Almond nail designs remain the favorite shape of all time, and in 2025, they’re getting a fresh update. From soft neutrals to sculptural shapes, 2025’s trends balance wearability with artistic flair.
Whether you’re heading to the salon or trying DIY at home, there’s no shortage of creative nail art ideas to match every vibe. Below, we’ve rounded up 30 almond nail designs that are making serious waves this year.
#1 Digital Lavender Chrome
Tech-inspired lavender chrome glows softly on almond tips, perfectly balancing futuristic edge and wearable polish. Forecasted as the Color of the Year by WGSN in 2023, digital lavender still dominates charts in 2025.
Nail artist @opronails_uk’s how-to video racked up 5M views on TikTok, proving the shade’s ongoing grip.
To get the glow, layer pastel lavender gel polish and burnish a light powder over cured nails. Pros recommend a no-wipe topcoat for the smoothest finish, but DIYers can opt for press-ons or high-shine toppers to replicate the look easily.
Image credits: @vivianmariewong
#2 Metallic French Fade
Metallic ombré brings a twist to the invisible French, pairing a soft nude base with a mirror-like fade and mini crystal cuffs. Pinterest shows #FrenchFadeNails rising this summer, while Byrdie’s 2025 report highlights chrome gradients layered over pastel or neutral tones.
For a salon-quality effect, pros airbrush silver pigment from the cuticle up. At home, blend metallic dust over cured polish for a soft shift. Finish with gloss to lock in that mirror shine.
Image credits: @thenaillounge.official
#3 Glass-Shine Nude
A milky nude base with subtle sparkles gives this everyday manicure its radiant, glassy charm. High-shine “lip-gloss nails” continue to dominate in 2025.
@nailsbymh’s TikTok reached 1.3M views, marking the trend as the next evolution after glazed donut nails. Think nude tones with a glossy finish, minimal nail art, or shimmer.
Start with an ultra-sheer nude base. Lightly dust shimmer across the tips while the gel is still tacky, then cure and seal with a high-shine top coat for that signature lip-gloss glow.
Image credits: @moonlit.nail.artistry
#4 Retro Smiley Faces
Playful and nostalgic, this smiley-face mani pairs clear polish with pops of butter yellow for an upbeat finish.
While it no longer dominates 2025’s trends, Pinterest still shows strong search interest. The design dates back to Harvey Ball’s original 1963 smiley, now reimagined for nails.
Nail artist @anouskaanastasia’s TikTok featuring the retro look on a men’s manicure hit 411.4K views.
Use a dotting tool to paint mustard yellow circles over a sheer base, then add micro smiles for that classic pop-art effect.
Image credits: @alwaysbeyou_tiful
#5 Pastel Chrome Aura
This luminous design blends cool shades with soft, reflective chrome for a dreamy, light-diffusing glow. Described by behindthechair.com, a top pro nail community on Instagram, as “the most ethereal mani trend of the summer,” pastel chrome is also gaining steam on TikTok, where nail artist @heluviee’s version pulled in 1.6M views.
Burnish the powder over a sheer neutral base to get the glow of aura nails. While pros often use builder gel for a flawless fade, DIYers can layer metallic pigment over gel polish and seal with a glossy topcoat.
Image credits: @esvynails
#6 Micro French Outline
This clean, minimalist look frames short almond nails with razor-thin white arcs, blending a soft round silhouette with a graphic edge. Vogue’s summer 2025 trend report spotlighted micro French tips as the modern update on the classic manicure.
To get the look, use a striping brush to trace slim arcs across the tips. While salons perfect it with gel polish for crisp symmetry, DIYers can freehand with a steady wrist and swap in neon or nude for a playful twist.
Image credits: @camillesthlm
#7 Mermaidcore Shell Accents
Mermaidcore-inspired nails mix metallic shimmer, seafoam hues, and shell-like textures in a dreamy color duo palette. The #Mermaidcore aesthetic is huge in 2025, with TikTok creators like @meremeliana pushing the hashtag to 1.7M views.
Last year, a viral pearl set worn by Hailey Bieber and created by Zola Ganzorigt helped popularize shell-inspired shades, channeling the soft glow of a conch shell (via Byrdie).
To recreate the look, use a sponge or airbrush to paint subtle water ripples on one nail and add iridescent foil for shell shine. Finish by attaching mini 3D shells near the cuticle for an ocean-inspired touch.
Image credits: @yourstrulyina
#8 Holographic Jelly Layers
Jelly nails are back in the spotlight, and lavender almonds now lead the way, glowing with shimmer, layered holographic depth, and a glossy finish.
Once popular in South Korea and Japan, the style has gone mainstream. “This look is often seen on celebrities and is a great way to make your nails look unique and stylish,” said editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi in an interview with Byrdie.
To get the look, stack sheer builder gel in jelly tints, then glaze with a holo topcoat. The finish? Glossy, translucent, and pool-party perfect.
Image credits: @jaimedoesnailss
#9 Solar-Activated Color Shift
These solar-reactive nails shift from sheer milky hues to rich violet under the sun, creating a dynamic, mood-based look. The design has surged on TikTok, where #SolarNails clips rack up thousands of views, thanks to their instant outdoor transformation.
Try a UV-reactive polish that shifts from clear to violet for a dramatic reveal. To refine the finish, gently file the cured surface before sealing with a UV top coat. This softens the transition zone and boosts gloss.
Image credits: youtube.com
#10 Aurora Cat-Eye Waves
A swirl of magnetic pigment brings these shimmery almond nails to life with wave-like motion and color shift. The “aurora cat-eye” style is surging on TikTok, with nail artist @BornPrettyOfficial gaining millions of views for her step-by-step tutorials.
Hold a magnet diagonally, then curve it slowly across the nail to guide the shimmer into hypnotic streaks. Pro kits like Vettsy’s “Aurora Cat-Eye” help nail lovers DIY this radiant ripple effect.
Image credits: @sansungnails
#11 Velvet Vanilla
A soft-cream shimmer gives these nails their cozy, velvet-like glow, perfect for minimalist winter sets.
The Velvet Vanilla design, defined by creamy nude bases and magnetic shimmer, is soaring in 2025. A TikTok video by nail artist @kathynails_ showcasing this look has reached over 140K views.
Use magnetic polish in a vanilla cream tone. Sweep a cat-eye magnet diagonally before curing to build plush, reflective depth across each nail.
Image credits: @gelous.co
#12 Mocha Latte Ombre
A warm gradient design fades from milky cream to soft mocha latte, capturing a sense of cozy richness. Pinterest reports that #NudeOmbreNails have stayed popular among women aged 25–44, while the look clearly takes inspiration from Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse.
To recreate this neutral base, lightly sponge-blend tan and mocha polish at the center. Ideal for DIY or salon touch-ups, it still looks chic as it grows.
Image credits: @gzadbeauty
#13 Matcha Mousse
The matcha aesthetic is still going strong, and this soft green polish, with its creamy, muted hue, flatters almond shapes.
Olive & June’s matcha-inspired “Energize” lacquer sold out in May 2025, while InStyle’s beauty editor Kara Jillian Brown named it one of the most versatile shades this year.
To nail the café-core look, layer a milky sheer polish over sage or moss green. The subtle tint adds a latte-luxe glow, perfect for everyday wear with a twist or dressed up with a polished outfit.
Image credits: @avrnailswatches
#14 Strawberry Milk Glaze
This dreamy hue mimics the creamy finish of a strawberry milk bath and looks especially flattering on almond-shaped nails. The design caught fire after American media personality @KylieJenner showcased various videos wearing it, with a reach of 12.9M views.
Celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton features countless variations of strawberry designs on her Instagram.
To opt for this subtle sheen, mix a drop of pink gel into a clear top coat and layer it over a sheer base. This creates a glazed, milky effect that works beautifully on the almond shape.
Image credits: @bicolornail
#15 Neon Skittle Spectrum
Neon Skittle nails are back, mixing hot pink, tangerine, lime, purple, and cobalt across almond shapes for a bold, festival-ready punch.
Pinterest shows spikes in #RainbowNails every summer, while Byrdie flags this colorful mix as one of 2025’s most eye-catching styles.
To channel this color combo, rotate five electric shades across your fingers. It’s an easy DIY project. Just keep the finish ultra-glossy and the shape slightly sharp to amplify the rainbow energy.
Image credits: @heygreatnails
#16 Negative-Space Swirls
The edgy set carves soft arcs of negative space into deep, glossy swirls, creating a sculptural illusion. Celebrity manicurist Saccia Livingston told Who What Wear that “bold negative space will have its moment in 2025,” and this design proves it’s already arrived.
Thinking of trying this design? Start with a pink base, then tape off curved sections to keep parts of the nail bare. Use a striping brush to define the swirls, and finish with a glossy topcoat.
Image credits: @glossytipped
#17 Denim Blue Matte
Let’s pair a matte finish with embossed cross details. Distressed textures and full-on Y2K vibes echo with celebrity style. Gigi Hadid has worn denim head-to-toe, and now the fabric’s influence is reaching fingertips.
“Denim nails are a trendy nail design that mimics the look and texture of denim fabric,” said Rianna Basurto, marketing director of Bellacures, in an interview with Pop Sugar.
To recreate the look, apply a matte topcoat over deep navy polish. Then, dry-brush or lightly sponge on light gray polish to create the faded, woven texture of denim. Metallic charms or decals bring in classic jean hardware vibes.
Image credits: @nailqueennadia
#18 Chrome Pistachio
This year, Pistachio is the go-to green, especially softened by the shine for futuristic vibes. This creamy hue replaces brighter greens like matcha or lime and delivers a true sophistication.
Pistachio is the neutral of summer 2025, as presented in Marie Claire. Meanwhile, manicurist Hayley McColm calls it “surprisingly very versatile,” and beauty creators are fully on board.
Start by layering pistachio-green gel and curing between coats. Lightly buff chrome powder over the surface, then seal with topcoat for that slightly metallic finish.
Image credits: @baileycolemannailartist
#19 Butterfly Confetti
Butterflies flutter back into style with this mix of shimmer and sparkly wings. Inspired by Y2K nostalgia, the delicate look made waves after Jennifer Lopez revealed her “Butterfly Kisses” manicure by Tom Bachik, an opal-glazed design featured in Allure.
To get the look, embed mini butterfly decals into a sheer pink base. Seal with gel topcoat so they sit delicately and flush, then add glitter for dimension and fairy-core flair.
Image credits: @heygreatnails
#20 Latte-Foam Micro Hearts
French tip almond nails get a romantic upgrade. Not only latte-foam shades but tiny hearts are also trending across TikTok, especially in cozy coquette-inspired designs like @nailsbypaular’s reel, which earned 1.5M views for its milky base and delicate cherry red hearts.
Scatter hearts across the nail using a dotting tool, working from cuticle to tip. Stick to neutral shades to echo that soft, latte-art glow.
Image credits: @tinanails.beauty_lugano
#21 Citrus Slice Tips
These juicy French tip almond nails feature sunny yellow and poolside blue citrus slices. Fruit-tipped manicures are topping summer 2025 lists, with editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi saying that citrus palettes “just radiate energy and happiness” in Who What Wear.
This style calls for a steady hand, but it’s worth the effort. Paint slim wedges in lemon, lime, or orange tones along the tip, then outline the pith in white for dimension. Whether you’re beach-bound or brunching, it’s a bright way to refresh your summer look.
Image credits: @betterlooknailsandhair
#22 Abstract Splash Art
The design mimics abstract brushwork with a colorful, splashy marble finish across almond tips. Pinterest shows rising interest in #SplashArt, while TikTok’s #SplashNails clips have racked up millions of views.
Allure also spotlights abstract nails among the biggest artistic trends for 2025.
For a blurred painterly effect, press small sponges dipped in layered polish shades over the nail. Swirl with a dotting tool while wet to mimic brushstrokes and pigment play.
Image credits: @brushedbyb_
#23 Barbiecore Bubblegum
Almond-shaped nails glow in high-gloss bubblegum pink, channeling the playful spirit of Barbiecore. The aesthetic gained traction with Pantone and Valentino’s color Pink PP, soaring in 2023 alongside the Barbie movie. In 2025, TikTok’s #BarbieCore tag keeps the obsession going strong.
It’s an easy design you can do at home. Paint a vivid pink base and seal it with a mirror-shine topcoat. For extra pop, layer a sheer pink metallic powder to add a subtle shift under light.
Image credits: evijafo
#24 Tropic Leaf Stamping
Palm fronds go wild this season with crisp leaf stamping layered over bright white bases. Allure’s 2025 summer picks include tropical-flower decals and seashell accents, backing the rise of beach-inspired nail art.
Even subtle animal print continues to echo throughout these resort-ready designs.
Stamp layered monstera patterns in shimmer green over a dry white base. A matte topcoat seals in the detail, giving each nail an easy tropical punch.
Image credits: @pb.polish
#25 90s Y2K Flame Tips
Orange flames rise from the tips of almond nails, bringing back Y2K with striking, graphic lines.
Flame nails, from neon French tips to black-and-white sets, are taking over Pinterest boards in 2025, while nail artist and TikTok creator @melodysusiegels earns 146.5K views on her DIY flame designs.
Start with a neutral base, then use a detail brush to outline orange flames. The mid-tip fade hides regrowth.
Image credits: @brushedbyb_
#26 Confetti Sprinkles
Multicolored dots scattered across a sheer base give these confetti nails their playful, party-perfect vibe. According to Pinterest, the search for #ConfettiNails spiked this spring. Marie Claire named the look a top summer pick, calling it joyful, three-dimensional, and made for fun.
Apply a nude or sheer pink base, then layer on chunky micro-glitter flecks. For best sparkle, float a clear gel coat to seal in the textured finish.
Image credits: @sayinne
#27 Checkerboard Picnic
This gingham-inspired red mani turns picnic nostalgia into a playful fashion statement. The look surged on TikTok after @Bella Poarch’s viral “red nail theory” video, with Pinterest’s #PicnicNails trend spiking at the start of summer 2025.
Stamp bold red-and-white checker patterns onto accent nails for a fresh twist on almond shapes. Use a detail brush or stencil to keep squares sharp, and seal with gloss for a picnic-perfect shine.
Image credits: @thecolornook
#28 Lime Jelly Squares
Bright and zesty, this lime jelly mani mixes gingham flair with a high-gloss citrus twist. Vogue named green one of 2025’s top shades, and Pinterest search surges prove the trend’s staying power, especially when paired with painted squares and juicy neon tones.
Try layering a white base, then frame micro negative-space squares in lime jelly. It’s a complex look that demands a steady hand or a pro who can bring the vision to life.
Image credits: @nailsbyrose13
#29 3D Water Droplets
This sculptural look creates the illusion of water flowing around your fingertips, pairing shimmer with glossy, aquatic beads.
As Pop Sugar notes, water droplet nails made waves in 2023. The tendency remains strong in 2025, with Pinterest showing summer spikes in interest.
Nail artist @sojinails helped fuel the craze, wowing thousands of Instagram users with her organic 3D sets, especially those featuring water droplet effects.
To recreate the effect, dot thick builder gel and flash-cure to form clear droplets. As a salon-level design demands skill, most pros use acrylic extensions to elongate the nail and sculpt the raised shapes with precision.
Image credits: @polishedbychelss
#30 Pearl-Stud Cuticle Cuffs
Dimensional nails blend milky laces with crystals and pearl placements for a sculpted, ultra-feminine effect. The design echoes Soft Maximalism, now resurging through K-pop and couture nails. CHANEL nail artist Betina R. Goldstein spotlighted the tendency by featuring a sculptural design with a large pearl placed at the cuticle.
Apply clear gel to secure half-pearls across the nail surface, combining scattered placement with sculptural accents for a delicate, jewelry-inspired finish.
Image credits: @daisynails95
FAQ
Should I get almond or oval nails?
Almond nails offer a slightly sharper, elongating effect, while oval nails are more natural and softer. Choose almond nails for elegance and drama or oval nails for comfort wear.
What nail shape is most attractive?
Oval and almond shapes are often considered universally flattering, while stiletto nails are most attractive for their striking, sleek appearance.
Who do almond nails look good on?
Almonds flatter most hand types, especially shorter fingers. Their gently tapered shape creates a slimming, elegant effect—perfect for anyone seeking a balanced, soft, and stylish nail silhouette.
What color looks best on almond nails?
Almond shape suits nearly any color, but soft neutrals, sheer pinks, and reflective finishes enhance their elegance.
