January is here, which means a fresh start. This not only means writing new year resolutions and trying to up your reading count for the next 12 months, but it also means a new set of beauty trends.

While we’re always here for a new bob trend, a new nail look for 2025 is most welcome too. We’re predicting our nail inspo folder will grow even bigger this year, so why not start off on the right track and save some expert-approved looks?

As we keep waiting for Hailey Bieber to confirm what food-inspired nail art we’ll be looking to for our next manicure, Stylist spoke to four nail artists for their takes on the colours, shapes and art we’ll be spotting everywhere in 2025. 

1. Chocolate nails

“With mocha mousse being announced as the Pantone colour of the year for 2025, I think we’ll be seeing variations of this throughout the year,” says manicurist Georgia Rae, the artist behind Sofia Richie Grainge’s wedding nails. A nail shade that looks good enough to eat? We’re on board.

“Think creamy opaque nudes with a brown/beige undertone and chocolate brown manicures,” she adds. The good news is that there’s a chocolate shade for every skin tone. “Chocolate browns are bold yet soft and are flattering on every skin tone,” says Rae.

If you’re looking for some shade examples, nail artist Iram Shelton has you covered. “I think shades such as Essie All Checked Out and Chanel Faun are the perfect shades to add to your collection as they complement all skin tones and are a great choice all year round,” she says. 

2. Cat eye nails

Not everything will be new. Cat eye nails surged in popularity in 2024 and Rae doesn’t think they’re going anywhere anytime soon. “I think we’ll also see nail art techniques that have surged in popularity this year such as the cat eye and chrome being adapted to fit this trending colour palette as we enter 2025,” she says.

Nail artist Julia Diogo agrees: “Cat eye creates such a striking, multidimensional effect that changes from every angle, giving any manicure a sophisticated, edgy vibe. The best part? You can experiment with different magnets to create a variety of stunning patterns, making it customisable to your unique style,” she says. 

3. Castlecore nails

Who says you can’t accessorise your nails? Shelton predicts we’re going to go heavy on the metals this year. “Futuristic and the emergence of ‘castlecore’, adding metallic details like chains and charms to nails,” she says. 

4. Subtle elegance

While other trends this year might play on the bright and the bold, soft glam will still play a huge role within the nail world. “I want to see more subtle elegance,” says Diogo. “To achieve this look, my go-to would be a matte top coat over a subtle shimmer for a beautifully muted and delicate texture,” she explains.

Juanita Hubert-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse agrees. “Drawing inspiration from Japanese beauty principles, nail trends are embracing serene and understated designs. Milk bath nails, pearl effects and clean, minimal line art are redefining elegance for 2025. This minimalist aesthetic resonates with clients who value simplicity and sophistication, offering a timeless alternative to bolder styles,” she says.

5. Glowy nails

Just like our hair, we’re prioritising nail health above all this year. I mean, who doesn’t want strong, healthy-looking nails?

“Of course, the classic sheer nudes stand the test of time. They’re so versatile and can be layered continuously to create slightly new shades,” says Rae. However, this year they’re going to look like your nails, but better. “More specifically, blush pinks as they give the nails a healthy, glowy appearance,” she adds. We’re aiming for glowy nails as well as glowing skin this year. 

6. A Y2K revival

We’re always here for a 00s flashback, and so are our nails, apparently. “I think there’s a huge shift from the minimalist nails to ones that are more daring and influenced by Y2K fashion trends,” says Shelton.

This means a lot of bold colours and textures. This includes “metallic finishes, cat eye and ‘glass nails’ that are created using a magnet-shifting polish that reflects in different lighting”, according to Shelton. 

7. Ballerina-shaped nails

When it comes to nail shapes, we’re in a bit of a rut and tend to stick to the classics, but 2025 may be the year we have a switch-up. “The almond and oval shape has dominated for a while now but I think I’m ready for a slight change,” says Rae. 

Instead, she predicts something a little different. “I’ve been doing more of a Ballerina shape on my clients recently, which is similar; it still elongates the fingers but it’s slightly squared off at the edge, which I love,” she explains.

8. Almond nails

Almond nails are here to stay, according to Diogo. “It’s a timeless and elegant shape. A few of my clients have definitely made the switch already – think Hailey Bieber but a little shorter,” she says. 

Images: courtesy of @paintedbyjools and @raelondonnails