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With spring in the air, it’s time to retire those moody winter nail colors and the heavy duty hand cream and replace them with a fresh manicure that’s a bit more cheery and colorful. Whether you’re looking for holiday-specific nail art ideas for Easter and St. Patrick’s Day, or something that just captures the general magic of springtime, you’re in the right place. There are lots of beautiful new spring nail polish colors to try this season, and these are our favorite ways to wear them.
From geometric designs to pastel pinks to fresh takes on the French manicure, there are so many different ways to show off your spring joy. Whether you’re giving yourself a DIY at-home manicure or you’re visiting the salon, let these cool and colorful spring nail designs serve as inspiration. Here, we’ve gathered all the best spring manicure (or pedicure!) ideas you’ll want to steal as soon as spring has sprung.
Orange Stripes
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These dreamy tangerine stripes remind us of creamsicles and beachy sunsets.
SHOP STRIPE TAPE
Subtle Pink Shimmer
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Amp up a subtle sheer pink with tons of shimmer. The wavy designs keep things interesting.
SHOP LIGHT PINK POLISH
Green Squiggles
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With greenery making its return after a bleak winter, it’s fitting to add some emerald doodles to light green nails.
SHOP GREEN NAIL PEN
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Cherry Print French Tips
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French manicures are having a moment, but if normal French tips are too subdued for your taste, don’t fret. Make this style your own with bright colors, cherries and stars.
SHOP FRUIT DECALS
Marble Nails
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These nails might look difficult, but they’re actually easier to achieve than you might think. Start with a neutral base coat (like the sheer lavender shade used here) and swirl a few colors together in water. Dip your fingers, clean up the edges and you have DIY marble nails.
SHOP MARBLE NAIL WRAPS
Red Half Moon Nails
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Let’s all agree that red polish is basically a neutral at this point. Give your normal red nails a makeover by using negative space to create half moons.
SHOP HALF MOON GUIDES
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Sea Foam Green
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Green-toned manicures are here to stay. This seafoam green look looks amazing with expertly placed dots.
SHOP NAIL DOTTING TOOLS
Martini Tones
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Shaken, not stirred. Bring the colors of your favorite drink to your fingertips with these olive-toned nails.
SHOP OLIVE GREEN POLISH
Dreamy Clouds
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Keep your head in the clouds with these pastel watercolor nails. Alternate white and black tips with stars to stay on cloud nine.
SHOP STAR STICKERS
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Asymmetrical French Manicure
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Love a classic French mani but thinking of switching it up? Instead of a rounded white tip, draw a straight line on one side.
SHOP STRIPER BRUSH
Dark Red Ombré Nails
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If springy colors aren’t your thing, opt for a red ombré look. Paint your thumb your lightest red shade, and paint your pinky the darkest.
SHOP RED POLISH
Picnic Plaid
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Spring is the best time for a fun outdoor picnic — not too hot, not too cold. Try this picnic blanket-inspired design to celebrate a perfect sunny day.
SHOP SHEER WHITE NAIL POLISH
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Cute Bunny Rabbit
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Who doesn’t love bunnies? This cute nail design is sure to show off your springtime spirit.
SHOP BUNNY GEL STRIPS
Simple Flowers
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When you think of spring, you think of flowers. You can achieve this colorful flower design by using a handy dotting tool.
SHOP DOTTING PEN SET
Green Foliage
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Let the budding leaves around you inspire your spring nail design.
SHOP LEAF STAMPING PLATE
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Stylish French Tips
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This take on a French tip manicure is so classy yet simple. Just add a single white arch that follows the natural curve of your nail.
SHOP WHITE TIP PEN
Pink Garden
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If you love spring flowers, turn your nails into a romantic garden. You can use floral nail foil or stickers for an easy at-home manicure.
SHOP FLORAL NAIL FOIL
Gold Accents
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Brighten up your French manicure with a glittery gold streak along the edge of your cuticle.
SHOP GOLD GEL POLISH
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Party Nail
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The perfect nails to celebrate the return of daylight savings time. Add a sparkly accent nail on your ring finger and a dark blue accent nail on your pinky to spice up this pale pink mani.
BUY GLITTER POLISH
Fluffy Clouds
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What’s more relaxing than laying in the grass as you watch the clouds float by on a warm spring day? These clouds are so cute and fluffy like cotton candy.
SHOP CLOUD PRESS-ON NAILS
