Spring nail colours usually call to mind pastels like lilac, baby pink, and light yellow. But the curveball nail trend of the season — aka ‘stone nails’ — is an unlikely shade: grey.
Before you cry out in protest (“Haven't we had enough grey this winter?”), know that stone nails aren't your typically gloomy grey. Yes, springtime is all about fresh and bright colours, but believe it or not, there's a way to make grey feel cheerful too.
As a matter of fact, influencer Alix Earle has deemed stone nails her favourite manicure of the season. In a recent TikTok, she brought followers along to the nail salon to search for the perfect grey colour – which she clarified isn't a true grey but more of a blue-grey that resembles a polished stone.
“I have been really obsessed with a grey colour, but more of a stone colour that almost looks light blue,” Earle says in the video. “I'm gonna see if we can find that.”
Earle ended up selecting OPI Suzi Talks With Her Hands, a grey-blue polish with a glossy finish, and paired it with long almond-shaped nails.
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The colour has quickly boomed in popularity on the app, with users trying out the stone nails trend. According to Jan Arnold, cofounder of CND, stone nails are the ultimate neutral mani that looks especially fresh during springtime. “Stone-inspired nail shades offer versatile colour perfect for transitioning between seasons, for timeless style,” she says.
To avoid nails looking too flat, try a long length with a narrower shape. Also, make sure to select a grey colour with dimension. “Go for longer nails in an almond shape and add depth to the statement with subtle hints of blue or purple undertones,” says Arnold. “As light washes over the nails, captivating flashes of cool tones will elevate this manicure to the level of your beloved denim jeans for ease and sophistication.”
Arnold's favourite shade for the trend? “CND Hazy Games stands out as my top pick to epitomise the trend of the ‘stone’ nail flawlessly,” she says. "This shade features a slate grey crème base that's smoked with a subtle purple veil, adding a layer of intrigue. Its versatile neutral base, complemented by cool undertones, looks great on all skin tones, while the smoky purple infusion injects depth and excitement into the overall look.”
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