Spring Nail Trends 2018: The Ultimate Guide to Season’s Hottest Manicures

From soft nudes to geometric art and eye-catching details, discover 2018's spring nail trends and expert tips for recreating runway-inspired manicures.

By Medha deb
Created on

Spring has always symbolized renewal, and in the world of beauty, this translates into playful, fresh, and innovative nail designs. The runways and top nail artists ushered in an array of standout colors, finishes, and artful details for Spring 2018. From soft pastels and glossy metallics to bold geometric shapes and refined minimalism, this guide presents everything you need to know about the season’s hottest nail trends, plus expert tips to achieve these looks at home.

Table of Contents

Pastel Mania: Soft, Feminine Hues

Spring 2018 saw a surge of pastel shades—from milky blues and butter yellows to carnation pinks. These soft tones are favored for their delicate, feminine appeal and prominent presence on social media and runways alike.

  • Carnation Pink Nails: A standout featured by brands like Paintbox, carnation pink offers a warm-toned, modern twist on classic pink. Short manicures in this shade are especially trendy, blending comfort and sophistication.
  • Milky Blue & Butter Yellow: These shades bring subtle freshness, perfect for those seeking understated elegance for spring.
  • Sage Green: Soft sage is paired with earthy tones and textured finishes. Experts recommend experimenting with finishes for added dimension.

Tip: Use pastel shades as a base for creative nail art, like micro-florals or minimalist stripes, for a personalized spring look.

“Your Nails But Better”—Natural Trends

The “your nails but better” trend is about celebrating natural beauty through soft, nude colors and glossy finishes that flatter every skin tone. This approach emphasizes healthy, polished nails with minimalist effort.

  • Soft Nude Nails: Choose sheer or opaque nudes tailored to your complexion. The healthy, radiant finish creates an effortlessly chic effect that transitions seamlessly from day to night.
  • Milky Manicures: A sheer white or milky pink polish gives nails a bright, clean appearance, a perfect neutral alternative for spring.

Product Recommendation: Look for hydrating base coats and nourishing creams to keep hands and nails soft and camera-ready.

Minimalist Nail Art

Minimalism continues to dominate spring nails, offering versatile designs for all occasions. Simple accents can transform a subtle polish into a statement look.

  • Single Line Designs: Whether traced around the cuticle or as a central accent, clean lines make a minimalist, modern impact. Seen at Kate Spade and 3.1 Phillip Lim, this trend adds sophistication without complexity.
  • Negative Space: Strategic blank spaces within the design highlight creativity while maintaining a low-key vibe.
  • Ultra-Thin Tips: Micro-French manicures, featuring delicate, refined tips, offer a contemporary twist on the classic French style.

Delicate Metallics & Shimmer

Shimmery nails add a playful touch to spring, balancing subtlety with drama. Metallic finishes range from muted silvers to soft gold and pastel iridescents.

  • Metallic Tips & Foil: Incorporate metallic accents for a futuristic edge—lavender blues and cat eye gel polishes are particularly popular.
  • Velvet Chrome: Velvet-like shimmers join perennial favorites, delivering just the right amount of sparkle without feeling overdone.
  • Glossy Gray: At Sachin + Babi, glossy gray polish dominated, offering a subtle alternative to bold metallics.

Tip: Layer metallic polishes with a sheer topcoat to create a dimension effect and prolong shine.

Bold Details & Textures

This spring, textural elements are front and center, turning nails into miniature canvases. From 3D appliqué to mix-and-match bold prints, nail art gets playful and creative.

  • Three-Dimensional Appliqués: Raised flowers, rhinestones, and motif stickers were featured in shows like Libertine and The Blonds, inviting maximalist fun to spring nails.
  • Leopard Print & Glow-in-the-Dark: Animal prints and luminous accents allow for personality-driven nail looks suitable for festivals and parties.
  • Textured Sage and Velvet Finishes: Adding texture—like matte or crocheted overlays—to popular pastel hues elevates simple styles into designer statements.

Single Stripe & Geometric Designs

Geometric patterns make a bold yet controlled statement on spring nails. The versatility of stripe designs lends itself equally well to minimalist and avant-garde styles.

  • Single Stripe Manicures: Popularized by runways such as Club Monaco, a simple stripe—often in burgundy or bold color—adds instant interest.
  • Geo Clash: Contrasting palettes and crisp geometric lines create visual impact, especially when paired with trendy hues like peach or neon.
  • Logo Nails: Branding and tiny prints allow for individual or designer expression on every fingertip.
Design StyleMain FeatureSpring 2018 Example
Single StripeMinimalist accentKate Spade, Club Monaco
GeometricSharp lines, color clash3.1 Phillip Lim, Geo Clash
LogoSmall prints & brandingHelmut Lang, Tom Ford

Multicolor Manicures

For those seeking variety, multicolor manicures offer endless possibilities in both polish application and artistic design.

  • Color Blocking: Applying different shades to each nail, or alternating base colors and tip hues, brings playful sophistication to spring looks.
  • Watercolor-Inspired Nails: Pastel washes and marbled effects—typically in blues, pinks, or yellows—capture the ethereal essence of spring.
  • Complementary Palettes: Experts recommend selecting colors that blend effortlessly for a cohesive but striking effect.

Tip: Plan your palette before painting to ensure harmony across both hands, or let each nail stand alone as a work of art.

Micro-French Manicures

The Micro-French reimagines classic French tips in a stylish, understated way and remains one of the season’s most sought-after styles.

  • Ultra-Thin Tips: Natural nails get an upgrade with skinny, barely-there tips—ideally in white or pastel tones.
  • Colorful French Variations: For a bolder look, try neon or metallic tips over a neutral, milky base.
  • Short Lengths: Short nails help micro-French designs feel clean, chic, and contemporary, providing comfort and wearability for everyday life.

Runway Moments & Nail Inspiration

Many of spring’s biggest nail trends took direct inspiration from designer runways. The following highlights showcase the variety and artistry found on the Spring 2018 catwalks:

  • Tom Ford: Black paired with glitter for dramatic, lid-like flair.
  • Kate Spade: Single line art for minimalist impact.
  • Sachin + Babi: Bold glossy grays for sophisticated style.
  • Helmut Lang: Logo nails for a branded, modern look.
  • 3.1 Phillip Lim: Simple lines as intricate nail art.
  • Jason Wu: Metallic finishes echoing designer fragrance bottles.
  • Phillip Plein: Sparkling glossy blacks for nighttime drama.
  • The Blonds: Maximalist prints, 3D flowers, and glow accents.
  • Club Monaco: Burgundy stripes near the cuticle for subtle edge.
  • Libertine: Embellished 3D appliqué for lavish detail.

These trends are adaptable for both salon appointments and at-home experiments; use them as inspiration to express your personal style this spring.

Expert Manicurist Tips

  • Shorter Nail Lengths: Spring favors shorter, practical nails that allow for comfort and versatility—a useful tip for those wanting manageable but chic manicures.
  • Shape-wise: Almond, rounded, and softly squared shapes remain popular for their natural elegance and wide suitability.
  • Care & Prep: Always use a nourishing base, keep cuticles hydrated, and finish with a high-gloss topcoat for maximum longevity.
  • DIY-Friendly Designs: Minimalist stripes, micro-French tips, and pastel washes are easy to recreate at home with basic nail tools and a steady hand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I choose the best pastel shade for my skin tone?

A: Opt for pastel hues with undertones that complement your skin. Cool skin tones suit blues or lavenders; warmer skin tones look great in butter yellow, sage, or carnation pink.

Q: What nail shape is trending for spring 2018?

A: Short, rounded, or almond shapes are most popular, emphasizing comfort and a natural appearance while still offering a chic canvas for nail art.

Q: Is metallic nail polish suitable for everyday wear?

A: Yes. Delicate metallic shades and subtle shimmer are versatile enough for everyday wear, especially when used as tips or accents against neutral bases.

Q: How can I safely apply 3D nail art or rhinestones at home?

A: Use dedicated nail glue on a clean, prepped nail surface, and always finish with a protective topcoat to seal embellishments securely.

Q: What are some easy minimalist designs for beginners?

A: Try single stripes, micro-French tips, or negative space accents. These styles require minimal tools but look striking and modern.

Final Tips for the Perfect Spring Manicure

  • Gather your inspiration from runway looks, social trends, and personal preferences.
  • Use nourishing products to keep nails and cuticles healthy throughout the season.
  • Experiment with layering colors and finishes to create unique art.
  • Don’t be afraid to mix textures—like glossy, matte, and metallic—for modern dimension.
  • Capture your finished manicure in daylight for the best true-to-life photos.

With the diverse and playful trends of Spring 2018, there’s a nail look for every personality and occasion. Whether you favor soft pastels, bold art, or shimmering metallics, embrace the spirit of renewal and let your hands showcase the season’s most stylish vibes.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb