![Person with pastel purple nails.](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/jNRssRt3w4nVUQh7S0uRESjgn24=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PaintboxPastelNails-5fa5acbf6c8e4a64976eda2ebd24c20b.jpeg)
Paintbox
Whether you're headed to the salon or planning to get hands-on with your own nail art, chances are you're looking for stylish ways to take your manicure to the next level. As much as you may feel inspired to reach for bright, hot hues to match the season, if you scroll through Instagram, you'll learn that pastel nails are actually what's hot right now. With nearly 530,000 posts dedicated to the hashtag, there are so, so many pastel nail art ideas to choose from. To help make it a little easier, we've rounded up 25 of our faves—check them out below.
Arched Diagonals
![Pastel purple varied French manicure with gold bars](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/3Y_BApSrgXNC5IsIPds8jK7G7so=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nails1-005d6560863e4da7a647d80e5fdaaa75.jpg)
You don't need to cover your entire nail in color in order to achieve a pretty pastel nail look. Here, you can see how arched diagonals, negative space, and metallic gold accents create an eye-catching manicure.
Pastel Heart Tips
![French manicure with pastel purple heart-shaped tips](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/5sWqCdA0bo0NHtkqgu_oMSBuJQA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nails2-4825f4f165644123bb7f383c13c4b6d1.jpg)
Keeping pastel purple top of mind, check out these pretty heart-shaped tips. The best way to re-create the look is to use a thin striping brush to trace on the heart-shaped arches.
Pastel Neon
![Pastel neon rainbow swirl nail design](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/MwpdTQKgXv39mH2EkcFRo5bfjyg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail3-4e5baea3730a494fa0323282d7212132.jpg)
While pastel and neon might seem like complete opposites, pastel neon is, in fact, a thing. Just look at this vibrant pale nail look if you don’t believe us. Megawatt, no?
Bright Pastels
![Abstract pastel nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/0yZn0_gGb-iI_cGsYLzAHsorOaw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail4-72b13f01ff7248a98d7b6b9ec8b900ef.jpg)
Pastels can be bold. Case in point? This pale-yet-powerful abstract mani.
Tutti Frutti Nails
![Pastel rainbow swirl nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/DGyEgJxQsL3X6LHD0Sc5-kNyrfc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail5-64b4ba7b3c6f480baa55f6b9932e28e9.jpg)
Tutti frutti nails are one of the biggest manicure trends of summer and—you guessed it—pastel polish is at play. Given the intricacy of these multicolored nails, you may want to visit a professional to bring them to life. Of course, if you don’t mind perfectly imperfect swirls, a thin striping brush will help you achieve the look at home.
Pastel Purple Accents
![French manicure with pastel purple and white varied pattern tips](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/nAaq2zrIIvisGIrV63bHH0gjJwQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/166349289_787321848869096_6796444228968651758_n-e793359599fd4ef08021adc7302feb37.jpg)
Not set on a single design but know that pastel color you want to use? Consider this monochrome nail art idea backset on white polish.
Pastel Swoops
![Swooping pastel negative space nail design](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/bONDWTMfJGnjM2T-oy8lgwXGTpw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail8-ab9c76281ff849dea8a58b374497b5d8.jpg)
We can’t get over how dreamy this negative space mani is. With two contrasting colors on each nail, it’s one pastel nail art idea that’s sure to turn heads.
Pastel Melt
![Warm-toned pastel gradient nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/DYRpW5EEwXtHy4yZ4gnZVe1tJQ0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail9-947df7d641944199bd19cd88ecfbabdc.jpg)
If you can’t choose a single color, don’t fret. With an ombré technique, you can create a pretty pastel fade between hues.
Pastel Swirls
![Pastel purple and latte nude nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/5AFNpHm2oCPPnS71c0mVan_lFXY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail10-73ac22371eee4962996fd5411ea35641.jpg)
We love this pale purple swirl manicure. Whether you offset it with clear-coated negative space or opt for pale peach in the background, this nail look is bound to look groovy.
Pastel Hearts
![Pastel rainbow heart and stripe nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Q-_iyOofniMT1Pj31HoI7vK9WBs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail11-ff008fa31c6c4bc5a31bf44a96db1b11.jpg)
Whether you’re rocking these pastel rainbow nails for pride or any other time of year, they’re guaranteed to give you a reason to look down and smile.
Pastel Dots
![Dusty rose nails with small pastel polka dots](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/TVKAg39VlpniKYkxboBorfWTfAM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/178601095_303236818025721_2855536362794107596_n-a32bf2be46764bbd86f76994d7edb7b9.jpg)
Here’s a pastel nail art idea that you can easily recreate yourself. Start with clear polish or a neutral base and use a dotting tool to stipple a different color of pastel polish onto each nail. Don’t forget a layer of topcoat to seal your design in.
Pastel Diagonals
![Diagonal tan and pastel nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/U00vwmoSsSiLfUxIYX-vd9mhEJc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail13-3a5016dbf33e47fa9adecd8423099b14.jpg)
Another simple at-home nail art idea? Clean diagonal lines. Whether you use the same pastel shade on each nail or transition between five, you’re bound to love the end look. Best of all, it’s easy: Just section off your nail with striping tape and you’re good to go.
Pastel Peach Accents
![Pastel peach manicure with pastel purple accents and checkerboard](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/ksvHYJc949WRVMqcMnPpkWzSEnI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/167165113_1073916346449191_3688730927617062500_n-b4f484cbb22f4afca3fa5e276f293d25.jpg)
Pale purple and peach just work together. And with only one intricate nail in this mani, we bet you can bring it to life yourself. Just arm yourself with striping tape and a touch-up brush and you’ll be well on your way.
Abstract Pastel Nails
![abstract pastel nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/9nwVYT9Eyd1QR3uLCWgN0Jt_va4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail14-e3991fb52bbf4ed39c072d0ad45a511e.jpg)
These pastel abstract nails remind us of prints from the ‘80s and ‘90s—which is to say, we’re fans.
Pastel Stiletto Nails
![Abstract negative space pastel manicure on stiletto nails](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/T97o8ecvPXHaegKBTI_GT8VCfj4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail15-14b1ee6a2fb0446aa3c2efa5e6b2e9ca.jpg)
Here’s another pastel neon nail look perfect for summer. With primarily warm shades, it’s a hot mani idea worthy of the ‘gram.
Two-Toned Pastel Tips
![Two-toned pastel diagonal tip nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/5Pmzo7VEapJ9E1hBIqTEMAUyczc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail17-8cfe60acd05741e1a230718749ee4c95.jpg)
Love the idea of diagonal nail art but want to make it a little less straight? Check out this two-toned wavy manicure idea. Fun, no?
Wavy Pastel Nails
![Pastel rainbow wavy drip nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/-bw7Vv0LG2k7D0bfX4cGsiDzIBI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail18-58f124580ab44930bb48186965e35282.jpg)
Speaking of wavy nails, how funky is this pastel neon nail art idea? It's a summer must, that’s for sure.
Cool-Toned Pastels
![Cool-toned pastel negative space manicure](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/MOqXxeHto0uIIibNWtt0nJVAYxI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/191856667_238876954706088_5374902542712834755_n-44ba11a8dda946a1b4d41d2e53c0491d.jpg)
Hoping for a more serene pastel manicure? This cool-toned nail art idea will do the trick.
Pastel Summer Nails
![Multi design pastel nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/XcJfHjq5bV3AZ2vKhTcPjMPjqGY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail19-dab4c9ec448d40f3967fcedf049a3a59.jpg)
Of course, if you prefer a bit more variety, this hot and cool pastel mani is a fun way to hop on the trend. Plus, it lets you play with multiple art accents, too.
Negative Space Pastel Nails
![Negative space multicolor abstract pastel nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Ol7J_Kykv1iY1_HFMfGAKrnBo6U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail21-bb705b59dd834f238031f0d63614b321.jpg)
Pink, purple, blue, yellow, and green are always pretty—especially in pastel shades. If you agree, try recreating these wavy negative space nails using a fine striping brush.
Pastel Gradient Nails
![Rainbow ombre pastel nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/0EcUu5Y7yNDgJKi_tRpQJhX67sI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail22-3254b11a49b64d0ababa4d144e3d3d6d.jpg)
Point blank: These pastel gradient nails are gorgeous. Plus, they’ll let you show off loads of color.
Pastel Aqua Nails
![Pastel teal multi-patterned nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/6RmhgzeCrJ2EXjy3qySUOHizPwE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail23-81c4a6af6f4240cca684bf12dd8067c0.jpg)
Robin’s egg blue, anyone? With a striping brush or two-sided dotting tool in hand, you’ll be able to easily recreate this mismatched nail art idea.
Pastel Lavender Nails
![Pastel lavender gradient and squiggle nail art](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/XOXg3nkQbwCoOn2fgDj5ECRurWo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail24-3560bcc3650049fc8ed95ed97828520c.jpg)
For whatever reason, these nails remind us of the underwater squiggles on SpongeBob. Given pop culture’s love of all things Y2K, that makes them trendy in our book.
Pastel Leopard Nails
![Pastel rainbow nails alternating gradient with leopard print](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/DVnGtegK4ldqWx4hb-aD_B8uA38=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nail25-043162a003704355b78560bc9ecec362.jpg)
Who said leopard nails have to be in neutrals? We’re head over heels for this pastel take.