As 2025 nears its end, it’s time to look back at the beauty trends that ruled the year. There was no shortage of buzzy hair colors, makeup moments or skin-care shifts, but the nail trends were something to savor. Trying to recount them all can feel dizzying, which is where Google’s 2025 Year in Search report comes in. According to its data, vibrant nail colors and intricate designs dominated this year, while minimalist looks took a back seat. Below, see the biggest nail trends searched on Google in 2025.
Furry Nails
It may surprise you to see furry nails—also known as fluffy nails—at the top of this list, but given their cozy appearance, it tracks. Unlike a traditional manicure with a glossy finish, this look leans into something far more unexpected. The effect comes from flocking powder, which creates a soft, furry texture and a cool 3D finish. Think velvet nails, but with a tactile twist.
Thanos Nails
Inspired by the popular Netflix show Squid Game, this colorful manicure took off on TikTok for several reasons. The first is simplicity. Thanos nails are characterized by their short, square shape and signature primary colors. Given that, they’re easy to DIY.
Butter Yellow Nails
Butter yellow nails became a full-on manicure sensation when Hailey Bieber debuted the shade. With its creamy finish and soft pastel tone, it quickly proved to be the ultimate color for spring and summer. Whether worn as a solid manicure or used to freshen up classic designs, the shade shows that simplicity still reigns supreme when it comes to cool nail looks.
Polka Dot Nails
Polka dots aren’t just a classic nail design—they’re also one of the easiest to recreate. The key to making them feel modern is not to overthink it. Placing a single dot at the base of short nails instantly gives them a cool and contemporary look, while an all-over design feels more traditional.
Reverse Duck Nails
For the uninitiated, duck nails are a nail shape that starts narrow at the base and flares outward toward the tip, mimicking the look of a duck’s foot. The style has been popular in the nail-art community for years, but this year, creators kicked things up a notch with the reverse duck nail trend. Despite the name, the end result looks similar; the difference lies in how it’s achieved. Instead of traditional flared tips, coffin nail extensions are applied in the opposite direction, creating a cleaner silhouette while still embracing the exaggerated duck-nail aesthetic.
Soap Nails
Don’t be fooled by its position on this list; soap nails were easily one of the year’s biggest manicure trends. The squeaky-clean look was defined by soft shades and short lengths, but don’t mistake that for being one-note. Soap nails are surprisingly versatile. They can be created in a range of colors—lavender, baby pink, cream—and even serve as a fresh base for simple nail art.
Pink Cat-Eye Nails
At this point, cat-eye nails are a classic design. While they’re traditionally created with deep, rich tones, varying shades of rose proved to be just as alluring this year. Pink cat-eye nails carved out a new lane for the trend, giving it a softer, more romantic feel.
3D Flower Nails
Textured designs and 3D nail art have been gaining momentum over the past few years, but in 2025, the trend took on a softer aesthetic by pairing raised effects with delicate floral motifs. The result was nothing short of stunning. From gorgeous hibiscus blooms to full-on floral explosions, these manicures rivaled works of art. Even better? They work on nails of any length or shape.
Cheetah-Print Nails
It’s safe to say that animal-print designs are officially back. While tortoise shell and cow print had their moment, cheetah-print nails were the look to embrace. Like the others, they feature neutral tones, making the design easy to pair with anything in your closet. Plus, they’re timeless and bring a fashion-forward edge that never goes out of style.
Yellow French Tip Nails
French manicures are the ultimate nail design for good reason. They’re incredibly chic and endlessly remixable for a modern take. Several versions stood out this year, but none more than the yellow French manicure. Call it the butter-yellow effect if you must, but there’s no denying the appeal these nails had in 2025.
