As the days get longer, embrace the vibrant spirit of spring with these colorful and gorgeous May nail ideas that capture the essence of the spring season.
This curated selection of the following 32 stunning designs was chosen to inspire your next manicure to be a masterpiece of color and creativity:
1. Rainbow Tips
Image and nail art by @overglowedit
Vibrant French tips in a colorful rainbow present a playful twist on a classic manicure. Each nail is a canvas showcasing a different hue, outlined in a complementary shade and blending into a natural base for a fresh, springtime look for the month of May.
2. Citrus Swirl
Image and nail art by @disseynails
A delightful combination of orange and green swirls reminiscent of flowers offers a fresh and tangy twist to your spring manicure. The playful splashes of color seem to dance on a nude backdrop.
3. Colorful Whirl
Image and nail art by @pastelpolished
Soft pastel and bright swirls create an elegant, dreamy effect on these nails, intertwining shades of pink, blue, purple, yellow, and orange (and green on the thumb). The design captures the light-hearted spirit of the month of May with a sophisticated, airy touch.
4. Glittery Blush
Delicate pink tones are the perfect base for a single, intricately detailed silver glitter accent nail covered with tiny sparkling embellishments. These pink nails are romantic, celebrating the rebirth of spring in a subtle way.
5. Blue Tie Dye
Image and nail art by @pastelpolished
These medium-length almond nails are adorned with a blue tie-dye pattern and rhinestone embellishments. So fun, and I love the shorter length!
6. Confetti Glow
Image and nail art by @pastelpolished
A celebration on your fingertips, these nails burst with neon swirly dots against a translucent background. It’s a fun, effervescent design that’s ideal for lively spring festivities.
7. Mod Pink Edges
Image and nail art by @pastelpolished
Sleek and stylish, these almond nails feature alternating hot pink and pastel pink French tips on a nude base, wrapped in pink half-moons along the length of each nail. The result is a sharp, contemporary look that is quite an upgrade on the traditional French tip manicure.
8. Peachy Pink Wave
A smooth line of peachy pink flows along these nails, paired with glossy gold outlines for a touch of elegance. I love the nail art on these long coffin nails.
9. Springtime Tips
Image and nail art by @overglowedit
Classic French tips are adorned with delicate blue floral accents, bringing a touch of May’s blooming gardens to your fingertips. The design is both timeless and fresh. Love it!
10. Candy Dot Outlines
Image and nail art by @nails_and_beauty_by_daisy
These bright nails have an array of multicolored dots and glittery silver circles, creating a border that pops against a nude background. This design is like a string of bright May flowers wrapped around each nail.
11. Pink May Fling
Image and nail art by @taryns.nails
Bright pink and yellow hues combine with glitter and 3D floral nail art for a bold, playful statement. These almond nails are a celebration of spring’s fresh energy.
12. Soft Pastel Hues
Image and nail art by @overglowedit
Gentle gradients of pastel colors create a dreamlike effect reminiscent of a serene May sky at dawn. Although very understated, this manicure may be my favorite for May!
13. Floral Touch
Image and nail art by @monika__nails
Soft pink nails with a subtle floral design are embellished with muted pink French tips. The single flower-adorned nail with a gold line adds a touch of elegance to this sweet manicure.
14. Fiesta Dots
Image and nail art by @the_nail_girl_lowestoft_
These square nails burst with high-energy hues thanks to the fun dots on a nude base. Bright teal, vivid purple, vibrant pink, pale, yellow, white, and black dots create a festive party-inspired manicure.
15. Peach Flowers
Sharp, peach, almond nails alternate with white nails covered in hand-painted spring flowers. Perfect for May!
16. Spring Blues
Image and nail art by @disseynails
These fun blue almond nails have different shades of blue French tips alternating with a blue checkerboard pinky nail and a two-tone blue middle finger with a black smiley face. The thumbnail is painted with a sweet blue flower.
17. Springtime Swirl
Image and nail art by @pegi_nails
A harmonious blend of pink and green in a swirl pattern sets a playful and creative mood for this May manicure. The design captures the freshness of spring with a modern twist.
18. Sunshine Blooms
Image and nail art by @pastelpolished
Vivid golden yellow nails adorned with delicate white hibiscus flowers exude a cheerful, sunny vibe. They’re the perfect accessory to brighten any day in May. I especially love the shorter almond shape.
19. Peachy Florals
Image and nail art by @the_nail_girl_lowestoft_
These nails combine a peachy French tip with intricate floral nail art for a charming spring look. The delicate flowers and warm tones remind me of a blossoming garden. Just beautiful.
20. Pastel Petals
Image and nail art by @disseynails
Soft pastel shades create a charming flower pattern on each nail, presenting a playful yet delicate look. It’s a whimsical style on a soft pink base.
21. Swirled Candy
Image and nail art by @monika__nails
This cute almond nail design swirls white, pink, and mint green set against a clean, glossy pink base. It’s a sweet and fresh look that is perfect for the playful side of May.
22. Sparkle Blossoms
Image and nail art by @pegi_nails
Glittery pink and baby blue nails are surrounded by baby pink nails with subtle floral accents, blending sparkle with the softness of springtime florals. This design balances glitz with the natural beauty of the season’s blooms.
23. Lemon Zest
Bright yellow nails, both textured matte and glossy, are accented with creamy swirl nails, creating a zesty and vibrant contrast. This eye-catching design is like a burst of sunshine on your fingertips!
24. Blossom Tips
Image and nail art by @nails_and_beauty_by_daisy
These almond nude nails are tipped with bright pink/purple flowers that add a touch of floral romance. It’s a magical look that captures the enchanting spirit of May and is the perfect pick to usher in summer.
25. Pastel French Tips
These long coffin nails have a fun, colorful French tip finish. The pastel shades are perfect for spring.
26. Sprinkled Petals
These shorter nails are adorned with a delightful blend of pastel-colored dots and designs that give the impression of a soft floral shower. The translucent base allows for this subtle yet playful spring nail art.
27. Bold Blooms
Image and nail art by @amanda.sudolll
Striking red and soft pink come together on these nails, with each nail featuring a bold red base or a delicate pink base with a floral design or French tips. The contrast between the vibrant red and the softness of the pink creates a modern and chic look. Perfect to pair with silver jewelry!
28. Lilac Lace
Image and nail art by @monika__nails
A beautiful combination of lilac and soft pink, accented with white floral patterns that look like lace, offers a sweet and romantic aesthetic.
29. Garden Party
These stiletto nails are a canvas for a vibrant floral pattern with lush green leaves and blooms in shades of peach, pink, and blue, just like a springtime garden in full swing.
30. Geometric Play
The bold, abstract geometric patterns on these nails use a playful palette of purple nails mixed with abstract nail art of purple, yellow, red, green, and blue, creating an eye-catching and modern art-inspired look.
31. Springtime Whimsy
Image and nail art by @moni_wien92
A mix of pastel colors with floral accents creates a joyful design. These nails are perfect for embracing the playful side of spring.
32. Floral Mix and Match
Vivid shades of pink, orange, and teal form the backdrop for dainty white daisies on these nails. The combination of bold colors and floral motifs captures the vibrant energy of May flowers in full bloom.
Sarah Roberts is the founder, writer, and photographer behind A Beauty Edit. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Sarah is an avid skincare and beauty enthusiast who shares the best beauty finds to help you save time and money!