Summer Nail Trends 2025: 11 Must-Try Designs That'll Make Your Nails the Star

Summer is officially here, and it's time to give your nails the glow-up they deserve! This season is all about bold colors, fun textures, and creative designs that scream sunshine and good vibes. Whether you love vibrant neon brights or prefer subtle jelly textures, summer 2025 nail trends are bringing both maximalist and minimalist options to the table.

From TikTok-famous jelly nails to chrome finishes that catch the light like summer sunshine, we've got the inside scoop on what nail artists and celebrities are loving right now. Ready to turn your fingertips into the ultimate summer accessory?

What Makes Summer 2025 Nails Different?

While spring was all about subtle statements and metallic accents, summer 2025 will transition into bold textures, shapes, and nail art. And the more color, the merrier. This season is giving us permission to have fun and experiment with our nails like never before.

The best part? These trends work whether you're hitting the beach, attending summer weddings, or just want to add some pizzazz to your everyday look.

Top 11 Summer Nail Trends You Need to Try

1. Jelly Nails - The Glass-Like Finish Everyone's Obsessed With

Originating in Korea and Japan, the jelly nail trend has been slowly emerging as one to watch — and it recently exploded on social media when Hailey Bieber stepped out in her own jelly manicure at Coachella this year.

Think translucent shades in punchy colours like watermelon pinks, orange sorbets, and lime greens. This trend gives that playful 2000s vibe that looks amazing on short or long nails.

How to get the look: Use sheer, colored polishes that create a glossy, glass-like finish. Jelly polishes look especially good on short nails in bright shades like tangerine, cherry, and lime.

2. Neon Brights - Go Bold or Go Home

Summer 2025 is the season to embrace your inner maximalist with neon colors that practically glow in the sunlight. Vibrant shades—like bright yellow, orange, pink, and green—will dominate summer. They're bold but wearable and instantly energize any look.

Pro tip: If full neon feels too intense, try a micro French tip in a bright shade for a modern twist on the classic manicure.

3. Chrome Pastels - The Glazed Donut's Colorful Cousin

Glazed pastel chrome is the new take on glazed donut. This trend combines the soft prettiness of pastels with the futuristic shine of chrome for a look that's both dreamy and modern.

Best shades to try: Pistachio green, lavender, soft peach, and butter yellow with chrome top coats.

4. Aura Nails - Soft Blends with Major Impact

Aura nails are all about soft, blended, blurry edges between a central color and a base color—the choice of shades, of course, is up to you. Think sunset gradients and dreamy color combinations that look like they were painted by nature.

5. Strawberry Milk Nails - The Minimalist's Dream

My most recent favorite [look] is 'Strawberry Milk Nails', which has a delicate pink hue. It aligns with minimalist beauty trends, as the nails embody the 'clean girl' aesthetic.

This soft pink shade is perfect for those who want something fresh and understated that still feels summery.

6. Pool Blue - Ocean Vibes on Your Fingertips

Pool blue feels crisp and refreshing, like the color of clean, clear water. It's vibrant without leaning neon and gives you that summer energy in a cooler tone.

Whether you're poolside or landlocked, this shade instantly transports you to vacation mode.

7. 3D Nail Charms - Turn Your Nails Into Jewelry

Think cherries, flowers, seashells, or other sculpted details that bring a little extra dimension to summer-themed designs. It's all about having fun with texture and not taking things too seriously.

Popular charm options: Tiny fruits, butterflies, pearls, and geometric shapes.

8. Micro French Tips with a Twist

The classic French manicure gets a summer makeover with ultra-thin tips in neon colors. A whisper-thin neon tip on a nude or sheer base is the definition of understated edge. Whether it's electric coral or vivid lime, it gives your manicure a modern, fashion-forward energy.

9. Milky White with Accents

Milky nails are a year-round favourite and won't be going anywhere this summer. My clients love the soft, sheer white for an incredible, healthy-looking glow.

Elevate the look with delicate chrome details, mini florals, or fine-line art for added personality.

10. Floral Nail Art - Delicate Blooms for Summer

Summer and florals go hand in hand, and this year, we're predicting a rise in delicate, hand-painted blooms on accent fingers. Micro floral designs are the perfect way to add femininity without going overboard.

11. Cherry Red - The Timeless Summer Classic

Cherry red is a standout nail color for summer 2025 due to its timeless appeal and alignment with current fashion and beauty trends. This rich, vibrant red never goes out of style and looks amazing with summer outfits.

How to Make Your Summer Manicure Last

Summer activities can be tough on your nails, but these expert tips will help your manicure survive:

• Prep properly: When your nails need to hold up to sunscreen, swimming, and sand, make sure you avoid any water for one hour prior to your mani

• Use thin coats: Summer heat can make thick layers bubble, so apply multiple thin coats instead

• Invest in good base and top coats: They're your first line of defense against chipping and fading

DIY vs. Salon: What You Need to Know

Some of these trends are totally doable at home, while others are best left to the professionals:

Easy DIY trends:

• Jelly nails with sheer polish

• Simple French tips

• Solid neon colors

• Basic floral decals

Better left to pros:

• Complex aura nail blending

• 3D charm application

• Intricate micro nail art

• Chrome application

What Colors to Shop for This Summer

Based on what nail artists are predicting, here are the must-have shades for your summer collection:

• Neon green (like kiwi or lime)

• Pool/ocean blue

• Cherry red

• Strawberry milk pink

• Butter yellow

• Pistachio green

• Coral orange

• Milky white

The Bottom Line

Summer 2025 nail trends are giving us the best of both worlds - bold, fun designs for those who want to make a statement, and subtle, elevated looks for minimalists. Summer nails are all about freedom and vibrancy. It's the season where bold, happy colors come alive—everything feels more playful.

Whether you go for glass-like jelly nails or eye-catching neon tips, the key is choosing trends that make you feel confident and match your summer vibe. Don't be afraid to mix and match different trends or put your own spin on them - after all, the best nail trend is the one that makes you smile every time you look at your hands!

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Nail Trends 2025

What are the biggest nail trends for summer 2025?

The biggest summer 2025 nail trends include jelly nails with translucent finishes, neon bright colors, chrome pastels, aura nails with soft blended edges, and 3D nail charms for added texture and dimension.

Are jelly nails hard to do at home?

Jelly nails are really easy to use. They look best on short nails with a smooth, buffed base and a ridge-filling coat underneath, using sheer colored polishes for that squishy, glassy finish.

What nail colors are trending for summer 2025?

Trending colors include vibrant shades like bright yellow, orange, pink, and green, plus pool blue that feels crisp and refreshing, cherry red for timeless appeal, and strawberry milk pink for minimalists.

How long do summer nail trends typically last?

When your nails need to hold up to sunscreen, swimming, and sand, proper preparation with thin coats and quality base/top coats can help your manicure last 1-2 weeks with good care.

Can I wear dark colors in summer 2025?

While deep colors are typically associated with fall and winter, they create a cool contrast when paired with light summer outfits, offering a softer alternative to black for those preferring darker nails year-round.

What's the difference between aura nails and ombre nails?

Aura nails are all about soft, blended, blurry edges between a central color and base color with the choice of shades up to you, creating a more artistic and abstract look than traditional ombre.

Are chrome nails still trending in summer 2025?

Chrome nails are getting an upgrade with glazed pastel chrome becoming the new take on glazed donut nails, while touches of chrome provide minimal yet summer-focused looks when applied to pastels.

What nail art is easiest for beginners this summer?

Micro nail art with tiny hearts, abstract shapes, or dots in electric neon against a clean nude base is perfect for beginners, along with simple fruit decals and minimalist spots.