March marks the start of that in-between season. We’re technically past the darkest days of winter, but, if Punxsutawney Phil is to be believed, spring isn’t fully here just yet. Instead of battling the unpredictable weather, I’d rather lean into it with a fresh manicure.
Luckily, March’s nail color trends are looking ahead. They’re moving away from the ultra-dark, heavy shades that dominated winter and toward hues that feel lighter and more uplifting, though not necessarily bright or neon. Soft pastels, airy tones, cool finishes and muted shades are leading the way. “March calls for something lighter and inherently optimistic,” says celebrity manicurist and salon founder Jin Soon. As we anticipate warmer days, a manicure that doubles as an instant mood boost feels essential.
The shades below deliver just that; full of sun-kissed energy and guaranteed to make you smile.
Featured Experts
- Jin Soon is a celebrity nail artist and the founder of eponymous salons and nail brand.
- Thea Green is the founder of Nails Inc.
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Moody Blue
Falling somewhere between a pale blue and icy gray, Soon says this moody shade is perfect for the month ahead. "It’s calm and modern, great for March when people want something lighter but not too bright," she adds. In fact, models at the Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2026 presentation sported short nails in the shade for that very reason. Two to try:JinSoon Sea Clay ($18), Static Nails Mood ($16)
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Guava
The Guava Girl trend is back for spring—and according to Thea Green, founder of Nails Inc., it's coming for your manicure. The tropical tone and juicy color feel playful yet polished. Plus, she says it’s "incredibly flattering on all skin tones," she says. Two to try: Nails Inc. Sophia ($9), Dashing Diva Sonic ($11)
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Butter Yellow
March also welcomes the return of butter yellow manicures. The creamy color that captivated Instagram feeds last year is back for good reason. "Pastel shades are leading manicure trends this month. A soft butter yellow shade is also a fresh way to approach nude nails," says Green. "It instantly brightens the hands without washing you out." Two to try:DND Dandelion Diva ($10), Côte Beauty Buttercup ($18)
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Sheer Pink
A sheer pink never fails. It's timeless, endlessly relevant and flattering on every skin tone. Soon adds that it also delivers a clean, polished finish without overpowering the rest of your look. Two to try:essie Master of Fiction ($13), Lights Lacquer Pinky ($13)
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Glazed Navy
Experts agree that icy navy manicures will be major come March. "The look taps into the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic but feels unexpected and fashion-forward," says Green. It's delightfully moody, but, as Soon notes, it also has a softness thanks to its subtle pastel undertone. Two to try:Ruth Twilight ($14), Londontown Blue Diamond ($16)
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Brick Red
Deep red polishes with brick undertones are already trending for March. At Jason Wu's Spring/Summer 2026 runway show, Soon used a similar shade to convey a refined, modern woman. "This isn't your holiday red or the deep burgundies of winter—it has a touch of warmth and much more personality," she says. Two to try:Chanel Pompier ($34), Dazzel Dry Fast Track Cherry ($22)
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Peach Fuzz
The sunnier days of March call for a soft and cheery manicure, and peach is the perfect match. "It's creamy and feels like a natural evolution from winter nudes but with more warmth and glow," says Green. Two to try:Orly So Fetch ($11), Olive & June It's Serving Melon Cocktails ($10)
