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We’d like to have a word with Punxsutawney Phil. With the relentless news cycle and seasonal darkness, he could have spared us six more weeks of winter (and the record amount of snow we got here in New York City). We're happy to finally be entering spring, which means sunnier days and a fresh manicure.
According to professional nail artists, the coolest spring nail colors mirror our furry clairvoyant friend’s predictions. These gentle tones ease us into the warmer months and allow us to lean into the comforts we’re seeking after braving winter’s colder-than-average temperatures. Looking to feel more at peace? Perhaps you’ll enjoy glancing down at fog-blue painted nails. Craving energy without the jitters? Choose a creamy matcha shade, which looks especially zingy against deeper skin tones. In the mood for something sweet? Try a yummy berry hue. Ahead, discover all the spring nail color trends of 2026—slowly but surely helping us out of hibernation with every coat.
In this storyLargeChevron
- Fog Blue
- Brick Red
- Sheer Chantilly Cream
- Matcha latte
- Juicy berry
Fog Blue
Courtesy of @jinsoon
Courtesy of @jinsoon
Courtesy of @avrnailswatches
Courtesy of @manucurist
At the top of the year, we predicted that fog blue would be one of 2026’s biggest nail color trends, and look, we were right. The pros we phoned say that this is the season we’ll see it most. “A moody blue feels relevant because we’re living in complicated times,” says Jin Soon Choi, a New York City-based nail artist and brand founder. “It doesn’t try too hard, yet it feels very cool in a stylish way.”
Miss Pop, a New York City-based nail artist, echoes this sentiment. “Powdery blue was arguably one of the most coveted shades of the ’90s, especially if you had the matching ring that came with the Hard Candy bottle,” she says. This year, Miss Pop says the nostalgic hue is back, "calmer and just as covetable."
Choi sent her shade Sea Clay down the runway for the Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2026 show. It’s a medium-blue with a hint of gray, like an often-washed pair of jeans. We also like the Olive and June Nail Polish in Torrential (a similar color) for its creaminess.
For a hazier take on the trend, go for Manucurist Green Natural Nail Polish in Mist Grey, Los Angeles-based nail artist Sarah Chue’s recommendation for this trend. “It’s like a misty morning by the ocean,” she says.
Brick Red
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Courtesy of @jinsoon
Courtesy of @matejanova
It isn’t hot-rod red, nor is it terra-cotta. Brick red sits snugly in the middle. “It feels strong, but grounded,” says Choi, who swept her brand’s polish in Idyll across the models’ nails at the Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2026 show. We also like the Gitti Plant-Based Nail Colour in No. 113 Rust Red for a shade just as earthy.
Chue is also loving brick red right now, adding that it’s a common winter color that can easily be repurposed for spring wardrobes. Her pick? In The Conservatory by Orly, which leans more toward terra-cotta.
Sheer Chantilly Cream
Courtesy of @jinsoon
Courtesy of @jinsoon
Courtesy of @matejanovaCourtesy of @sabletoothtiger
If nude nails and milk nails were having a baby—and throwing a shotgun wedding—it would be this trend. It’s a sheer layer of bright white polish, explains Bana Jarjour, a Los Angeles-based nail artist. It’s feather-light, like the glossy cellophane you’d wrap a wedding favor in, and has a “clean, healthy-looking finish,” says Choi.
Choi recommends her brand’s nail polish in Dew. (One layer is a translucent veil of white, while multiple layers shine like Mikado silk.) Jarjour’s choice is the slightly more-opaque CND Shellac Studio Polish in Studio White. And we love The Londontown Lakur in Bubbly Ever After. With finely milled glitter, it’s similar to the aforementioned cellophane, except you chose the shinier, more iridescent pack for your last-minute festivities.
Matcha latte
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Courtesy of @avrnailswatches
Courtesy of @inlp
Courtesy of @leminimacaron
According to Miss Pop, milky matcha is the green of the season. Now, we’re not here to judge how you like your matcha. There are no snobs on Team Allure! Maybe you enjoy it with nondairy milk. Then try Essie Nail Polish in Crunch Crunch, which both Jarjour and Miss Pop gush about, or Chanel Le Vernis in Cavalier Seul, Chue’s slightly earthier recommendation. Perhaps you prefer your matcha with full-fat creamer. The pastel-green INLP Secret Garden or Ella + Mila nail polish in Sacred Sage will satisfy your palate. Or maybe you drink it straight up, the way it’s enjoyed in Uji, Japan, in which case, check out Nailberry’s Love You So Matcha: bolder in color, but with the creamy feel of tea that’s been properly sifted and whisked.
Juicy berry
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Courtesy of @avrnailswatches
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Courtesy of @opi by @sedjames
It’s berry season (maybe not according to actual farmers), but it is to the beauty pros we asked. “A pink-berry polish provides an easy transition into lighter shades without going too bright,” says Jarjour.
It might be a little early to visit your favorite farm, but nothing is stopping you from indulging in the trend on your nails. There’s a bushel of options to choose from: Chanel Le Vernis in Activiste are a dark raspberry (and Jarjour’s go-to), while Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Drop That Beet will remind you of a mixed-berry smoothie. Or perhaps you’re craving a more decadent blackberry, in which case we suggest OPI Nail Polish in In The Cable Car-Pool Lane. Regardless, top it with a glossy topcoat, says Jarjour, to make your mani look extra juicy.
Meet the experts
- Jin Soon Choi is a New York City-based nail artist and founder of nail-care brand JinSoon.
- Sarah Chue is a Los Angeles-based nail artist.
- Bana Jarjour is a Los Angeles-based nail artist.
- Miss Pop is a New York City-based nail artist.
