As noted by Manicurists and my Instagram feed, Mixed Berry Nails are set to be the trendiest look for hands this spring.

      While I believe I'm quite in tune with the constantly evolving landscape of beauty trends, I must confess that one area where I excel at spotting developments early is nails. From the rising trend of tiger-striped nail designs to Vivienne Westwood-inspired plaid, I take pride in my ability to stay slightly ahead of the game when it comes to manicures. The trend that is emerging as we progress into spring is what I like to call mixed berry nails.

      In recent years, we've come up with overly sweet names for various beauty trends—think "glazed donut" and "strawberry milk" nails. However, we've also experienced a sort of fatigue regarding catchy names and sheer finishes, although salons shouldn't be putting away their chrome powders just yet. This new trend is less about subtle, delicate shades and more about the bold clash of colors that oddly complement each other.

      So, what exactly is the mixed berry color palette, and why is it gaining popularity? Honestly, I’m still ahead of the curve on this trend. Celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva recently mentioned to Who What Wear that she expects turquoise and berry colors to rise in popularity for 2026, and she is a big supporter of this idea. "It will add some serious vibrancy to nails," she said earlier. (Her favorite berry shade? OPI's new Lincoln Park After Brunch, a deep plum with a hint of magenta shimmer.)

      But my interests aren't limited to the increasing popularity of red and blue in beauty. Our fashion editors have noted with amazement how cobalt and scarlet looks have dominated the spring 2026 runways, marking this color pairing as something noteworthy this season. Therefore, I present mixed berry nails, a striking combination of red, berry pink, turquoise, baby blue, and navy that is appearing on the tips of trendsetters everywhere. Below, I share a few ideas to bring to your salon before they become mainstream.

      **7 Mixed Berry Nail Ideas for Spring 2026**

      **Burgundy-and-Blue Stripes**

      This design was the first indication that a new trend was emerging. Striped manicures, particularly French tips, are experiencing a significant surge this spring, and I was astonished by how beautifully these colors blended and how surprisingly understated the design felt. While deep burgundy and slate blue may seem like a daunting match, the fine lines crafted by skilled manicurist Oksana Zavora appear soft yet striking.

      **Berry Faux French**

      An alternative yet equally stylish take on this color combination in a French manicure style is this appetizing set by Nancy from The Nice Nails Club. These almond-shaped tips were coated in a black-cherry polish and accented with a thin turquoise crescent, adding a bolder flair compared to the previous set. If you're eager to experiment with unconventional hues and spring nuances (a clever move, if you ask me), this is the manicure to try.

      **Contrast Studs**

      Yet another trend poised to take over this spring and summer is the perimeter-lined studded nail art. I'm not referring to actual studs, though that would indeed be exciting. This revival of the polka-dot style from the past feels contemporary and undeniably stylish, especially in contrasting black cherry and baby blue. I recommend jumping on this trend before it becomes widely popular this summer.

      **Moody Mash-Up**

      Mismatched nails featuring 3D art have been in fashion for a while, but the addition of oxblood red and slate blue elevates the coolness factor significantly. This showcases another instance of the studded art trend, which works wonderfully as an accent nail if you're not ready to fully commit.

      **Color-Blocked Berry**

      A bolder version of this trend is this full-on color-blocked French manicure by professional nail artist Lauren, known as @lolo.nailedit on Instagram. Starting with a base of Essie's Expressie Word on the Street, a fast-drying turquoise, this manicurist created a striking foundation for vibrant French tips painted in Spray It to Say It, a deep berry hue. It’s bright, bold, and epitomizes summer, don’t you think?

      **Primary Polka Dots**

      For something reflecting primary colors, consider this red-and-blue manicure with contrasting polka dots. Although these colors are not the deep shades we’ve been seeing recently, I actually painted this set last fall before realizing that these darker hues would soon become popular favorites. Regardless, these classic colors work beautifully when layered together.

      **Y2K Black Cherry**

      The most straightforward interpretation from the collection is this fun design from N'Dao Shoreditch, which features blue and berry polishes topped with merlot cherries. If this color combination is rising in popularity, the accompanying polka dots are equally essential to the look, while the scattered stars create a subtle Y2K vibe. This nail set is a definite statement piece for spring, yet it's perfectly suited for summer vacations and beach days.