TOP TRENDS: SS25 edition

LILLY DELMAGE explores spring/summer’s trending shapes, shades & styles & how to help clients choose fashion-forward looks for the new season

Spring has sprung! It’s time to update your colour pops, invest in topical shades and try out new design options. Nail trends for spring/summer 2025 are pushing the boundaries of creativity and steering nail art in a fresh direction, and we’ve categorised them to match your clients’ styles. Complete the form opposite and refer to the recommended client type for trend ideas that will leave a lasting impression.

Showcasing personality

“I love seeing techs push the boundaries of creativity on nails – it’s something I have seen a lot as a judge for Scratch’s North America’s Star Nail Artist competition,” comments Giorgia Cappella, head of education & spa at The GelBottle Inc. “I’m particularly drawn to bold and unique designs that showcase individuality and personality. Techs can bring obscure inspirations to life on nails in beautiful ways.”

The trendsetter

This client isn’t afraid to break boundaries or be expressive with fashion and beauty choices, and they’re often ahead of the curve. They like to determine what becomes popular, often putting a twist on pre-existing trends to keep them fresh.

Planning is key

Kent nail artist & Halo VIP, Michaela Phillips of @gelalicious,shares why she plans nail styles in advance of appointments: “I’m a visual person, Michaela Phillips so designing nails at the start of each season offers a clear route for the creative process. I use digital illustration app, Procreate, on my iPad, which is especially handy for creating mix ‘n’ match, intricate and bold nail looks.”

1 Renowned nail artist & brand founder, Kirsty Meakin, partnered with Pinterest to create ‘good sea witch’ and ‘bad sea witch’ manicures, inspired by the trend. 1

Sea witchery

According to the 2025 Pinterest Predicts report, ‘sea-inspired nail’ searches have increased by 65%, with clients embracing 3D shell effects, underwater characters and mermaid-style decals.

Illusion effects

Trendsetting clients aim to inspire with their looks, and illusion nails offer a unique twist on classic designs. “I’ve noticed an increase in clients requesting textured nail art, such as 3D chrome and cat eye finishes,” shares Giorgia Cappella. Instagram.com/lasexysnails

Long, square extensions offer an ideal base to get creative with blooming gel, as showcased by the team at California salon, La Sexy.

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The Glitterbels team created this blue aura design for APUJAN models at the fashion house’s SS25 L ondon Fashion Week showcase.

Mineral manicures

Manifestation techniques are trending for 2025, and are inspiring goal-orientated clients to request crystal and mineral-effect nail finishes. Rose quartz, amethyst and jade are popular influences, as the crystals are believed to manifest love, peace and joy.

The mineral mani trend was elevated at New York Fashion Week SS25, where celebrity nail stylist, Gina Edwards, created ‘smoky quartz nails’ for models walking the Prabal Gurung runway.

Peterborough nail artist, James Reeve-Shillito, creates a striking amethyst nail style, featuring chrome details.

Instagram.com/nailinthecoffin_nailsbyjames

Instagram.com/ginaedwards_

All about aura

“An aura nail design features a diffused halo of colour around a central shade,” shares Giorgia Cappella. The key is to use contrasting colours. Whether you opt for a dark base with a lighter centre, or a reverse ombré: a lighter base with a darker centre, use a sponge or airbrush to achieve the seamless gradient.

The minimalist

Natural-looking nail styles proved popular on spring/summer 2025 runways, as designers pared down make-up and nails to enhance the impact of their collections. Giorgia Cappella shares what this means for nail requests: “I think there will be a move towards minimal nail art with delicate lines, miniature florals and subtle geometric patterns this season. Be ready for clients requesting sheer washes of colour and ‘barely there’ designs.”

Playing with pastels

Pastel hues are a timeless classic for spring, as they possess a chic yet playful vibe. Pair with chrome finishes or use multiple hues to create pretty nail art designs. “I predict that pastel hues with pearlescent finishes will be requested in the coming months, as they offer an ethereal effect,” shares NailKind founder,

Kate Driscoll, founder of Gel Junkie, says: “Soft flowers will dominate spring nail requests, as they can be simple to create and never go out of style.”

Mocha mousse

Global colour authority, Pantone, unveiled ‘Mocha Mousse’ as its Colour of the Year 2025: a ‘mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth’. The shade is the perfect option for clients seeking an on-trend, subtle nail finish.

Sara Pinto, nail product director at Andreia Professional, comments: “The Nude Chocolate gel polish shade from Andreia Professional serves as a versatile base for nail art designs, or an understated and chic stand-alone shade.”

The colour lover

Spring and summer are renowned for welcoming bright colours, after the traditionally darker palettes of autumn and winter. “This season, expect a departure from deep tones and the resurgence of bold and saturated brights: particularly vibrant corals, electric blues and sunny yellows,” reveals Giorgia Cappella.

“Soft, cheerful and brimming with charm, butter yellow is the ultimate shade for a sunny spring day,” shares Sara Pinto. “Andreia Professional Gel Polish shade, 202, is the perfect hue to flatter all skin tones. The colour exudes optimism, making it a great choice for spring/summer manicures.”

The practical one

Short, natural nails will have their moment this season. Choose rounded or oval shapes for a chic, low-maintenance look: ideal for clients who need a practical manicure to suit their jobs or lifestyles.

Short nails

MARKETING TIP

“Instagram reels and short videos offer ideal ways to showcase your work on social media, and look great alongside high-quality pictures on your profiles,” shares Michaela Phillips. “The goal is for potential clients to stop scrolling and hit the ‘like’ button.”

Soap & milky nails

“The soap nail style boasts a polished, high-gloss finish,” shares Giorgia Cappella. “The trend is ideal for clients seeking a low-maintenance, simple manicure.”

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CELEB SPOT!

Naked nails

Healthy nails are always in fashion, so expect clients to request services suited to their natural nail goals, such as treatments for weak or damaged nails.

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This sheer nail strengthener features Tri-Flex Technology™ to act as a ‘liquid shield’: strengthening nails and protecting them from chipping.

The sentimental one

Are nail art requests often centred around a story or occasion? Whether they’re experiencing heartbreak, feeling the love, heading on holiday or doting on a pet, a meaningful manicure could elevate their nail appointment. In fact, the 2025 Vantage Report by wellness software company, Vagaro, found that seasonal promotions can attract new clients. Consider promoting themed manicures throughout the year, and decorating your nail space to inspire clients to choose a topical nail style.

Matching manis

The 2025 Pinterest Predicts report states that consumers are focusing on their personal connections to inspire beauty choices. The search term, ‘friends matching nails’, has risen by 35%, so expect clients to seek similar looks to friends and partners. Why not prepare some matching manicure designs for these duos?

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Nostalgic nails

According to trend forecasting platform, WGSN, the ‘forever adult’ is a trend to expect this year, focusing on the resurgence of cultural nostalgia. Client nail requests may be dominated by classic influences, ranging from retro games and characters to vintage fashion aesthetics.

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