Nail Ideas

13 Pastel Nail Ideas You’ll Want to Copy ASAP

written by LAUREN HARANO
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Source: @gel.bymegan
Source: @gel.bymegan

Spring is here, and with it comes some of the best nail colors of the year. This season, milky pastel hues are taking center stage, replacing classic pastels with creamier and more muted versions. Expect to see lighter shades than normal, including buttery baby pink, pearly light lavender, and cool mint green.

What’s more, exciting nail designs are also on deck, with gradient tips, funky French styles, and dreamy accents adding a twist to the usual mani. Ahead, peruse our favorite pastel nail ideas for this spring. Trust us, this will be all the inspiration you need for your next mani.

1. Pastel Chrome

pastel nails
Source: @gelsbybry

Tell us, is there anything better than pastel chrome nails? We think not. This stunning nail idea mixes our two favorite things into one, creating gorgeous shades that shimmer in the light.

2. Baby Blues

pastel nails
Source: @gelsbybry

If you ask us, sky blue is one of the prettiest colors on the color wheel. It’s dainty, chic, and tasteful, and it pairs well with most other shades. Plus, this pretty design is the perfect blend of aesthetically pleasing and adventurous.

3. Cool Mint Green

pastel nails
Source: @gelsbybry

Bright, cheery, and totally underrated, mint green is a shade we can get behind. While lime-green nails took center stage last year, 2024 is all about more muted hues that aren’t as flashy. Sign us up.

4. Rainbow Pastel Gradient Tips

pastel nails
Source: @gelsbybry

Take your nail game up a notch with this pastel gradient style. Although the gradient might be hard to spot from far away, it’ll serve as a surprise detail that earns you endless compliments. Plus, the rainbow hues add the perfect pop of color.

5. Milky Lavender with Flower Accents

pastel nails
Source: @gelsbybry

Milky lavender is one of the hottest hues of the season, and for good reason. This milky shade bridges the gap between dark winter colors and bright summer shades, making it super versatile. Not to mention, the flower accents are perfect for spring.

6. Tangerine Orange

pastel nails
Source: @gel.bymegan

If you want to rock orange nails but don’t want something too bold, we have just the thing. This pastel orange shade is bright without being overbearing, allowing it to make just enough of a statement without going over the top.

7. Barbie Pink Pastel

pastel nails
Source: @gelsbybry

What do you get when you pair baby-pink French tips with glittery Barbie-pink accents? A manicure dream come true. It’s flirty, cute, and perfect for any occasion.

8. Cloudy Skies

pastel nails
Source: @paintedbyjools

If you prefer more neutral, muted colors, but want something fun for spring, opt for this cloudy gray shade. It still has a subtle blue tone without being too bright. The best part? This mani will couple well with any outfit.

9. Reverse French Pastel Nails

pastel nails
Source: @gel.bymegan

Why settle with one color when you could instead flaunt them all? This reverse French rainbow pastel manicure is as cute as it gets. What’s more, even when your nails grow out, they’ll still look good.

10. Light Pink Tips

pastel nails
Source: @byirren

Timeless, classic, and always in style – you can never go wrong with a French manicure. To spice things up for spring, opt for light pink tips. If you’re really feeling adventurous, add a fun design to your thumbs.

11. Easter Eggs

pastel nails
Source: @themaniclub

Can’t choose one color? Pick them all! This cute mani features the best shades of spring, all in one place.

12. Double-French Pastel Tips

pastel nails
Source: @themaniclub

As they say, two is better than one. This double-French tip idea allows you to play with your two favorite shades, right at your fingertips. Experiment with pink and yellow, blue and purple, green and orange—the options are endless.

13. Lemon Yellow

pastel nails
Source: @gelsbybry

We have to admit, we don’t get yellow manicures as much as we’d like. This cute hue is equal parts bubbly and tasteful, making it a dreamy shade for any season.