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20 DREAMY PASTEL NAIL DESIGNS YOU NEED TO TRY

Spring has arrived, bringing with it some of the year’s most stunning nail colors. This season, milky pastel hues are stepping into the spotlight, offering creamier and more muted alternatives to classic pastels. Get ready to embrace lighter shades like buttery baby pink, pearly light lavender, and cool mint green. Plus, exciting nail designs are making waves, featuring gradient tips, funky French styles, and dreamy accents that elevate the traditional manicure. Ahead, explore our favorite pastel nail ideas for this spring—trust us, these inspirations will ignite your creativity for your next mani!

BARBIE PINK PASTEL

What do you get when you combine baby-pink French tips with glittery Barbie-pink accents? A manicure dream come true! This flirty and cute design is perfect for any occasion.

PASTEL CHROME

Is there anything better than pastel chrome nails? We think not! This stunning nail design combines two of our favorite elements, resulting in beautiful shades that shimmer and shine in the light.

PASTEL SUNSET DESIGNS

I’ll fully admit that this design isn’t the easiest and may require a professional nail technician, but it’s so dreamy that I couldn’t leave it off the inspiration board. If you decide to try it yourself, incorporating a subtle pop of pastel purple will create a stunning sky-like effect.

TANGERINE ORANGE

If you’re looking to sport orange nails without going too bold, we have the perfect solution. This pastel orange shade is bright yet subtle, making just the right statement without being overwhelming.

EASTER EGGS

Can’t decide on just one color? Why not choose them all! This adorable manicure showcases the best shades of spring, bringing them together in perfect harmony.

BABY BLUES

In our opinion, sky blue is one of the most beautiful colors on the color wheel. It’s dainty, chic, and sophisticated, effortlessly complementing a variety of shades. This lovely design strikes the perfect balance between being aesthetically pleasing and a touch adventurous.

MILKY LAVENDER WITH FLOWER ACCENTS

Milky lavender is one of the season’s hottest hues, and it’s easy to see why. This soft shade beautifully bridges the gap between deep winter tones and vibrant summer colors, making it incredibly versatile. Plus, the floral accents are perfect for spring!

DOUBLE-FRENCH PASTEL TIPS

As the saying goes, two is better than one! This double French tip design lets you showcase your two favorite shades right at your fingertips. Experiment with combinations like pink and yellow, blue and purple, or green and orange—the possibilities are endless!

GEOMETRIC SHAPES WITH METALLIC ACCENTS

Incorporating geometric shapes with metallic accents is a chic way to elevate pastel colors and give them a modern twist.

CLOUDY SKIES

If you lean towards neutral, muted colors but still want something fun for spring, consider this cloudy gray shade. It features a subtle blue undertone without being overly bright. The best part? This manicure pairs beautifully with any outfit.

BLUE-AND-PINK GRADIANT DESIGNS 

This design may look more complicated than it actually is. You can easily DIY your own gradient-style nails by applying your chosen colors to a sponge and gently dabbing them onto your nails until you achieve your desired hue.

COOL MINT GREEN

Bright, cheerful, and often underrated, mint green is a shade we wholeheartedly embrace. While lime-green nails dominated last year, 2024 is shifting towards more muted hues that offer a subtler charm. Count us in!

OMBRÉ PASTEL FRENCH TIPS

Ombré French tips in a monochrome palette offer a playful twist on pastels.

REVERSE FRENCH PASTEL NAILS

Why settle for just one color when you can flaunt them all? This reverse French rainbow pastel manicure is as cute as it gets. Plus, even as your nails grow out, they’ll continue to look fabulous.

RAINBOW PASTEL GRADIENT TIPS

Elevate your nail game with this chic pastel gradient style. While the gradient may be subtle from a distance, it reveals a delightful surprise that’s sure to earn you endless compliments. Plus, the rainbow hues provide the perfect pop of color!

PASTEL YELLOW SQUIGGLES

Sure, this design requires extra commitment, but if you can pull it off, it will be 100% worth it. Be sure to use a super thin brush to achieve the best results for a look like this.

LEMON YELLOW

We must admit, we don’t see yellow manicures as often as we’d like. This cheerful hue is both bubbly and tasteful, making it a dreamy shade for any season.

LIGHT PINK TIPS

Timeless, classic, and always in style, you can never go wrong with a French manicure. To give it a spring twist, choose light pink tips. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, add a fun design to your thumbs for an extra flair!

SHADES OF BLUE & WHITE

If you’re aiming for a softer blue-toned look, consider these pastel hues paired with subtle whites and grays to really make the colors pop.

PASTEL FLORAL DESIGNS

Before you hit me with a Devil Wears Prada quote, just take a look at how adorable this little floral design is atop a lilac nail shade! You really can’t argue with that.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, pastel nails are a versatile and timeless choice that effortlessly elevate any manicure. Whether you prefer soft pinks, calming blues, or muted yellows, pastel shades can complement any style and occasion. With endless design possibilities—ranging from minimalist looks to intricate patterns—pastel nails allow for personal expression while embracing the refreshing spirit of the season. So go ahead, indulge in the soft hues and let your nails make a charming statement!

GEL NAILS VS DIPPED NAILS VS ACRYLIC

There are several types of nail extensions available, each offering its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Whether you’re considering dip powder nails, gel nails, or acrylics, it’s important to know what to look for when deciding which option is best for you. Before diving into the details, let’s explore the pros and cons of dip nails, gel nails, and acrylics to help you make an informed choice.

WHAT ARE GEL NAILS?

Gel nails are created using a gel formula that is cured under UV or LED light. They’re much more flexible than traditional acrylics, making them less prone to breakage.

While applying gel nails can be a bit challenging due to the sticky residue left behind, which must be wiped off with alcohol, they are highly durable once set and typically last 2-3 weeks.

Unlike hard gel extensions, which are ideal for salon use, gel polish is easier to apply and suitable for both at-home and professional applications.

Disadvantages of Gel Nails

  • Time-consuming application: The process can take a while, as each nail needs to be shaped individually and cured under UV or LED light.
  • UV/LED light exposure: Some individuals may be sensitive to UV or LED light used during the curing process, which can cause skin irritation. To reduce this risk, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before exposure.
  • Harsh chemicals: Some gel brands may contain harsh chemicals like BHA, so it’s best to avoid those when possible.

WHAT ARE DIPPED NAILS?

Dip powder nails, or dipped nails, are made using finely milled acrylic powder and are bonded with a special adhesive called cyanoacrylate.

The powder is applied to the nail and sealed with a top coat. Dip powder nails are known for being both flexible and durable, making them longer-lasting than other types of artificial nails. When applied properly, they are also resistant to chipping and breaking.

The dipping method is particularly suited for home use. Unlike hard gels and acrylics, which require skill and experience to sculpt the nails, dip nails don’t involve sculpting, making them easier to apply.

In addition, dip powders are flexible, durable, odorless, non-toxic, and don’t require curing lights.

Disadvantages of Dip Nails

  • Hygiene concerns: While dip powders are great for home application, if you’re getting them done at a salon, ensure your fingers aren’t being dipped into shared powder pots, as this can lead to infections.
  • Messy application: The process of applying dip powder nails can get a bit messy.

WHAT ARE ACRYLIC NAILS?

Traditional acrylic nails are created by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer, typically applied with a brush and then shaped to the desired look.

Acrylic nails are the most popular type of artificial nails due to their durability, longevity, and relatively simple application process. However, if not applied correctly, they can cause significant damage to your natural nails.

Disadvantages of Acrylic Nails

  • Toxic smell: Liquid monomers often contain harsh chemicals like MMA, which can be harmful to your health, potentially causing allergies or asthma.
  • Harsh chemicals: Some types of acrylics contain dangerous substances such as formaldehyde and toluene. While it hasn’t been definitively proven, toluene has been linked to potential health issues.
  • Lack of flexibility: Unlike gel or dip powder nails, traditional acrylics are quite rigid. This means that if they hit something hard, they are more likely to break due to their stiffness.
  • Bacterial or fungal infections: Improper application or trauma to the nails can lead to gaps between the acrylic and the natural nail, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi.
  • Acrylic nail removal: Removing acrylic nails is a lengthy process, requiring soaking the nails in 100% acetone for 30-40 minutes. It’s recommended to have a professional handle the removal, as attempting it on your own can risk damaging your nails.

DIPPED NAILS VS GEL NAILS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

Dipped nails and gel nails are both popular options for fake nails, but how do they differ? Let’s break it down.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Both dip powder and gel nails are great for home use. However, applying hard gel (gel extensions) can be much trickier for a DIY project.

Gel nails usually take longer to apply than dip nails because gel polish or hard gel needs to be cured under an LED or UV light.

For a gel manicure, the process includes prepping the nails, applying a base coat, gel polish color, a top coat, and curing under a lamp.

A dip powder manicure involves prepping the nails, applying a base coat, dipping them in powder, adding a top coat, and using an activator.

Traditional acrylics include prepping the nail, applying acrylic powder and liquid with a brush, and finishing with nail polish and a top coat.

UV/LED LIGHT EXPOSURE

Dip powder nails don’t need UV or LED light to set, unlike gel nails, which require curing under these lights.

LASTING POWER

Gel polish: If done right, gel polish can last 2-3 weeks.

Hard gel extensions: They can last more than 3 weeks but usually need a fill-in after 3-4 weeks.

Dip powder nails: When applied properly, they can last over 3 weeks without chipping.

Acrylic nails: Acrylics are very strong and can also last over 3 weeks without cracking or chipping.

NAIL DAMAGE

If not applied or removed properly, all three types—gel, dip powder, and acrylics—can harm your natural nails. This can range from mild irritation to more serious issues like infections or allergies, depending on the person and the process used.

COST AND TIME

Gel polish: Costs $35-$50 and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. In the U.S., the average price is $40.

Hard gel extensions: Cost around $80 and take 1-1.5 hours. Prices may rise if you add decorations like rhinestones.

Dip nails: Typically cost $40-$50 and take about 45 minutes.

Acrylic extensions: Cost between $75-$100 and take 1-1.5 hours in a salon.

REMOVAL PROCESS

For gel nails and dip powder nails, the removal process is similar: first, file off the top coat, then soak the nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes. For acrylic nails, removal takes longer. You need to soak them in acetone for 30-40 minutes and then file them off.

CONCLUSION

So, what’s the verdict? It really comes down to your preferences. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to do at home, both a gel polish manicure and a dip powder manicure are great options. If you prefer to visit the salon for a full set of extensions, then gel or acrylic nail extensions might be more your style.

Acrylic allergy: If you’re allergic to acrylics, none of these options will work for you since they all contain acrylic. In that case, you could try a regular polish manicure or a shellac manicure. While these won’t last as long, they are gentler on your nails in the long run. Whatever you decide, remember to care for your nails and give them a break every now and then!