This summer, the hottest nail trends are bold, playful, and sure to make you feel great. This season, nails are sporting everything from neon swirls to soft pink ombrés and shiny chrome finishes. See this tint line as a chance to show off what your nails are truly capable of with fun colors, sparkling textures, and design options. There are plenty of nail colors for every style, whether you want something soft or bold, so you’ll find something you love this summer. Ready to dive into the hottest looks? Let’s go!
Neon Swirls for a Playful Summer Vibe
Bright and colorful swirls on your nails are a sure way to add some excitement to your look. A milky base has been paired with colorful green lines, giving the pattern a fun and professional atmosphere for this year’s summer look. It’s both simple and interesting, so it looks great on short nails and sticks in your mind. The mix of straight and curved lines gives it an interesting look, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to add a bit of color to their nails.
For this nail style, I use OPI’s Alpine Snow as my base, and add Orly’s Glowstick for a bright and fun neon green. You’ll find that using a fine detail brush helps you keep the swirls sharp and well-defined. Having a high-gloss top coat is necessary to preserve the design and keep it looking new all week.
You don’t have to be an expert to create this design at home. Apply a strengthening base coat to the nails before you continue. Paint two layers of a milky white polish and let it dry fully. Following that, use a neon green polish and a detail brush to draw the swirling lines as you please. Grant yourself a lustrous finish with the top coat at the salon.
Honestly, this design is such a mood booster. It looks great on everyone and isn’t too much. You’ll want to relax with a margarita and sunbathe after getting this manicure. And honestly, why not?
Pink Ombré for a Soft and Feminine Touch
Pink ombré nails show off both classic and trendy style at once. The look forms a beautiful blend of white and pink, for a summery color similar to candy. It’s a style that can easily take you from day to night with no changes.
If you want a perfect ombré look, apply Essie’s Ballet Slippers on your nails first and China Glaze’s Shocking Pink on top for the gradient. A makeup sponge can blend your colors nicely, and latex nail barriers will keep your nails clean. Choose to top it off with matte or leave it in the usual shiny glow.
The most important things for this ombré look are patience and blending. Apply a neutral coat and leave it to dry for now. With the makeup sponge, dab stripes of the white and pink nail polishes onto your nail and press the sponge up and down to blend. Keep fading the colors, and each time you do, apply a coat of sealer.
Summer romance seems to go hand in hand with pink ombré. It’s both gentle and strong, and it always seems neat and well-organized. It’s also flexible enough to wear with almost any summer clothing.
Botanical Greenery for a Nature-Inspired Look
If summer 2025 had a manicure mascot, it would probably be botanical nail art. If you want to bring a bit of nature into your space, this design is ideal. Thanks to its soft off-white color, the deep green leaves pair wonderfully and help give the piece a relaxing and designs touch.
To get the same effect, apply OPI’s Put it in Neutral as your base and top it with Olive & June’s Into the Trees for those striking green leaves. An art liner brush and a matte acrylic varnish will make your leaves look exactly how you intend.
Nailing this design at home is surprisingly doable. Let the base dry fully after applying it without any clothes. Brush smaller and lighter leaf designs upward from the edge to give a natural look. Apply another layer after that and finish with a matte finish.
There’s something so grounding about botanical nails. Even when you’re surrounded by city, it can feel like a quick escape to nature. The difference between the soft nude and the bold green makes this a design that’s hard to ignore.
Metallic Blue Chrome for a Futuristic Edge
The metallic blue chrome design here resembles what summer 2025 would look like if you could bottle it. A lustrous, fluid effect covers these nails, making the light seem almost like it’s bouncing off them! This chrome effect is both trendy and can be worn every day. It’s edgy, cool, and undeniably eye-catching.
If you want that reflective finish, try OPI’s Chrome Effects in Blue Glitz with a gel top coat for the best results. The blue color will really shine when you apply a base coat of Essie’s Licorice. You’ll need a silicone brush or eyeshadow applicator to apply the chrome powder evenly and perfectly.
You might think it’s hard to do this at home, but it’s actually quite simple. Paint the base coat dark and make sure it is completely dry. Put a top coat of a no-wipe gel on your nails and allow it to cure under a UV lamp. After that, brush the chrome powder onto the nails using a silicone brush until they are all coated and shiny. Apply another layer of top coat, let it cure, and you’ll have a glassy finish.
Chrome nails always make any outfit look instantly more stylish. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing jeans or a fancy dress, that shiny look always looks great. Let’s face it, we all want to feel like we’re in the future sometimes.
Multicolored Chrome Ombre for a Bold Statement
If you want to stand out this summer, try these multicolored chrome ombré nails. They look amazing with sunset colors and a shiny chrome finish. A manicure done in tropical colors is bright, lively, and hard to overlook.
You could achieve that intense shine by using Holo Taco’s Chrome Collection. No two eyes are the same, so I like to start by blending some Pink, Orange, and Purple Chrome powders with a makeup sponge. Finish the look with a gel top coat to keep the shine looking amazing.
If you make this at home, you’ll find it’s a little more work, but it’s well worth it. Your first step should be to use a white base coat to enhance the colors. Heading dots and knees areiled land for aging presence. Lay another coat on the surface that is shinier than the blush and set it with a UV lamp.
The confidence oozes when you see multicolored chrome nails. They’re bold, bright, and will make people wonder where you got your manicure. Honestly, it’s okay to be a little over the top this summer.
Neon Pink and Wavy Accents for a Bold Summer Vibe
There’s nothing quite like neon pink nails with wavy details for a perfect summer look. There’s a solid pink base here, with transparent nails featuring colorful swirling curves in yellow, blue, and pink for a playful and fierce combo. If you’re looking for a bold manicure to wear during the hot summer days, this is it.
You can get this look by using OPI’s Hotter than You Pink as your base color. These three colors will give you the wavy effect: Electric Daisy by Color Club, Pool Party by China Glaze, and Butler Please by Essie. You can use a thin nail art brush to draw those easy squiggles that look like they’re moving on your nails. Don’t forget to top it off with a glossy layer to keep it looking shiny.
Making this design yourself takes patience and good hand coordination. Begin by painting the solid nails two coats of neon pink, and apply clear base on the accent nails. When everything is dry, one by one draw lines with an artist’s brush making swirls in each neon color. Leave it out until the surface seems smooth and finish with a glossy layer.
To be honest, this nail art is impossible to ignore. It’s loud, doesn’t care, and is ideal for festivals or any other day you’re in the mood for fun. Honestly, there are times when that’s exactly what we’re looking for.
Metallic Pink Chrome for a Sleek and Modern Look
A metallic pink chrome nail design is perfect for anyone who wants a modern, glamorous look this summer. It’s the mirrored design that captures light perfectly, resulting in a really cool effect. The chrome finish makes it look both bold and sophisticated, so it’s a great option for anyone who wants something modern.
To achieve this style, use Essie’s Mademoiselle to make the nails an even base color. For the best look, apply Holo Taco’s Pink Chrome Powder with a silicone brush. A no-wipe gel top coat will help the chrome stay shiny and not fade.
Getting that shiny chrome look at home might be hard, but it’s possible. Make sure to put on a base coat to fill in any tiny defects on the surface. After that, dab the chrome powder onto your nails using a sponge applicator and work it in circular strokes. Top it off with a gel coat, let it cure under a UV lamp, and you’ll see a great shine.
Chrome nails have a touch of the future and a lot of glamour. You feel like you’re touching a mirror in your hand — shiny, sharp, and very attractive.
Neon Orange French Tips for a Pop of Color
French tips are now trending with a splash of neon orange this summer. A nude, almost see-through base is used, so that the bright and curved neon tips can really stand out. It’s a new, exciting way to do a French manicure that suits the summer season.
If you want this look, use OPI’s Bubble Bath as your base to make it light and natural. To add a little extra brightness, choose Orly’s Glowstick in neon orange. You can use a striping brush to make those curved tips and a glossy top coat to finish the look.
You can make this design by starting with a nude base and making sure it dries completely. Place a dot of neon orange nail polish on a fine brush and carefully trace the outline of the tips inward, allowing the brush to curve a little. Coat on the last layer to bind everything and make it shine more.
If you want a subtle hint of color, this design is just right. It’s trendy, easy, and a bit surprising — just what you want in summer nails.
Soft Blue Daisies for a Delicate Summer Look
If you’re looking for a soft and airy summer look, these matte blue nails decorated with little daisies are perfect. Because the background is muted blue, the small white and yellow daisies really stand out. It’s a fun and stylish design that looks fresh, soothing, and a little like the past.
Begin with Essie’s Bikini So Teeny, a pretty pastel blue, to get this look. When doing daisy accents, paint the petals with OPI’s Alpine Snow and the centers with China Glaze’s Lemon Fizz. A dotting tool makes it easier to keep your flowers arranged evenly.
At home, you can get this look by applying two coats of pastel blue and leaving it to completely dry. Rub a dotting tool on the paper to add white for each petal and yellow for each center of the flower. Dry the flowers after and seal with a flat top coat to give them a delicate velvety look.
The thing I most love about this design is how it makes me feel like summer is here. Because it’s not too sweet, it’s ideal for enjoying on a relaxed weekend or by the beach.
Royal Blue and Gold for a Bold Summer Statement
Royal blue nails with gold accents have a noticeable royal feel to them. The gold veins in this matte polish make the classic blue manicure look like it has beautiful marble patterns. If you want to feel as if you’re on top of the world, you need this in your wardrobe.
The best way to get this look is to use OPI’s Russian Navy as your base, which looks great on all skin colors. You can use Sally Hansen’s Gold Chrome Pen to add the thin, marbled veins to the gold accents. A matte top coat will make the look feel soft and smooth.
Making this design at home takes some time and careful work. When you’ve applied two layers of blue polish, wait until it is completely dry. Take a fine liner brush and use it to draw gold chrome lines across your nails. Put a top coat of matte to seal the design and reduce the finish shine.
If you’re looking for a special look, this one is perfect for a dinner date, a party, or any occasion you want to feel special. It’s both rich, luxurious, and striking, so it’s perfect for summer.
Sunny Yellow and Daisies for a Fresh Summer Look
Nothing makes me think of summer more than yellow flowers with white daisies. Have fun with this design: soft yellow nails, except for a lovely daisy on a single nail! It’s a carefree look that’s as pleasant as a picnic in the park and just right for days you want to look sweet but not too much.
You can get this look by using Essie’s Sunny Business for the yellow base and OPI’s Alpine Snow for the daisies. Keep the center of the daisy bright by using China Glaze’s Lemon Fizz. To create those little petals, you only need a fine-tipped dotting tool, while coating everything with a shiny top coat will keep them bright.
Cover the object with two layers of yellow polish and let it each dry before continuing. For best results with the accent nail, paint it with a nude base first and continue with the dotting tool for the white and yellow parts. Add a neat top coat for a great shimmery look for summer.
There’s just something so irresistibly charming about daisies. They’re just what you need to look casual and trendy this summer.
Mint Green and Daisies for a Soft Retro Vibe
This summer, mint green is all the rage, and teaming it with white daisies gives a vintage look that’s still current. Because of its soft matte finish, the bra marks the trend of relaxed, summer poolside days.
Use Essie’s Mint Candy Apple for the base and OPI’s Alpine Snow for the daisy petals to get this look. The centers are done in China Glaze’s Lemon Fizz, and a matte top coat makes the finish less glossy.
It’s super easy to make this look at home. Apply two layers of mint green polish and let them dry. Dot each nail with white for the petals and yellow for the centers. Cover the blossoms with a matte top coat after they have set to keep their soft feeling.
This design is the definition of sweet summer nostalgia. There’s a certain innocence about it that feels both new and nostalgic. It’s the perfect way to feel happy and adorable on any day.
Bold Green and White Bling for a Pop of Glam
If you’re after a little extra glam this summer, this bold green and white manicure with rhinestones is your perfect choice. White with green and sparkling rhinestones make for a dazzling combination that’s also fun and friendly.
For this style, put on Essie’s Mojito Madness as the base and add OPI’s Alpine Snow to one nail. Using Swarovski Crystal Rhinestones in different colors will make your jewelry truly glamorous. A gel top coat will make sure the stones stay in place and won’t come loose.
With the at-home version, paint two coats of green on all nails except the ring finger. Use two layers of white polish on your accent nail. When the nail is dry, use nail glue to stick the rhinestones in a row down the middle. Make sure to use a strong gel top coat to seal the bling.
A rhinestone manicure looks especially luxurious, especially when it’s paired with a bright green color. The nails make you feel like you’re wearing a diamond necklace — even if you’re not.
Purple Ombre and Leopard Print for a Wild Summer Style
Feeling playful this summer? A purple ombre and leopard print outfit will help you show your wild side. The contrast between the soft lilac and bold purple is pretty alone, but adding the teal leopard nail really makes this look truly individual.
Start with Essie’s Lilacism on your nails and finish with OPI’s Purple with a Purpose for the gradient. First, paint the nails with China Glaze’s Too Yacht to Handle and then use a detail brush and OPI’s Black Onyx and China Glaze’s Liquid Leather to paint the spots.
Recreating this look at home is all about blending. Cover the face with the lilac first, then blend on the purple with a sponge to get the gradient. Dip a dotting tool in black and purple and randomly dot the accent nail over the teal base. Gloss the top to make everything unified.
If you’re looking for a look that adds a little extra, this is it. It’s full of energy, unpredictable, and just how summer should be.
Yellow Leopard for a Fierce Pop of Color
A yellow nail is already a statement, but throw in an animal print, and you have a look that’s truly wild. An enticing design, this features sunny yellow and a cool leopard print, creating exactly the right combination of fun and modern. It’s a manicure that looks a little wild but is still very stylish.
You can get this look by applying Essie’s Sunshine State of Mind first. Alpine Snow by OPI gives a bright white base for the leopard print, and Liquid Leather and I’m Not Really a Waitress by China Glaze help create the spots. Using a fine brush or dotting tool will make sure your leopard print looks sharp and tidy.
When you’re home, first coat all your nails with yellow polish, except for the accent nail. Once you have your accent nail, paint it white and wait for it to dry. Apply black and brown spots all over the skin, and draw a thin, black outline along the edges. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.
This look is a whole mood. It’s loud, brave, and completely unafraid to stand out — all the qualities a great summer manicure should have.
Mint Green Simplicity for a Fresh Summer Look
There’s nothing like a mint green manicure to make your hands look fresh and clean. The look is simple and striking, thanks to a soft shade that looks lovely against tan skin in the summer. It’s a subtle beauty that really draws attention, great for when you want to sport minimal and elegant style.
If you want this look, use Essie’s Mint Candy Apple for a lovely minty finish. To get that gel finish, finish with Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Top Coat. The coating makes the mint color stay bright and prevents it from chipping.
Application is as easy as it gets. Reflective colors look best over dark nails, so you should use a dark base coat. After that, apply two layers of the mint polish, letting each one dry before you continue. Close with a shiny coating to keep it looking glossy.
What I love about this look is its versatility. It’s gentle and fun, yet elegant enough for any event. You’ll love the way it looks on tan skin, so it’s perfect for summer.
Orange and Gold Foil for a Bold Statement
If you want to draw attention with what you say, these orange and gold earrings are your best option. You can spot the summer heat in the classic bold orange polish, and the gold foil makes them super elegant. It’s a statement piece that works well for pool parties and summer nights.
The best way to get this effect is to use OPI’s A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find as your base color. Choose Born Pretty Gold Foil Flakes and seal them with a clear gel top coat to make them stay.
First, apply two coats of orange polish, then let them dry in between. Lightly dust a layer of clear polish on the accented nails and place the foil gold onto them with tweezers. Press the foil down lightly and then seal the whole thing by applying another coat of clear gel top coat.
This is the look for when you want to add a little extra excitement to your day. It’s loud, clear, and makes no excuses — just like summer 2025.
Dragon Fruit-Inspired Nails for a Playful Twist
Why not take inspiration from summer’s most Instagrammable fruit? If you want a fun nail art style, go for this dragon fruit look with soft pink and green accents, plus speckled dots in black. If you’re in the mood for something different, this is the perfect manicure for you.
The base color is Essie’s Ballet Slippers, the gradient is done with OPI’s Green Come True, and the black speckles are from China Glaze’s Liquid Leather. A dotting tool makes it easy to add those tiny black seeds in the right spots.
You should begin with a sheer pink base for this style. Tap the green polish at the tips using a sponge to blend it with the rest of the nail. After the paint has dried, draw tiny black dots to make the seeds of the dragon fruit. The glass effect can be completed by sealing the design at the top with a glossy coating.
This design is pure summer fun. They’re adorable, fun, and sure to start a conversation every time you look at them.
Sunny Yellow and Heart Accent for a Sweet Summer Touch
Often, the best designs are those that are most straightforward. A single, cute heart on a yellow manicure shows that you’re in a good mood. It’s a great option for days you want to add some cheer, but not too much.
Try using Essie’s Sunshine State of Mind for a touch of yellow in this look. OPI’s Pink-ing of You gives the heart a sweet appearance that looks great against the sunny background.
Put on two layers of yellow polish, making sure each layer dries before you add the accent. Form a heart by first dotting out two dots, connecting them with a V, and drawing two more dots on the outer tips. Put a final coat on to keep the design looking good and shiny.
It’s so easy to like this look because it’s so adorable. It’s fun, sweet, and adds just the right touch of color and cheer to your summer.
Neon Orange for a Bold and Fiery Vibe
Neon orange nails are the definition of summer boldness. It’s the simplicity and vibrancy of classic neon orange that makes this look so special and vibrant. It’s a bold, striking manicure that can make any summer outfit look better.
If you want this look, apply Orly’s Melt Your Popsicle for the bright neon effect. A gel top coat will give the nails a shiny finish and stop them from chipping.
Paint the neon color on your nails two or three times to make it really pop. Let each coat dry fully before applying the next. Once done, apply a top coat to get the same high-shine you’d get at a salon.
There’s something about neon orange that makes it perfect for summer. It’s striking, brave, and proudly loud, perfect for those who want to be noticed.
Lemon Slice Art for a Fresh Citrus Vibe
Nothing says summer like these cheerful lemon slice nails with their bright colors. The base is a bright yellow, with each finger nail decorated with lemons and their green leaves. It’s a style that says lemonade stand all the way.
To get this citrusy effect, use Essie’s Sunshine State of Mind as your base color. Use Alpine Snow by OPI for the white part of the lemon and Orly’s Glowstick for the yellow rind. The best way to get those sharp lemon segments is with a fine nail art brush, and China Glaze’s Four Leaf Clover gives the perfect green color for the leaves.
Making this design at home takes patience and a bit of skill. First, paint all nails yellow except for the two you want to be nude. After allowing the cake to dry, use a small brush to stick out the white edges of the lemons and color within them with yellow. Add some green leaves to make your party more summery.
Looking at citrus nail art makes you feel like you’re relaxing with a refreshing lemonade. It’s a fun and pretty way to give your nails a summery look.
Neon Green and Leopard Print for a Bold Jungle Vibe
If you’re feeling bold, this combo of neon green and leopard print will help you show it off. The have vibrant green nails and bold leopard print details finished in oranges, pinks, and blacks. It’s a crazy mix of colors that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Choose Color Club’s We Liming? as your green base and layer it with OPI’s A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find for the orange background in the leopard print. You can apply the black spots using China Glaze’s Liquid Leather, and a detail brush will help you keep them neat.
First, paint two nails a bright green and the rest in orange. After it’s dry, add spots in black using a fine brush, but avoid making them all uniform. Top everything with a shiny coat to make those colors stand out.
This style is meant to bring out your wild side. It stands out, is unabashed, and is a manicure that everyone notices. Great for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating, going out, or simply want to feel bold.
