"I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely fiending for the perks of summer. Summertime is true thriving season—tank tops, patio dinners, and a chance to wear this season’s nail colors? Sign me up. The simple luxury of a new manicure not only complements my summer capsule wardrobe, but it brightens my mood, too. And if you ask me, there’s no better season to pick out a new nail polish than the colorful, dreamy months of summer.
According to experts, summer 2025’s nail trends are all about minimalist twists on nail art. “This summer, we’re going to see a big shift toward minimalist, yet playful nail art. Think negative space designs, micro-French tips in vibrant neons, and subtle, shimmer finishes that catch the light,” says celebrity manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon, Lily Nguyen.
This summer is also proving low-maintenance nails don’t need to be boring. Nguyen says clean nails will be elevated with tiny gems and pastel abstract accents, and that we can expect jelly nails in glossy, translucent colors like popsicle-inspired pinks, oranges, and blues to dominate. Celebrity manicurist and KISS Nails brand ambassador Gina Edwards agreed, saying summer will be full of pillowy pink vintage shades, textured French tips, chrome glaze, and soap nails with embellishments. The only problem? With summer nail trends this good, picking a color at the nail salon will be harder than ever.
Searching for your next summer manicure? Read on for all the nail inspiration you’ll need this season.
Lily Nguyen, Celebrity Manicurist & Founder of Labo Beauté Salon
Lily Nguyen is a celebrity nail artist and the founder of Los Angeles nail salon Labo Beauté’s. Her work has been featured in Vogue China, Adidas campaigns, and numerous films and reality TV shows.
Gina Edwards, Celebrity Manicurist
Gina Edwards is a celebrity manicurist and and KISS Nails & imPRESS Mani Brand Ambassador. Her clients include Taraji P Henson, Priyanka Chopra, Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Tiffany Haddish, Gigi & Bella Hadid, and more.
1. Butter Yellow Nails
Butter yellow is the shade of summer, and I know I’ll be matching my nails with my butter yellow wardrobe this season. It’s simple and chic, but still has lots of personality.
2. Pastel Chrome Nails
If you’re someone who can never choose just one nail polish color, this is the manicure for you. Instead of painting your nails in just one pastel color, try assigning each finger a different hue.
3. Hot Pink Jelly Nails
These jelly-effect nails make it look like water is dripping off your pink manicure, and they’re going to be the ultimate It girl nail trend, according to our experts. It’s an easy way to take your nails to the next level, and it’s especially apt if your summer plans include lounging by the pool or beach.
4. Pink Chrome Nails
If nail minimalist, fear not: There are plenty of summer nail trends for you to choose from. This pink chrome keeps things light while incorporating just the right amount of sparkle.
5. Neon Orange Nails
If a neutral nail is your worst nightmare, you’ll love this neon orange color. It’s the perfect color to turn your nails into a statement.
6. White Zebra Nails
Nail art doesn’t always have to be an in-your-face moment (though it can be if you want it to), in fact, our experts think minimalist nail art like this will be all the rage this summer. These white zebra nails are a great in-between if you want to step out of your comfort zone, but aren’t ready for anything too bright.
7. Neon Green Nails
Brat summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean the lime green obsession is. These nails are so bright I think the Blue Origin flight crew could spot them in their 11-minute journey to space.
8. Tiny Heart Nails
If you’re searching for subtle nail art, it’s time to give tiny hearts a try. The barely there design offers the smallest pop of color that’s cute enough to wear all year round—not just for Valentine’s Day.
9. Light Blue Nails
This dreamy shade of light blue is worthy of your first manicure of the summer. You can spice it up with French tips or just stick with the solid blue.
10. Lemon Yellow Nails
Lemons scream Euro summer, but you can rock this manicure whether you have an international trip planned or not. Who needs Positano when you have nails this good?
11. Metallic Blue Nails
Spice up your neutral chrome nails and opt for metallic blue instead. We especially love this washed-denim tone that has a shimmery look.
12. Flower Nails
‘Tis the season to adorn your manicure with teeny-tiny florals! The combination of these little flowers with a few French tips is positively dreamy.
13. White Nails
Is it even really summer without a solid white manicure thrown in the mix once in a while? Whether you choose this color to align with summer holidays or just to make your pastel outfits pop, you can’t go wrong with white nails.
14. Mint Green Nails
Pastel nails are all the rage this year, and a mint green shade will definitely be the envy of all of your friends. This manicure will have you feeling cool as a cucumber all summer long.
15. Lavender Nails
If you want to branch out from your go-to shade of pink, consider going for a lavender pastel manicure instead.
16. Mermaid Nails
Make your manicure extra seasonal by opting for shell nail art. It’ll take the fisherman aesthetic to a whole new level.
17. Bright Green Nails
This bright green shade will draw attention to your hands and stand out with your summery looks—it basically looks like it was made to hold a glass of wine on a patio.
18. Western Nails
It’s a cowgirl summer, y’all! Thanks to the Cowboy Carter Tour, we’re all for leaning into a Western aesthetic this season, including on our nails.
19. Cherry Nails
Cherry designs are slated to be hugely popular this summer, so get ready to see nails like these everywhere. This art is easy to add on to your next French manicure.
20. Strawberry Matcha Nails
Strawberry matcha lattes are the drink of the summer, so it’s only natural to rock them on your nails, too.
21. Polka Dot Nails
Polka dots are so back, and we’re obsessed with the multicolored dots on this manicure. If you’re indecisive when it comes to picking a color, this is the perfect look.
22. Metallic Pink Nails
Combine pastel and chrome nails with this stunning metallic pink manicure.
23. Pink Aura Nails
If you’re searching for an updated version of a hot pink manicure, look no further than these aura nails.
24. Aqua Blue Nails
If you’re headed to the beach this summer, these aqua nails will be your perfect companion.
25. Light Grey Nails
Neutral lovers, this one’s for you—these light grey nails give off a calm, cool, and collected energy.
26. Clear Nails
You can never go wrong with short nails and a clear polish. If your nails need a little TLC this summer, this is the manicure for you.
27. Metallic French Tips
If a full metallic mani isn’t your jam, stick with a metallic French manicure instead. Nguyen expects to see more nature-inspired tones and earthy neutrals paired with delicate metallic details on everyone’s nails come summertime, and this manicure fits the bill.
28. Sun Nails
The heat wave that will inevitably hit this summer is no match for these adorable sun nails.
29. Frosted Nails
Imagine how gorgeous these frosted nails would look when they catch the reflection of the summer sun.
30. Sunset French Tips
IMO, nothing gives “summer” more than a classic pink and orange combo, and it definitely channels the popsicle-inspired pink and orange Nguyen says is going to be all the rage. These nails will pair incredibly well with whatever’s on your summer bucket list, from beach vacations to patio spritzes.
31. Peach Nails
Celebrate peach season with a stunning, solid peach manicure.
32. Cobalt Blue Nails
Celebrate the blue skies and beach days of summer with cobalt blue nails.
33. Solid Red Nails
Red nails are a year-round staple, and this orange-leaning red is perfect for the summer months.
34. Bright Orange Nails
If August by Taylor Swift was a color, it would be this true orange. This nail color is perfect for those waning days of summer when you want to soak it all in (and match the next-level sunsets).
35. Bubblegum Pink Nails
This Barbie pink color feels like summer in a bottle. It’s a shade that’ll pop perfectly against your summer tan.
Emma Ginsberg, Former Associate Editor & Podcast Assistant
Emma is a writer, editor, and podcast producer who has been creating at The Everygirl since 2021. She writes for all sections on the site, assists with editing on narrative essay and opinion projects, and helps produce The Everygirl Podcast. You can listen to her with podcast host Josie Santi on the intros of The Everygirl Podcast and read her articles across the site.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.