Upgrade Those Winter Toes With Spring's Hottest Pedicure Trends

Everything turns green during spring, including your toenails. This matcha latte shade toes the line between earthy and pastel, with a creamy finish that’s right on trend. “Go milky versus opaque as it looks more expensive and grows out softer,” says Gerstein. Or if green polishes aren’t your thing, she suggests “adding a drop of white to any shade for that clouded spring finish.”

Butter yellow polish might not feel particularly groundbreaking this time of year, but top it off with a white chrome glaze and it starts looking brighter, lighter, and a little more unexpected. “Glass finishes and butter yellow will be taking over by summer,” says Gerstein, who adds that mixing the shade with “a tiny bit of clear” softens it and makes it way more wearable than you would think.

Another classic that’s getting a facelift? Pink. It’s basically a spring nude at this point because “it feels energetic, fresh, and perfect for the season,” says Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINsoon — but opalescent top coats are pushing it from staple to statement shade, adding dimension without overpowering the warm peachy-pink base.

That sheen does more than just catch the light, too. “Metallics and shimmers last the longest as they tend to hold onto the nail better,” says Gerstein, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to stretch time between appointments.

“Spring is all about sheer and airy colors, compared to winter’s heavy shades,” says Gerstein, which is exactly where lilac comes in. Slightly muted with foggy gray undertones, it’s a more understated take on purple pedicures. For a little extra impact, add a white French tip to keep things tonal — or “low contrast,” as Gerstein puts it: “Designs should feel elevated, not busy.”

An easy way to transition from winter pedicures is by sticking with a softer neutral — and this season, tan is proving it’s anything but boring. A magnetic polish introduces depth and texture, tapping into the shift toward “less nail art, more finish-driven looks,” as Choi puts it, for something that feels clean rather than overdone.

Mirror, mirror on the wall: What’s the coolest pedicure of them all? Chrome, of course. Full-blown metallics are everywhere right now, and for good reason. They can be futuristic and Y3K or relaxed and beachy (think oyster shell), depending on how you style them. This is one pedicure to leave to the pros, though. “Chrome is a very finicky finish if it’s not prepped and applied correctly,” says Masters.

No explanation needed — this is the kind of shade that instantly puts you in a better mood. Slightly minty, the bright blue polish pops against sun-kissed skin and makes everything look a little more luxe. “Lighter colors and pastel brights make a statement just on their own,” says Masters. Basically, it’s a Tiffany box on your toes — no nail art required.

Red toenails work year-round, but it’s all about choosing the right undertone for the season. For spring, that means turning up the saturation until it’s almost a “hot orange,” as Choi puts it. Masters agrees: “A bright, orange-toned red is one of the best statement colors because it can last from spring all the way until the end of summer.” To lean into the juiciness of it all, finish with a high-gloss, almost glassy top coat.

If the Pantone color of the year is any indication, marshmallow tones are having a moment. “On the way out are harsh white and neon jelly pedicures,” says Gerstein. In their place? A milky, diffused finish that skips the Wite-Out effect. “It’s super crisp and clean,” Masters adds. “And who doesn’t want that on their toes in the heat?”

For those who have trouble picking one shade, why bother? This fruit salad mix lets you wear them all — with glossy berry, sheer pink, and a few playful dots on the big toes for good measure. “I think polka dots are going to become really popular on pedicures,” Masters predicts. “They’re super cute, but also easy to DIY.” More fun than fussy, color-blocking and polka dots are the nail art trends to try this spring.

French tips get a new style du jour every season — but this time around, they’re going ghost. “The invisible French is big this season,” says Choi. “It’s a sheer-on-sheer look that’s clean, minimal, and very wearable.” She recommends starting with a soft pink base, like JINsoon’s Pixie, then layering a milky white on the tips for a seamless, airbrushed ombré effect.