Spring is finally here, and I don’t know about you, but I am so ready to say goodbye to winter nails. Don’t get me wrong – the clean whites, icy blues, snowflake designs… they were cute for a minute. We loved them. We honored them. But we are also done with them. Winter had its moment.
Now it’s time to step into color again. Spring always brings that fresh energy – brighter days, softer air, blooming flowers – and our nails deserve to match that shift. In this article, we’re taking a look at seven gorgeous spring nail colors that are going to be trending in 2026. These are shades I genuinely recommend checking out if you’re ready to refresh your collection and maybe treat yourself to one or two new polishes.
1. Spring Pastels
Pastels will always have a special place in spring, and 2026 is no different. Think pastel purple, baby blue, soft yellow, minty green, and blush pink. These shades feel light, happy, and refreshing – like wildflowers popping up after a long winter.
You can totally wear just one pastel shade if that’s your vibe, or mix a couple together for a playful look. They actually look amazing combined. Not necessarily all five… but hey, if that’s your energy, I support it. There are no rules here. Pastels just bring that soft, dreamy spring feeling that instantly lifts your mood.
Ready to go pastel? Check out shades like:
- OPI’s Spring Collection Set for a curated pastel palette.
- Essie’s Pastel Party Collection with dreamy sheer finishes.
- Zoya’s Spring Whispers for buildable pastel perfection.
Whether you keep it simple with a single pastel or experiment with multi-colored nail art, spring pastels are a must-have this season.
2. Milky White
Milky white is one of those classic shades most of us already have sitting in our polish collection somewhere – and honestly, it never disappoints. It works especially well in spring when you’re craving something clean, simple, and elegant, but you’re not quite ready to jump into bold neons yet. It’s still spring, not full-blown summer.
If you want a nail color that feels fresh, timeless, and effortlessly pretty – something that goes with literally everything – milky white is always a solid choice. It gives that “clean girl” energy while still feeling soft and feminine, which fits perfectly with the season.
- OPI’s Funny Bunny—a classic milky white that’s always on-trend.
- Essie’s Arctic Jelly—a soft, buildable white with a subtle cream finish.
Milky white also works as the perfect base for delicate spring nail art like pressed flowers, minimalist lines, or pearl accents!
3. Shamrock Green
Shamrock green is obviously inspired by St. Paddy’s Day, which hits in March. Some of us go all in and celebrate, and some of us just use it as a cute excuse to throw on a fresh green manicure. Either way, I support you. Do what feels fun.
Green in general just feels so fresh and nature-inspired, which is exactly what we’re all craving after a long winter of gray skies and heavy layers. Whether you’re celebrating or not, green polish is such a fun way to bring a little life back into your nail color lineup for spring.
Shamrock green itself is a bold green shade, but it can vary a bit depending on the polish. You might find one that leans brighter, one that feels a little deeper – so you can totally choose your vibe. And honestly, if shamrock green isn’t calling your name, forest green works too. No rules here. The whole point is going for something bright that pops and just having fun with it. Green nails in the spring are really just about celebrating the season and letting your playful side come back out.
Shamrock-inspired shades to try:
- Essie’s Green—a vibrant kelly green that captures the shamrock spirit.
- OPI’s Won for the Ages—a brilliant bright shade perfect for spring festivities.
Shamrock green is ideal for accent nails, geometric designs, or keeping it classic with a solid coat. And yes, it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!
4. Bubblegum Pink
Pink never really goes out of style when it comes to spring and summer nail trends. We naturally start leaning into more playful designs, brighter shades, and slightly bolder colors once the weather warms up, and pink just fits right into that energy.
Bubblegum pink works beautifully whether you want a solid color on all of your nails or you’re into fun nail art. You can paint all kinds of springy designs in pink – flowers, little fruits like strawberries, or even a cute cottagecore-inspired pink plaid moment. Whatever your vibe is, bubblegum pink can handle it. It’s cheerful, feminine, and instantly makes your nails look spring-ready.
Popular bubblegum pink shades to try:
- ILNP’s Ballet Slipper Pink—an iconic bubblegum pink with the perfect balance.
- OPI’s Makeout-side—a playful pink that brings all the fun vibes.
Add white polka dots, heart details, or keep it simple for a classic spring manicure that never goes out of style.
5. Aqua Blue
Aqua blue is that fun, happy shade of blue that immediately lifts your mood. We’re talking one of the brighter blues here, because honestly… we need it. It’s been a long winter, and sometimes you just need a pop of color that feels light, fresh, and a little bit dreamy.
Aqua blue gives major beach energy, even if we’re not actually headed to the beach yet. But hey, a girl is allowed to dream. It feels airy, playful, and perfect for easing into warmer weather while still keeping things fun and bold.
Must-try aqua blue shades:
- OPI’s Can’t Find My Czechbook—a vibrant turquoise-aqua hybrid.
- Essie’s Word On The Street—a bright aqua perfect for making a statement.
Aqua blue looks incredible on its own or paired with white nail art, metallic accents, or tropical designs!
6. Metallic Shimmer
Sparkle is officially a spring essential this year! Metallic shimmer nails in gold, silver, rose gold, and holographic finishes are bringing glamour to the season. These lustrous shades catch the light beautifully and add instant sophistication to any look.
Metallic shimmer has been gaining momentum, and it’s taking over spring 2026 in a big way.
It’s perfect as an accent nail, a full manicure, or layered over other spring shades for added dimension.
Shades to add to your collection:
- Essie’s Penny Talk—a gorgeous rose gold shimmer that’s spring-appropriate.
- OPI’s Work from Chrome—a dazzling silver metallic with major impact.
- ILNP’s Champagne Gold—a holographic shimmer that shifts in the light.
Keep it elegant with a full metallic mani, or use it strategically as accent nails for a more subtle shimmer.
7. Rose
Bold, romantic, and totally captivating, rose shade is bringing drama to spring nails this year. This deeper, more sophisticated take on red has pink and purple undertones that feel rosy, fresh and modern while still being classic.
It’s vibrant, timeless, and channels those confident spring feels we all need after winter!
Hot rose red shades to try:
- OPI’s Aurora Berry-alis—wait, it’s perfect for spring too! A true rose-pink-purple hybrid.
- Essie’s Gossip N’ Spill—a gorgeous rose-toned red that’s universally flattering.
Rose red looks stunning on its own for a classic look or paired with gold foil, floral details, or French tip variations. Try it out!
