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Nail trends are ever-changing, and often the finishing touch to complete an outfit.
Some may prefer bare nails, others extravagant talons with nail art and 3D embellishment à la Cynthia Erivo, and there is a place for it all.
If you like a naked nail and you want to preserve the nail there are a variety of treatments to shop, as well as clear polish to give your fingertips some TLC.
If you love a classic red nail there are plenty of tones to choose from – pillow box red, cherry red, villain red, deep berry tones, the list goes on. While others may wish to experiment with other bold colours, such as vibrant yellow or blue tones.
Then of course there is nail art, which can range from a pop of metallic, cat’s eyes, mirrored effect, different patterns, colours, animal prints, and bespoke blends. That’s all before we get on to the finish, which can be matte or ultra glossy.
Whether you have nail extensions, BIAB, gel or a traditional polish, we have whittled down the nail colour trends to request for your next visit to the salon, or for your DIY home mani.
We spoke with numerous manicurists, experts and brand representatives to give us a full insight into the most popular, and requested, nail polish tones.
Lynn Mason, the in-house expert at multi-award winning Swiss nail care brand, Mavala, shared her predictions: “2025 is set to be a year of bold self-expression and sustainable choices in nail trends. More consumers are seeking eco-friendly polishes, and nail enhancements that are cruelty-free and made with non-toxic ingredients, so nail health will be paramount.
“In terms of colour, we’re seeing a surge in demand for high-impact designs like metallic accents, 3D textures, and vibrant colour gradients, this will sit alongside a return to minimalist styles such as milky neutrals and darker shades for those who prefer a subtler look”, she continued.
So without further ado, read on for the hit nail trends and the best polishes to create the look.
Shop The Nail Trends Of 2025
1. Villain Nails
Blood-red tones, inky blues, jet-black and moody patterns spring to mind when you think of evil villains in movies. But it doesn’t have to be a trend only femme fatales, mischievous masterminds, or the Wicked Witch of the West opts for, as it is a huge trend we can nail (pardon the pun) for everyday wear too.
This trend invites nail enthusiasts to be playful, whether it is through the colours, patterns, nail length or shape. Opt for long pointed nail extensions, cats eyes, magnetic nail art, or two-tone illusions on shorter nails for a mystical finish. In short, the more dramatic and moody, the better.
Shop Villain-inspired Nails
Mylee Dystopia Gel Polish
Mylee’s Dystopia Gel Polish is the epitome of villain nails.It offers a deep red hue, with a glass-like finish when set under a UV lamp. Apply one coat to combine this trend with the classic red nail polish trend, which never dates, or layer on thick to create a deep blood-like tone. This polish is cruelty-free, HEMA-free, and is long-lasting for up to three weeks without any chipping.
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Leighton Denny Kinky Boots in Opaque Metallic
Iridescent tones are a great way to create an opulent and mystical look at your fingertips, and the Kinky Boots metallic shade achieves exactly that.This tone blends deep midnight blue tones, with purple, and green hues, for a 3D finish. There is a subtle shimmer and sparkle to this polish, which adds to the magical aesthetic.
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Essie Nail Polish 49 Wicked Deep Dark Red Colour
Essie’s Wicked nail polish is a deep dark red tone, which verges on looking black, which is exactly what the villain nail trend aims to achieve.The wide brush makes for easy application and a seamless finish without any streaks from the brush.It is easy to use, quick drying, and leaves a high shine finish.
BUY NOW FOR £8.992. Deep Blue Nails
Blue is a nail trend that comes and goes, but it is back in fashion once again. When nailing the trend a rich midnight blue is the shade to opt for, though royal blue is a popular alternative. It is bold, electrifying and cool, plus it ties in nicely with the villain nail trend as blue nails are a bit more unusual and mysterious than the classic nude, red and brown tones.
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Mavala Mini Colour Nail Polish in Pearl, 269 Deep Blue
Mavala is my favourite for miniature nail polishes to take on the go.But size isn’t everything as these bottles prove because a little goes a long way. There is method in the madness, as Mavala has specifically opted for a small bottle to avoid drying out the product, and to combat waste. This mystical tone offers a slight pearlescent finish, which makes a statement on its own, or layered under a glitter top layer.
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Leighton Denny Jet Setter
The award-winning nail polish is a timeless classic you can wear all year round, as it is a welcome alternative to the traditional red tones. The midnight blue shade is perfect for short, as well as long nails, and offers a slight two-tone finish.
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Spotlight Shine Gel Effect Nail Varnish in Why So Blue?
For those wanting a salon-like gel manicure, but for less, Collection’s Spotlight Shine Gel Nail Varnish is the affordable option. This vegan formula delivers a strong pigment, and high shine finish, which is long lasting and durable.
BUY NOW FOR £3.993. Mocha Mousse
This nail colour trend has stemmed from Pantone announcing Mocha Mousse as the Colour of the Year.
Mavala’s in-house expert, Lynn Mason, highlighted that Mocha Mousse is the ultimate nail trend of 2025, and the perfect neutral, which can be adapted to complement all skin tones, nail lengths and desired finishes.
ORLY’s Global Ambassador, Lou Stokes, noted the trend was gaining traction at the end of 2024, but will be adapted slightly for 2025. She told us: ‘Dark rich espresso shades were a statement look towards the end of last year and, with the announcement of Pantone’s Colour of the year Mocha Mousse, this is set to continue in 2025, but with a slightly softer look. Mocha Mousse nails are a paler, creamier tone, which is perfect for Spring.’
Shop Mocha Mousse Nail Polish
Mavala Terra-Topia Mini Nail Polish Collection in Fez
Mavala’s Fez Nail polish is a brown beige tone, which is warm and subtle.This shade is ideal for those who love a bare or nude nail colour, but with a modern twist. The thick brush, combined with the small pot, makes for an effortless home pamper as one stroke on each nail is all you need.
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Chanel Le Vernis in Particulière
Chanel’s nail polish selection may be some of the more high end price tags we have seen, but with the premium price comes top quality polish. Chanel has re-formulated this polish with a higher concentration of pigment, and nail-loving ingredients, including camellia eco-ceramides, which is a natural ingredient the brand developed to create a high shine and long-wearing product that is gentle on the nail. It also features a new wide brush for smooth application.
BUY NOW FOR £29
Orly Nail Polish in Country Club Khaki
The Orly Country Club Khaki nail polish is a subtle take on mocha mousse, which we would liken to an iced latte rather than a decadent mocha.It is perfectly suited to all skin tones, and bridges the gap between the popular milky nail aesthetic and the trendy mocha mousse movement. It is a long-wearing polish, while the grip cap makes it easy to hold the brush and prevent it slipping out of your hand mid-mani.
BUY NOW FOR £9.954. Butter Yellow
Butter yellow, or pastel yellow, is all of the runways this Fashion Week, and the perfect tone for summer dressing. But it is also suitable for our nails too. In fact, opting for butter yellow nails is a simple way to ease into the trend if you’re not quite brave enough for a yellow ensemble. But this soft, cheerful and spring-inspired colour is not to be confused with beige – yes, there is a difference.
Not only has butter yellow been recognised as one of Pinterest’s top five colour trends for 2025, but Orly’s expert has confirmed it is having a moment in the nail sector too.
What we love is it is a fun and playful alternative to the milky nail trends we have previously requested in the salon, and it is ideal for the summer season.
Shop Butter Yellow Nail Polish
OPI Infinite Shine Gel Like Polish in This Chic Is Bananas
This durable polish resembles a gel manicure, but without the cost of heading to a salon, or the need for a UV lamp to set the polish thanks to the pre-cured technology. This polish has been described as a 'banana yellow crème', which is the perfect description as it is not a bright yellow like a banana, but a muted take instead. It promises 11-days of wear without chipping.
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Nails.Inc Plant Power Nail Polish in Planet Perfect
Shopping for HEMA and cruelty-free, Halal nail polish? Nails Inc has created an affordable nail polish to tick those boxes.It is also free from formaldehyde, acetone, parabens, and other nasties. This 73% plant-based formula is not only gentle on the nail, but longwearing, and pigmented enough for a bold colour.
BUY NOW FOR £6.30 (WAS £9)
Orly Breathable Cesium The Day
If you want to opt for a brighter yellow nail polish, Orly’s Cesium The Day is sunshine in a bottle. It also boasts a shimmer finish to elevate the bold look even more.
BUY NOW FOR £4.995. Soap Nails
Soap nails are exactly what you would assume, it is a trend that focuses on milky tones, soft pink shades, and semi-sheer coverage. Essentially, this nail aesthetic is your natural nail, but better.
Speaking about the trend, Orly’s representative shared: “These extremely shiny well-groomed nails give a luxurious squeaky clean look hence the name soap nails. Look for a sheer pink or nude shade that compliments your skin tone. It’s the fanciful equivalent of the ‘no make-up, make-up’ trend.”
Lou insisted the base and topcoat are the key to making the soap nail trend look professional, and long-lasting. She also suggested beauty enthusiasts can mix colours to achieve the perfectly natural shade that matches their nail colour.
Shop Soap Nail Polish
Manucurist Active Shine
If you are looking to enhance your natural nail, but with an added twist, Manucurist’s Active Shine is the solution. This nail polish and nail care hybrid acts as a nourishing treatment, and provides a gentle colour to your nail. Formulated with beet extract and AHA to treat, protect and moisturise your nail, combined with hexanal to harden the nail to void brittle nails.This clean formula can be applied once to treat your nails, or twice for care and colour.
BUY NOW FOR £16
Essie Nail Polish in 6 Ballet Slippers
Essie’s Ballet Slippers is said to be the nail polish shade Kate Middleton wears. So if you want to nail the clean girl aesthetic, and effortless glam right down to your fingertips, this is the product for you. Ballet Slippers offers a milky pink colour, which complements all outfits, skin tones, and nail lengths. While the first coat is subtle and sheer, you can apply more layers for more opacity.
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