In the first quarter of 2026, nail colour trends shift toward calm, earthy, and refined tones. The bright, glitter-heavy shades of previous seasons are giving way to softer morning versatile tones.

It’s not about doing too much anymore. Focus is on colours that flatter your skin and are easy to wear. Here are five colours worth trying in 2026:

Modern pastels

Image: Getty Image

Modern pastels are muted, grey-tinged versions of traditional shades. Example includes pale butter yellow, faded coral, or stone-washed peach. They add subtle colour without feeling bold or bright.

What makes it unique is how well they pair with neutral outfits. They look clean on short nails and almond shapes.

Mossy Green

Image: Getty Image

This kind of green feels like it was pulled straight from nature. It’s earthy, warm, and calm. Unlike emeralds or neon greens, mossy green has an olive base, giving it a soft, almost vintage look.

Mossy green offers colour without being overpowering. It’s subtle. It also works well with matte finishes and gold accents if you want to take it up a notch.

Powder Blue

Image: Getty Image

This soft, cool tone feels calm rather than stark. It pairs well with whites, creams, navy blue or even deep browns. It looks exceptionally good on square or oval nails and works with both glossy and satin finishes.

Cashmere Nails

Image: Getty Image

They’re mild, creamy tones that look and feel luxurious. Think soft taupe, warm beige, dusty almond. Cashmere Nails are perfect if you like your nails to look clean and expensive without drawing too much attention. They’re low maintenance in tone. Ideal for professionals, minimalists, or anyone who just wants something simple that always works.

Dewdrop

Image: Getty Image

Dew drop isn’t entire a colour per se. It’s more of a finish or effect. Sheer, glassy nails with a subtle glow. It mimics morning dew with a subtle, light-catching effect. This style suits anyone who prefers a refined but natural look.

These shades are versatile, mix, layer, and wear them confidently in 2026.

Unsure about the next nail colour to try? Butter yellow might just be the gentle, sunny refresh you’ve been longing for.

Warm, soothing, and understated enough to go with almost everything, this tone delivers simple style. It’s the kind of colour that, without trying too hard, feels like a quiet moment of peaceful pleasure.

If you’re looking to add a little sunshine to your look, try these butter yellow manicures.

Butter Yellow at the Tip

If you don’t want to go full yellow, try adding a touch of it just at the tips of your nails. It’s minimal and beautiful, with a soft pop of colour. For a complementary twist, mix it with a blush-toned base — the pink-and-yellow combo feels both playful and chic.

With a Hint of Pink

Butter yellow and blush pink are a perfect match — soft, pretty, and playful. Use yellow on most of the nail and add a touch of pink as a highlight, or mix both in a soft French tip style. You can even go bold with a deep blue base and butter yellow details for a fresh colour mix that still feels balanced.

Keep It Clean and Short

For a minimal look, wear butter yellow on short, neatly filed nails with no extra colours. It’s bright without being loud, and the simplicity makes it feel effortlessly chic — like a little splash of sunshine on your fingertips.

Add Floral Touches

Floral nail art brings out the soft, playful side of butter yellow. From tiny daisies to simple dotted petals, these designs add a creative touch that makes your nails stand out — perfect for weddings, hangouts, or just those feel-good days when you want your nails to pop without doing too much.

The Best Part?

Butter yellow works for just about everything — from brunch dates to weddings. And with good polish and proper nail care, it can last for two weeks without fading.

Summer 2025 is here, and girls want to be more flawless.

Yes, The call of summer is real — not only in fashion but also in beauty, where the smallest detail can become the loudest trend. And this season, that detail is pink nails, championed boldly by none other than Namibian beauty icon Mel Clarke.

As Summer officially begins on this June 21st, 2025, Mel Clarke sets the tone with her radiant manicure and pedicure in a captivating shade of pink a hue that doesn’t shout but glows with quiet confidence.

The look? Clean, glossy, and refreshingly versatile that can run with Whether she’s wearing a white sundress, beachy co-ords, or a color-blocked outfit, Mel’s pink nails tie everything together with elegance and effortlessness.

Why Pink Nails Are the Power Trend of Summer 2025

1. Universal Appeal:

Mel Clarke’s  chosen shade is a vibrant, semi-transparent pink that works across all skin tones. It complements a spectrum of fashion choices, from minimalist neutrals to bold tropical prints, making it the ultimate beauty investment for the season.

2. Statement in Simplicity:

While nail art and chrome finishes remain popular, there’s a growing return to clean beauty aesthetics. Mel embodies this perfectly. Her pink nails are glossy, healthy-looking, and feminine — proof that you don’t need complexity to make a statement.

3. From the Catwalk to the Coastline:

Whether you’re heading to a beach or a rooftop party in Lagos, Dubai, Nairobi, Windhoek or Cape Town, the pink nails like Mel’s offer the kind of chic, adaptable charm that feels right everywhere. It’s the shade that says, “I’m polished but playful.”

4. A Symbol of Self-Care:

Mel Clarke’s pink manicure is more than just a beauty choice it’s a reflection of wellness and intentional femininity. In a world moving fast, embracing a look that’s soft yet impactful is a way of grounding beauty in self-love.

Influencing a New Generation

Mel Clarke’s presence on social media and her growing influence in fashion and beauty make her a trendsetter not just in Namibia, but across Africa and beyond. Her pink nail look is already sparking inspiration — from young girls painting their nails at home to professionals updating their salon moodboards.

This summer, expect to see more pink  not just because it’s pretty, but because it’s powerful.

Let Mel Clarke’s pink nails guide your summer vibe: bold in energy, soft in expression, and endlessly stylish.

Follow her now  on Instagram “Mel Clarke“.