There is no shortage of imagery that comes to mind when we think of spring. The most obvious visual hallmarks of the season include flowers and pastel colors such as pink, baby blue and yellow. We often see these classic elements incorporated into spring nail designs, and they make for beautiful sets.

Nail artist Sophie Brampton (@sophiemaybeautyx) says that pastels are popular spring colors because “they add a bit of brightness into our lives after such a gloomy winter.” She believes we’ll be seeing a lot of greens in particular in spring nail designs this year.

For the clients who want trendy spring nail designs, do you know how to achieve the looks they see on Instagram? Have you ever thought about incorporating watercolors? How about a bright set of asymmetrical French tips? These designs can elevate any client’s spring nail look instantly.

If you’re struggling to come up with new and fresh nail designs that will make your clients feel ready for spring, or if you’re not really sure how to execute the trends, here are a few ideas and tips for you to take into consideration.

1. Abstract Spring Nails

Abstract nails are a monumental trend right now, and it’s no surprise that these gallery-worthy designs look amazing in traditional spring colors.

The hand-painting element allows you a lot of creative freedom and room to play around with different colors and shapes. In addition to using pastels for a spring-inspired nail design, adding a pop of glitter, gold foil, or a bold stripe of black can really jazz up the look. The key is not to overdo it on the design—keep it simple. Stick with a palette of 3-5 colors, including the base color of the other nails. This will make the entire set look cohesive. Abstract also looks best when used as an accent nail design, so having only one or two abstract nails per hand makes for a visually interesting set.

2. Floral Watercolor Designs

Floral nail designs are an undeniable spring favorite. But for the clients that want a little more uniqueness, you can level up your floral designs with some delicate, hand painted watercolors.

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Nail artist Stef Elkins (@nailsbystepf) explains that “Watercolors are great for spring designs and all year round because they don’t create any bulk, and they can be customized to show dimension and give the appearance of texture.” She also appreciates how watercolor designs look beautiful with a matte or glossy finish. There are tons of different ways to do watercolor nails, but here are the steps that Elkins follows:

  1. Paint onto a matte nail so the watercolor sticks. You can use a matte top coat or lightly buff the polish.
  2. Using a narrow striper brush and high-quality watercolors, paint your design and allow to dry.
  3. Lastly, apply your top coat. If you want the design to be matte, first use a shiny top coat and then a matte top coat to avoid smearing the watercolor. Painting with watercolors might require a bit of practice if you’re a first timer, but it feels easy once you get the hang of it. As a sidenote, watercolor works great for creating flowers and other spring imagery, but it’s a great choice for abstract designs as well.

3. Vibrant French Tips

As you probably know, classic pink and white French tips have gotten a total makeover. Now it’s all about color.

Using the right shades will turn your client’s French set into one truly worthy of the spring season. This is one design in which pastels and bright colors can really shine. Whether you stick with one color or opt for a rainbow, colorful French tips are bound to make your client feel on trend.

For a little extra intrigue, paint (or sculpt) the tip in an atypical shape, such as a deep “V” or an asymmetrical curve. Adding a unique accent nail or some extra elements like gems can also boost the visual appeal.

No matter what the groundhog says, we still feel like spring is right around the corner. If your clients come in wanting their spring nail designs a little early, be sure you have everything you need to fulfill those colorful desires.

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