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Every year, we see ‘spring nails’ trend across social media and TQE’s own site. After a long, dark winter, spring is all about fresh, light shades and soft finishes. Eager to get a headstart on 2026’s hottest spring nail trends, we tapped Jessica Blumenthal and Holly Falcone, founders of nail care brand Celisse, for their expert take on must-have nail looks and easiest way to prep.
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How to Prep The Nails
Good prep is essential, and the Little Something Set from Celisse is the best TLC your nails can ask for. "We designed The Little Something set based on what we heard our customer was actually doing: doing the prep, applying a coat of polish, then heading out the door. It’s an easy 5 minute manicure that can be refreshed weekly for an enhanced natural look," according to the Celisse founders. The set includes a cuticle serum, nail file, double buffing block, and a sheer pink polish for a quick wash of color.
Spring Nails Trends to Recreate
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Polka Dots
Polka dot-mania continues, and as spring turns up, the sweet pattern is a classic to create. The black and white combo is popular, but honestly, go wild: use your favorite color combination, get a chrome base, or add gems to personalize this elegant design.
Recreate With:
- Manucurist Milky White (From $19)
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Black to Black (From $6)
Babydoll Nails
The sheer, pink babydoll nail is the ultimate soft-girl reset. When asked about the shade, Blumenthal and Falcone shared: "Babydoll is such a stand-out shade it’s created a trend. It's inspired by that gorgeous pink you see in gel French manicures: a sheer true pink with just the right amount of coverage and this special glow that looks different from anything else out there. You’re guaranteed to get asked what’s on your nails when you’re wearing it.” The barely-there pink catches the light in the prettiest way, giving that fresh, just-did-my-nails without trying too hard.
Recreate With:
- Celisse Nails Quickcoat in Babydoll (From $20)
Satin Nails
If you love an icy finish, OPI’s Gemini and I is a star. This polish has a soft, white shimmer catching the light in the most romantic ways. Use Celisse’s Vanity as a sheer soft base and top with Gemini and I.
Recreate With:
- OPI Gemini and I (From $12)
- Celisse Nails Quickcoat in Vanity (From $20)
Aura Nails
Moody and colorful, aura nails are an easy way to reflect your mood this season. The darker exterior with a lighter center feels edgier, while the gradient that deepens toward the middle is its sweeter counterpart.
Recreate With:
- Londontown Guarded Jewel (From $16)
- Côte Beauty En Pointe Nail Polish (From $18)
Flower Power
It wouldn’t be a spring nail story without some flowers in the mix. From dotting in your petals with a bobby pin to using floral stickers to freehanding your favorite flower, this design is a spring classic. Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.
Recreate With:
Patterned French Tips
After a far too long winter, a surge of brighter palettes are heavily welcomed. Light and easy pastels are a great way to start introducing color back into rotation, and in perfect time for Easter as well.
Recreate With:
- Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer in Lavender Fields (From $16)
- Manucurist Mimosa (From $14)
Mermaid Nails
This iridescent, pearly nail is for those who love texture, constantly shifting colors like the sunlight hitting the calm waves. The finish is dreamy, a little hypnotic, dazy under-the-sea glow. These mermaid nails capture the luminous energy of spring, making you wonder when your first trip to the beach is.
Recreate With:
- Aprés Astral Gel in Pearlescent (From $150 $130)
Lavender Cateye
The cateye effect is this season’s most on demand request. In theme with pastels and spring, opt for a lavender for a cute but elegant finish.
Recreate With:
Baby Blue & Burgundy
Baby blues are everywhere, but the favorite duo has the precious blue paired with a deep burgundy. The chic but playful pairing is a direct visual of the changing seasons.
Recreate With:
- ILNP Nail Polish in Flurry (From $10)
- Nailberry Kirsch Kiss (From $19)
PatternMaxxing
Whether you’re a maximalist, indecisive, or chasing dopamine via fun details, max out on designs on your ten fingers. Polka dots, french nails, chrome, or animal print , you name it, it’s going on your nails, in any color you wish.
Recreate With:
- mooncat Technicolor Dreams Set (From $150 $128)
- Maniology Dual Sided Nail Art Brush and Dotting Tool Set (From $16)
Gem Nails
Either nostalgia’s hitting hard or it’s festival season because the love for colorful gems are hitting hard. Cute and whimsical, these little decals are perfect for when you’re looking for a touch of detail and color on top of a classic wash of baby pink.
Recreate With:
- Essie Mademoiselle (From $10)
- Etsy Silver Star Decals (From $4.90)
