2025's Biggest Nail Trends Have Something For Everyone
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Every year, we get excited about new beauty trends. This past year, nail art flourished, paving the way for next year to be even more epic. Given the nature of at-home manicures and the limitations of our own amateur nail skills (which, we will admit, did mildly improve back in 2020 during the pandemic), we're ready to enlist the expertise of professionals to help us try all the newest nail trends of 2025.
That's why we asked the industry's top manicurists to share all the fun nail trends you'll be seeing everywhere this year, and their answers have us eager to change up our manicures 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, 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 in 2025. We guarantee you'll find a set of trendy nails that you love.
Experts Featured in This Article
Elle Gerstein is a celebrity nail artist based in NYC. Her clients include Blake Lively, Cara Delevingne, Angelina Jolie, and more.
Rita Remark is a celebrity manicurist and Essie global lead educator based in NYC. Her clients include stars like Jonathan Van Ness, Kaia Gerber, Kendall Jenner, and more.
Chrome Nails
Chrome nails 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 ($10) on Amazon contains 16 colors, allowing you to create any look you'd like.
Soft Square Nails
Nail trends extend past just colors and designs. "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."
Jelly Nails
Jelly nails are the best of both worlds: subtler than full-saturation polish while still stretching that tich for a pop of color. "This year's sheer nails take a playful turn with a gummy-candy vibe," says Remark. "Think bouncy, lip-balm-like textures that add a juicy, translucent finish to your look." Remark recommends the Essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Nail Polish in Cheeky Jelly ($13).
Cat-Eye Nails
Similar to chrome, cat-eye nails are a fan favorite for anyone looking to add some spice to their fingertips. The eye-catching trend comes in any color; like jewelry for your nails. The unique finish is created using special polish and a magnet. "With different magnets, colors, and techniques, you can create multiple looks making it very versatile," says Gerstein. The OPI XPress/On Metallic Mega Mix Press in Space Jamz ($16) allows you to get the look in minutes.
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Soft Nails
If you're not a fan of maximalist designs, this trend may be more your speed. Soft shades, whether they're pastels, "rich girl" nudes, or "soap nails," there's something for everyone. "The key is for it to be subtle — think a baby blue that's so light you don't realize it's baby blue," Gerstein says. "This look is more of a tint of color that gives a polished finish, as you always look better to be polished than undone. The Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Ellen Blush ($35) is a beautiful shade of pinky-nude to try.
Iridescent Nails
"In 2025, we're embracing sophisticated, color-shifting polishes that bring subtle gleam to a neutral manicure and undeniable luxe to a colorful one," says Rita Remark. "Think wearable opulence." You can get the look with an iridescent polish or a special top coat to make any manicure reflective. To make it easy, you can add the Olive & June Frosted Gloss Nail Polish ($9) over anything.
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Patterned Nails
"Patterns, whether it's animal prints or geometric, will remain very strong," says Gerstein. From tortoiseshell prints to fruit designs, bows, swirls, and polka dots, the options are limitless.