45 Pastel Nail Ideas That Are The Prettiest Nail Trend For 2025 (2025)

Meet the experts

Michelle Humphrey celebrity session manicurist (@nailsbymh)

Julia Diogo, celebrity manicurist (@paintedbyjools)

Giorgia Capella, Head of Education and Spa at The Gel Bottle INC.

‘Pastels are the perfect pantone for the spring/summer season,’ says session manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, ‘as the sun starts to shine, we all want to brighten up a little.’ Pastel nails don't have to be boring; from candy tips on a bare base to gradient manis with lilac, lemon andbaby blue tones there's so many ways to tap into the pastel nail trend. pastel nails don't have to be boring .

‘Pastels work perfectly for summer,’ confirms celebrity manicurist Julia Diogo, better known as @paintedbyjools **‘**whether it’s a full pastel nail or a pastel French tip. They really accentuate a tan and suit every skin tone, whilst also being easy to complement outfits.’

To find a polish that matches your complexion, Giorgia Capella says, ‘It's helpful to understand colour theory. Colours with a warm undertone tend to compliment cool skin tones better and vice versa. Aside from your colour choice, the foundation for your colour application is really important as pastel shades tend to highlight any imperfections on the nail. Ensure your prep is absolutely perfect with a completely smooth base coat to ensure a good application.’

In terms of nail shape, Diogo adds the less harsh the better. 'In my opinion, a soft square or an almond shapeare my go for to pastel shades; the softness of the shape better reflects the softness of the colour.' The good news is that pastel nails work well with both BIAB nails and acrylic nails.

The Best Pastel Nail Ideas To Try Now

Best Pastel Nail Ideas for Spring

1. Blooming Gel Flower Nails

Love the idea of floral nail art but want to add a little more flavour? Check out this blooming gel manicure. Pretty, no?

Image credit: @nails.by.iz_

Mint green French tips paired with delicate white flowers is a great for the spring season, these are so achievable on short nails.

Image credit: [@silkbeauty.uk]{href='https://www.instagram.com/nails.by.iz_/?hl=en' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

This milky, semi-sheer lavender tone gives a chic understated look while adding a soft wash of colour - a subtle natural nail design.

Image credit: @house__of__nails

Bored of frenchies? Try a floral twist with hand-painted blooms at the tip of the nail. Use a fine brush to paint the strokes - go for soft whites, pinks, and lilacs for a spring feel.

Image credit: sophies_nails20

This peach tone paired with the 3D flower makes this set feel light and airy - ideal for peak spring brunches and picnics.

Image credit: @elina.nails.art

A whole bouquet of different coloured flowers, but right at your finger tips.

Image credit: @kenzi.ecreates

7. Bright Pastel Gradient Manicure

‘For an easy nail art option, try a pastel gradient mani,’ suggests Humphrey. ‘This is where each nail is a different pastel shade – choose between five and ten.’

Image credit: @lolo.nailedit

French tips, reverse french tips, how about side french tips? For the steady handed or the salon-goers, intricately placed semi-circles on either side of each nail takes a standard mani from average to amazing.

Image credit: @thehangedit

‘Pastel ombre can be created really easily using a make-up sponge,' says Humphrey. How to recreate? 'Apply a base coat, allow to dry thoroughly, then sponge on your chosen shade up to 1/3 of the nail. Clean up any polish from the skin using a Q-tip.’

Top trick? ‘Always layer colours with stronger pigments over the top - you can figure out whether a colour is well pigmented by testing it; if it goes on thin and streaky use it as a base colour instead.’

Image credit: @nailsbymh

'Nail art also tends to become popular as we approach summer,' decrees Diogo, 'whether one nail or multiple, think daisies, cherries, watermelons, the lot!' Don't fancy fruit or flowers? Interestingly placed stripes add an air of art deco.

Image credit: @thehangedit

French tips are timeless, and mint green gives them a cool, refreshingsummer nail update.DIY Tip: Use french tip guides to create a sharp tip over a nude base.

Image credit: @ellielouisenails

Can’t choose one colour? Choose multiple. This cute mani features neon shades, all in one place.

Image credit: @nails_by_syd28

13. Chrome Pastel Nails

Thought you could get away from chrome by opting for a pastel finish? Think again. 'Chrome over the top of pastels works so well, as the sparkle really captures the undertone of the pastel with a pop,' Diogo assures us.

Image credit: @robbietomkins

Why we love it? The combination of pink shading with the 3D bow gives a feminine, soft-glam feel.

Image credit: @latia.nailbox

Mixing swirly designs against this muted green, creates a tonal effect that feels polished and elegant.With a striping brush or two-sided dotting tool in hand, you'll be able to recreate thiseasily.

Image credit: @thehotblend

16. Pastel French Tip Nails

‘I love a pastel French or Reverse French manicure,' says Humphrey, 'it's so youthful and fresh.' Her top tip? 'Begin with your basic nail prep and apply a base coat. Once that's dried pop on a base colour, try a nude or a sheer pink. For a French tipyou want to use the edge of your brush to taper the polish into the centre of the nail, do this on the opposite side to meet in the middle.’

Image credit: @iramshelton

‘If you prefer a reverse French I would advise using a fine nail art brush,' says Humphrey, 'although it looks simple, it's a bit more complex than a regular French and you're more likely to get product on the cuticle. Paint your outline following the cuticle and then fill in.’

Image credit: @nails.by.liv/Instagram

A playful edge to the traditional French tip; this set feels very retro.

Image credit: @nail.art.by.tea

Another simple at-home nail art idea, if all fails you can never go wrong with colourful French tips.

Image credit: @express83nails

Pale pink and yellow just work together.

Image credit: @nailsbyalsn

The @nail.art.by.tea knows how to create a set that draws attention, exhibit A.

22. Dipped Pastel Nails

'Pastels are a really good way to experiment with colour,' says Diogo who recommends plumping for pastels if you’re not feeling super brave or confident.' According to Diogo the nail colours that are trending right now are pastel greens, lilacs and buttery yellows.

Image credit: @camilacoelho

If you want an orange manicure, but don’t want somethingtoobold, we have just the thing.

Image credit: @nastaran.khosravi.nailart

Opt for a ombre spin on a dainty floral manicure, the accent nails are small but make the world of a difference.

Image credit: @monika__nails

Hello! These pastelaura nails are stunning, it serves as an opportunity to you show off loads of colour.

Image credit: @glossy.studios

Aura nails are so gorgeous! If you want to achieve this look, your nail technician will need an airbrush machine. Be sure to ask beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Image credit: @express83nails

27. Sheer Pastel Nails

Following increased demand for more sheer and opaque pastel tones that people are gravitating towards Bio Sculpture have released a new pastel range to fit the bill - the Flutter By Collection. Diogo says her go-to shades are Green Apple Smoothie, Wings Of Grace(from the Flutter By range) and Brigitte.

Image credit: [@betina_goldstein]{href='https://www.instagram.com/betina_goldstein/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

Mix and match nails are a big nail trend this season and this looks proves that pastels don't need to be quiet. Clashing colour make bold statement even when colours are muted. Try alternating primary and secondary colours for maximum impact.

Image credit: @yeswhatnails

No splodge doesn't need to be messy as proved by thispink and red (one of our favourite colour combinations) manicures. Artfully placed dollops of polish are reminiscent of a lava lamp. Nineties nostalgia at its best.

Image credit: @joysedition

Such a dreamy set - great for short BIAB nails.

Image credit: @thenailroombygee

Short, sweet and fit for professional settings.

Image credit: [@silkbeauty.uk]{href='https://www.instagram.com/nails.by.iz_/?hl=en' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

32. Pastel Chrome Nails

The soft pastel shades paired with a high-shine chrome finish gives fashion. Apply a pastel base, then use a chrome powder to add a reflective finish, and cure with a gel lamp (because these chip easily). The glazed finish has become a signature look among celebrities including Hailey Bieber.

Image credit: @beautyspace_charlotte

Bowsare everywhere right now, so why not have them on your nails too? Real or painted.

Image credit: @editionvicki

Butterfly designs over a neutral pastel base appear whimsical and celebs have caught on too. Dua Lipa has been seen sporting this Y2K design.

Image credit: @aistehaas

Go all out at your next nail appointment with a full 3D freestyle set mani yznailartistry is showing us exactly how it’s done; this is fit for a red carpet.

36. Muted Metallic Reverse Manicure

This metallic reverse tip design is very edgy, you'll smile every time you look down at your hand. Plus it's a solid colour so it will work with short nails and long nails alike.

Image credit: @elina.nails.art

The combination of nude and subtle gold accents keeps this simple yet elevated.

Image credit @nails.by.iz_

38. Pink Nails

A barely-there pink shade says clean and effortless, use two coats of a sheer pink polish for a demure finish.

Image credit: @tgbspa

For this one, paint each nail with different pastel colours for a cohesive yet multi-toned look.

Image credit: @nailchark

Yellow has to be one of the most underrated pastel colours, so if you’re on the hunt for an unexpected manicure this is the way to go.

Image credit: @clw_nailartist

Use a dotting tool and a thin brush to paint cloud shapes for this set below.

Image credit: @purplewoodbeauty

42. Chrome Freestyle Set

This combination of clouds, swirls, and chrome shows creativity has no bounds.

Image credit: @notorioushandjobz

The cat-eye effect adds so much depth to a manicure, everyone will be asking for a second look at your hands.

Image credit: @vettsystore

For those who crave a little bit of pizzazz for their manicures. A little glitter or silver shimmer action goes a long way, and has a striking effect when paired with pastels and 3D designs - the shell has to be my favourite nail.

Image credit: @nailsbyminhanh

Shimmer, pastel, and barely-there designs create such a dreamy effect.

Image credit:@nailsdesign_rachel

'Staining sometimes can happen with lighter colours but like I always say your nails aren’t tools so try and avoid anything you think that might stain them,' says Diogo, 'If you do see any staining, my top tip is to use Bio Sculpture’s Multi Cleansewith a small cotton pad – if you wipe the nail over the course of a day this will noticeably help reduce the stain.'

How To Make Nail Polish Last Longer

'I always use the Bio Sculpture Gloss Top Coat to make sure I seal my gel for a zero chip wear,' notes Diogo. (Gloss only accessible to trained and qualified technicians not for retail purchase)

Rachael Martinis Grazia’sbeauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness