If you haven’t been keeping up, the trend of bare nails has been gaining popularity on the internet recently, especially on TikTok. Short, buffed manicures are now being seen as a status symbol. However, this summer’s nail art trends offer a different story for those who haven’t jumped on the bare nails bandwagon.
While there are some subtle options available, such as foggy French tips with a blurred finish and micro-polka dots for a minimalist look, nail artists are exploring maximalist designs. They are layering chrome over glitter, adorning nails with rhinestone flowers, mixing and matching colors on both hands, and incorporating bold animal-print accents. So, while bare nails may dominate social media, elaborate nail designs are still thriving in salons. From sequins to shimmer and blooming gel splotches, this summer’s nail art trends show that many people still prefer statement-making manicures.
Here are the seven nail art trends that experts predict will be everywhere this summer:
1. Micro Polka Dots
Polka dots may not be groundbreaking for summer, but this season, smaller dots in monochrome and milky pastel shades offer a fresh twist. Celebrity nail artist Analysse Hernandez finds micro polka dots to be an easy entry point into nail art, elevating a look while maintaining a delicate touch. Recreating this design at home requires only a bobby pin or dotting tool and a few polish colors.
2. Textural Finishes
Nail enthusiasts have been obsessed with shiny finishes like chrome and cat-eye. This summer, stacking different textures like chrome and glitter adds extra dimension to manicures. Celebrity nail artist Katie Masters notes that clients can experiment with textured looks using chrome and cat-eye polish, or blooming gel for watercolor-like splotches.
3. Foggy French Tips
Foggy French tips offer a softer alternative to bold nail art. This trend features a translucent base and milkier white tips, creating a more subtle and blurred finish. Hernandez recommends using OPI’s Funny Bunny to achieve a natural-looking white tip, perfect for those who prefer a muted, color-free look.
4. Mermaid Chrome
Mermaid chrome offers a summer-ready manicure with a sunlit finish. By combining chrome and glitter, this trend delivers depth and shimmer without resorting to obvious beach-themed decals. Layering chrome over glitter creates a multi-dimensional look that can be worn long after the vacation ends.
5. Animal Print Accents
This summer, animal print accents are making a statement as people opt for designs with a bit more edge. Whether adding leopard spots to a manicure or incorporating zebra stripes, animal prints are versatile enough to serve as both a focal point or an accent in elaborate nail designs.
6. Y2K Flowers
Sparkly floral accents, such as rhinestone or sequin flowers, are a popular choice this summer. Celebrity nail artists Katie Masters and Analysse Hernandez agree that these embellishments bring a touch of Y2K energy to manicures, providing dimension without the need for 3D charms. Sequin flowers are recommended for those looking to elevate a French or solid color manicure.
7. Mismatched Hands
This summer, forget about matching your manicure and pedicure colors. The latest trend is not even matching the colors on your hands. Hernandez recommends bold color combinations like fuchsia and teal, encouraging clients to experiment with striped designs or painting each hand a different hue. More color is the answer to summer manicure boredom.
