Warm weather and sunny skies mean one thing: It’s finally summertime. We’re excited for white jeans, sundresses, and most of all, summer nail ideas.
We’ve got plenty of inspo for you to take to your nail salon, whether you prefer a minimalist nail look (nude manicures are everywhere these days) or trending nail designs (think cat-eye, polka dots, etc). Between trustworthy press-on nails, intricate nail-art designs, and the classics, there are tons of fun summer nail art ideas for you to play with all season long.
“This summer, nail trends are leaning toward an effortless, light-reflective look—sheer washes of color, luminous finishes, and playful details that catch the light beautifully,” says celebrity nail artist Tak Okamura, whose client roster includes Sophie Turner, Pamela Anderson, and EJAE. “There’s a softer, more elevated approach overall, where nails still feel expressive but not overly heavy or complicated.”
Okamura says cat-eye manicures are leading the pack this summer for their “almost liquid effect,” while chrome finishes have evolved into “something more subtle, glossy, and wearable for everyday summer beauty.”
For anti-minimalists, however, celebrity nail artist Loi Lien says a playful spin on neon is the way to go. “Whether that’s stripes, polka dots, or mixed color combinations, there’s so much room for experimentation,” says Lien, who regularly works with Winnie Harlow and Glamour cover star Coco Jones. “We’re also seeing a big moment for juicy fruit-inspired nails—watermelon, kiwi, guava, orange slices—all of those naturally vibrant tones translate beautifully into nail designs. Adding clear 3D droplets on top gives the nails an extra-fresh, dewy effect that feels really fun and seasonal.”
Of course, the ever-popular glazed-donut manicure is still dominating trend cycles in subtle nudes and shorter, more natural shapes. From seasonal neons to jelly nails and so much more, there’s something for everyone in this list ahead. Scroll on for all the summer nail ideas that we’ve been loving, and get ready to screenshot.
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