If our 2024 manicures were all about being bright and light, there’s a slight shift to how we’re approaching 2025 nail trends. Whether you’re one to attribute this call for radical transformation to Pluto entering Aquarius or just wanting something new and edgy for the year 2025, the experts are predicting bolder nail designs and finishes and a major lean into texture play to motivate our nail choices moving forward. Think dreamy milk bath tones and magnetic cat-eye finishes. Shiny iridescent textures and smoky quartz tips. Next year’s nails are all about tapping into your inner artist. Below are the 10 biggest nail trends the experts say will be everywhere for 2025.
- Soap Nails: A trend that has been gaining
traction is soap nails, which take inspiration from the smooth, glossy
texture of soap bubbles. Think soft, translucent finishes that evoke the
feeling of fresh and clean aesthetics. With soap nails, it’s all about the
delicate, almost ethereal look—perfect for those who prefer minimalistic
beauty with a touch of luxury.
- Oval Nails: While nail shape is all about
personal preference, there are two that you’re most likely going to see
everywhere in 2025. Celebrity nail artist predicts that the hottest shape
of them all will be the oval nail. Often likened to the shape of an egg,
the oval nail is usually long and tapered, thus lending itself quite
nicely for your most imaginative nail art desires. It’s a flattering, chic
shape that allows for versatility, making it a top contender for 2025’s
nail style.
- Almond Nails: The second shape expert predicts
will dominate in 2025 is the almond nail. Aptly named, this shape
gradually gets slimmer toward the tip, mimicking the smooth curve of an
almond. Experts have called this a favorite for everyone, as it’s one of
the most universally flattering nail shapes. Whether you’re keeping it
simple or going all out with design, the almond shape will elevate your
manicure game.
- Layering
Colors: Experts
says that it’s all about layering your favorite colors next year, but she
especially loves mixing blush shades with bare neutrals for a look that
goes with anything. This technique allows for a soft yet captivating
style, blending tones seamlessly for a more nuanced manicure. It’s about
adding depth and richness while still maintaining a light and
sophisticated look.
- Magnetic Cat
Eye Nails: In 2025,
magnetic cat-eye nails will make a dramatic return. This mesmerizing
design involves using magnetic powder that shifts when a magnet is held
over the nail to create a cat-eye effect. The result is a captivating,
multi-dimensional finish that captures light in a way that feels both
futuristic and elegant. Perfect for those looking for an eye-catching, bold
style.
- Milk Bath
Tones: Milk bath
nails are all about dreamy, creamy hues that evoke the serene and soft
vibes of a milk bath. These muted pastel shades—often combined with
delicate flower embeds or gold accents—create a delicate and feminine
look. Milk bath nails are perfect for those who love subtlety but want to
add a touch of creativity to their manicure.
- Iridescent
Chrome Nails: “Iridescent
chrome is definitely going to be a big trend in 2025,” says celebrity nail
artists. This shiny, metallic texture provides a futuristic edge to your
nails while still maintaining a subtle elegance. The iridescent finish
reflects light in a way that makes your nails appear like a work of art,
offering a cool yet ethereal vibe to any manicure.
- Smoky Quartz
Tips: For those
who love a little drama with their nails, smoky quartz tips are a
must-try. This design mimics the subtle gradient of smoky quartz stones,
with a soft transition from light to dark shades at the tips of the nails.
It’s a sophisticated, eye-catching way to incorporate darker tones without
feeling too heavy, creating a balanced, artistic look.
- Textured
Effects: “It’ll be
less about crazy design and more about the textures and effects,” says experts
when talking about 2025 nail trends. Textured nails will continue to reign
in 2025, with everything from raised designs to matte and glossy contrasts
making waves. These effects allow you to stay true to your favorite color
palette while adding a dynamic visual appeal that plays with different
finishes.
- Shimmers and
Sparkles: Shimmers
and sparkles aren’t going anywhere in 2025. Whether you prefer a subtle
glitter gradient or an all-over sparkle effect, these dazzling finishes
will be one of the most popular ways to bring some fun to your nails. You
can go for a full-on sparkle moment or just add a touch to the tips for a
more understated look, making it easy to mix and match with any outfit or
occasion.
