I don’t know about you, but there is something undeniably reassuring about feeling “put together” — and a fresh mani is one of the quickest ways to fake it.
The click, clack, clack as you tap away on your keyboard, a sign to the universe that you’ve got this (even if deep down inside you’re having a meltdown).
The news cycle — and general state of the world — might feel a lot to handle right now, but spring is officially here and there are whispers of an April heatwave. So, if only for a few brief moments of escapism, here we present you the hottest nail art trends for spring 2022.
Let’s get wavy baby
You’ll most certainly have seen squiggles and swirls are all over your Instagram feed.
They’re super versatile, points out Yazmin Jade, co-founder of non-toxic and vegan nail salon STILL London, where swirls are among the top requests from clients for spring. “They work with both bright colours and also muted pastel tones.” Use bold clashing colours like reds, blues and greens for a psychedelic Sixties throwback or opt for a sophisticated clear base with accent colours for something more pared back.
Bottega green — so-called after Daniel Lee’s nod to the bright emerald hue in his spring 21 collection for the fashion house — is particularly on trend at the moment, according to Tinu Bello, owner of Colour Riot Nails in Spitalfields. “Who knew green goes with every outfit? It’s like the new nude!”
Meanwhile over at Shoreditch Nails, the team are loving winning colour combinations like lemon sorbet and lilac, pastel peach contrasted with navy blue, and baby pink and green.
Negative space
Looking for longevity when it comes to your spring mani? Aren’t we all. The secret lies in creating negative space.
This is where you incorporate your natural nail into the design with a clear or natural-looking base. “It keeps your mani looking fresher for longer,” explains Olivia Gane, senior nail art specialist at Shoreditch Nails. It helps to avoid the harsh grow-out lines at the cuticle that you get with a bold colour all over. Not only are they lower-maintenance, “negative space nails are a great minimal and chic alternative if colour isn’t your thing,” adds Bello.
Create a point of interest with geometric shapes, abstract designs or florals, it’s spring after all. “We are really loving smiley face daisies for a fun nail art design,” says Caitlin Forbes at Shoreditch Nails.
Pastel fades and alternative French tips
Tonal nails — when you paint each nail a different shade from the same family of colours — are going nowhere for spring, but why not give them a fresh update with ice cream-inspired fades, suggests Imarni, founder of Imarni Nails (@imarninails), who names “pastel fades on short natural nails” among her top trends for spring.
Another way of experimenting with pastels, in a more subtle and understated way, is with alternative French tips, which are hyper-popular among STILL London clients. “We are also seeing lots of multicoloured or ombré tips with a twist at the moment,” says Jade.
Neon hues add an extra twist to the alternative French trend.
Euphoria nails
Want to really make a statement? Take your cues from Euphoria and get extra with your nail art (why not?).
Long and square is the most asked for shape at Colour Riot right now. “I think this due to Maddy’s nails in Euphoria,” says Bello. The salon is championing the use of Apres Gel-x, a relatively new technique which is an alternative to acrylics for extensions.
Embellishment is big news, too. “Some of the biggest nail trends I’m seeing for spring are iridescent chromes, especially with a 3D textured base to brighten and highlight the ethereal vibes,” says Jennifer Wood, founder and nail artist @j3nnailedit. “The cherry on top would be bedazzling the nails with pearls, the ultimate fresh and fun trend.”
Nail technicians at Shian Nails & Beauty in Dalston are also embracing the “extra” nail trend with rhinestones and crystals, inspired by the embellishment seen recently on the runways during fashion month. “Nails that glitter and sparkle are a vibe right now, at Shian’s we are little magpies and we are here for it!” says salon owner Shian Paul.
Bold and beautiful
Still stuck for ideas? If in doubt, give your nail artist a little freedom to create something fun — we’re talking toadstools, swirls and strawberries in bold clashing colours like fuchsia pink and red.
“At Shian nails we get requests for all things weird and wonderful and we’re here for it.”
Your nail saviour kit
A great mani is all in the prep. Strengthen and hydrate your nails and cuticles in between appointments with this vegan and cruelty-free cuticle oil from French brand Manicurist. It’s infused with six active plant-based oils to promote growth.
Magic Gel Remover by Mylee (£10)
Addicted to gel nails? Prepare to be impressed. Mylee’s Magic Gel Remover can remove your gel mani without the need for a trip to the salon, or even having to soak them in acetone. It’s also free from methylene chloride (paint stripper). All in just six minutes, so naturally it’s gone viral on TikTok. And one bottle now sells every second, according to the brand.
