There’s really nothing quite like freshly buffed and brightened nails to welcome spring’s warmer temperatures. As we set foot outdoors sans hand gear, it’s time to bid adieu to winter’s dark, subdued polishes in favour of sunnier hues and playful designs. If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further than the Spring 2024 runways, where models’ manis took on traditional and futuristic forms—from micro-French tips to 3D embellishments. Elsewhere, on social media, sticky trends like jelly polish and naked nails maintain their cool-girl status.

Below, we round up our favourite Spring 2024 nail trends (plus, for the DIYers, where to shop the polishes and tools you need to create each look!).

Spring 2024 Nail Trends

FRENCH REVOLUTION

 

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The nouveau French manicure is a far cry from its predecessors. Traditional square white tips of decades past—though still favoured by fans of the “mob wife” aesthetic—have become thinner and more colourful. Take a cue from celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec (@juliaknailsnyc). For Staud’s Spring 2024 show, Kandalec created a “micro-French” manicure using thin, straight lines—some white and others in unexpected shades like aquamarine and lavender.

IN THE BUFF

No-fuss naked nails went viral last summer thanks to trending aesthetics like “quiet luxury” and “clean girl.” The pared-back, low maintenance manicure was also seen on the catwalk this past fall (see the barely there polish painted on models for the Michael Kors Spring 2024 show). No matter the shape, nail health is the name of the game for this look. File ‘em, buff ‘em and swipe on a strengthening treatment, clear polish or super sheer nude.

 

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STOP SHORT

By far the easiest manicure to maintain, short nails are the understated antidote to the enduring ultra-long talon trend. To achieve these practical pincers, shaping is key. Whether you go square or oval (or squoval), it’s important to be consistent. You can take the look further by adding a touch of sparkle à la Sandy Liang’s Spring 2024 show, where models’ short and shimmery nails were courtesy of manicurist Holly Falcone (@hollyfalconenails). Or, if you prefer classic shades, look to Olivia Rodrigo, who typically keeps her claws clipped and painted in a dark hue.

 

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SEEING RED

After a very cherry-red autumn, it would seem that crimson colours are here to stay (sorry, Barbie pink). The Spring 2024 runways were drenched in brighter shades of the hue—from the clothes to the models’ manicures. For Proenza Schouler, manicurist Jin Soon Choi and her team selected a seductive and highly pigmented red. Double dip with the short nail trend to level-up this classic yet trendy mani. But be warned: you might find yourself attracting some potential suitors if there’s any merit to TikTok’s “red nail theory”. (Honestly, we think it’s just the colour’s confidence-boosting power.)

@anjanad15red nail theory is fr a thing ❤️🤌🏼♬ original sound – xxtristanxo

FINE LINE

This minimalist manicure is as good as your hand is steady. For those who favour a more architectural aesthetic, find inspiration from designers like Helmut Lang and Jason Wu. On the Spring 2024 runways, Jin Soon Choi and her team played with letters and lines for both designers—see the “Helmut Lang” letter nails and simple strokes and dots for Jason Wu. Those of you with stellar handwriting skills can get the look at home with a nail pen or by using a fine detail brush.

 

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SO JELLY

Korean jelly nails first made waves in the summer of 2022, but don’t expect this ethereal trend to swim away any time soon. After all, nothing says warm weather like a water-inspired manicure. For those who prefer to stay close to shore, try the glossy trend in a Hailey Bieber-approved neutral, like Cirque Colors Dove Jelly polish. Maximalists, on the other hand, can dress up their milky manis with 3D accessories.

@cirquecolors How to get Hailey Bieber’s new nail color ft. Dove Jelly 💅🩶 #haileybieber #haileybiebernails #nails #nailpolish #nailtrends #nailideas #nailinspo #nailtutorial #beauty #easynails #diynails #nailart #nailhack #trending #trendsetter #jellynails ♬ original sound – APPLE MUSIC 🎵

3D VISION

As seen on social media and the Spring 2024 runways, this futuristic mani is all about artistry. For Prabal Gurung’s catwalk, nail stylist Gina Edwards (@ginaedwards_) created the models’ gold-dipped French manicures using KISS nude press-ons and builder gel. If you want to save a trip to the salon (or you’re not so confident in your sculpting skills), try rhinestone nail accessories for an easy peasy pop-up effect.

 

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ALL THAT GLITTERS

Iridescent polishes have only become more popular since Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails swept social media in 2022. This season, take inspiration from nail artist Leanne Woodley (@she.nails.it), whose ballet slipper-inspired manis for Mirror Palais make for the perfect sparkly spring pink.

 

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A post shared by Leanne Woodley (@she.nails.it)

Read more:
Naked Nails Are the Understated Beauty Trend We’ve Been Waiting For
A Melanin-Friendly Guide to Hailey Bieber Nails
How to Elevate Bridal Nails