16 Nail Trends That’ll Be Everywhere This Summer
Summer nail trends are hitting a different this year! We’re seeing everything from vibrant neons that scream pool party to sophisticated minimalist looks perfect for rooftop dinners.
The hottest trends blend fun with wearability – because your summer manicure needs to look amazing whether you’re at the beach or brunch. Here are the 16 nail trends that’ll dominate your Instagram feed and nail salon visits this season.
Photo credit can be found via the Instagram link beneath each image.
Dopamine Bright Colors
Forget subtle – this summer is all about colors that make you smile instantly. Think electric lime green, hot magenta, and sunshine yellow. These mood-boosting shades feel like pure joy on your fingertips.
Glazed Donut Chrome
https://www.instagram.com/nailsxmina
The glazed donut trend isn’t going anywhere! That subtle iridescent shimmer catches summer light perfectly and works with every outfit. It’s like your nails are lit from within.
Jelly Nails Revival
https://www.instagram.com/adusk_nail
Translucent, glossy jelly nails in bright colors create that perfect summer vibe. They look like colorful sea glass or gummy bears – fun, fresh, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Sunset Gradient Magic
https://www.instagram.com/nailsbybrittie
Ombré nails that mimic golden hour are everywhere this summer. Blend warm oranges into deep pinks or soft corals into purple for nails that look like perfect sunset photos.
Minimalist Negative Space
Strategic bare nail areas create interesting patterns while keeping things clean and modern. Geometric cutouts, wavy lines, or abstract shapes let your natural nail show through artistically.
Neon French Tips
https://www.instagram.com/honeymoonnail
Classic French manicures get a summer makeover with electric neon tips. Hot pink, lime green, or electric blue tips over nude bases create the perfect balance of classic and trendy.
Fruit-Inspired Art
https://www.instagram.com/allisondoesnails
Tiny watermelons, cherries, lemons, and strawberries turn your nails into a summer fruit bowl. These playful designs capture that fresh, fun summer energy perfectly.
Metallic Foil Effects
https://www.instagram.com/laura_horne_nails
Crumpled gold, silver, or purple foil over bright base colors creates texture and catches light beautifully. Each nail becomes unique with organic, artistic patterns.
Pastel Color Blocking
Soft pastels arranged in geometric blocks create modern art on your nails. Mix mint green with lavender, peach with baby blue – the combinations are endless and always chic.
Swirl Patterns
https://www.instagram.com/nails_by_jenna.k
Organic swirls in contrasting colors feel retro and fresh at the same time. Think latte art or marble patterns in bright summer colors – totally mesmerizing to look at.
Butterfly Accents
https://www.instagram.com/heygreatnails
Delicate butterfly designs over clear or pastel bases capture that free-spirited summer feeling. Hand-painted or stamped butterflies add whimsy to any manicure.
Tie-Dye Nails
https://www.instagram.com/p/DHwM5gsIS_u
Psychedelic swirls in bright colors bring major festival vibes to your fingertips. Each nail becomes a unique piece of wearable art with those flowing, organic patterns.
Checkerboard Patterns
https://www.instagram.com/ncolenolan_
Black and white checks get a summer update with bright color combinations. Try hot pink and purple, or electric blue and yellow for a playful twist on the classic pattern.
Aura Nails
https://www.instagram.com/simlynail
Soft, blurred color effects that look like gentle auras around your cuticles create dreamy, ethereal vibes. These gradient halos feel magical and photograph beautifully.
Mixed Textures
Combine matte and glossy finishes, or mix glitter with cream polish for visual interest. The texture contrast adds depth and makes even simple colors look more sophisticated.
Abstract Squiggles
https://www.instagram.com/togethernailsmcr
Freehand wavy lines and abstract doodles in contrasting colors feel artistic and spontaneous. Think modern art museum meets beach day – creative and carefree.
Summer nail trends this year are all about expressing your personality and having fun with color. Whether you’re drawn to bold statements or subtle sophistication, there’s a trend that’ll make you excited to show off your hands all season long. The best part? Most of these looks work on short nails just as well as long ones, so everyone can join the summer nail party.
