As per Manicurists and my Instagram feed, Mixed Berry Nails are set to be the trendiest look for hands this spring.
While I believe I have a keen awareness of the constantly evolving landscape of beauty trends, I must acknowledge that one area where I excel in spotting early indicators is nail art. From the rise of tiger-striped designs to Vivienne Westwood-inspired plaids, I take pride in staying slightly ahead of trends, and the upcoming trend that I’m calling mixed berry nails is starting to appear as we move further into spring.
As a beauty community, we've coined some saccharine names for trends in recent years—think "glazed donut" and "strawberry milk" nails. However, we've also begun to feel fatigued by catchy names and sheer finishes, although I believe salons should not put their chrome powders away just yet. This trend diverges from the milky nail look, focusing less on the subtle hint of an indulgent hue and more on a striking combination of colors that shouldn’t harmonize but surprisingly do.
So, what constitutes the mixed berry color combination, and why is it gaining popularity? Honestly, I’m a bit ahead of the game on this one. Celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva recently mentioned to Who What Wear that she anticipates turquoise and berry will be on the rise for 2026, and she’s a strong proponent of this shade. “It will bring a vibrant touch to nails,” she noted. (Her preferred berry shade? OPI's Lincoln Park After Brunch, a deep plum with magenta shimmer.)
However, my focus isn't just on the emerging red and blue hues in beauty. Our fashion editors observed with admiration as cobalt and scarlet ensembles took over the spring 2026 runways, dubbing this color pairing a key look for the season. Thus, I introduce mixed berry nails: a blend of red, berry pink, turquoise, baby blue, and navy that’s popping up on the freshly painted nails of trendsetters everywhere. Below, you’ll find some ideas to bring to your salon before this trend goes mainstream.
**7 Mixed Berry Nail Ideas for Spring 2026**
**Burgundy-and-Blue Stripes**
This was the first image that made me aware of a budding trend. Striped manicures (especially French tips!) are making a huge comeback this spring, and I was amazed at how beautifully these shades complement each other while maintaining a subtle elegance. While deep burgundy and slate blue may seem like a challenging mix, the delicate, fine lines created by professional manicurist Oksana Zavora feel soft yet still make a statement.
**Berry Faux French**
An alternative yet equally stylish take on this color combination in a French manicure style is this tempting set by Nancy of The Nice Nails Club. These almond-shaped tips were coated in a black cherry polish adorned with a thin turquoise crescent moon, creating a bolder look than the simpler design above. If you’re interested in playing with unusual shades and spring accents (which is a cool move, in my opinion), this is the manicure to try.
**Contrast Studs**
Another nail trend that’s set to take over spring and summer? Perimeter-lining studded nail art. No, I don’t mean actual studs (though that could be interesting). This revival of the polka-dot trend from the past feels fresh and undeniably chic, especially when executed in contrasting black cherry and baby blue. Investing in this trend now could be wise before everyone else catches on this summer.
**Moody Mash-Up**
Mismatched nails featuring 3D art have been in vogue for a while, but introducing oxblood red and slate blue elevates the cool factor significantly. Here, you can see another version of the studded-art trend, which works beautifully as an accent nail if you prefer not to fully commit.
**Color-Blocked Berry**
A bolder version of this trend is this entirely color-blocked French manicure by professional nail artist Lauren, known as @lolo.nailedit on Instagram. Using Essie's Expressie Word on the Street, a quick-drying turquoise, as a base, the manicurist then crafted striking French tips in Spray It to Say It, a rich berry. It’s bold, bright, and perfect for summer, wouldn't you agree?
**Primary Polka Dots**
For a look on the primary color spectrum, consider this red-and-blue manicure adorned with contrasting polka dots. While these aren't the shades currently trending, I created this set last fall before realizing that these deeper colors would soon become favorites. Still, these classic hues work beautifully layered together.
**Y2K Black Cherry**
The most straightforward interpretation of the trend might be this delectable set from N'Dao Shoreditch, finished in blue and berry and topped with merlot cherries. If this color combination is indeed trending, then the accompanying polka dots are just as crucial to the look, while the scattered stars add a hint of Y2K flair. This design is a definite statement for spring
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As per Manicurists and my Instagram feed, Mixed Berry Nails are set to be the trendiest look for hands this spring.
A vibrant splash of color.
