Prettiest May Colors for 2025 Nails: Fresh Spring & Summer Nail Ideas in Pink, Blue, Orange & More

This is the season when hydrangeas and nail art ideas both seem to be blooming. What if you could use your mani to do more than just look nice? Couldn’t it really capture the mood of May 2025—full of hope, daring and always new? Whether you’re team short, obsessed with solid gel polish, or just looking for your next Pinterest mood board moment, I’ve lined up the prettiest May colors for 2025 nails that scream Spring-to-Summer glow-up. Ready to fall for your next favorite combo?

Classic Fuchsia on Almond Elegance

In May, this bright fuchsia looks especially lovely when combined with an almond-shaped design. The smooth finish reflects light beautifully, making the look feel just right for spring brunches and late summer parties. It’s bold, shameless and full of character—the pink that doesn’t need to be asked to shine; it just does.

If you want this shade, use Gelish “Make You Blink Pink” or OPI’s “Madame President” in gel. These tones look equally bomb on pale skin and tan skin, which is great if you’re between seasons or already rocking your first spray tan.

The best way to DIY this? First, use CND Stickey as your base, then apply two layers of fuchsia gel and cure each layer for 60 seconds under a UV lamp. Ensure you top with a glossy Seche Vite Gel. You’ll find that this color is so cheerful, it makes you smile at your nails.

There’s just something about this pink—it’s not soft or shy, it’s punchy. And on almond nails? Total power move. I’ve worn this outfit to an outdoor wine tasting and a work meeting on Zoom and it worked well both times. That’s a win.

High Drama Purple on Coffin Cut

The strong and mysterious purple in a coffin shape is both elegant and trendy. It’s not too dark, so it looks great with everyday outfits, especially when you add soft denim and a few stacked rings. This isn’t just a shade—it’s a statement.

I rely on DND Gel Polish in “Poetic Purple” or LeChat’s Perfect Match in “Majestic Violet” for this shade. They look wonderful on brown and dark skin, adding depth without making the color look dull.

To do it yourself, make your nails into a soft square with edges that taper inward. Apply a strengthening base coat (especially if you’re going long), then go in with two gel layers. Select a gel top coat that holds up to chipping and adds shine; the Non-Wipe Top Coat from Kiara Sky is what you’ll want.

If you’re looking for a nail polish that feels like a velvet blazer, this is the one for you. I once wore this color for an impromptu girls’ weekend in the city, and not only did I feel extra, but I also got compliments from two baristas and a stranger on the subway. Yup, it’s that magnetic.

Gradient Blues for Sky-High Vibes

Blues in pastel and navy which are found in ombré, pay tribute to the May sky itself. It’s easy to make the transition, much like watching clouds move and the look suits both short and long nails. It’s calm and yet has a touch of elegance, just right for summer linen and refreshing oat lattes.

You can get this look by using “Angelfish” from Olive & June, “You Do Blue” from Essie or “Ryan” from Zoya. If you’d like to experiment further, combine matte and glossy top coats for interesting results.

I discovered from a nail tech on Instagram that you can use a makeup sponge to dab your ombré layers while the polish is still wet. After that, brush the edges with acetone and cover the entire piece with a clear top coat.

It’s the type of manicure that helps you relax, especially when your week is hectic. For me, the best way to wear this is with soft and textured outfits such as waffle knits or silk pajamas.

Blue Butterfly Accent with Glossy Finish

Here’s something surprising: a royal blue nail with a white accent nail showing a butterfly and “love.” There’s a nice balance between the cool, bold and attractive look. It’s giving Pinterest board come to life.

I’ve tried many colors, but Beetles Gel Polish in “Royal Navy” adds the most depth and you can use nail stickers from Maniology or Daily Charme for the butterfly design.

If you’re doing your nails yourself, paint all your nails blue except the ring finger. Once your base polish is dry, either use a decal or paint your pattern with a fine brush and white gel polish. Finish the whole project with a top coat for a beautiful shiny effect.

This one’s got that main-character energy, no doubt. The butterfly? It’s soft rebellion in one tiny wing. I’ve worn similar art designs when I needed a reminder to be a little softer with myself—and it always worked.

Blue and Green Primary Pop

Bright blue and green always have a playful feel and this mani uses saturation to great effect. The blend of modern and retro gives the finish a feel that reminds me of both 70s sportswear and 2025’s clean-girl look. These solid polish shades are surprisingly popular and suit all skin tones, from tan to pale.

ORLY’s “Big City Dreams” makes a great blue and OPI’s “I’m Sooo Swamped” is good for green. You could match your clothes with different colors or just add a pop of green for a look you can wear every day.

I really enjoy mixing two colors—it’s a quick way to look put together even when you’re short on time. If you’re working with gel, treat each layer individually and use a brush dipped in acetone to trim the edges.

Whenever I look at my hands, I get a small rush of happiness. I wore something like this when I went to a street art fair last May and the compliments kept coming all day.

Soft Jungle Meets Wild Pink Energy

It’s a great way to brighten your day: green on three fingers, with a pink and black leopard print accent on the other two. It manages to be both graceful and a little dramatic. There’s something almost rebellious about sneaking in animal print on an otherwise clean manicure—it’s subtle, but definitely not shy. And paired with a glossy finish? Chef’s kiss.

Zoya’s “Charli” and Essie’s “Win Me Over” are my picks for green. Paint the animal print pattern by covering the nails with Bubblegum Bliss from DND and then add black spots using gel or acrylic paint. It looks especially good on brown and tan skin because the pink stands out beautifully.

To do this look at home, you should use a dotting tool or toothpick to make the leopard spots. Don’t overthink it—they’re meant to look spontaneous! Apply a gel layer, cure it, go on to the next, cure it again and finish with a top coat for a high shine.

I really like that the set combines modern art with a less intense color palette. It’s a great choice if you want to play but not wear all the neon.

Smoky Neutral Grey with Glossed Edges

Just because you go minimal doesn’t mean you have to be boring—especially when you wear this lovely grey in an almond shape. It’s modern, cool-toned, and totally seasonless, but it’s particularly chic in May when you’re not quite ready for brights but want a refresh. You can wear this for interviews, date nights and when you’re grabbing coffee in your favorite hoodie.

If you want a polish that looks polished, OPI’s “Suzi Talks with Her Hands” or Olive & June’s “GH” will do the job. No matter if your skin is pale, dark or brown, you can wear these neutral tones as long as you match them to your undertone.

If you ask me, this is one of the easiest looks to create at home. Following shaping and buffing, put on two thin layers of your grey polish. Don’t forget to add a top coat after shaping your nails to keep them polished longer. A drop of dry oil at the cuticle will make your hair look like it was styled by a professional.

I’ve chosen this look when I wanted to look nice but not stand out too much. Think cool girl energy… but quieter.

Lavender Lilac With Glitter Accent

This lilac set is the perfect example of soft glam. The gentle purple tones are amplified with a glitter-drenched accent nail, making it one of the prettiest May colors for 2025 nails if you’re into polished femininity with a wink. There’s a timelessness to this color, but the glitter keeps it from being too classic.

Try applying “Lilac You A Lot” from Lights Lacquer and “Go Ginza” from Essie and add a layer of China Glaze’s “Fairy Dust” on the ring finger for some sparkle. This color is especially nice on both tan and pale skin if you’re looking for a soft spring bridesmaid look or want to feel like a lavender latte.

I once saw Betina Goldstein recommend using a makeup sponge to apply the glitter for a thicker effect and then finish by smoothing it with a gel top coat.

If I want a drink that’s both calming and festive, I go for this. I cleaned up my email, so now I want some champagne.

Mint Green Florals With Orange Pollen Pop

This spring manicure in green is fresh, playful and reminds you of daisies under the sun. Bright orange flowers in the hand-painted art stand out enough, but don’t overpower the lovely minty background. If you like gel or solid acrylic polish, this nail art is both easy and perfect for everyday wear.

You can’t go wrong with Bio Seaweed Gel “Minty Fresh” or Beetles Gel Polish in “Lime Green.” If you want to do floral detail, either use a white nail art pen or Dotting Tools with acrylic paint.

Because this one needs a steady hand, I like to mark the flowers with dots before filling them in. Apply a soft rubberized top coat to hold the design in place, but without making the phone feel heavy.

It’s cute, but not in a childish way—and it reminds me of the cutest girl at a farmer’s market. Plus, it works like magic on short nails too.

Primary Color Power Clash

Nothing stands out more than red, blue and yellow all combined on a single almond-shaped nail. Not much. This strong trio sends a bold message and it looks great at creative events or when you want something bright to go with your neutrals. I enjoy that the colors are distributed evenly and the paint is so shiny it almost catches the light.

Get the same effect by using DND Gel Polish in “Fire Red,” “Royal Blue,” and “Sunflower.” All skin types look wonderful in these colors, but the deepest shades really highlight brown and dark skin.

Moisturize your nail beds and always shape them before applying nail polish. If you use several solid colors, paint just one nail at a time to keep it clean. A thick top coat that levels itself helps the gloss look smooth between different shades.

Looking at this palette reminds me of my art class days, except now it’s much more stylish. It’s not what you’d expect in May, but that’s what makes it extra exciting.

Hot Pink Power Almond

This electric pink is bold, glossy and stands out without hesitation. Even without any nail art, this style makes your nails look like they’re ready for the spotlight. The gloss is glass-like and the color makes this one of the most beautiful May colors for 2025 nails for anyone who wants to stand out, confidently.

If you’re looking for something as bright, try DND “Pink Flamingo” or OPI’s “Hotter Than You Pink.” They look great on every skin tone, delivering a strong color that doesn’t clash with your skin.

You don’t need fancy products—a base coat, two layers of color and a high-gloss gel top coat are all you need. Cure between each step if you’re using gel polish. Applying jojoba oil to your cuticles will enhance the shine of your hair.

I like this pink for May because it reflects the early summer warmth without becoming too bright. It’s both trendy and lively, just as an excellent espresso should be.

Bold Orange with Minimalist Leaf Accent

Orange adds an earthy but lively color and the bright orange contrasts nicely with a gentle soft black design on the white nail. The leaf design helps to separate the orange, so it’s not too plain but still keeps things simple.

My choice for the base would be Essie “Tangerine Tease” or Beetles Gel in “Pumpkin Patch.” You can draw the details yourself with Makartt pens or stick them on after using transfer decals.

The key here is placement. I draw leaf shapes with a small brush and black gel paint and then I cure them quickly to prevent smudging. The combination of orange, white and black stands out well on brown and tan skin.

What I love most? It has a design blog style—simple, carefully arranged and slightly creative. This manicure looks great with both gold rings and canvas tote bags.

Sunbeam Orange for Maximum Glow

May’s favorite color is definitely this orange. Oddly easy to wear, it looks juicy and trendy all at the same time. Because the shape is almond, the color is long enough to shine but not too pointed or harsh.

Bio Seaweed Gel “Juicy” or Lights Lacquer “Daisy Baby” are good alternatives. You can wear this shade on any skin tone, but it really stands out when you’re aiming for a minimalist nail look.

I always apply a base coat to the ridges first which helps the orange color go on smoothly. Go in with two coats, then cure under UV. A durable top coat will help your nails shine like a jelly in the light.

It’s a color that demands sunglasses—and a good time. I wore this color when I was in Palm Springs and everyone seemed to love my nails.

Rainbows and Daisies Over Forest Green

This manicure has a playful look, yet it’s not childish. It mixes green and nude colors, with rainbows and daisies added on top. It’s both fun and spring-like, yet still classy enough to wear when you’re out. It’s giving Lisa Frank vibes with a grown-up filter.

To replicate, go with OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!!” for the green and Essie’s “Sheer Fantasy” for the base. You can use stickers from Deco Miami or Maniology or paint your own with dotting tools and colorful gel polish.

Use the green polish first and make sure it dries fully so your nail art won’t bleed. The trick to stickers or decals is to float your top coat (don’t press down the brush) so you don’t smudge your design.

This look is just pure serotonin. I chose something similar when I hosted a picnic in my yard and everyone loved it—it was like a mini mood board I could wear.

Sunshine Yellow with Daisy Art

Lemon-yellow nails are very popular this season, but adding white daisies takes them to a new level. That’s when the ideas really blossom. It’s a lovely spring dream, light and clear and I love it as an art design for warmer days. The short, square shape keeps it grounded and approachable.

For color, try Zoya “Darcy” or Essie “Sunny Business.” Coat the floral section of your nails with the detail brush and use Gelish “Arctic Freeze” as your white gel polish. This combination looks good on brown skin, pale skin and every shade in between.

I make these daisy accents at home by using a fine nail art brush and a dotting tool. Make sure the yellow base layer is smooth and then add the petals lightly so they don’t get too thick before you apply the top coat.

This look just makes me feel good. My hair filled with daisies, walking barefoot on the grass and a cold drink in my hand. It’s carefree and cute in the best way.

Teal and Pink Wave on Stiletto Drama

This set brings boldness to the max. Think of long sharp nails in teal, lightened by a soft neutral and made festive by waves of pink, all suggesting tiny brushstrokes. For May, with its bright sunshine, this color pairing looks very modern and makes bold designs seem essential.

My choices for that glossy teal would be DND “Teal Me More” or Gelish “Tahiti Hottie.” Paint the pink wave using Nail Art Stripers or Born Pretty gel pens and don’t forget to put on a nude gel base for better contrast. When used on brown or tan skin, the bright and earthy style shines the most.

To recreate, start with clean sculpted tips (press-ons or acrylics work too), apply your base, and use a fine liner brush to sketch the wave in a single fluid motion. Apply a curing product after every step and finish the polish with a good top coat for a glossy finish.

This design is playful with a grown-up twist. It feels like a new version of early 2000s graphics, but with much better polish.

Ocean Marble with Gold Foil Glam

Deep blue, pearly white and little gold foil—that’s what luxury looks like on nails. It has a hand-carved look, much like agate stone or oceanic marble you’d see in a beautiful kitchen picture on Instagram. The swirling blues on the nails give it a stylish look that’s perfect for art lovers.

You’ll want Zoya “Sailor”, Essie “Marshmallow”, and real gold leaf foil sheets (you can get them from Amazon or nail art stores). This combination is elegant on light, neutral or dark skin when the shimmer is included.

With a brush, mix the polishes by drawing them into each other while they are still wet. Place gold foil on the cake while it’s still wet and finish with two layers of top coat to make it shine.

When I have marble nails, people often ask me where I had them done. It’s dramatic, but wearable, and perfect for events—or honestly, even just to elevate Tuesday.

Matte Daisy Fields on Lemon and Green

Could there be a better way to celebrate spring than with soft yellow and pistachio green, along with simple white daisies? Hardware with flat matte finish gives it a clean, velvet touch and the hand-painted flowers lend the display a charming style, reminiscent of summer picnics.

Try using OPI “How Does Your Zen Garden Grow” and DND “Sunflower Yellow” as your main colors. Apply daisy stickers for the florals or with a dotting tool, dab on tiny orange and white spots for the flowers.

Put on two coats of color, cure the stone and then draw daisies using five white dots and a center dot of orange. Don’t forget to top your nails with a matte coat, I like Velvet Matte by Essie.

After doing this mani, I feel like dancing in a linen dress and carrying a bag of lemons. It’s sweet, easy, and surprisingly grown-up.

Colorful Geometric Pop Art

This set is art. Full stop. The combination of blue, green, yellow, pink and other colors in geometric designs reminds me of a mural wall you’d see in SoHo. It’s exciting, noisy and very creative—and I think it’s the best type of acrylic solid design for May, when creativity really takes off.

A palette of bright colors like Modelones Gel Kit is ideal and you’ll want a steady hand or stencils to get those straight lines. It looks good on every skin color, but is most striking when used on neutral or tan skin.

Start the design with a layer of white or light pink and next, mark out your shapes using striping tape or brush on the lines. Pour gel color into the shapes, cure them and finish with a top coat to seal.

There’s a little extra effort involved, but the results are so satisfying when people ask where the work was done. I wore the same outfit to a street fair and was stopped by two people. No regrets.

Holographic Barbiecore Chrome

If you’re a fan of pink, this style is sure to make you stand out. A holographic manicure that reflects light brilliantly—it gives off a real futuristic fashion style. It sounds like summer, even though it’s so advanced and futuristic.

Start with a base of Bubblegum Pink (I like Beetles Gel “Dreamland”), then rub in chromatic unicorn powder using a sponge applicator. Finish your nails with a no-wipe gel top coat for a very smooth look.

It acts like a mirror, reflecting everything nearby which is why it goes with any outfit you wear. It’s versatile and wild at the same time.

I chose this chrome style for a festival last year and my lip gloss was the only thing that shone brighter. Instant dopamine.