There’s a reason why we gravitate toward neutral nail colors. They pair easily with whatever you’re wearing, are chic in an understated way, and they’re just pain flattering. Sometimes you want an inch more oomph, though—a nail color that feels elevated without being too boring. Strawberry milk nails deliver on all fronts, and they’re the perfect low-key-with-a-springish-twist for the season. Keep reading for the full rundown on this trend and how to get the look. 

What Are Strawberry Milk Nails? 

Strawberry milk nais are a soft, creamy pink manicure with a semi-sheer or milky finish. The name comes from the light, pastel-pink shade that resembles a tall, chilled glass of creamy strawberry milk.

“Unlike traditional bubblegum pinks or bold fuchsias, this shade is muted, with a sheer or jelly-like quality that gives it an elegant, barely-there look,” explains Lily Nguyen, celebrity manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon. “It strikes the perfect balance between natural and polished, making it flattering on everyone.” 

The trend is a nice mashup of the “clean girl” aesthetic, balletcore, and minimalist beauty, where soft, nature, girly, and “quiet” hues dominate. It’s essentially a pink version of the glazed, soapy, and jelly nail trends that’ve been popular for so long.  

Galdina Jimenez, manicurist and global education manager for OPI, says that we’re seeing a rise in strawberry milk nails because pastels, in general, are perfect for spring and summer. Celebs have also given the hue a boost in popularity. She says, “At the Golden Globes, Zendaya showed off her engagement ring with strawberry milk nails. And other celebrities—like Kim Kardashian and Carol G—have been seen wearing this Strawberry milk trend, as well!” 

How to Get Strawberry Milk Nails 

Strawberry milk nails aren’t just any pink polish. There’s a creamy milkiness to them that sets the hue apart from other glazed looks or pink colors.

What to Ask for at the Salon 

If you’re heading for the salon, ask for a soft, milky pink with a sheer or semi-sheer finish. “Request a buildable jelly polish or a sheer pink gel,” Nguyen says. “A thin layer of milky white polish underneath can also help create the creamy, diffused effect.” 

Showing some inspo images to your manicurist can help them pick out the best polishes and gels to get the strawberry milk nails look. 

How to Do Strawberry Milk Nails at Home  

If you’re an at-home mani person, follow these steps to recreate strawberry milk nails: 

1. Shape, file, and buff your nails. 
2. Apply a soft white nail polish as your base. 
3. Apply one to two layers of a milky pink polish, like OPI’s ‘It’s a Girl!’ or Zoya’s Bela.
4. Top it off with a high-shine gel topcoat for a glossy finish.