Pretty Pastel Nail Ideas For 2024

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Pastel nail art

by Rachael Martin |
Updated on

A quick scroll of any social media outlet will bring up a plethora of nail ideas. From lipgloss nails and glazed donut nails - both Hailey Bieber approved - to logo nails and tortoise shell nails - there's no shortage of inspiration. But sometimes, a manicure needs to be pared down, soft, universally appealing. Enter pastel nails.

‘Pastels are the perfect pantone for the spring/summer season,’ says session manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, ‘as the sun starts to shine, we all want to brighten up a little.’ Pastel nails don't have to be boring; from candy tips on a bare base to gradient manis with lilac, lemon and baby blue tones there's so many ways to tap into the pastel nail trend. pastel nails don't have to be boring .

‘Pastels work perfectly for summer,’ confirms celebrity manicurist Julia Diogo, better known as  @paintedbyjools **‘**whether it’s a full pastel nail or a pastel French tip. They really accentuate a tan and suit every skin tone, whilst also being easy to complement outfits.’

In terms of nail shape, Diogo says the less harsh the better. 'In my opinion, a soft square or an almond shape are my go for to pastel shades; the softness of the shape better reflects the softness of the colour.' The good news is that pastel nails work well with both BIAB nails and acrylic nails.

The Best Pastel Nail Ideas To Try Now

Pastel Gradient Manicure

‘For an easy nail art option, try a pastel gradient mani,’ suggests Humphrey. ‘This is where each nail is a different pastel shade – choose between five and ten.’

Pastel Ombre Nails

‘Pastel ombre can be created really easily using a make-up sponge,' says Humphrey. How to recreate? 'Apply a base coat, allow to dry thoroughly, then sponge on your chosen shade up to 1/3 of the nail. Clean up any polish from the skin using a Q-tip.’

Top trick? ‘Always layer colours with stronger pigments over the top - you can figure out whether a colour is well pigmented by testing it; if it goes on thin and streaky use it as a base colour instead.’

Pastel French Tip Nails

‘I love a pastel French or Reverse French manicure,' says Humphrey, 'it's so youthful and fresh.' Her top tip? 'Begin with your basic nail prep and apply a base coat. Once that's dried pop on a base colour, try a nude or a sheer pink. For a French tipyou want to use the edge of your brush to taper the polish into the centre of the nail, do this on the opposite side to meet in the middle.’

Eternally trendy sheer pink nail colour with a lovely natural finish. This classic sheer pink nail varnish is perfect for any occasion and season, but especially for completion of elegant and trendy summer or winter outfit.

Reverse French Tip

‘If you prefer a reverse French I would advise using a fine nail art brush,' says Humphrey, 'although it looks simple, it's a bit more complex than a regular French and you're more likely to get product on the cuticle. Paint your outline following the cuticle and then fill in.’

Dipped Pastel Nails

'Pastels are a really good way to experiment with colour,' says Diogo who recommends plumping for pastels if you’re not feeling super brave or confident.' According to Diogo the nail colours that are trending right now are pastel greens, lilacs and buttery yellows.

Sheer Pastel Nails

Following increased demand for more sheer and opaque pastel tones that people are gravitating towards Bio Sculpture have released a new pastel range to fit the bill - the Flutter By Collection. Diogo says her go-to shades are  Green Apple Smoothie, Wings Of Grace(from the Flutter By range) and Brigitte.

Colour Blocking

Mix and match nails are a big nail trend this season and this looks proves that pastels don't need to be quiet. Clashing colour make bold statement even when colours are muted. Try alternating primary and secondary colours for maximum impact.

Graphic Nail Art

'Nail art also tends to become popular as we approach summer,' decrees Diogo, 'whether one nail or multiple, think daisies, cherries, watermelons, the lot!' Don't fancy fruit or flowers? Interestingly placed stripes add an air of art deco.

Unexpected Half Moons

French tips, reverse french tips, how about side french tips? For the steady handed or the salon-goers, intricately placed semi-circles on either side of each nail takes a standard mani from average to amazing.

Pastel Splodges

No splodge doesn't need to be messy as proved by this pink and red (one of our favourite colour combinations) manicures. Artfully placed dollops of polish are reminiscent of a lava lamp. Nineties nostalgia at its best.

Chrome Pastel Nails

Thought you could get away from chrome by opting for a pastel finish? Think again. 'Chrome over the top of pastels works so well, as the sparkle really captures the undertone of the pastel with a pop,' Diogo assures us.

How To Stop A Manicure From Staining

'Staining sometimes can happen with lighter colours but like I always say your nails aren’t tools so try and avoid anything you think that might stain them,' says Diogo, 'If you do see any staining, my top tip is to use Bio Sculpture’s Multi Cleansewith a small cotton pad – if you wipe the nail over the course of a day this will noticeably help reduce the stain.'

How To Make Nail Polish Last Longer

 'I always use the Bio Sculpture Gloss Top Coat to make sure I seal my gel for a zero chip wear,' notes Diogo. (Gloss only accessible to trained and qualified technicians not for retail purchase)

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