If you're anything like me and constantly checking Instagram for the latest and greatest nail trends, you'll appreciate what I'm about to share with you. Whether I need inspiration ahead of my next salon appointment, a new nail colour to try out, or a fun way to embrace the latest trends or attempt a seasonally-inspired manicure, my trusty 'nail inspo' folder helps me to keep it all in one place.
I've always loved wearing pastel hues, and lately, now that spring manicures are in full swing, I've noticed more and more pastel nail art designs popping up on my social media feeds—confirmed on my latest salon visit, where nail artist Ashleigh Bamber told me that pastels are amongst her top requests from clients this year. "Pastel shades are actually surprisingly versatile and suit all skin tones," she tells me. "I also think that people see pastels as a 'safe' way to experiment with colour when they don't want to wear anything too bold and bright."
From pastel French tips to floral designs, keep scrolling for the very best pastel nail ideas from my saved folder, plus product recommendations to help you achieve each look.
11 Chic Pastel Nail Ideas to Try This Year
1. Pastel French Tips
Everyone loves a classic French tip, but if you want to mix things up, a pastel tip is a great alternative to plain white. The subtle hint of colour is a fun way to brighten up your nails for spring or summer or to match an outfit, but still looks super chic.
Get the Look:
The most perfect baby blue.
2. Pastel Block Colour
It might seem obvious, but if you're into simple and minimal nail designs, or are simply after something that's easy to DIY at home, a block colour pastel design should not be overlooked. From baby pink and sky blue to peachy hues and mint greens, there are unlimited possibilities (quite literally) at your fingertips. However, I'll be going for this striking purple this season.
Get the Look:
Possibly the prettiest pastel of all time.
3. Pastel Florals
Micro nail art designs are majorly on trend right now, and I'm obsessed with this mini floral nail art, especially because it features a pastel blue background.
Get the Look:
A thin nail art brush is essential for micro nail designs.
4. Butter Yellow Tips
This design is all about soft butter yellow tips, using clean negative space and a natural-looking base to really let that creamy pastel shade shine. It’s effortlessly chic but still eye-catching. I’ll be honest—this isn’t the easiest look to recreate at home, so it might be one to leave to a professional nail tech. Definitely worth saving to your inspo folder for your next manicure appointment, though.
Get the Look:
Not too bold but equally not too washed out, this is the perfect pastel yellow.
5. Pastel Multicolour
We love a good simple design that's still fun and eye-catching. Paint your nails the (pastel) colours of the rainbow on each hand.
Get the Look:
Pick your pastels with this bespoke set from Nails Inc.
6. Pastel Doodles
With the right nail brush (a small, thin tip and short bristles), you'll find that a design like this is surprisingly easy to recreate. The pastels look especially chic when set against a matte background.
Get the Look:
Matte nails made easy.
7. Fruity Pastels
How dreamy are these pastel tips with tiny micro fruit details? It’s a fun twist on classic tips that adds just the right amount of personality without feeling OTT.
Get the Look:
If you want to give this look a go, you'll be needing the pro brush kit to nail those tiny details.
8. Pistachio Pastel
For a modern and on-trend design, experiment with unusual pastels such as this pistachio hue.
Get the Look:
This is the only polish to seek out if you want to jump on the pistachio pastel trend.
9. Ombré Pastel
If you want something more interesting, why not opt for this contrasting pastel peach design? I love how it adds a pop of colour to your manicure while still looking chic.
Get the Look:
Press-on nails will make doing this design at home so much easier.
10. Mint Green Nails
Mint green nails have made a big comeback over the last couple of years, and this shade makes me feel so nostalgic.
Get the Look:
An absolute classic.
11. Reverse Pastel French Tips
A reverse French tip is perfect for any minimalists out there, and this pastel peach hue is simply stunning.
Get the Look:
The perfect peach for spring and summer.