Nails are front and center in 2025, with celebs leading a wave of trends inspired by their favorite red carpet and Instagram moments. From spa-day sheers to chrome finishes and 3D textures, the year’s biggest trends come straight from stars like Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, and Zendaya. Scroll for the full trend guide, polish picks, celeb inspo, and what to ask for when you book your next set.
1. Soap Nails—Crystal-Clean, Spa-Day Vibes
Think sheer, glossy, and fresh out of a facial. Soap nails are taking over with their see-through pink bases and ultra-glossy finishes, perfect for that polished-but-bare look. Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner have worn them, and Tom Bachik (@tombachik) calls it “the ultimate clean manicure.”
Who it’s for: Minimalists, clean girl aesthetic lovers, and short- to mid-length nail fans.
Why it’s now: The skin-first beauty movement is crossing into nails—and this look screams healthy, hydrated, and low-maintenance. It also ties in with the TikTok obsession with “no-makeup makeup,” but for nails.
Pro tip: Try Essie Sheer Fantasy or OPI Bubble Bath, then seal with CND Super Shiney top coat. DIY-friendly with a file and buffer.
2. Magnetic/Cat-Eye Nails—Feline Finish with a Twist
Magnetic polish is having a moment. These shimmer-heavy formulas shift under a magnet to create cat-eye or velvet effects, and Zola Ganzorigt (@nailsbyzola) is leading the charge with clients like Hailey Bieber. The results? Smooth gradients, rich colors, and optical illusions that turn your nails into conversation starters.
Who it’s for: Trend-forward types who want subtle design with high impact.
Why it’s now: With velvet finishes trending across fashion and beauty, this mani fits right in. It’s also a favorite in K-beauty nail salons for its unique movement and visual depth.
Pro tip: Try ILNP Paradox or Born Pretty magnetic gel. Use a magnet wand before curing, or ask your nail tech for a “cat-eye velvet polish effect.”
3. Chrome Nails—Full-Metal Finish
These ultra-reflective nails mimic liquid metal and are dominating both red carpets and Instagram grids. Sabrina Carpenter and Zendaya have already been spotted with chrome finishes created by top nail artists like Zola Ganzorigt. Platinum silver, pearl, and icy metallics work across all nail shapes.
Who it’s for: Chrome lovers, jewelry matchers, and anyone who wants impact without embellishment.
Why it’s now: Metallics are trending across accessories and makeup—chrome nails finish the look. It’s a nod to Y2K futurism that’s resurfacing in everything from eyewear to runway boots.
Pro tip: Use OPI Alpine Snow as a base, then apply Born Pretty silver chrome powder. Finish with a no-wipe gel topcoat. In the salon, ask for “mirror chrome on gel.”
4. Glass Nails—Wet-Look, High Gloss
Glass nails are all about that high-shine, jelly-like finish with a sheer, see-through vibe. Think soft pinks or barely-there neutrals that look like tinted glass. Tom Bachik nailed this look on Selena Gomez, giving her a clean, glossy set that went viral for its ultra-glass effect and modern simplicity.
Who it’s for: Clean mani fans who still want color with a modern twist.
Why it’s now: The demand for gloss and glow is high, and this look offers shine without glitter or gems. It also fits the ongoing J-beauty influence that favors smooth, translucent finishes.
Pro tip: Use Essie gel couture in Sheer Fantasy or Cirque Colors jelly collection. Ask for “glassy sheer nails” at your next gel appointment.
5. Milky Nails – Sheer, Creamy, Clean
Milky nails are blowing up in 2025 and not slowing down. This soft, semi-sheer look—usually in milky white, ivory, or strawberry pink—gives nails that clean, creamy finish TikTok calls the ‘no-makeup mani.’ Betina Goldstein (@betina_goldstein) brought it to the red carpet on Margot Robbie at the PGA Awards, proving milky nails are the new quiet luxury flex.
Who it’s for: Minimalists who want more than bare nails but still love a soft, wearable look. Great on short to mid-length nails.
Why it’s now: Milky nails fit right into the “clean aesthetic” era and pair perfectly with every outfit, from skincare-core sweats to satin gowns. They’re also huge on Pinterest as the go-to for soft luxury.
Pro tip: Try Essie Marshmallow or Lights Lacquer Adaline for that creamy, buildable color. Ask your tech for a “sheer milky overlay” with a high-gloss gel top coat.
6. French Manis—Precision Meets Personality
French tips are having a dual comeback. The micro-French—thin, clean, and barely there—has been spotted on Margot Robbie and Zoë Kravitz. Meanwhile, maximalist takes are going big with gold leaf, chrome outlines, or even 3D petals. Nail artists like Betina and Tom confirm both versions are here to stay.
Who it’s for: Minimalists (micro) or design lovers (maximalists) who want a classic with a 2025 refresh.
Why it’s now: These looks pair well with current trends in fashion—structured, detailed, and sleek. French tips also reflect the quiet luxury movement that’s dominating both TikTok and runways.
Pro tip: Try Sally Hansen White On for micro tips or ask for 3D florals and outlines for the maximalist version. French is flexible—make it yours.
7. Short Natural Nails—Buffed and Balanced
Short, natural nails with a clean shape and soft polish are making a serious return. Seen on Zendaya and Jennifer Lawrence, these are all about nail health and subtle glow. Nail artist Stephanie Stone (@stephstonenails) created this exact look on Michelle Monaghan for a U Beauty campaign, showing how editorial short nails can really be.
Who it’s for: Low-key beauty fans, skincare enthusiasts, and minimalist nail trend lovers.
Why it’s now: With a focus on longevity and nail health, short and polished is the new statement. It’s also in sync with the rise of minimalist wellness brands and no-makeup campaigns.
Pro tip: Use Chanel Ballerina or Essie Mademoiselle, buff the surface, and finish with cuticle oil and a shine topcoat.
8. 3D & Textured Nails—Sculpted and Stacked
Textured nail art is thriving especially in mix-and-match designs. Britney Tokyo (@britneytokyo) took it up a notch with a sculpted chrome set on Hailey Bieber. The mix of texture and metallics gave the nails a futuristic, high-fashion feel—proof that 3D design is thriving far beyond festivals and fully red carpet-approved.
Who it’s for: Maximalists, festival-goers, or anyone who sees nails as art.
Why it’s now: 3D is in across fashion and beauty—nails are just catching up. This trend echoes the growing love for DIY resin crafts and hyper-detailed nail content on Instagram Reels.
Pro tip: Try Daily Charme 3D pearls or book a sculpted design. Ask for “crown tips” or “crystal-encrusted edges.”
9. Fisherman Core—Quirky, Summer-Ready Nails
Fisherman Core is officially on the radar. This trend brings lure-inspired colors and fish-themed nail art into the mix. We wouldn’t be surprised if Fisherman Core made its way onto one of Betina Goldstein’s clients soon.
Nail artist Cameron Short (@reallynichenails) shared a video of her fishing lure designs, showing off Barbie-pink, electric yellow, and hand-painted fish that now pop up in both press-on and gel sets.
Who it’s for: trendsetters, summer party fans, and those who love a fun aesthetic moment.
Why it’s now: As Gen Z leans into ultra-niche visuals, nails are the perfect place to play. It’s the Y2K kitsch revival meeting cottagecore meets camp—aka TikTok’s favorite intersection.
Pro tip: Use Orly glowstick for neon accents or get custom decals. Ask for “fishing-lure style press-ons” or tiny aquatic art.
10. Glitter Nail Crowns—Strategic Sparkle
Sparkle is back—but refined. Nail crowns (gem-tipped French manis) and precise glitter placement are replacing full-coverage glitz. Jessica Alba wore Queenie Nguyen’s version, with a clean base and crystals lining the tip. It’s the 2025 version of red carpet glam—think Met Gala energy meets TikTok-worthy detail.
Who it’s for: Glam fans who love shine but still want control.
Why it’s now: This trend balances 2025’s love of clean lines with a pop of texture. It’s giving prom-night energy with red carpet precision.
Pro tip: Try Dashing Diva gem accents or ask for “crystal tip lining” at the salon. Subtle, elegant, and ultra-wearable.
11. Glazed Donut Nails—The Viral OG
The glazed donut trend is still going strong thanks to Hailey Bieber and her go-to nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt. This look pairs a sheer neutral base with a chrome powder finish to create that frosted, reflective glow. It’s clean, glossy, and endlessly wearable—basically the blueprint for modern minimalism.
Who it’s for: Fans of barely-there glam with a touch of shine. Ideal for short to medium lengths.
Why it’s now: Glazed donut nails kicked off a wave of TikTok tutorials and product launches, and they’ve become the gold standard for “expensive-looking” manis.
Pro tip: Use OPI Funny Bunny or Lights Lacquer milky as a base, and finish with chrome effects powder by OPI. Ask for “Hailey Bieber nails,” and your tech will know.
12. Coquette Designs—Sweet but Styled
This ultra-feminine trend blends soft pastels, tiny bows, lace patterns, and heart details for a romantic feel. Sabrina Carpenter has worn so much coquette-inspired sets, with Zola Ganzorigt behind some of the most viral versions. The key is in the soft detail—think Valentine energy, minus the clichés.
Who it’s for: soft girls, romantic stylers, or anyone who binges Lana Del Rey playlists.
Why it’s now: Coquette is a full-on fashion and beauty aesthetic in 2025— Pinterest and IG are flooded with bow-adorned looks. Nails are no exception.
Pro tip: Try Olive & June Pink Sands with tiny decals or 3D gel bows. Ask for a “coquette nail design with soft pink and accents.”
13. Rich Girl Nails—Glossy and Polished
Rich girl nails are sleek, neutral, and high-gloss. They give that old-money look with clean lines and soft beige or sheer pink tones. Jennifer Lopez wore a flawless set by Tom Bachik—medium-length, coffin-shaped, and painted in a sultry beige he called the “perfect nude” for her ‘Vegas baby’ moment.
Who it’s for: Fans of classic luxury, neutral palettes, and chic simplicity.
Why it’s now: Quiet luxury continues to dominate fashion—and nails are reflecting that same vibe.
Pro tip: Use Chanel Ballerina or OPI Bubble Bath, topped with a glossy gel sealer. Ask for “rich girl nails with a sheer neutral base.”
Whichever look speaks to your vibe, the 2025 mani game is strong. From glassy sheers to full-on nail crowns, these celeb-approved trends offer something for every style—with polish names, artist inspo, and DIY recs included. Screenshot, tag us, and show your tech what your nails deserve this year.
