Back-to-school season has a distinct '90s revival vibe! Neon manicures are taking over our Instagram and TikTok feeds. From bold pink Gel Polish to zesty orange and vibrant electric blue, they’re impossible to miss. But how can you embrace this retro trend with elegance and creativity, without falling into a nostalgia trap? Here's everything you need to know!
90’s nails are all about being bold, right to the tips! Say goodbye to soft pastels and make way for fluorescent shades straight out of the 1990s, à la Spice Girls or Britney Spears. But in 2025, we wear them with a modern twist: think neon Gel Polish in full color or as accent nails, adding a vibrant pop to a minimalist outfit or enhancing a sun-kissed glow.
No neon nail trend is complete without mentioning reds and pinks. Forget clean girl nails and soap nails in neutral tones. If you love fiery shades, Lava is the one for you — a striking red polish with orange undertones that’s sure to turn heads.
For a more electric vibe, try Neon Pink Gel Polish, with ultra-vibrant blue undertones. It has a semi-matte finish, so be sure to add a top coat for that extra shine. Another pink with blue undertones, Pétula, is perfect for long nails or bold, arty nail designs.
Prefer something a bit softer? Go for Pop, a fresh take on fluorescent pink polish with subtle orange undertones — very Britney! Perfect for a playful, light look, it flatters both long nails and short, rounded nails.
These feel-good shades are ideal for aura or blush nail art, bringing a glow to fair and medium skin tones. On deep skin, they reveal their full intensity in bold color block styles.
Neon reds and pinks for show-stopping nails.
Keep that summer feeling alive with a vibrant mix of neon orange and yellow. We’re loving Gold Button, a vivid yellow polish that looks stunning on deep skin tones. Available in the Green™ range (and coming soon in Green Flash™ — stay tuned!), it’s bolder than the soft pastel tones seen in the Butter nails trend.
Somewhere between a California sunset and the Spritz nails trend, the Sunset Gel Polish is your go-to for a radiant summer look that grabs attention wherever you go.
And if you’re after a powerful energy boost, go for Coral Reef, a bold blend of red and orange that brings serious impact to your manicure.
These lively shades work beautifully on medium to deep skin with warm undertones, adding that sunlit glow we all love to carry into the colder months. Get your polish ready!
‘90s glow with feel-good, sun-charged shades for year-round brightness.
Ready to stand out with unconventional, daring neon shades? Say no to the expected and yes to something bold.
Fall head over heels for Ultramarine, an electric blue reminiscent of the iconic '90s eyeshadow. Wear it all over on almond-shaped nails or in a deep French manicure for a punchy twist.
Prefer greens? You’ll love Lime, a bold neon lime green polish perfect for tapping into the Brat nails aesthetic with its tangy edge.
And then there’s Brazil, the must-have deep emerald green that instantly transports you to the beaches of Rio with a sweep of top coat.
These three standout colors are best paired with cool-toned skin to really make their bold hues shine.
Electrifying neon nails: from retro blue to Brat-inspired vibes.
(@matejanova)
The goal with neon manicures? To make a statement! Neon colors shine in bold color block designs. But when used in nail art — from graphic patterns to blended gradients — they take on a more subtle and sophisticated dimension. Here are a few ideas for playing with neon shades, the elegant way:
We love the neon take on Aura nails — a softly blended gradient featuring Pale Rose and Neon Pink, highlighted with a pop of Pistachio on the micro French tip. A fruity, fresh nail art look — perfect for those who love blush nail effects without giving up color.
For something bolder, try a sunset-inspired Baby Boomer manicure with Lava and Neon Pink over a Pale Rose base. This vibrant gradient gives a daring, graphic result on longer nails — a neon baby boomer look to fall for.
Blush, baby boomer, aura nails... neon turns arty and irresistible.
(@look8thenails, @m.o.n.a.j)
Every decade has its thing — and the '90s gave us Polka Dots. Fun and easy to do, dot manicures play with contrasting colors. For a twist on black-and-white, use white polish like Porcelaine as a base and add Neon Pink dots with a dotting tool. Retro fun with a minimalist '90s twist.
Love color? Go full rainbow with Neon Rainbow nails, using a different shade on each finger. Try Crème, Bubble, Neon Pink, Pistachio and Sunset for a color-packed, feel-good manicure.
Rainbow vibes and punchy polka dots: ‘90s nails go pop.
(@look8thenails, @shanivynails)
Add a bold twist to your mani with Snake nails in neon accents! This graphic, wavy design painted with Neon Pink gives your nails serious attitude.
Feeling more sun-inspired? Go for Wavy nails using the vibrant duo of Pétula and Sunset. These colorful waves instantly elevate your manicure and bring the good vibes.
Snake or Wavy neon nails — bold designs that bring your manicure to life.
(@m.o.n.a.j)
In the same cheerful spirit, we’re loving Neon Bubbles — a playful, juicy nail art look using Pop, Lime and Bubble. Perfect for layering and adding dimension, all while keeping that vibrant pink base.
Craving a cooler vibe? Try Blue Dots, a minimalist but impactful nail art design. Just a few Ultramarine dots on a neutral base create a graphic, playful look — no fuss, all flair.
Bubble or Dots? One thing's for sure — it's going to pop.
(@lovedbykaro, @alyxlippiatt)
Tips to make your manicure last
Want your neon manicure to shine for days? Follow these golden rules:
- Nail prep is key: Follow our complete guide here.
- Use a 4-step method with Base Coat and Top Coat: Start with a base coat to protect the nail plate. Apply two thin layers of your favorite neon Gel Polish, capping the edge each time to prevent chipping. Finish with a top coat for glossy, long-lasting results. Always use the same range for all layers.
- Let each layer dry properly: For Green™ polish, air-dry each coat thoroughly before applying the next. For Green Flash™ Gel Polish, follow the precise LED curing times here.
- Maintain your nails post-manicure: Apply Green Oil after your manicure and daily to nourish the nail and its contour. This keeps nails strong, flexible, and radiant — and protects against knocks and moisture.
A flawless neon manicure starts with good prep and a careful application.
The spirit of the '90s made a bold comeback in summer 2025 and continues to inspire the world of nail art. It’s all about embracing bold colors, graphic designs and playful, arty details — right to your fingertips. Explore the Green™ and Green Flash™ collections to find your favorite bright shades and create your very own '90s-inspired nails!
