May has arrived, and I'm totally here for it. Finally, we're getting some warm weather, there are bank holidays aplenty, and the fact that summer is stretching out before us has me in the happiest mindset. So it's only natural that I'm looking for optimistic nail colours to wear in May to match the sunny outlook and tap into 2023's nail trends.
Spring is the ideal time to hit refresh on your usual red, neutral or pink nail colours and try something new. Pastels always work well at this time of the year, as does floral nail art. Florals, for spring? While they're not groundbreaking, they are certainly a pretty seasonal refresh to your regular mani. We're continuing to see the chrome 'glazed donut' manicure reign in nail salons up and down the country as well as those clean-girl nails and milky nails. Plus, there are even some summer nail trends that are starting to crop up too.
So which nail colours are trending in May? To find out, I scrolled through the IG accounts of the best nail technicians and well-manicured hands to find out exactly which nail colours will be trending this month. If you're looking for some nail colour inspiration for your next nail appointment or DIY'ing at home, scroll on ahead to see the coolest nail colours I found.
May Nail Colours
1. Matcha Green
Green has been trending for a while now, but I'm particularly enjoying this springtime twist with matcha and pistachio tones. Everyone wants to be seen in green in May.
I love this muted green nail colour.
Short nails and green make a winning combination.
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2. Milk Nails
That's right—milky nails are here to stay, with just about everyone after this flattering white-pink wash of colour that suits all skin tones. To get your perfect shade, try layering sheer whites or pinks to let your natural nails shine through.
A milky base makes your nail plate look bright and healthy.
Just in case you needed any more convincing, milky pink nail colours will see you through any occasion this month.
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3. Bluebell
Spring is the perfect excuse to dust off those brighter polishes that you may have stowed away during the winter. This bright blue-purple hue makes nails pop.
Even nail minimalists can get on board with just a dot of bright blue on each nail.
This French tip outline looks great rendered in blue.
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4. Buttercup
Yellow nails will be big news this month, no doubt in part due to Mrs. Bieber choosing vibrant yellows for her manicures lately. Whether you choose vibrant yellow or soft butter tones, there is a shade to sun everyone.
These yellow French tips give me all the springtime feels.
Soft yellows are equally pretty at this time of the year.
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5. Lavender
I'm in love with lavender right now, and I'm seeing it all over my IG feeds. It's the perfect alternative to pink for a spring update that isn't OTT.
Lilac lends itself well to abstract negative-space nail art.
I think I might book in for this exact lilac French tip design at my next nail appointment.
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6. Spring Green
Bright greens are a breath of fresh air right now, whether you opt for zesty lime, bold apple or pastel green.
This juicy apple green hue is perfect for spring.
A slither of bright green looks so chic.
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7. Petal Pink
We can depend on pink nail colours year-round to take us through any occasion, but they really come into their own during the warm weather, making them appropriate for work to weddings.
This pale pink polish is so pretty.
Blush tones flatter all skin tones—they're a safe bet if you can't decide what colour to pick.
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8. Sky Blue
Okay, while we can't guarantee good weather in May, we can secure a sunny outlook for out fingertips instead. Sky blue nails will be everywhere this month.
This blue shade immediately makes me feel excited for warm weather.
Abstract nail art is a great way to dabble in a touch of blue nail colour.
Shop the trend:
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