep it bright and simple by painting a quarter of the nail (near the tip), and using a small gold bead to pinpoint the centre.

After trying this one out myself, I highly recommend investing in a thick, full-coverage polish to get that opaque effect. It took many, many, many layers for me to even see some semblance of colour with my gel polish.

17. Negative Space Pastels

Make your pastel mani even more interesting by painting the base of your nail too. You can alternate the colours, as Amy has done above, or match the lunula with the tip. Whichever you prefer!

18. Wavy White Lines

If you’re looking for something that will go with your entire spring wardrobe, this is it! Pare back the colours with this white wavy nail design.

It’s really simple, but still looks amazing!

19. Half-and-Half

Divide your nails in two, using stickers or striping tape, and paint different designs on each half. Pick complimentary colours to keep the design looking neat.

I love how Charlotte has gone for the classic French tip on one side and a more artsy brush stroke pattern on the other. It works so well!

20. Floral Confetti

Flowers AND glitter – could it get any better?!

This manicure is so glam, yet understated at the same time. The nude base really allows the elements on top to shine, and makes it a much more wearable daytime look.

Which 2021 spring nail trends do you want to try? Let me know!

And, if you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out the 12 nail art essentials you need for any manicure.