Summer Nails 2025: Must-Try Trends for a Stunning Look

As summer rolls in, it’s time to swap out those winter neutrals for something vibrant, fresh, and sun-kissed. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, heading to a summer festival, or just looking to upgrade your nail game, this year’s summer nails are all about bold colors, unique textures, and ultra-modern designs.

We’ve rounded up the hottest summer nail trends for 2025, from celebrity-approved manicures to DIY-friendly designs. Get ready to screenshot your next nail inspo!

Glowing Green

Green is the it color for summer 2025. From neon chartreuse to electric lime, this bold shade is set to dominate nails everywhere.

Celebrity nail artists are already predicting this trend’s viral moment, thanks to stars like Hailey Bieber, who recently sported a glowing green mani at Coachella. If history repeats itself, expect this shade to take over Instagram and TikTok.

How to Get the Look: summer nails.

Try China Glaze’s In the Limelight Gelaze for a salon-finish glow.
If you want a DIY version, mix a neon green polish with a clear top coat for a jelly-like effect.
Pair with a glossy finish to make your summer tan pop!

Butter Yellow

While green is making waves, butter yellow is bringing a softer, pastel touch to this summer’s nail scene. A perfect mix of canary yellow and beige, this shade is ideal for anyone looking for something warm but subtle.

We’ve already seen celebs like Selena Gomez and Aubrey Plaza embracing butter-yellow tones on the red carpet, proving that muted pastels are still a seasonal favorite.

Why It Works: summer nails

Complements all skin tones
Soft, elegant, and trendy without being overpowering
Looks amazing with gold rings and neutral outfits

French Jell-O Nails

French tips are timeless, but this summer, they’re getting a modern twist with sheer, jelly-like bases. The French Jell-O trend gives your nails a soft, glossy, and translucent effect, making them look effortlessly chic.

DIY Hack:

Mix a clear top coat with a drop of color to create a jelly-like polish.
Apply two sheer coats for the perfect wash of color.
Add a classic French tip in white or a bold summer shade for contrast.

This look is perfect for both minimalists and trendsetters alike.

Mix & Match Nails

Why settle for one design when you can have them all? Mix-and-match nails combine different styles—florals, checkered prints, smiley faces, and abstract art—all in one manicure.

Trend Alert: summer nails

Inspired by Y2K nostalgia and playful designs
Popular on Instagram and Pinterest, especially with pastel color palettes
Works well for short and long nails alike

To keep the look cohesive, choose 2-3 colors as a base and mix in different designs for each nail.

Green Accents

Not ready for full-on neon green? No worries! A simple lime-green accent on a neutral base is just as eye-catching.

This subtle yet striking trend has been spotted on celebrities like Ella Mai and can be achieved by:

Adding thin green French tips
Using lime green swirls or dots
Pairing with negative space designs

Aura Nails

Aura nails—characterized by a soft, blended color gradient—are still trending, and they’re not going anywhere in 2025.

Think of it as a manicure with an energy glow, blending two or more colors seamlessly to create a dreamy, ethereal effect. Popular shades this year include pastel blues, pinks, and lavenders for that perfect fairycore aesthetic.

Quick Tip: summer nails

Want an easy way to achieve this look? Try Lost Angels’ ‘Angel Energy’ Press-On Nails for a salon-perfect finish in minutes!

Red Hot

Nothing says power and confidence like classic red nails. The red-nail theory (the belief that red nails attract attention) is still going strong, making this color a must-have for summer.

Celebrity manicurists recommend OPI’s Coca-Cola Red as the perfect fiery shade for a bold summer statement. summer nails.

Snow White

White nails are making a major comeback, thanks to their clean, fresh, and effortlessly chic appeal. Selena Gomez’s recent white manicure has already reignited the trend, making it a go-to summer staple.

Best ways to wear white nails: summer nails

Matte finish for a modern look
Glossy, almond-shaped for a classic feel
White nail art (swirls, negative space, floral designs)

Olive Green

Olive green is the new neutral. This earthy, muted shade works as a perfect transition color from spring to summer. It has been making waves in fashion and is now a must-try for nails.

Nail expert Juli Russell recommends Morgan Taylor’s Freshly Cut as the ideal olive green shade to match this trend. summer nails.

Fairy Aura Nails

The fairycore aesthetic is influencing beauty trends, and nails are no exception. Think delicate, pastel aura nails with hints of sparkle and shimmer.

You can achieve this ethereal look by: summer nails

Blending two soft pastel colors
Adding a touch of chrome powder for a mystical effect
Using a cosmetic sponge to blend colors seamlessly

Baby-Blue Chrome

If you loved last year’s blueberry milk nails, you’ll adore this summer’s baby-blue chrome trend.

It’s soft yet edgy, making it a perfect mix of futuristic and feminine. Nail artists recommend using Magic Mirror Chrome Powder Mint over a baby-blue polish to get this high-shine, reflective effect.

Final Thoughts

This summer, nails are all about self-expression, whether you go for bold greens, delicate pastels, or chrome accents. No matter your style, there’s a trend waiting for you.

💅 Which summer nail trend are you trying first? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us in your nail selfies!