Experts Recommend: Don’t Miss These Luxurious, Trendy Shades for Your Nail Appointment This May.

      For those who experience all four seasons, May brings a refreshing change. In New York City, the trees in Central Park have finally blossomed, and vibrant green grass has replaced the dry, brown patches. Nature is revitalized, and our style choices, from hair to toes, reflect this rejuvenation. When I consulted three professional manicurists for color suggestions for my May nail appointment, they offered a variety of trend-driven ideas ranging from soft and subtle to bold and unconventional.

      As celebrity nail artist Pattie Yankee highlights, May marks the beginning of wedding season. She notes, "Expect to see plenty of blush pinks and milky nudes," and we are currently enjoying the afterglow of Coachella and Stagecoach, where many of the season's hottest manicure trends were introduced. "May represents a beautiful transitional period—spring is in full bloom while summer is on the horizon, and nail trends reflect that optimism and softness," says Rebecca Isa, creative director at Zoya. The essence of rebirth—blooming flowers, gentle spring warmth, and busy social calendars—inspired this month's most fashionable colors, clearly reflected in the experts' recommendations below.

      From delicate pastels to shimmery topcoats (along with some fashionable color combinations), take a look at May's top nail color trends.

      **8 May Nail Color Trends**

      **Refined Pastels**

      Pastels for spring? What a novel idea. While these lighter versions of classic colors are perennial spring manicure favorites, Isa predicts a trend towards sweeter yet more sophisticated shades—what she describes as "dessert-inspired pastels" that are “sweet and indulgent yet refined.” This results in a collection of dreamy pinks, raspberry hues, and milky lilacs, finished with a glossy, hard-candy shine. “These are not the chalky pastels of previous years; they are richer, more saturated, and appear polished rather than playful,” Isa concludes.

      **Inky Alternatives**

      The next trend may seem contrary to spring at first glance, but it's one of the most stylish choices you can make at the salon right now. Hailey Bieber sported inky floral nails during the first weekend of Bieberchella, created by her go-to nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, who sets nail trends for festival season. Choosing styles that diverge from seasonal norms is a quick way to exude coolness. However, Yankee mentions that black polish isn't essential to embrace this trend. "For those who prefer darker nails but still want some color, cobalt blue or emerald green (the birthstone for May!) are becoming popular options," she notes.

      **Natural Glow**

      Well-groomed nails are always fashionable, and Isa shares that the renewed focus on nail health is influencing spring trends. “We’re witnessing a noticeable shift toward luminous, enhanced natural finishes that allow your nails to shine without being covered up, diffusing light to make them appear healthier and brighter,” she explains. For instance, the coral tint on manicurist Mateja Novakovic’s nails is achieved with a tinted nail strengthener from Manucurist in Cranberry. Isa notes that these beneficial polishes give nails a "your nails but better" shine, which feels particularly appropriate in May as we move into skin-baring season and want our hands to look effortless.

      **Subtle Shimmer**

      Isa states, “Subtle sparkle is making a comeback, but it’s not in an overwhelming manner.” We are seeing fine, rose gold glitters and pearlescent shimmers being used as accents or topcoats over cream colors to add depth without overshadowing the overall look. A striking example is this delicately shimmery gel manicure crafted by London-based manicurist Karolina Zuk, who expertly incorporated fine flecks of glitter for a chic effect.

      **Soft Pink**

      “Pink is the color of summer!” exclaims Olivia Van Iderstine, trend expert at Olive and June. “There are numerous ways to embrace this trend, from nearly neon hot pinks to understated neutrals,” she adds. However, softer versions of the bubblegum hue, such as the milky pink above, have remained at the forefront of the trend cycle for quite some time. If you're on the lookout for a chic neutral that pairs well with everything this month, soft pink is your go-to shade.

      **Orange Creamsicle**

      Nothing captures the transition from spring to summer like a soft citrus hue. This milky clementine color flatters all skin tones and offers a nostalgic nod to summertime without feeling childish. "Orange Creamsicle is one of our favorite flavors—it's equally sweet and bold," Van Iderstine remarks about this sugary trend. For added flair, opt for a bolder orange shade, or choose a softer peach variation like the one pictured for an elegant twist.

      **Butter Yellow**

      Butter yellow made waves last summer, but Yankee believes this trend