9 Nail Trends That Look Expensive (But Are Super Easy to DIY)

💎 You don’t need a salon appointment to achieve a rich, sophisticated manicure. This year, it’s all about mocha hues, subtle shimmer, and barely-there French tips—elegant, effortless, and 100% DIY-friendly. Skip the overpriced nail appointments and embrace these trends that scream ‘old money’ beauty. Ready to make your nails look like a million bucks? 💖💅

1. Baby pink nails

Soft, baby pink nails offer a look that is both timeless and versatile. This delicate hue can be worn alone for a minimalist aesthetic or used as a base for additional designs, such as micro French tips or negative space art. To achieve this look, apply a base coat followed by two layers of baby pink polish. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, salon-quality finish.

2. Mocha manicure

Inspired by Pantone's color of the year, Mocha Mousse, mocha manicures feature rich, coffee-colored hues that exude warmth. This trend involves painting your nails in shades of brown, ranging from light latte to deep espresso. The monochromatic look is both chic and easy to achieve, requiring only a steady hand and your chosen shade of brown polish. For added depth, consider using a matte top coat to enhance the creamy appearance of the mocha tones.

3. Micro french tips

A modern twist on the classic French manicure, micro French tips feature ultra-thin lines at the nail's edge, offering a subtle yet elegant detail. This design can be achieved by using a fine-tipped brush to apply a thin line of polish along the tip of each nail. Opt for traditional white, or experiment with metallics or bold colors for a contemporary update. The result is a refined manicure that looks professionally done but is easy to replicate at home.

4. Metallic foils

Metallic foils can be applied over a base color. To apply, press the foil onto your nail after applying a layer of adhesive or while the polish is still tacky. Seal with a top coat to ensure longevity. This technique offers a luxe look that can be customized with different foil colors and patterns.

5. Iridescent shimmer

Iridescent shimmer nails feature a color-shifting effect that adds depth to your manicure. This look can be achieved by applying an iridescent or holographic top coat over your chosen base color. The result is a delicate, pearlescent finish that catches the light beautifully, giving your nails a high-end appearance with minimal effort.

6. Deep cherry red

Deep cherry red is a timeless classic. This rich hue complements all skin tones and adds a touch of luxury to any look.

To achieve a flawless finish, apply a base coat followed by two layers of your chosen cherry red polish. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the color's depth and shine. This simple yet striking manicure is perfect for any occasion.

7. Natural nude nails

When in doubt, you can never go wrong with nude and cream tones—they’re the epitome of timeless elegance. These shades effortlessly channel that classic "old money" aesthetic, radiating quiet sophistication and understated luxury. A true symbol of refined wealth, they prove that less is always more when it comes to looking effortlessly polished.

8. Negative space art

Negative space nail art involves leaving parts of the nail bare to create modern, chic designs. This minimalist approach can be as simple as painting geometric shapes, lines, or curves, allowing your natural nails to peek through.

To achieve this look, use striping tape to section off areas of your nail before applying polish. Once the polish is dry, remove the tape to reveal the negative space design. This technique offers a high-end, artistic appearance with minimal effort.

9. Cat eye nails

Cat eye nails feature a metallic effect that mimics the slit-eye appearance of a cat. This design is achieved using magnetic nail polish, which contains metal particles that create a shimmering line when a magnet is held over the wet polish. The result is a multidimensional look that can be customized in various colors.

To achieve this at home, apply a base coat, followed by a layer of magnetic polish. Before curing under a UV lamp, hover the magnet over each nail to create the desired effect. Finish with a top coat for added shine and durability.

While new nail trends are taking over in 2025, some styles are starting to feel outdated.

• Ultra-long coffin nails, once a staple in celebrity fashion, are being swapped for shorter, more natural lengths that are easier to maintain.
• The classic, thick French manicure with a bold white tip is being replaced by the more delicate and modern micro French tip we mentioned above.

• Over-the-top rhinestone embellishments are also losing popularity, with minimal and chic designs taking their place.

• Additionally, neon and overly bright colors are stepping aside in favor of softer, muted shades like mocha, baby pink, and deep cherry red. If you're still rocking these older trends, now might be the perfect time to experiment with fresh, sophisticated designs that align with the latest styles.

The art may come in different forms. Check out this story of a man who lost his eye in a car accident but got a new one with the help of a skilled tattoo artist.