May Nails 2025: 19 Stunning Color Ideas to Try for a Fresh, Seasonal Look"

Okay, real talk—why does May feel like the unofficial kickoff to cute nail season? The weather's warming up, the sandals are coming out, and suddenly everyone's nails need to be just as fresh as their iced coffee orders. Whether you're all about soft pastels, bold neons, or that "clean girl" neutral life, May 2025 is bursting with nail color inspo that'll make you wanna book your next mani ASAP.

I've rounded up 19 ridiculously pretty nail color ideas that are trending for May 2025—and yep, I've tested a bunch of them so you don't have to guess what works IRL. Let's just say, your hands (and your Insta) are about to glow up big time.

Ready to refresh your nail game? Let's go.

Butter Yellow

You know that color that just screams spring sunshine without being too in-your-face? That's butter yellow. It's soft, cheery, and somehow makes your hands look instantly tanner (trust me, it's witchcraft).

Perfect for: Brunch dates, spring weddings, or pretending you're on a picnic in Provence.

Best finish: Glossy or jelly.

Sky Blue

Sky blue is having a moment—again. And honestly? Not mad about it. This shade is chill, dreamy, and looks amazing on short square nails or long ovals.

Why I love it: It's the closest thing to calm in a bottle.

Pro tip: Pair it with white accents or tiny clouds for bonus cuteness.

Strawberry Glaze Pink

Yep, Hailey Bieber's nail legacy lives on. This glowy, translucent pink gives your nails that glazed donut look that's still everywhere—and I mean everywhere.

Finish: Ultra-glossy with a chrome top coat.

Wear it when: You want your hands to look effortlessly polished (pun intended).

Peach Sorbet

Think peach, but make it juicier. Peach sorbet is the color equivalent of sipping something sweet on a patio. It's soft, girly, and pairs well with floral dresses and messy buns.

Vibe check: Fun, flirty, and very "let's go to the farmers market."

Wear tip: Matte it out for a velvet finish.

Lavender Fog

Soft lilacs are always a spring fave, but this year it's all about a slightly dustier lavender that gives cool-girl vibes without trying too hard.

Pair with: Silver rings and that oversized linen shirt you live in.

Mood: Chill and elevated.

Sage Green

Minimalists, rise up. Sage green is officially the neutral of the season. It's earthy, calming, and looks amazing on literally every skin tone.

Why it slaps: It feels both trendy and timeless.

IMO: This one's a must-try if you're bored of nudes but scared of color.

Cherry Cola Red

A little retro, a little vampy—this deep reddish-brown is giving cool aunt energy in the best way.

Best for: Short almond nails.

Wear it with: Gold jewelry and a matching lip tint.

Sheer Vanilla

This one's for the clean girlies. Sheer vanilla is like your natural nail's more put-together cousin. It's polished, elegant, and goes with everything.

When to wear: Job interviews, weddings, or that random Tuesday when you wanna feel like you have your life together.

Top coat: High-shine or pearly shimmer.

Mint Mojito

Cool, crisp, and almost edible. Mint green is refreshing AF and makes your nails pop without being over the top.

Pair it with: White sandals and a matching pedi.

Warning: May cause sudden mojito cravings 😃

Pastel Rainbow Tips

Can't decide on just one color? Do 'em all. Pastel rainbow tips are still going strong, and honestly, it's giving main character energy.

Best on: French tip styles or squoval shapes.

Pro tip: Use the same pastel palette for your toes.

Lilac Chrome

Take your lilac up a notch with a chrome finish that reflects light like crazy. It's glam without being OTT.

Vibe: Spring fairy meets sci-fi princess.

Use: A lavender base + silver chrome powder.

Watermelon Pink

Bright but not blinding, watermelon pink is fun, juicy, and kind of impossible not to stare at. It's the perfect mood booster for rainy spring days.

Hot tip: Matte top coat = chic; glossy = playful.

Try it on: Coffin or almond-shaped nails.

Nude Latte

This creamy beige-brown is basically your go-to coffee order in polish form. Chic, subtle, and super wearable.

Pairs well with: Monochrome outfits and minimal vibes.

Finish: Satin or creamy gloss.

Neon Coral

Wanna be seen from across the street (in a good way)? Neon coral is bold, beachy, and seriously glowy.

When to wear: Pool parties, rooftop hangouts, or whenever you're feeling spicy.

Skin tones: Looks 🔥 on medium to deep tones.

Baby Blue + Daisies

Okay, this one's a combo—but it's too cute not to include. Soft baby blue with tiny daisy nail art? Shut up and take my money.

Perfect for: Garden parties or Instagram pics with your iced matcha.

Tip: Use press-ons if you can't nail the tiny art yourself.

Sunset Ombre

Blend warm pinks, oranges, and soft yellows for a dreamy ombré that looks like a literal May sunset.

Design idea: Vertical fade on each nail or horizontal fade across both hands.

Looks amazing on: Long nails or coffin shapes.

Rose Gold Foil

Mixing natural tones with just a hint of sparkle? Yes, please. Rose gold foil over a soft pink base feels luxe without being extra.

Great for: Bridal showers, date nights, or treating yourself.

Application tip: Foil flakes look best when you cluster them near the tips.

Blueberry Milk Nails

If you haven't seen these all over TikTok, where have you been? This milky periwinkle-blue shade is subtle, sweet, and trending like crazy.

Try with: Rounded nails and a milky top coat.

Result: Clean, cool, and totally wearable.

Pistachio Cream

A little green, a little yellow, and totally delicious-looking. Pistachio cream is one of those "wait, I didn't know I needed this" shades.

Bonus: It looks good with both gold and silver rings.

Finish it with: A super glossy top coat.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, which of these May 2025 nail colors are calling your name? Whether you're living your best glazed life, going full neon coral, or keeping it classy with a sheer vanilla, one thing's for sure—your nails deserve to have a main character moment this spring.

My best advice? Try something that makes you smile every time you glance at your hands. Even if it's a little out of your comfort zone. It's just nail polish—you can always change it next week, right? 😉

Now go forth and book that mani.