From pastels to polka dots: Top nail trends for spring/summer 2026
Spring/summer 2026 is shaping up to be a vibrant season for nails, with trends that balance playful creativity and sophisticated minimalism. From buttery yellows to retro polka dots, nail experts and trend forecasters break down some of the biggest looks expected to dominate SS26.
Butter yellow - the “new neutral”
Mimicking the colour of whipped butter, butter yellow nails scream spring. This soft, creamy pastel hue first gained attention in 2025, with A-listers like Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner showing off the shade. Today, it’s being hailed as the “new neutral”, bridging the gap between traditional neutrals and pastels.
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Searches for butter yellow nails have surged globally, rising 179% month-on-month, according to Fresha. In the UK, appointments for this sunny shade have jumped an 467% year-on-year, cementing it as one of the standout nail trends of the season.
"Yellow tones are a great way to add colour and personality back to your nails for spring, especially after months of simple styles. Butter yellow is soft and playful, yet subtle enough to wear every day," explains Annabelle Taurua, Beauty Expert at Fresha.
Townhouse Limocello
Luxury nail salon Townhouse is embracing the trend in its Postcards From Paradise SS26 collection. Its Limoncello design features soft lemon French tips with blue-and-white, tile-inspired detailing, "reminiscent of golden Mediterranean afternoons".
Polkadot nails - retro playfulness
Polka dot nails are also enjoying a resurgence. Designs range from tiny micro-dots to larger, more graphic patterns, and can be customised with mismatched colours or paired with French tips.
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The trend’s versatility has seen celebrities like Dua Lipa experimenting with the style. Meanwhile, searches for polka dot nails are up 2,100% year-on-year, reflecting a broader shift toward playful nail art that feels both nostalgic and modern.
Social media platforms have helped accelerate the trend, with creators sharing easy at-home tutorials and bold, salon-level designs. Nail artists are also elevating the look with unexpected colour pairings and 3D embellishments, making polka dots a go-to choice for those wanting something eye-catching yet wearable.
Minimal manicures - subtle sophistication
Minimalist nails remain a staple, appealing to those who prefer understated elegance. Soft pinks, sheer nudes and milky whites paired with shorter natural nail lengths create a polished yet simple look, offering a counterpoint to more playful spring styles.
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"Bold colours and patterns are, of course, not going anywhere, but I believe we’re going to see a mix of warm nudes in matte or milky finishes, alongside spring-inspired nail art," notes Taurua.
Fresha reports that minimal manicures are up 250% year-on-year, with milky white nails increasing 24%. Building on this trend, Townhouse is introducing City Siesta for SS26 - a modern marble design in warm neutral tones, finished with clean, sculptural lines.
"Our SS26 designs really reflect a broader shift we’re seeing in nails towards colour and detail that feel more considered and expressive, but still wearable,"Townhouse founder Juanita Huber-Millet tells TheIndustry.beauty.
Townhouse City Siesta
"There’s a move away from overly trend-led designs towards something more refined, where the focus is on tone, finish and subtle storytelling through the manicure.
"We’re seeing strong demand for softer, sun-warmed shades like Peach Crème, creamy whites like Coconut Milk and diffused blues like Blueberry Milk, alongside light-catching details and delicate placement. These elements come through in the collection in a way that feels effortless and modern, but still elevated."
Zebra print - statement with subtlety
From minimal to mammal, zebra-print nails are "in", according to Fresha. The design pairs bold patterning with wearable colour palettes, and when applied over neutral bases like soft pink, milky white, or nude, it is said to offer a sophisticated take.
"Because the colours are monochrome, zebra actually behaves almost like a neutral," says Taurua. "When the stripes are paired with a neutral base colour such as snow, ivory or baby pink, the overall result feels elevated and sleek rather than loud."
That balance between statement and subtlety is what helps a nail trend take off. "People want something more interesting than typical nude manicures, but they don’t always want bright colours or lots of embellishment," adds Taurua. "Zebra print adds personality without needing to go over the top."
For a more understated take, thin zebra-striped French tips are offering an easy entry point into the trend, delivering a hint of personality without committing to a full animal print. "Zebra French tips are becoming super popular," Taurua explains. "Instead of a solid white tip, nail artists add thin zebra stripes across the edge of the nail. It keeps the look subtle but still on trend."
Fruit nails - sweet and stylish
Townhouse is predicting a comeback for fruit motifs this spring/summer - think strawberries, cherries, lemons and limes - a perfect reflection of the season’s bright, fresh vibe.
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These designs offer a playful, colourful option for nail art lovers, tapping into the growing appetite for fun, chic beauty trends. The fruity French tip is this year’s "must-try" twist.
Townhouse showcases this trend with its "Cherry Picked" design: a sky-blue French tip accented with delicate cherry details, combining classic manicure elegance with a whimsical flair.
Townhouse Cherry Picked
Whether opting for subtle accents or bold, full-coverage designs, these fruity motifs are providing a fun way to embrace the season - turning manicures into a statement of personality and style.
