Nails have taken over as a form of self-expression in 2025, and the year's defining trend prove just how creative manicures have become From subtle details to maximalist designs, nails are more expressive than ever, and there is truly something for every style, mood, and manicure personality.
To find out which looks are leading the way, we asked the industry's top manicurists to break down the top trends from 2025 so far, and their answers have us eager to change up our manicures [1] ASAP. To preview, you can expect to see fun patterns and classic shapes making a comeback, in addition to soft shades. Trying experiment with fun finishes courtesy of cat-eye nails [2], chrome, jelly, and iridescent top coats. The best part is there's something for everyone, from low-key, minimalist motifs to over-the-top maximalist designs.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for popular nails to take with you to your next salon appointment or searching for nail trends you can do on your own at home, we've got you covered. Keep reading to see new nail styles worth trying. We guarantee you'll find a set of trendy nails that you love.
Experts Featured in This Article
Elle Gerstein [3] is a celebrity nail artist based in NYC.
Rita Remark [4] is a celebrity manicurist and Essie global lead educator based in NYC.
Thea Green [5] is the founder of nail-care brand Nails Inc. [6]
Mariela Bosnjak is a manicurist from Rawr Beauty [7].
Tracy Lee Percival [8] is a manicurist and business and wellness coach.
Micro-French Nails
If bold nail art isn't your thing, the micro french manicure is the chic, understated trend to try next. "A thin ribbon of color to the tips of your nails — simple but so chic," says nail technician Mariela Bosnjak. It's minimalist, elegant, and works on every nail length (especially shorter styles).
Stained Glass Nails
Stained glass nails [9] are fall's most eye-catching take on maximalist nail art, with layered, light-catching shades that mimic cathedral windows and jeweled mosaics. "Stained glass nails are perfect for fall because they capture the warm, cozy, and moody vibe of the season while still feeling elevated and artistic," says nail artist Tracy Lee Percival. [10] The look shines in rich tones like burgundy, amber, emerald, and gold, transforming every manicure into a tiny piece of wearable art.
Polka-Dot Nails
Polka-dot nails are all the rage right now. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Sabrina Carpenter, Hailey Bieber, and many more of been spotted (pun intended) wearing the trend. There are a variety of ways you can wear it, from all over the nail, in a negative-space style, or a French tip like this.
You can get the look in minutes with the Glamnetic Premium Press-On Nail Kit in North Star [11] ($20).
'90s Nail Gems
If your first foray into glamour involved a plastic sheet of gem earrings from Claire's, you're going to love this nail trend. The latest wave of nostalgic nail art draws on childhood sticker sheets, costume jewelry, and the glittery rhinestone decals that once lived in birthday goodie bags. '90s gem nails [12] feature flat-backed embellishments like hearts, stars, and moons placed over sheer or neutral polish. The result is playful and personal, like decorating your nails with leftover scrapbook supplies, but in the best way possible.
Twisted French Nails
This take on the French manicure [13] is perfect for minimalists looking for something a little funky. Instead of a single white tip, the style layers in two slim, curved black stripes over a neutral base, giving the effect of a chic triple French. First spotted on Kylie Jenner [14] and coined by her manicurist Zola Ganzorigt [15], the design keeps the elegance of a French manicure while adding a subtle graphic twist.
Butter Yellow Nails
Butter yellow [16] is officially having a moment. The soft, creamy pastel has been everywhere this year — from runways to home decor and even on the nails of celebrities like Kendall Jenner [17] and Selena Gomez [18]. "I think it's bright and cheery without being obnoxious. It's a perfect neutral-ish shade for summertime," nail artist Kimmie Kyees [19] says.
To get the trend, try Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Polish in Ovni [20] ($33).
Soap Nails
Soap nails [21] have been trending over the last few months, and celebrities are all over the look. "Soap nails are a trend characterized by a soft, translucent, and glossy finish that mimics the smooth, slightly sheer look of a bar of soap," Thea Green, Nails Inc. founder, says.
Recreate the look with Olive & June Gel Polish in The Queen Takes Her Tea With Milk [22] ($12).
Chrome Nails
Chrome nails [23] made a strong comeback years ago, landing on the fingertips of celebrities all over Hollywood. Celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein says, "This trend will never really go away — it adds a unique finish. You can wear this design in many different ways: "Metals and chrome, whether they're isolated, ombré, or blended, elevate any manicure by putting a finish on it." The Artdone Chrome Nail Powder Set [24] ($10, originally $12) on Amazon contains 16 colors, allowing you to create any look you'd like.
Patterned Nails
"Patterns, whether it's animal prints or geometric, will remain very strong," says Gerstein. From tortoiseshell prints [25] to fruit designs, bows, swirls, and polka dots, the options are limitless. For any easy pattern press-on manicure, try the Chillhouse Chill Tips in Groovy Baby [26] ($12).
Squoval Nails
Nail trends extend past just colors and designs. This year, it's all about squoval [27]. "While almond-shaped nails remain effortlessly elegant, 2025 is making space for the chic practicality of shorter nails with softly squared edges," says celebrity manicurist Rita Remark. "This polished shape whispers quiet luxury, especially when paired with a sheer, whitened neutral."
Cat-Eye Nails
Cat-eye nails are back and better than ever. Also known as velvet nails, this design mimics the look of the ultra-soft, luxe fabric. It's created by manipulating a special polish with a magnet — like the Aprés Astral Gel [28] ($15). You can get the design in every color of the rainbow. And if you needed any further convincing to give it a try, it has a long list of celebrity fans.
— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez [29]
Jessica Harrington [30] (she/her) is the senior editor of PS Beauty, where she oversees coverage around makeup, skin care, hair, tattoos, and more. With more than eight years of industry experience, she has interviewed countless celebrities, reported on hundreds of beauty trends, and swatched more lipsticks than she can count. Prior to PS, Jessica worked for publications such as Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and The Zoe Report.
Renee Rodriguez [31] (she/her) is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.
