In the world of nail designs pastels have emerged as a timeless choice, offering a delicate yet sophisticated pop of colour that transcends trends.
With all of us anticipating spring and summer and dusting off our dresses in the hopes of warmer weather, pastels are the prettiest shades that look great on every skin tone and add a touch of femininity to any look.
From Lizzo to Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomez to Nicola Peltz Beckham, even the celebs are jumping on the pastel nail trend train.
Whether you prefer subtle shades or vibrant hues, gels or acrylics, pastel nails continue to come up on top with their understated versatility and ability to look great throughout every season.
If you’re seeking inspo for a special event or you’re craving a touch of spring colours in your everyday look these designs offer a refreshing departure from the ordinary, with a mani to suit everyone.
1. Short tie-dye pastel nails
Gone are the days when tie-dye was reserved for summer camp, the 90s are back and they’re bringing this trend with them.
Image – @jessyoungnails/instagram
2. Mix and match rainbow pastel nails with glitter
Mix and match is the mani of the moment, combining everything from swirl nail designs to rainbows and flames to stars.
Image – @jark.nails/instagram
3. Pastel pink and orange mix and match nails
Pink is one of the most versatile colours for nail art and with so many shades to choose from there’s a pink for every season.
Image – @the_gelologist/instagram
4. Matte lilac pastel nails with neon pink micro French tips
I love purple nails, and lilac is one of my fave shades at the moment because of how great it looks combined with other pastel hues or bold neons. If you want some more purple nail inspo, check out our roundup of 57 of the best.
Image – @skipthefilteruk/instagram
5. Spring pastel checkerboard nails
Checkerboard prints have been everywhere lately, from phone cases to clothing and interior design to nail art.
Image – @the_gelologist/instagram
6. Green pastel nails with tiny bug designs
One of the best things about spring is that everything is waking up again, including all of the cute animals and creepy crawlies! This mani is perfect for the upcoming warmer months.
Image – @dais_does_nails/instagram
7. Pastel pink nails with hot pink and orange ombre
Ombre nails have been around for quite some time, but they’re still one of the most requested designs for nail techs! Pink ombre nails look amazing combined with shades like orange and nude.
Image – @colourriotnails/instagram
8. Purple pastel nails with red flame design
Flame nails were one of the hottest trends in 2023, and they’re still going strong this year!
Image – @colourriotnails/instagram
9. Birds and butterflies pastel nails
Harking back to the 2000s, cute butterfly designs in all shapes and forms have been gracing the fingertips of lots of nail art fans!
Image – @freshsetlancaster/instagram
10. Easter Mini Egg pastel French tip nails
For all of the chocolate lovers out there, Mini Eggs have *got to* be one of the best Easter chocolates around – and now you can wear them on your nails!
Image – @junegilbert_nailartist/instagram
11. French tip pastel nails with flower design
The traditional French tip is one of the most versatile designs and it’s had tonnes of upgrades. From cool blue French tip nails to modern floating Frenchies, practically anything can be added to this manicure.
Image – @junegilbert_nailartist/instagram
12. Two-tone summer ice cream pastel nails
If you can’t decide on colours and shades, you’ve got double the choice with two-tone nails like these cute ice cream swirls!
Image – @jessyoungnails/instagram
13. Neutral nails with pastel smiley face design
What could make your day more than some cute smiley face nail art?! The happiest mani of them all.
Image – @jessyoungnails/instagram
14. Pastel pink Hello Kitty Nails with bows
Combining French tips, flowers, bows, stars, cherries, and Hello Kitty, if you love girly nails then this is the perfect manicure for you.
Image – @emilygilmour.nails/instagram
15. Multicoloured pastel Lucky Charm nails
Cloud nail designs are all over social media, from realistic skyscapes to cute clouds with moons and stars, it’s one of the dreamiest manis of the moment.
Image – @dais_does_nails/instagram
16. Pastel pink nails with minimalist red dots
Perfect for anyone who wants to wear nail art but prefers to keep it minimalist, these tiny dots look great on a plain pastel set of nails. I’m seriously loving how neat this mani looks on short nails!
Image – @clairestarkmanicurist/instagram
17. Yellow and pink pastel nails with black checkerboard
Another checkerboard set, these nails are a testament to how versatile the checkered nail trend we’ve been seeing at the beginning of 2024 can be.
Image – @the_gelologist/instagram
18. Pastel blue nails with lemon design
Fruit is a cute way to add some simple nail art to a pastel manicure. You know what they say, when life gives you lemons…
Image – @aprilnails.etc/instagram
19. Square matte nails with minimalist pastel swirls
This minimal mani looks amazing paired with some simple gold jewellery. With a classic nude base and a matte finish, the tiny swirls add a touch of pastels.
Image – @corrinnabianca/instagram
20. Long pastel Care Bears nails with swirl French tips
These Care Bears nails are just SO cute! And you can recreate a similar look using these nail stickers from Nail Junkie.
Image – @naileditbychelsey/instagram
21. Green and orange groovy bright pastel nails
This mani is giving real 70s vibes – from the colours to the design.
Image – @nailsbytammy___/instagram
22. Almond aura nails with pastel hearts
Hearts will always be one of the most popular designs no matter what time of year it is! Combined with a soft aura base, this pastel set is perfect for spring and summer.
Image – @freshsetlancaster/instagram
23. Pastel nails with leopard print stripes
Amp up your pastels with some animal print like this leopard stripe set below.
Image – @gloss.surrey/instagram
24. Abstract 80s short pastel nails
The natural colour of nails is a great canvas for pastel colours. This short matte set is giving Saved by the Bell vibes.
Image – @nailsbynatalierose/instagram
25. Pink and blue short candyfloss pastel nails
A mani that will fit in at work or play, this set will brighten up any outfit.
Image – @jark.nails/instagram
26. Glitter pastel stiletto press-on nails with charms
Charms are a BIG one this season, with loads of nail techs now having a treasure trove of cute and glitzy add-ons for clients.
Image – @naileditbychelsey/instagram
27. Pastel yellow French tip nails with butterflies and swirls
French tips look super chic and classy on almond-shaped nails, giving a real natural look. If you can’t wait for the flowers and butterflies to come out in spring, this is the perfect set for you.
Image – @freshsetlancaster/instagram
28. White nails with pastels and dots
These white nails with super soft pastel hues are a great nod to the trend without wearing too much colour.
Image – @nonadoesnails/instagram
29. Gel pastel nails with squiggles and glitter
Add some pops of colour to a nude gel base with colourful squiggles and glitter!
Image – @the_gelologist/instgram
30. Pastel blue micro French tip nails
Even those of us with super short nails can make a statement and rock a French tip.
Image – @corrinnabianca/instagram
31. Hot pink and pastel purple gradient nails with smiley faces
Hot pink has been a firm staple in the world of nail designs since the Barbie Movie was released last year, lending itself perfectly to all kinds of designs and artwork.
Image – @aprilnails.etc/instagram
32. Chrome pastel pink Disney nails with silver details
I’m *always* mesmerised by chrome nails and how they look so polished shining under different lights. This set is for all the Disney guys and gals out there!
Image – @emilygilmour.nails/instagram
33. Round pastel nails with leopard print heart French tips
French tips don’t have to be white and round! This mani with a milky nude base and pastel leopard print looks amzing with heart-shaped tips and gold details.
Image – @junegilbert_nailartist/instagram
34. Nude pastel acrylic nails
Acrylic nails are a great way to add length and intricate nail designs, but we are seriously in love with this stiletto set that seamlessly transitions from nude to pastels.
Image – @colourriotnails/instagram
35. Pastel blue, pink, and purple flower nails
Flower designs have so many variations to choose from – whether you love watercolour blossoms or 3D bouquets!
Image – @freshsetlancaster/instagram
