The outdated nail looks to retire in 2025, per the pros - and what to request instead

It's that time of year again when we consult the industry pros on which manicures will dominate the months ahead and simultaneously, the outdated nail trends we should avoid at all costs...

Our manicures, like that of our hair and beauty routines, often undergo something of a transformation when a new year begins - often informed by what's proving or predicted to be popular. As far as the 2025 nail trends are concerned, individuality, minimalism and milky lavender hues are set to dominate, along with a focus on healthy talons. With such a new array of designs and colours though, inevitably means some space must be made and according to the nail pros (and our team of manicure enthusiasts and trend researchers), we'll be parting ways with several former favourites.

So, if you're in need of a stylish new year nail look, these are the shades, shapes and lengths to avoid - and what to request instead...

Outdated nail trends to avoid in 2025 and what to get instead

Now of course, manicures are quite subjective as we all have our own preferences - be it neutral nails or bold red polishes - but like with the yearly fashion trends, some designs and colours do end up endearing themselves to the masses. If you're someone who prides themselves on being stylish and staying current or are simply unsure of what nails to request this month, we've quizzed the experts (and shared our own insights), on what looks will be in and which are soon to be out...

Our 2025 nailcare essentials

You know what never goes out of style? Nailcare - and with such a focus on healthy-looking talons this year, now is the time to invest in some strengthening and reparative products. If you're unsure of where to start though, we've shared three of our favourites...

1. Accent Nails

First up is the humble accent nail. If you're not clued in on this particular design, they typically involve one nail (often the ring finger) decorated in a pattern or French tip, for instance, while the rest are left plain.

According to celebrity manicurist and Mylee ambassador, Tinu Bello, they're on the way out: "I think we will see much less of statement nails, in favour of a much more cohesive look across all nails." Instead, Bello predicts that: "Nail art and colour will appear the same on all fingers, or not at all."

For 2025: focus on cohesion, requesting designs and block colours on every nail - like this manicure...

2. Jelly nails

Jelly nails, and in particular Jelly Aura nails, will see a similar decline - "I see us shifting away from the whimsical, translucent appearance of jelly aura nails, to a much more dense and opaque finish for 2025, especially in block colours with minimal designs."

For 2025: consider block colours or milky, sheer nail polishes rather than translucent finishes - like this manicure...

3. Long nails

With the 2025 nail trends promising the rise of short nails, that inevitably means the fall of long (and arguably cumbersome) talons. "As we head towards a more minimal and subtle approach in 2025, the long lengths that were popular in 2024 will move to medium and short lengths," says Bello, adding: "It's really all about embracing your natural shape, with a shift towards practicality."

For 2025: embrace your natural nail lengths and shapes or ditch your long almond nails for equally chic short squoval - like this manicure...

4. Statement Embellishment

On the topic of minimalism, Bello also believes we'll see less statement embellishments, "such as rhinestones, diamantes and gems," in 2025 and instead see "a shift towards simple, elegant and minimalistic nail art and all-over colour."

For 2025: request more minimalistic designs like lines, dots and waves or just opt for clean, block colours - like this manicure...

5. Chromes

Controversially, Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett believes chromes are on their way out. Funnily enough, experts have predicted that this style of metallic sheen will continue to dominate in 2025 but Sennen is unconvinced. Instead, opt for pearlescent and ultra-glossy top coats, for an elevated and expensive-looking manicure.

For 2025: consider pearls, glosses or cat-eye shimmers - like this manicure...

6. Burgundy

Having dominated the winter and festive nail trends in 2024, Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson predicts a decline in burgundy nails in the beginning stages of this year. "It pains me to say it, having worn burgundy on my nails throughout the autumn and winter (the proof of which can be seen in our beauty team's Christmas nails roundup), but I think we've been over-saturated by the wine-like hue. It's been trending for both fashion and beauty for some time now, so I think requests will decline quite quickly in the coming months. That said, I think it will have a renaissance in the winter again, as it is a very chic and arguably timeless colour."

Instead, Naomi thinks we'll see bright reds endure, along with taupe and mocha shades.

For 2025: rotate classic reds or opt for warm browns and neutrals, for a similarly chic and luxe look - like this manicure...

7. French tips

Another potentially controversial take, both Digital Beauty Editors, Fiona McKim and Aleesha Badkar are ready to be rid of French tip nails.

In the last two years, we've seen French tips dominate the trends, with endless iterations springing up - from burgundy French tips to lemon French tips - but at this point, those of us who scour the web for the latest looks as part of our jobs, are a bit tired of seeing them. Fiona also makes a good point that traditional, crescent-moon style tips require long nails and as we know, 2025 is the year of the short talon.

For Aleesha, it's gradient and ombre French tip nails, in particular, that will fade into the beauty ether in the months to come. Instead, we're making a case for block-neutral nails and sheer milky hues.

For 2025: opt for block shades or if you're not ready to ditch Frenchies, opt for a micro tip or classic colourway - like this manicure...