If there’s one thing we know about beauty in 2025, it’s that nails are no longer just an afterthought—they’re a full-blown fashion accessory. From ultra-glossy soap nails to intricate art that rivals your jewellery, this year’s nail trends are braver, bolder, and more personalised than ever. Whether you're looking to refresh your mani routine or completely reimagine your nail game, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into the biggest nail trends of 2025, the colours to wear, nail art styles to try, and expert tips to keep your nails looking their absolute best.
What Are the Biggest Nail Trends for 2025?
This year, we’re seeing a strong lean toward personal expression, subtle luxe, and skincare-inspired finishes. The top nail trends for 2025 reflect the wider beauty movement: glowy, healthy, and uniquely yours. Think glazed textures, sheer colour layers, minimalist detailing, and unexpected pops of metallic or texture.
Hybrid finishes are huge—picture matte and gloss in one look, or 3D embellishments mixed with negative space. The vibe? Nails that feel as curated as your outfit, with just enough edge to catch a compliment.
Exploring the Most Popular Nail Colours in 2025
Nail colours in 2025 are veering away from traditional seasonal tones. Instead, it’s all about emotion and aesthetic. These are the colours I’m seeing everywhere on runways and nail feeds:
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Mocha Mousse: This neutral is a creamy mid-brown with beige undertones, offering an earthy sophistication that flatters every skin tone.
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Glassy Peach: With a juicy, almost translucent finish, this shade pairs beautifully with dewy skin and minimal makeup looks.
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Liquid Chrome: A nod to techwear and metallic fabrics, this reflective polish comes in silver, rose gold, and oil-slick variations.
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Botanical Green: Think sage, olive, or moss—earthy and grounding, yet still totally fashion-forward.
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Soft Lilac: Not quite pastel, not quite grey. This shade offers a fresh way to wear purple, giving off dreamy, celestial vibes.
Top Nail Art Designs to Try in 2025
If nail art once felt intimidating, 2025 is here to change that. This year’s top nail art trends strike the perfect balance between creative and wearable.
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Negative Space Accents: Clean, modern, and surprisingly easy to DIY, these designs use the natural nail as part of the art.
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Layered Squiggles: Abstract curves and waves add a playful element, especially in muted pastels.
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3D Embellishments: Think pearls, studs, and crystal appliqués—used sparingly for a touch of glam.
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Melted Metallics: Dripping foil effects and chrome streaks create a molten-luxe aesthetic.
Why Soap Nails Are Taking Over the Beauty Scene
Soap nails are the ultimate clean-girl manicure. Inspired by the translucent, glowy finish of your favourite facial cleanser, these nails feature sheer milky bases with a barely-there opalescent shimmer. The result? A soft, wearable look that radiates quiet luxury.
Perfect for work, weddings, or just that effortlessly polished vibe, soap nails are ultra low-maintenance but still look expensive. Pair them with gold rings and a fresh blowout—chef’s kiss.
How to Achieve the Perfect 2025 Nail Art Look
Getting the perfect trendy manicure doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Start with nail health: Hydrate nails and cuticles daily using oil or serum. A well-prepped canvas is key.
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Apply a bonding base coat: This helps polish grip better and prevents staining.
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Choose your feature colour or art style: Use trend colours like mocha or chrome, or go abstract with decals or foils.
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Add your art layer: Whether it’s squiggles, shimmer, or French tips—place the art strategically.
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Seal with a high-shine or matte top coat: Don’t skip this—2025 nails are all about a flawless finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Chrome Nails at Home
Chrome nails are back in a big way. Here’s how to get the futuristic mirror finish at home:
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Prep your nails by filing, buffing, and pushing back cuticles.
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Apply a black or nude gel base coat and cure under an LED lamp.
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Rub chrome powder over each nail using a sponge or finger—gently but thoroughly.
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Seal it in with a no-wipe gel top coat and cure again.
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Finish with cuticle oil for a salon-quality look.
Pro tip: Use a soft brush to dust away excess powder before sealing.
How to Create the Ideal Mocha Mousse Manicure
Mocha mousse is the new nude. To achieve this elevated neutral look:
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Choose a mid-tone brown polish with cool undertones for a universally flattering effect.
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Apply two coats for opacity without streaks.
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Finish with a matte or satin top coat to bring out the creamy, mousse-like finish.
This look pairs beautifully with neutral outfits, autumn tones, or gold accessories for a chic, grounded style.
How to Incorporate Velvet Nails into Your Routine
Velvet nails—also called cat-eye nails—use magnetic polish to create a plush, light-reflecting texture. They’re surprisingly wearable and perfect for cooler months.
To try them at home:
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Apply magnetic polish in your chosen shade.
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Hold the included magnet over the wet polish for 10 seconds.
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Watch the shimmer move, creating a velvety ripple effect.
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Top coat and cure for extra depth and shine.
Colours like deep plum, emerald green, or blush rose are especially luxe.
Nail Shapes Trending in 2025
Nail shape can make or break a manicure. Here’s what’s trending now:
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Rounded Almond: Soft, elongating, and flattering on all fingers—ideal for elegant looks and soap nails.
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Short Square: Clean, practical, and modern—great for bold colour blocks or minimalist art.
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Tapered Coffin: Dramatic but wearable—perfect for longer nails and statement nail art.
Rounded vs. Short Nails: Which Shape Is Better?
It depends on your lifestyle. Rounded nails are great for those who want a longer-looking finger and a refined finish, while short nails offer easy maintenance and less breakage. In 2025, both shapes are trending, so choose based on comfort and personal style.
French Tips Are Back: The 2025 Twist on a Classic
French tips are making a major comeback, but with a twist. Forget basic white—2025 French manicures feature:
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Diagonal lines for added dimension
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Double-tipped edges with contrasting colours
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Chrome, neon, or metallic finishes for a bold upgrade
It’s tradition, reimagined.
Best Nail Shapes for Different Nail Art Looks
Each nail shape complements specific nail art styles. Here’s your cheat sheet:
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Oval or Almond: Ideal for elegant designs and gradients.
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Square: Works best for graphic patterns or geometric accents.
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Stiletto: Great for edgy, avant-garde art and 3D embellishments.
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Short Round: Best for minimalist styles and soft tints.
Best Nail Polishes for 2025 Trend Colours
Looking for the perfect polish shades? Here are my 2025 MVPs:
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OPI “Espresso Yourself” – a true mocha dream.
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Nails Inc. “Glowing Somewhere” Duo – a perfect match for glazed, soap-inspired nails.
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Zoya “Velvet Dreams” – for cat-eye lovers.
These shades hit all the right trend notes while offering salon-quality wear.
Top Nail Tools Recommended by Celebrity Nail Artists
Want pro-level results at home? Invest in:
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A high-quality LED gel lamp with auto-timers
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Cuticle pens and soft pushers to prep your base
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Glass nail files for a smooth edge that resists splits
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Fine-tip brushes for freehand art and precision work
Why OPI and Nails Inc. Are Must-Have Brands in 2025
OPI remains the go-to for colour variety, durability, and a perfect gel finish. Nails Inc. continues to lead in trend innovation, launching kits and polishes tailored to TikTok and influencer-driven aesthetics. Together, they’re the perfect mix of classic and cutting-edge.
How to Care for Your Nails in 2025
Healthy nails are the base of every stunning manicure. In 2025, nail care is just as important as polish.
Maintaining Healthy Nails with Natural Products
Use nail serums with biotin, keratin, and vitamin E. Look for water-based formulas that hydrate without harsh chemicals.
Tips to Prevent Damage During Nail Art
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Avoid over-filing your nail plate.
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Always use a protective base coat.
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Take regular breaks between gel sets to allow your nails to recover.
Importance of Cuticle Care
Cuticles protect your nail matrix. Keep them nourished and gently push back after a shower. Never cut them—they’re your nail's first line of defence.
What Influences 2025 Nail Trends?
Nail trends don’t exist in a vacuum. Here’s what’s shaping your mani mood board:
Celebrity Nail Artists Setting the Tone
Stylists like Tom Bachik, Zola Ganzorigt, and Betina Goldstein are regularly creating iconic looks for stars like Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, and J.Lo—quickly turning their red carpet moments into global trends.
Social Media’s Role in Nail Trendsetting
Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are now the holy trinity of beauty inspiration. Viral nail looks often start with a single post and go global overnight. Hashtags like #VelvetNails and #SoapNails have millions of views.
Fashion and Nail Trends Go Hand-in-Hand
From monochrome suiting to sheer dresses, fashion trends directly influence nail colours, textures, and art. A mocha mousse manicure? Inspired by the latte-beige tones dominating the runways.
Final Thoughts From Maya
Nails in 2025 are more than just colour—they’re a vibe, a mood, and a reflection of your style. Whether you’re going all-out with velvet chrome or keeping it chic with soap nails, this is the year to get playful with your polish.
Stay polished and stay inspired.
Maya x
