Experts Agree—These 3 Nail Colours Will Be Everywhere This Spring

While there's plenty of delight to be found in the now (looking at you cosy jumpers, gorgeous coats, and latest crop of It boots), we still can't stop our minds from wandering to spring. Of course, we can't tell you what the next few months will look like—no crystal ball is powerful enough to do that level of foretelling—but with so much promise pinned on 2021, we're already getting excited about what the warmer months may have in store. The hope is that we'll get to wear the fancy dresses and high heels that were made redundant in the wake of lockdown. Until such an opportunity presents itself, there is another, incredibly easy way to switch up, nay, reignite your style for the year ahead: a new wardrobe of nail colours. 

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

A new slick of nail colour is one of the fastest ways to freshen up your look. And while we'll always love the moody winter manicure palette, there's no denying that bright and punchy shades are more eye-catching and make a considered statement. But which hues are set to be big news this year?

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

To find out, we thought we'd ask experts in the nail industry for their predictions. Scroll below to see the 2021 nail colour trends those in the know are backing. 

HANG NGUYEN PREDICTS:

RETRO GREEN

Hang Nguyen's nail-art wizardry has cemented her status as an in-demand A-list editorial nail artist, working with the likes of Mindy Kaling and Isla Fisher on the regular. For 2021, she's favouring a marmite nail colour. "I’m always on the lookout for different shades to try," she explains. "A '70s-inspired shade of green with yellow undertones is my current drool-over colour, and I hope people begin to see its awesomeness."

Follow Hang Nguyen at @thehangedit.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

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(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

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MAZZ HANNA PREDICTS:

FRESH MINT

When it comes to decorating the nails of the stars, Mazz Hanna knows her way around a famous finger, having polished the talons of Julia Roberts, Emma Roberts, and Nicole Richie. Which nail colour does she think will be a hit this year? "It's been a while since mint has been on-trend for nails, but prepare to see it everywhere in 2021," she says. "It's timeless, seasonless, and looks great on every skin tone. I also think the bare-nail trend will continue into next year, so I wouldn't be surprised if we continue to see more natural buff and shine and sheer nudes.”

Follow Mazz Hanna at @callmemazz

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(Image credit: @callmemazz)

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(Image credit: @hannastefansson)

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QUEENIE NGUYEN PREDICTS:

BUBBLEGUM PINK

Another celebrity manicurist with serious clout in Hollywood, Queenie Nguyen's work has made headlines across the world, particularly the seriously cool yellow nails she bestowed Saoirse Ronan with at 2020's Critics Choice Awards. Her nail colour pick for 2021 proves to be just as big a statement. "Bright and bold will be the main nail trends to watch for this year. Bubblegum pink is a fun colour to kick off with in spring, as it offers a nice switch-up from the taupes and darks post-winter."

Follow Queenie Nguyen at @nailartbyqueenie.

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next up, these basic nail colours look good on everyone.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.