People tend to fall into two camps when it comes to their nail choice—bold and bright or timeless neutrals. Typically, I’m all for a head-turning manicure choice with tomato reds and sky blues being the kinds of shades that I tend to gravitate towards. However, 2024 has undoubtedly been the year of the nail trend and with so many incredible nails looks emerging each week I’ve been inspired to step out of my manicure comfort zone over the last few months. And while, for some, that might look like swapping their sheer nail colours for some more experimental nail art or a more head-turning hue, for me that means ditching my rainbow manicures for something a little more pared-back—and, right now, that means light nail colours.
“A light coloured manicure is easy to DIY and actually longer-lasting than brighter or darker hues,” explains session manicurist Ami Streets. “Any regrowth with paler, skin-toned or sheer colours is almost imperceptible which makes it the ultimate low-maintenance manicure already.” For me, as a beauty editor who loves a lazy beauty routine and a busy mum of two, this in itself is enough to convince me of the joys of light nail colours. However, easy upkeep aside, experts agree that light manicures are also delightfully on-trend right now.
“My clients share my love for a neutral colour so they love light nail colours,” says international manicurist Georgia Rae. “Often I’ll mix colours to create a bespoke nude for my client depending on their skin tone, but a consistently popular shade is Bio Sculpture’s Sweet Candy Breath—a soft pink—which is universally flattering and the perfect blend of neutral tones.” And best of all? Light nail colours truly go with everything. Call them boring if you like, but if you haven’t got time to switch up your nails with your outfit then a light manicure might just be your new best friend.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 6 of the best light nail colours if you want to take a more pared-back approach to your next manicure.
The best light nail colours
1. Baby Pink
Style Notes: Far from boring, baby pink nails are everywhere right now and they’re surprisingly versatile. Rather than the bold Barbie pink fuchsia shades that dominated last summer, baby pink is more wearable and makes nails look incredibly healthy. “Simple and barely there, the perfect pale pink polish always looks well-groomed and expensive, whilst the hint of pink enhances the natural undertone of nails and camouflages any imperfections—resulting in brighter, healthy looking nails with high shine,” says Streets.
A subtle shimmer and some of the most minimalist nail art pairs perfectly with this soft pink manicure.
Get the look:
Essie
Nail Polish in 13 Mademoiselle
OPI
Nail Lacquer Dulce De Leche
2. Milky White
Style Notes: The jewel in the ‘clean-girl’ nail’s crown is a milky mani—and I understand why. It’s simple, minimal, and makes nails look naturally healthy. “Sheer whites or creamy neutrals look super chic on any nail length—short or long,” explains Streets. “The neutral colour looks clean and polished, and works perfectly as an understated shade that complements any ensemble.”
Glazed finishes are still hugely popular and look so good with light nail colours as this opalescent white combo proves.
