Spring Nail Colors: A Modern Refresh for March
As the chill of winter begins to fade, signs of spring emerge—hemlines rise, flowers bloom, and our nail polish choices shift from dark and moody to light and vibrant. This March, nail colors are getting an airy, modern refresh, moving away from the sugary pastels of previous seasons to embrace a more sophisticated palette.
A Shift in Color Trends
Pro nail artist Olha Shtanhei notes a significant shift in the nail color landscape this spring. “Instead of bright, sugary pastels or playful neons, we’re seeing a rise in softened, nature-inspired tones that are more subtle,” she explains. This season’s palette is calmer and more wearable, reflecting a refined aesthetic. Celebrity nail artist Taku Okamura echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that spring polishes are becoming cleaner and sharper, steering clear of the traditional Easter basket hues.
Shtanhei describes the overall mood as polished, effortless, and quietly confident. “Spring 2026 is less about loud statements and more about thoughtful color choices,” she adds. Alongside nature-inspired pastels, expect to see barely-there metallic finishes and timeless pops of red.
Top Nail Colors for March
Here are five expert-recommended nail colors to consider for your first manicure of spring:
1. Faded Blue Jeans
This season, blue takes on a soft, muted tone reminiscent of washed denim or a clear spring sky. Shtanhei suggests looking for pale, icy shades that almost border on gray. For a subtle shimmer, try Sundays L.09. Alternatively, Mooncat’s Flying Nimbus offers a unique thermal polish that shifts from baby blue to brilliant cerulean based on your body temperature.
2. Succulent Green
As nature awakens, so do our manicure choices. Muted gray-greens, akin to succulent leaves, are set to be a major trend this spring. Shtanhei recommends Mineral Fusion’s Mint to Be for a refreshing touch, or Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Thyme Is Money, a muted sage that acts as a versatile neutral.
3. Crisp Lavender
Lavender emerges as the sophisticated older sister of baby pink this season. It feels fresh, modern, and quietly elegant without being overly sweet. Shtanhei highlights ultra-pale shades like OPI’s Hue Is the Artist? for a minimalist look, while blue-toned lavenders such as MiniLuxe’s Camelot and GelCare’s Lavender Water add a romantic touch—perfect for a spring picnic.
4. Tomato Red
As winter’s deep reds fade, vibrant tomato shades take center stage. Okamura predicts a rise in vivid reds with golden undertones and opaque cream finishes. The brighter, the better! To achieve a professional look, prioritize nail prep by using a cuticle dissolver and a glass cuticle pusher before applying your polish.
5. Milky Pearl
Chunky glitter is out, and sheer, ultra-fine shimmer is in. Both Okamura and Shtanhei recommend polishes that provide a pearly, glazed effect in shades of milky white, champagne, and ballet-slipper pink. For DIY gel manicure enthusiasts, Après Astral Gel Couleur in Balance offers an off-white with gold that beautifully reflects the spring sun.
Embrace the Season
With these expert-recommended shades, your nails can reflect the beauty and renewal of spring. Whether you opt for soft pastels or bold reds, this season’s nail colors promise to elevate your style and embrace the essence of spring.
