Move over butter yellow nails, there’s a new sheriff in town. After dominating fashion and beauty last year, it’s time to say goodbye and welcome lemon yellow nails as the shade to know about in 2026.
Mimicking the bright yellow colour of daffodils – or a zesty lemon – this nail colour is the perfect shade to start spring off with, but even better, it perfectly transitions into summer too. As always, Rhode’s Hailey Bieber was an early adopter, donning bright lemon drop nails last summer – courtesy of nail artist Zola Ganzorigt.
After last year’s obsession with butter yellow, it’s no surprise that yellow is here to stay, and lemon yellow nails will be everywhere as the warmer months arrive. Here’s everything to know about the nail trend.
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How to get lemon yellow nails:
Achieving lemon yellow nails (and not last year’s creamier butter yellow shade) is all about selecting the correct colour nail polish.
To create Hailey’s lemon drop nails, Zola shared that she used a mix of Opi Stay Out All Bright and Daffodil Duck Walk to achieve that vibrant, eye-catching shade of yellow. A single shade of Mylee Gel Polish in Lemon Squeeze or Essie in Lemon Cielo would guarantee the colour you’re looking for, too.
Remember that you’re looking for a bright finish, over more muted pastel shades or cooler butter yellow shades. That said, there are plenty of different ways you can wear lemon yellow nails if you’re worried that the shade might be a bit too flashy for you.
