2024 was all about bright, light nails, but 2025 is bringing a subtle shift in style. Whether you’re ready to explore delicate nail art, take a break from your usual reds, or jump on the latest trend before anyone else, there’s a lot to discover. Or maybe you’re just after simple, stress-free nails but aren’t sure where to start.
Good news: this year, inspiration is everywhere! From nature and your wardrobe to Instagram and celebrity looks, the possibilities are endless. And since manicures aren’t permanent, why not have some fun and experiment? Nothing beats showing off your style with fresh colors and creative nail art! Here are 6 manicure trends to inspire you and keep your nails on point all year long.
Embrace your natural nail lengths and shapes or ditch your excessively long nails for equally chic short.
With 2025’s nail trends leaning towards short nails, it’s safe to say long, dramatic talons are on their way out.
“As we move into a more minimal and practical vibe for 2025, the long lengths that ruled in 2024 will give way to medium and short styles,” says celebrity manicurist and brand ambassador, Tinu Bello.
“It’s all about embracing your natural shape and keeping things practical.”
Here are the nail shapes that are on the top of the list for 2025.
Nail shapes are all about personal style, but two shapes are set to steal the spotlight this year. Celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards predicts that oval nails will be the biggest trend. Often compared to the shape of an egg, oval nails are long and tapered, making them the perfect canvas for showcasing your most creative nail art. Whether you’re into bold designs or minimalist styles, oval nails offer endless possibilities!
The second shape Edwards is predicting to take over in 2025 is the almond nail. True to its name, it tapers to a sleek, almond-shaped tip that’s both elegant and timeless. Experts are loving it as a universal favorite, calling it one of the most flattering nail shapes you can rock. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to elevate their manicure with a touch of sophistication!
Cat Eye Effect
Sly and sleek like your favorite feline, the cat-eye nail is a chic upgrade to the velvet nail—and it’s a trend Edwards is loving for 2025. Start with a metallic base and draw a diagonal line down the center to create that signature cat-eye effect.
Pro tip: The secret to perfecting this look (and any other) lies in your tools. For beginners, Edwards suggests using a dotter to drag color or create dots, a cosmetic sponge for smooth blending, and a thin liner brush for those sharp, clean lines. Ready to pounce on this trend?
Smokey Quartz
One of Edwards’s standout nail looks from New York Fashion Week SS25, which she predicts will be huge in 2025, is the smokey quartz effect. Created for the Prabal Gurung show, these nails are subtly chic with a cool twist on a neutral shade.
Edwards started with the KISS Bare But Better TruNude Fake Nails in Nude Drama as the base, then mixed in white polish for a sheer finish. The real magic happens when you swipe the polish back and forth in an “S” motion, creating that stunning smokey quartz vibe. Ready to rock this sleek, edgy look?
Abstract Patterns
Bold, artistic, and abstract patterns are not only fun but totally customizable to match any vibe. “The individuality and creative freedom abstract designs offer make them a perfect fit for 2025’s focus on personal style,” says nail artist and industry expert Mazz Hanna.
Milky Tones
Milk bath nails have a dreamy, ethereal vibe, and they’re another trend Edwards predicts will be huge in 2025. These nails give off a soft, milky finish that’s effortlessly chic. You can mix any shade to create that signature milky look, but Edwards particularly loves using soft lavenders and pinks for a calming, elegant touch.
If you’re into the “quiet luxury” trend—think subtle but high-end vibes—milk bath nails are the perfect match. They’re low-key yet absolutely stunning, making them a top pick for next year’s nail styles.
Magnetic Chrome
Chrome nails are already alluring and cool, but for 2025, Edwards says we’ll see them taken to the next level. Expect to see a ton of new effects added to make the look even more mesmerizing—especially in the magnetic chrome style. These nails will have that shiny, futuristic vibe with an extra layer of intrigue, creating a bold statement that’s hard to ignore.
© TheHormoneMonstress- / Reddit
Get ready to see more and more shorter nails this year! Nail minimalists are all about keeping it simple and chic. Whether they’re bare, almost bare, or painted in classic shades like red, navy, or milky pink, short nails are making a comeback for 2025. It’s all about embracing a more laid-back, effortless vibe without sacrificing style.
Iridescent Texture
“It’ll be less about crazy design and more about the textures and effects,” says celebrity nail artist and Tweezerman Pro Artist Tom Bachik when talking about 2025 nail trends.
“[They] are so popular because you can stick with the colors you love and know are flattering, but completely change it up with exciting effects.” You can go for shimmers and sparkles, but we especially love an iridescent chrome texture. It’s the perfect way to add a cool, unique twist to your classic nail colors.
And here are expert tips on how to remove your acrylic nails at home without damaging your natural nails.
Preview photo credit PrincessZelba / Reddit, milkcreambun / Reddit
credits by: Brightside.me
