Update Consent

Pastel Nail Ideas For 2023

Pastel Nails Are Going to Be Everywhere This Spring

  • Pastel nails have been predicted to trend in 2023.
  • More traditional pastels are now giving way to elevated tones and chic nail-art designs.
  • The best pastel nail art can be a fit for year-round wear.

With each additional minute of daylight we receive after dragging ourselves through yet another brutal winter, the desire for pastel nails increases by (approximately) 1,000 percent. As we look forward to spring, it seems we're not the only ones. "Another homage to the '90s, pastels are making a huge comeback," celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce previously told POPSUGAR.

Aside from Gen Z's clear obsession with the Y2K aesthetic, you may be wondering how the love for pastel nail polish has managed to go on for so long. For starters: the pastel nail colours of 2023 are not the chalky and sheer hues of yore, and the nail designs that have been birthed from this colour palette alone have been incredible to witness (can we get a round of applause for the genius who came up with pastel ombré nails?). Not only will the pastels this year be more "richly pigmented pastels that veer slightly warmer," according to Boyce, but the thought of getting pastel nail designs inspired by 2023's biggest trends has us practically sprinting to the nail salon.

If you're looking for some pastel nail ideas, look no further than the manicures we've rounded up for you ahead. From pastel french tips to subtle pops of pastel yellow, blue, and more, these nail looks will bring the best of spring right to your fingertips.

Image Source: Getty / Gary Gershoff

One of our favourite pastel colours? Yellow. Take your manicure up a notch by trying this intricate marbled design that uses different shades of yellow, as well as glitter and nail decals to finish the manicure.

These pastel nails feature a beautiful yellow colour with an accent nail that has a sunflower.

These pastel nails are minimal, but the yellow french tip sets them apart.

If you've been thinking about getting pastel nails to celebrate an occasion like Easter, why not add some fun bunny nail art to your set?

Watch This!

Pop Quiz

Watch the Cast of Fear Street Play a Creepy Game of Horror Movie "Would You Rather"

Cute pastels don't have to be relegated to one type of nail finish. Try using pastel colours on your next acrylic set for a softer take on the manicure. If you really want to take your nails to a different level, incorporate a diffused effect on the nails like you see here.

We love the watercolour finish on these pastel nails.

Looking to step up your pastel nail game? The addition of these hearts is a cute idea.

If you want to liven up an opaque manicure, manicurist Hannah Lee suggests adding sprinkle or dot designs like the ones seen here. "It's so easy to do, and you're able to use any colour you'd like to mix and match," she previously told POPSUGAR.

These pastel nails have a rainbow design as well as rhinestones.

These pastel nails have a gorgeous rainbow nail art in a swirl design.

Blue nails can easily veer too cool-toned depending on the shade used. If you can't decide on which shade you want but want to take part in the pastel nail-colour trend, we say get them all in a fun design like these side tips. This way, you can have a few fingers in your preferred pastel shade.

If you like the idea of blue pastel nails but you want to take things up a notch, try mixed media nails. This example features glitter, rhinestones, and a floral design.

If you're looking for a twist on a classic, try pastel nails in the form of a french tip.

If you like to keep things minimal, this pastel blue nail with a square edge would be the perfect inspo photo to bring to your next manicure.

Pastel pink nails are a perfect nod to the '90s without being overdone. "Barbie pink" remains one of the most well-loved pastel pink shades today, so the combination of trends makes this an easy go-to nail shade that you don't have to think about.

Love the idea of pastel nails in a pink shade but want a little something extra? Add a little nail evil eye art to a few nails.

The line and dot work on these pastel nails is simple, but makes a big statement.

These light pink pastel nails with butterfly nail art are pure perfection.

If you want to add a little something to your green pastel nails, try doing different shades or an accent finger with glitter.

Consider this colour the pastel version of the khaki green that Essie global lead educator Rita Remark previously told POPSUGAR would trend in 2023. As she predicted, this muted pastel is a bit more "casual and wearable" than the brighter, milky pastel greens we're used to seeing.

Although this shade is more muted, we think it's the perfect green hue for pastel nails.

We love these green pastel nails with daisy nail art.

French manicures were the go-to nail-art trend last year, and they're still holding strong two months into the new year. Spice up a basic french manicure by trying this two-toned gradient french manicure.

If you want to do something a little different with your pastel nails, curved french tips on almond shaped nails are a fun twist on the classic trend.

These square acrylic pastel nails with french tips are going on our mood board ASAP.

Loving your pastel nails with french tips but want to make them even more unique? Add nail art to each individual nail.

Orange is the quintessential nail colour for summer, and pastel orange is the softer, more understated version that works perfectly for spring. To give your pastel orange manicure an edgier look, try adding accent chrome nails.

If you aren't ready to commit to a full orange pastel nail look, try doing it halfway with pastel orange french tips.

These gorgeous orange pastel nails feature one finger with a marble detail, which we love.

Want to try pastel nails with a french tip with a twist? Try a fun diagonal line instead of the typical straight across.

Want More?

POPSUGAR Would Like To Send You Push Notifications.