From Soft Petals to Moist Grass Blades—April's Popular Nail Shades Capture the Essence of Spring Foliage
You might have heard that April showers lead to May flowers, but this month, known for its plethora of springtime sayings, also brings forth inspiration for nail polish shades that embody the season's joy. Whether you enjoy keeping your nails simple and understated or prefer them adorned with striking nail art and 3D details, the right nail polish color can be the perfect starting point for your spring nail ideas. As we reach the midpoint of April, we’re observing the polish colors that will define this month. With insights from a celebrity nail artist, we've identified the trends that have earned their names and a place on our spring-manicure inspiration board. Below, we’re sharing our discoveries, including several nail designs that make us eager to book our monthly manicure appointments. Keep scrolling to find all the nail colors for April that are worth trying before the month concludes.
What Nail Colors Are Trending in April? What better way to celebrate blooming flowers, bright blue skies, and the return of whimsy in our wardrobe than to sport manicures that are just as colorful and appealing? This April, celebrity nail artist Stephanie Stone from Sally Hansen says the focus is on playful nail designs. "We've seen a lot of adventurous nail art emerging from Coachella, and I believe these dopamine nails will be popular throughout the summer," she explains. While creamy, neutral shades will still be present as we move into warmer weather, you can anticipate an increase in vibrant, energetic hues combined with this season's best nail art trends like rainbow French tips, berry polka dots, and lavender chrome.
According to Stone, the rainbow French tip trend merges classic with innovative styles. "You can make it subtle with a micro-French or wear it on long square tips for a bold statement. The secret is using bright colors that truly stand out!" she notes. Her top picks for achieving this look are from Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Electric Feels collection: Neon Nitro ($6), a creamy neon green, and Peachy Flare ($6), a coral-peach hue. Micro polka dot manicures will also be popular this April. "Last year’s inverted color polka dots on each hand took the internet by storm. However, polka dots have maintained their appeal, resonating with nail art enthusiasts, this time in rich berry and soft cream hues," Stone adds. To create berry polka-dot nails, she suggests using two polishes from the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Flower Powder collection: Dragon Fruit Crush ($6), which gives a fuchsia pop, and Vanilla Bean Vibe ($6), a shimmering white. Additionally, Stone mentions that the lavender chrome manicure is the perfect choice for those who enjoy a simple statement nail, and Sally Hansen’s Ube-Delicious ($6), a shimmering purple, is "art in a bottle." For a subtler lavender finish, she recommends Whirlway Wildflower ($6) for a matte finish and a stylish satin appearance.
Pure Honey
Spring is seeing an increase in sunny manicures, with honeyed polish shades reflecting the rising temperatures and marking a shift from the butter-yellow tones that were popular last year. While many of the trending yellow manicures in recent feeds have been creamy and opaque, honey-colored nails introduce a hint of orange, providing warmth that flatters all skin tones.
Get the look:
DND Gel Polish Set in Honey
Leafy Green
Every year, we notice creamy green nails emerging as nature blooms again. This April, our nails will mirror the dew-kissed grass after a spring rain with muted green polishes featuring white undertones. The result is a light and airy appearance that's full of energy.
Get the look:
OPI Nature Strong Nail Polish in Sage It for Later
Essie Nail Polish in Turquoise and Caicos
Cloud White
The opaque cream manicures we adored at the onset of winter are making a return this season, offering a milky finish on nails of all shapes and lengths. This chic manicure by Milan-based nail artist Oksana Zavora is short and sleek, showcasing a shiny, milky white color with small chrome accents, giving the nails a minimalist, futuristic vibe.
Get the look:
Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow
OPI Nail Polish in Funny Bunny
Petal Pink
With flowers blooming and soft petals gracing rainy days, pink manicures feel especially romantic this April. It's no wonder pink nails are once again captivating the beauty scene. These glowy, elegant nails designed by nail artist Mateja Novakovic, who works between London and Barcelona, epitomize a clean manicure with semi-sheer pink polish that exudes gloss. It’s delicate and timeless—perfect for the spring season.
Get the look:
Dr's Remedy Enriched Nail Polish in Perfect Petal Pink
CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish in Negligee
Lovely Lavender
Playful pastel shades have been on our radar (and our Instagram feeds) lately,
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From Soft Petals to Moist Grass Blades—April's Popular Nail Shades Capture the Essence of Spring Foliage
Colors inspired by nature are trending.
