- Pastel nails have been predicted to trend [1] in 2023.
- More traditional pastels are now giving way to elevated tones and chic nail-art designs [2].
- 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 [3], pastels are making a huge comeback," celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce [4] previously told POPSUGAR.
Aside from Gen Z's clear obsession with the Y2K aesthetic [5], 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.
Pastel Nails: Yellow
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.
Pastel Nails: Yellow With Sunflower Nail Art
These pastel nails feature a beautiful yellow colour with an accent nail that has a sunflower.
Pastel Nails: Yellow Tips
These pastel nails are minimal, but the yellow french tip sets them apart.
Pastel Nails: Yellow With Nail Art
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?
Pastel Nails: Ombré
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.
Pastel Nails: Watercolour
We love the watercolour finish on these pastel nails.
Pastel Nails: Hearts
Looking to step up your pastel nail game? The addition of these hearts is a cute idea.
Pastel Nails: Rainbow
If you want to liven up an opaque manicure, manicurist Hannah Lee [6] 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 [7].
Pastel Nails: Rainbow With Rhinestones
These pastel nails have a rainbow design as well as rhinestones.
Pastel Nails: Rainbow With Swirls
These pastel nails have a gorgeous rainbow nail art in a swirl design.
Pastel Nails: Blue
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.
Pastel Nails: Blue With Nail Art
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.
Pastel Nails: Blue French Manicure
If you're looking for a twist on a classic, try pastel nails in the form of a french tip.
Pastel Nails: Blue
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 Nails: Pink
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.
Pastel Nails: Pink With Nail Art
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.
Pastel Nails: Pink With Black Nail Art
The line and dot work on these pastel nails is simple, but makes a big statement.
Pastel Nails: Pink With Butterflies
These light pink pastel nails with butterfly nail art are pure perfection.
Pastel Nails: Green With Glitter
If you want to add a little something to your green pastel nails, try doing different shades or an accent finger with glitter.
Pastel Nails: Green
Consider this colour the pastel version of the khaki green that Essie global lead educator Rita Remark [8] 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.
Pastel Nails: Green
Although this shade is more muted, we think it's the perfect green hue for pastel nails.
Pastel Nails: Green With Daisies
We love these green pastel nails with daisy nail art.
Pastel Nails: Rainbow French Manicure
French manicures [9] 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.
Pastel Nails: Rainbow 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.
Pastel Nails: Rainbow French Manicure
These square acrylic pastel nails with french tips are going on our mood board ASAP.
Pastel Nails: Gradient French Manicure
Loving your pastel nails with french tips but want to make them even more unique? Add nail art to each individual nail.
Pastel Nails: Orange
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.
Pastel Nails: Orange French Manicure
If you aren't ready to commit to a full orange pastel nail look, try doing it halfway with pastel orange french tips.
Pastel Nails: Orange With Marble
These gorgeous orange pastel nails feature one finger with a marble detail, which we love.
Pastel Nails: Orange With Side-Tip French Manicure
Want to try pastel nails with a french tip with a twist? Try a fun diagonal line instead of the typical straight across.