9 Spring Hair, Makeup and Nail Trends
Just like that, spring has sprung. After a long and cozy season of layers and moody colorways, we are always the first in line to board the warm-weather train. And it isn’t just the rising temperature that has us giddy. It is the fresh crop of beauty trends we are amped up about trying. If the onset of prolonged daylight isn’t enough to kick those winter blues, we can assure you that this season’s influx of bright and shining beauty themes will banish any remaining chilly vibes.
Our basic beauty mottos stay pretty stable year-round, but there is just something about the turn of the season that inspires us to take the plunge into all the hair, makeup and nail newness we have seen bubbling up on the runway, the red carpet and even the ’gram. And right now, there is a hefty selection of exciting movements to watch.
From intricately placed hair accessories to glimmering eyelids and some major beauty throwbacks we didn’t expect to see returning to the modern consciousness, scroll on to read all about the most exciting beauty waves we will be riding come spring.
The hair trends
Chic and twinkly accents will make your hair sparkle this spring (Photo: Justine Marjan/Instagram)
Strands that sparkle
Parts lined with pearls and gemstones meet accessories and styling products dripping in 24-karat shimmer. While hair accessories like clips, headbands and barrettes have been gaining ground for a while now, our favorite celebrities and designers have steered the trend forward with notably chic and twinkly accents. To make it more wearable, we recommend a light sprinkling of pearl or jewel-studded baubles, a strategically placed headband (with crystals!) or, for the minimalist, a gleam-inducing shine spray.
Cue the classics
From sleek chignons to French twists teased with Old Hollywood glamour, classic hairstyles are making a modern resurgence. The difference? Subtle styling tweaks like a face-framing tendril à la Scarlett Johansson or left-out ends like the low chignons we saw at Noor by Noor. Finger waves and 1940s-inspired victory rolls are also on the table, as is a retro pixie reboot as seen on Zoë Kravitz.
Mullets, shags & helmets, oh my
From chin-framing bobs with a helmet-like hug to mullets and shags you thought you would never see again, the industry is making noise for styles and cuts that were previously off-limits. In terms of styling, less is definitely more when it comes to these iconic cuts. Stick to a diffuser, dry shampoo or texture sprays if you are going the mullet or shag route, and a flat iron and gleam-producing heat protectant if you are on board with sleek bobs and lobs.
The makeup trends
The Euphoria eye makeup trend gets a retro-inspired remix this spring. (Photo: Hung Vanngo/Instagram)
Disco inferno
The Euphoria eye makeup influence has been dominating since the show’s debut last summer, but it looks like the trend is getting a retro-inspired remix this season. High-impact glossy lids embellished with tons of glitter are here to stay, only now we are seeing them with a more glamorous, vintage-Hollywood spin. If you are down to lean into full drama this spring, look no further.
Think pink
Gone are the days of equating a rose-tinged face beat to Malibu Barbie. Expect non-sickly, totally chic pink makeup to take center stage this spring. Think high-voltage neon lids and blushing hues elegantly washed over lips, cheeks and eyes (bonus points for taking on all three at once).
Lashes with legs
The sky is the limit when it comes to this season’s lash aesthetic. From the red carpet to the runway, we are seeing over-the-top falsies and spread-out spider lashes that make us want to apply a few more coats of mascara right this instant. And just because lashes are making a statement, that doesn’t mean you need to lean into a maximalist approach. Dainty, well-defined fringes make just as much of an impact.
The nail trends
The length of nails is negotiable, but talon-shaped tips are here to stay this spring. Tips can be squared-off, sharp or rounded. (Photo: Imarni Nails/Instagram)
Claws out
The length of said claws is negotiable since not everyone can handle Cynthia Erivo–level drama in their day-to-day, but talon-shaped tips are here to stay this spring. Customize the trend to your liking by switching up the shape (tips can be squared-off, sharp or rounded) and electing any kind of print, pattern or embellishment of your choosing. We have noticed a trend toward animal prints like snakeskin and leopard in addition to lots of jewels, pearls, glitter, even chains. According to some of the top nail artists in the industry, the best spot to find your inspiration and décor is the craft store.
Short ‘n neat
A minimalist manicure with attention to trim, polished detail is the antithesis of the claws-out trend that is also been overtaking the runways, red carpet and Instagram. Not a long-nail person? We have already waxed poetic about the best nail colors to try, but we love the flexibility of this trend. Go solid with a true nude or other classic hues like black or white. Or jazz up your short manicure with neon, metallics, embellishments or stickers. The sky can still be the limit in terms of décor even if you are opting for a shorter nail length this season.
French dip
Back with a vengeance, French manicures have regained their je ne sais quoi thanks to bold color alternatives and imaginative arches. Of course, the textbook combination featuring white tips and a sheer base is an elegant option, but there is a lot of experimentation and creativity to be had with vibrant, unexpected colors like black or neon, even double-dipped tips, nail beds or a few rhinestones thrown in for good measure.
Article written by Erin Jahns and Courtney Higgs
