SS26 nails

Minimal vs maximal

Two nail artists with different specialisms share their trend predictions for the upcoming season with Josie Jackson

When it comes to nail trends, most clients’ preferences tend to align with one of two themes: minimalism or maximalism. Whether your client base falls firmly into one camp, or sees a combination of both, these are the colours and techniques driving trends this spring and summer.

Subtle, simple and sophisticated

Minimalist nails may look effortless, but achieving a clean, modern finish takes just as much skill, precision and preparation as more elaborate designs.

Less is more

This season, the pared-back approach is being elevated with a high-shine finish. For clients seeking a “less-is-more” look, glossy nails are the order of the moment. Flat mattes are out, and “soapy” manicures are in, according to Vienna Marchant, a gel nail artist and founder of The Gel Studio Academy in Somerset. As to whether milky, glazed nails are outperforming classic nude shades, Marchant is seeing a clear shift in client demand. “This is largely thanks to celebrity influence and what we’re constantly seeing online – I’m noticing barely any requests for opaque, true nudes and seeing a real shift towards softer, milky pink shades instead.”

Instagram and TikTok are where many clients discover new nail ideas, with celebrity looks and trending finishes quickly filtering into everyday salon requests. Rather than simply saving ideas for later, Marchant is quick to trial emerging finishes and shades with clients, adapting them for everyday minimalism. “Hailey Bieber nails are always bought to me for inspiration, she has great taste in nail designs,” she says.

Whether your clients prefer long or short nails, builder gel can add strength and durability – making it a popular choice for clients who want low-maintenance wear without compromising on appearance. “Almost all of my clients who opt for a minimal manicure choose builder gel,” shares Marchant. “The shades tend to be more opaque than some milky gel polishes, which helps achieve that perfect clean look.”

Core colours

Minimalist nails don’t have to mean an absence of colour, with spring and summer trends leaning towards soft hues such as buttery yellows and powder pinks. While some clients will be happy with a block shade, Marchant suggests experimenting with pastel French tips on a milky base. If your client is prepared to take their manicure one step further, she suggests adding a clear glazed chrome over the top, explaining, “It just takes the look to the next level.”

French nails aren’t the only option within the minimalist brief, with ombré finishes also proving popular. “It suits any hand, any colour, any occasion, and can once again be paired with chrome – or even a sparkly topcoat,” says Marchant.

The future of minimalism

Looking ahead to SS26, Marchant expects minimalist nails to continue evolving through refined finishes and subtle colour updates, rather than a full pivot to maximalism. Think pared-back bases with elevated effects, like cat-eye accents or simple chrome washes.

Pared-back bases remain key, although subtle contrast is set to play a bigger role, with simple designs such as polka dots and stripes offering impact without overwhelming the nail. “I’m seeing a surge of brown and baby blue designs, but I have a feeling that butter yellow will also make a comeback this year, and that will also complement rich brown tones nicely.”

While playful nail trends have their place, Marchant believes some looks have been pushed to the point of fatigue. “To be honest I’m hoping that inverted and double French tips will be left in 2025,” she admits.

Meanwhile, when it comes to marketing trends, she believes some people are working too hard to make something out of nothing. “People were just painting their clients’ nails a pastel shade, then calling it something like ‘blueberry milkshake’ or ‘matcha milk’. If you’re not experimenting with textures and finishes, what makes it a ‘milkshake’?” Marchant questions.

Bright, bold and bespoke

Nails are increasingly becoming one of the most expressive elements of personal style, offering endless opportunities to play with colour, texture, length and statement design.

Colour cues

The beauty of maximalist nails lies in their lack of rules – and with spring and summer approaching, there’s no shortage of inspiration for nail techs to tap into. Last year saw picnic-themed sets surge in popularity, and this season, Birmingham-based nail artist Natasha Payne, co-owner of Ace of Nails Studio, predicts their return. “I think we’ll see a lot of pastel tones paired with gingham designs,” she says, evoking kitschy tablecloths and sun-soaked afternoons in the park.

As the season moves into summer, citrus motifs are also set to shine. Drawing on the escapism of Sicilian holidays, these designs lend themselves perfectly to bold pops of colour and 3D embellishments.

Payne also recommends experimenting with airbrushing techniques to seamlessly blend colours within a single design.

When it comes to standout shades, soft yellows paired with rich oranges, alongside varying tones of blue top her list. Meanwhile, cat-eye finishes and chromes remain a go-to for clients seeking maximalist manicures – whether as a full set or an accent detail.

The perfect canvas

When you think of maximalist nails, you usually picture longer styles. However, this doesn’t suit every client’s preference and shouldn’t be a barrier to creative design. “The nail itself is the canvas, no matter the length, so we work together and come up with something that will work,” says Payne. “But it’s important to discuss this with your client, sharing what won’t work for their desired length, so they don’t leave disappointed.”

Clear comms

Some clients arrive with a clear vision, bringing reference images, while others come in completely open-minded. With a strong portfolio showcased across social media, Payne regularly works with both types.

“I often have clients who come with a loose brief but aren’t sure how to translate it into a design. That gives me creative freedom to create something that works with the nail length while still fitting their ideas. Those sets usually turn out the best – and they’re unique to the client,” she says.

If clients come with a specific design in mind, Payne emphasises the importance of asking plenty of questions. “You don’t want to feel lost or unsure of the end result,” she says. She encourages clients to bring photo references, and for particularly intricate designs she’ll even sketch them out first.

A world of possibilities

Where nail techs find inspiration is often shaped by their client base. Payne, for example, works with a heavily alternative clientele, meaning her influences tend to come less from mainstream social media trends or red carpets, and more from concerts, films and personal interests. One client might want to recreate album artwork, while another may draw from the theme of an artist’s tour. Fashion trends also play a role in the colour palettes clients choose.

Alongside drawing inspiration from artwork, prints and patterns, Payne looks to other nail artists – but she stresses the importance of giving credit. “As a nail tech, it’s essential to acknowledge where inspiration comes from. I always tag and reference other artists, because I know firsthand how disheartening it can be to see your work reused without credit,” she says.

For Payne, inspiration is everywhere. “Don’t feel pressured to follow trends you don’t enjoy, and don’t be afraid to get experimental,” she advises. “Nails are the perfect creative canvas – they last around a month, so you can always go bold now and return to basics next time.”