Spring always feels like a time of optimism but this year that feeling is more powerful than ever — coronavirus cases are going down, vaccine rates are going up and a sense of normalcy finally (finally!) feels within reach. But the pandemic will also likely have long-term effects on the beauty industry: increased sanitation and mask-wearing may stick around at salons, walk-ins will likely be replaced by appointment only bookings, and the at-home beauty revolution we’ve experienced over the past year may mean we opt to DIY beauty routines more often than spending money and time with the pros.
At-home manicures seem particularly poised to stick around. (Press on gel company ManiMe, even raised a reported $6 million during the pandemic to keep up with booming orders.) That means nail influencers and Instagram artists are becoming more important than ever for inspo and DIY tips — the platform is filled with seriously talented artists who not only create jaw-dropping works of art on the world’s tiniest canvases but teach you how to do it too.
We asked some of the coolest up-and-coming nail artists and nailfluencers for the nail trends they’re excited to try this spring and how to DIY them.
Sigourney Nuñez
Q: How are you seeing spring optimism translate to beauty this year?
With the world returning to a sense of “normalcy” amid a new spring season, more people are feeling a sense of hope and optimism and one of the easiest ways that translates to beauty trends is color. When it comes to nails, DIYers and nail pros are both gravitating toward pastels because of the color’s refreshing qualities. Sherbet hues like a light lavender and even zen pale green offer a sense of tranquility and calm.
Q: What’s your favorite nail look for spring? How can you achieve it at home?
We are seeing single colored manicures take a back seat to multicolored tips. Whether that’s achieved through a skittle manicure (each nail a different color) or a french set with different shades on each finger, people are not afraid to express themselves with color or subtle art on their nails.
The second look has gotten nearly 10 million views on my TikTok. The side swoosh pastel look is super easy to recreate at home. All you need is a clean up brush (or an old eye liner brush you won’t use on your face anymore) and remover.
Q: What’s one nail trend that you might not personally wear but are obsessed with?
I consider myself a natural nail connoisseur, so I will always advocate for healthy natural nails but not everyone can achieve their desired length or has the time to grow them out especially if a special occasion is around the corner. So one trend I am personally obsessed with that I would not personally wear are gorgeous and tapered nail enhancements with vibrant nail art on top a la Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa.
Elina Ogawa
Q: How are you seeing spring optimism translate to beauty this year?
I love spring — we can finally go outside, and enjoy the weather and nature! This year during quarantine, I have set out to try new beauty stuff. I started doing derma rolling a year ago — it has been greatly improving my skin (I have acne scars, fine lines, blackheads, etc.). After derma rolling, you can’t go outside — No sun on the sensitive skin! —so, being stuck inside has worked out okay!
Q: What’s your favorite nail look for spring? How can you achieve it at home?
Uru uru aurora nails — aka Ice Nails — are in now. (“Uru uru” means “watery look” in Japanese.) Something with either an iridescent or a metallic look is cute too.
Aurora nails are hard to do at home, but you can also do iridescent or metallic nails at home yourself by using regular nail polish and nail stickers. I like a clear iridescent color from ZOYA called “LEIA.” It’s kind of a subtle look. When it hits the sun, it’ll shine — or you can put it on as a topcoat for any color.
Q: What’s one nail trend that you might not personally wear but are obsessed with?
Beautiful long nails. I used to have long acrylic nails for more than 10 years because I competed in nail competitions in Japan and in the United States — that was one of the categories that I used to do for the competitions, and I used to practice on my nails all the time. I love how they look, but since I started doing gel on natural nails, it’s much more comfortable.
Canishiea J. Sams
Q: How are you seeing spring optimism translate to beauty this year?
Beautiful bright spring colors that will elevate your mood.
Q: What’s your favorite nail look for spring? How can you achieve it at home?
I have so many favorites but a super easy one that you can achieve at home would be to pick a spring color palette and put a different color on each nail for a multi-color manicure and it’s beautiful! I love chrome nails. They are beautiful but it tends to get so messy so I’ll admire them from afar.
Queenie Nguyen
Q: How are you seeing spring optimism translate to beauty this year?
I’m seeing a transition from natural beauty trends; such as natural nail colors and minimal DIY nail art as a result of the pandemic to more daring trendy colors like neon green and yellow being incorporated.
Q: What’s your favorite nail look for spring? How can you achieve it at home?
My favorite nail look for spring is a multicolored pastel French manicure. This trend comes back every spring season and it’s super easy to DIY at home yourself. You can get creative and create different looks of pastel French manicures like slanted French, micro French, gradient ombré pastel French, etc.
The easiest way to do it yourself is to use the actual application brush that comes with the polish bottle to create the classic French manicure — no need to use an additional tool. Use the side of the brush and carefully follow the free edge of the nail to create the French. (For micro French or gradient ombré French, you’ll need additional tools like a thin striping brush and a makeup sponge.)
Q: What’s one nail trend that you might not personally wear but are obsessed with?
I’m more of a minimal nail art wearer but I admire the creative 3D nail arts that lean towards more of an editorial vibe.
Ada Yeung
Q: What’s your favorite nail look for spring? How can you achieve it at home?
My favorite nail look would be a clean manicure with negative space nail art in subdued tones with just the slightest pop of color.
Q: What’s one nail trend that you might not personally wear but are obsessed with?
I love the crocodile texture trend and love seeing it in a variety of colors.
Hang Nguyen
Q: How are you seeing spring optimism translate to beauty this year?
Speaking about nails, in particular, I’m seeing a trend of people wanting to brighten their nail game with art. Anything bright, fun, and cheery on the nails is what people will gravitate to especially this spring.
Q: What’s your favorite nail look for spring? How can you achieve it at home?
The favorite nail look is always a minimal negative space design. Using the brush from the polish bottle, people can DIY a fun color block mani at home throwing in a lot of fun lively colors that will brighten their mood.
Q: What’s one nail trend that you might not personally wear but are obsessed with?
It is decked out gems on nails (similar to ones Cardi B wears!). I imagine wearing it myself I would somehow get gems caught in a mine or my kids’ hair.
