15 Butterfly Nail Designs Trending in May
Spring is in full bloom, and what better way to celebrate than with delicate, fluttery butterfly nail art? As May brings warmer days, blooming flowers, and dreamy pastels, butterfly nails are making a big comeback—symbolizing transformation, freedom, and beauty.
From soft minimalist styles to bold, colorful creations, these designs are the perfect match for May’s gentle, whimsical vibe.
Here are 15 butterfly nail designs trending this May that will have your fingertips looking as magical as a spring meadow.
1. Minimalist Butterfly Accents
A sheer nude or pink base with tiny black or white butterfly decals creates a soft and simple look that still feels fresh and stylish. Add one butterfly on each ring finger for subtle charm.
Why it works: Clean, elegant, and easy to wear with anything.
2. Pastel Butterfly Wings
Paint each nail in a soft pastel shade (think lilac, mint, baby blue), then add delicate butterfly wing outlines over the top. It’s soft, dreamy, and oh-so-May.
Pro tip: Add a shimmery topcoat for a dewy effect.
3. 3D Butterfly Charms
Go bold with tiny 3D butterfly charms in soft translucent colors. These little embellishments give your mani serious fairy-core energy—perfect for spring parties and weekend outings.
Best with: Gel nails for better hold and durability.
4. Ombre + Butterflies
Pair a pastel ombre base with small butterfly decals or hand-drawn wings floating across the nails. The fade adds depth while the butterflies bring the magic.
Great for: Almond or coffin nails with a glossy finish.
5. Monarch Butterfly Nails
Inspired by nature’s most iconic butterfly, this design features vivid orange and black monarch wings stretched across two nails (often the middle and ring fingers). It’s bold, recognizable, and artistic.
For those who love: Detailed nail art and high contrast.
6. Holographic Butterfly Nails
Start with a holographic base and layer sheer butterfly wing decals or stamps on top. As your hands move, the butterflies shimmer in rainbow hues—totally mesmerizing!
Perfect for: Club nights, festivals, or sunny days outdoors.
7. French Tips with Butterfly Twist
Swap out classic white French tips with butterfly wing-inspired tips in soft colors. Add one tiny butterfly detail at the cuticle or tip to tie it all together.
Looks great on: Short or medium-length oval nails.
8. Butterfly and Floral Mix
Combine spring’s two biggest motifs—butterflies and flowers—on one mani. Think pink daisies and fluttering blue butterflies on a pastel base.
Fresh and feminine: Ideal for garden parties and Mother’s Day events.
9. Glitter Butterfly Wings
Add a sprinkle of glitter to your butterfly wings or use fine glitter polish to shape the wings themselves. It’s glam, eye-catching, and just the right amount of sparkle.
Wear it with: Rings and bracelets to accentuate the shine.
10. Negative Space Butterfly Nails
Use your natural nail as a canvas, drawing or stamping butterfly shapes around the edges or center. The contrast between skin and color creates a cool, airy effect.
Minimalist + modern: Ideal for neutral-lovers.
11. Lavender Butterflies on Nude Base
Lavender is trending this season—and paired with butterfly art on a nude background, it’s absolutely perfect for May. It’s soft, trendy, and romantic.
Pairs well with: Spring outfits in cream, blush, and lilac.
12. Butterfly Confetti Nails
Use tiny butterfly-shaped glitter or stickers scattered across a sheer jelly base for a confetti-like effect. It’s playful and fun, like a tiny celebration on your nails.
Great for: Short square nails and Gen Z aesthetic fans.
13. Hand-Painted Wing Tips
Paint just the tips of your nails like butterfly wings, adding detail like veins and shading. Each nail becomes a small section of a wing—unique and artistic.
For the detail-oriented: A true mini masterpiece.
14. Blue Butterfly Nails
Blue butterflies symbolize hope and transformation. Choose a sky-blue base with darker blue butterflies, or opt for transparent butterfly decals over a gradient blue background.
Mood-boosting and elegant.
15. Full Butterfly Sets (Each Nail a Wing Segment)
Create an intricate look where each nail forms part of a larger butterfly wing design. When your fingers are placed side by side, it reveals the full butterfly—seriously wow-worthy.
Perfect for: Statement nails and photo-worthy moments.
I am Zoe Grace, a passionate enthusiast of cruise ships. With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold.
Now, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an author, sharing my knowledge and insights with readers who share my fascination for the world of cruising.
Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together.
