Key Takeaways:
- The year 2025 was marked by a trend towards minimalist nail designs, characterized by natural nail shapes, glossy finishes, and neutral tones.
- Celebrity nail artists and experts predict a shift towards more maximalist and expressive nail designs in 2026.
- The best celebrity manicures of 2025 featured a range of styles, from classic and elegant to bold and statement-making.
- Some of the most popular nail trends of 2025 included the "BB cream manicure" and "soap and glass nails".
- Celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Dakota Johnson, and Rihanna were among those who showcased notable nail looks in 2025.
Introduction to 2025 Nail Trends
The year 2025 was a notable one for nail trends, with a clear shift towards minimalist designs that emphasized natural beauty and understated elegance. Whether you’re someone who regularly gets manicures or only treats yourself to a salon visit on special occasions, it’s hard not to be inspired by the stunning nail looks that celebrities showcased throughout the year. From the "BB cream manicure" craze that kicked off the year to the "soap and glass nails" that were popular during the summer, 2025 was all about clean, simple, and effortless nail designs.
The Rise of Minimalist Nails
According to Tom Bachik, a celebrity nail artist who has worked with stars like Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, and Hailee Steinfeld, the trend towards minimalist nails is a response to the chaos and uncertainty of the world. "I think maybe with all the craziness happening in the world right now, minimalism in beauty feels like a nice balance," he told Glamour. "We still want to feel beautiful, but not in a ‘look at me’ sort of way." This approach to beauty is reflected in the many different versions of the classic pinky-nude manicure that were popular in 2025, each with its own unique twist and flair.
Statement Nail Looks
While minimalist nails were undoubtedly the dominant trend of 2025, there were also some notable statement nail looks that made a big impact. From fashion-forward polka-dot manis to hypnotic cat-eye effects, celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Dakota Johnson, and Rihanna showcased a range of bold and eye-catching nail designs. These looks added a touch of personality and whimsy to the overall trend towards minimalism, and helped to keep things interesting and exciting in the world of nail fashion.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, it’s clear that the trend towards maximalist and expressive nail designs is going to continue. According to Juli Russell, a nail expert and Sally Beauty ambassador, "The last year’s nails have been soft, safe, and minimal by design, but 2026 flips the script." She predicts that the coming year will be all about nails that are "personal, expressive, and undeniably current". This could mean a return to bolder, more statement-making nail designs, or the emergence of entirely new trends that we haven’t seen before.
A Look Back at the Best Celebrity Manicures of 2025
As we say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026, it’s fun to take a look back at some of the best celebrity manicures of the year. From Hailey Bieber’s elegant and understated nail looks to Rihanna’s bold and daring designs, there were many amazing nail moments to inspire and delight. Whether you’re a fan of classic and elegant or bold and statement-making, there’s something for everyone in the world of celebrity nail fashion. By looking back at the best of 2025, we can get a sense of the trends and styles that are likely to shape the world of nail fashion in the year to come.
