When we’re always drinking iced coffee and the sun is hot, it’s time to show our nails some extra attention. But what if I shared that this summer isn’t only about color, but also the mood your nails create? The nail trends this season are all about fun, a bold style and adding your own touch. Whether you’re heading to a beach picnic, a rooftop brunch, or just typing away in your sunlit kitchen, your manicure can tell the whole story.
Interested in checking out the trendiest summer nails for 2025? Let’s get into it.
Sun-Drenched Yellow with Speckle Art
There’s something about neon yellow that just screams vacation. The smooth transition from yellow-white at the top to all black at the bottom is completed by large speckles. It’s not too flashy and it reminds me of lemon sorbet sprinkled with bits of crushed Oreos—an unusual combination that’s hard to resist. Thanks to its square shape, this design gives your nails a bold and confident look that’s perfect for summer.
To recreate this, I usually start with a milky white base (try OPI “Funny Bunny”) and a yellow like “Neon & On & On” from China Glaze. You can get the speckles by using a black splatter nail art polish such as Cirque Colors “Speckled.” You’ll get an authentic chalk finish by sealing your paint with a matte topcoat.
Patience is key here. It’s better to use a sponge to blend the ombré on the cake, but make sure not to muddle the white color beneath. Ensure the base is dry before you add speckles so they don’t smudge. Julie Kandalec always uses a gel topcoat to ensure her nail art looks great for a long time.
This mani makes you want to wear all your yellow clothes, even the one you bought on a whim and haven’t worn in ages.
Soft Lemon Fade Over Bare Nude
This soft, breezy and glowing pastel lemon-yellow fade reminds me of a summer morning. There’s something airy about the connection between nude color and yellow. It has a relaxed, beach house feel, but it’s not forced. And the 2025 almond-inspired shape here? Chef’s kiss. Not too square, not too oval—just right.
You should have a transparent nude like Essie’s “Sheer Fantasy” and a lemon pastel shade called Zoya’s “Bee.” If you are new to nail art, try using dip powders for this type of blend. Make sure to put on a layer of light and buff before each new coat.
I have discovered that a latex barrier around the cuticle area makes it much easier to clean up after doing a soft ombré. Betina Goldstein once advised that using a sponge cut into a triangle helps you get the best control for fading hair.
The softness of this style makes it romantic and I’ve noticed friends wear it with airy dresses and nice pedicures to match. It’s low-effort but absolutely not low-impact.
Pink Sprinkle Party
Here’s your answer to “What’s fun but still cute?” This is a 2025 solid pink base with the same black speckles we noticed before. The look is more subtle, playful and has a Y2K vibe here. They are a blend of shiny Barbiecore and punk, so they are exactly like me on my nails.
If you want this look, I suggest using “Mod About You” from OPI or “Ballet Slippers” for a softer pink. Again, the speckle topcoat gives the cake a little contrast and stops it from looking too sugary.
You don’t have to use complicated tools—all you need is a steady hand, some patience and a topcoat to finish the job. I think adding a shiny topcoat to speckles makes them stand out more.
When I put together an outfit like this, a friend interrupted what they were saying to ask if I’d had my nails done in New York. Spoiler: I hadn’t. It looks like an expensive design, even though it isn’t complicated to make.
Sunset Ombré with a Golden Detail
This nail style is an example of art design ideas 2025—a shining tropical sunset captured in gel. While the transition from hot pink to golden yellow is lovely, the addition of that metallic swirl makes it even more beautiful. That’s the magic. It turns your nails from looking like vacation nails into something more stylish.
Gel polish is a must here. You should start by using a base nude shade and then use gel pots from Modelones or Kiara Sky for the pink and yellow ombré. To get the gold effect, you can use either gold foil tape or a metallic gel liner.
A light hand and layering are key. The goal is for the fade to be smooth and for the gold to rest at the natural line of your hair. A lot of nail artists, including Tom Bachik, use a fine detail brush with gel color to achieve this type of detail.
This reminded me of Miami while I was actually only going to brunch. Choose a ring for days when your style is simple and your nails are the main focus.
Bubblegum Fade Meets Geometric Pop
This is a mix of summer nails and digital graphics, with a french tip. The gradient is pink and white which looks like cotton candy, but the honeycomb accents are what make this design special. It’s fun, uses technology and looks like something you’d see in a summer streetwear release.
Creating this takes a few layers. pink and soft white as a base, using a sponge and applying it. You can achieve the honeycomb look by using nail vinyl stencils or stamping plates and UberChic has some nice geometric ones. Seal it with a jelly topcoat for shine.
I learned from a TikTok nail creator that stamping polish gives you whiter lines than regular white nail polish.
I wore something like this to a concert once and most people complimented my nails more than my outfit. It’s perfect if you’re going for trendy summer nails 2025 square with a twist.
Orange Flames That Bring the Heat
Some designs don’t just speak—they yell. This colorful design is guaranteed to make a statement; it combines exciting color with dramatic graphics. It’s a smooth solid color or graphic design from 2025, shaped like an almond, so your hands look classy but still have an edge. The mix of bright orange and soft cream gives this dress a vintage 2000s feeling and a current, updated shape.
To get this at home, I’d paint the base with “My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore” and then add “Alpine Snow” for the flame part. For the flame art itself, a fine nail art brush (think Nail Artistry Detailer) and a steady wrist are must-haves.
Start with the base and paint the flames only after your drawing is completely dry. It helps to make light dots with a dotting tool before you start. Sarah Bland, a nail pro, suggests putting on topcoat before the flame paint dries to get a tattoo effect.
If you’re into a punky, beachy vibe, these nails are just right for you.
Cherry Pop and Popsicle Playfulness
What makes this set so special is that it’s unashamedly cute. The bright purple and lavender background features 3D cherries, clouds and an extra popsicle. It’s the kind of trendy summer nails design that makes you smile every time you glance at your hands. The long square shape allows the design to be lively without becoming cramped.
You can use Essie’s “Play Date” and “Lilacism” for your base. The cherries and clouds can be achieved with nail stickers (I love ones from Deco Miami) or, if you’re feeling brave, a dotting tool and a detail brush. For the nice shine, seal the mixture with a layer of glaze on top.
This isn’t a nail look—it’s a personality. I wore a similar outfit on a short road trip and everyone at the coffee shops wanted to talk about my nails. It gives main character energy without trying too hard.
Foil Fronds on Pink Ballerina Nails
Something about this outfit makes it feel like it’s from 2025 and is very classy. Silver palm fronds are laid over a soft pink background, creating a tropical look that’s also refined. The ballerina shape which is long and square at the end, contributes to the elegant feel. This place is more about rooftop martinis than about beach bars.
According to nail artists, you should start with a rosy-pink gel like “Cover Pink” by Valentino Beauty Pure. The best way to make leaves is with nail foils or metallic nail stickers. Apply with tweezers and seal gently—no heavy hand here.
According to celebrity manicurist Mei Kawajiri, the key to this design is not to add too many layers; let the foil shine by itself. I couldn’t agree more. The best designs can be the ones that allow for some empty space.
This design is for when you want your nails to show off, but also show off your skills.
Mint & Gold Baroque Swirls
This is the outcome when French tip dreams meet art design ideas from 2025. Soft mint and white form the background for gold filigree, giving it a vintage feel—but in a summery way. It’s a bit more refined than usual and the 2025 square shape allows it to look good on nails of any length.
Olive & June’s “JLR” is perfect for a mint polish and Zoya’s “Snow White” gives you a crisp white. You can either paint the swirls by hand with metallic gold gel or use MoYou London’s baroque series of stamping plates.
Don’t forget to put on a thick gel topcoat to keep all the style in place. I’ve noticed some nail techs add two different metallic shades to gold nails to give them more depth—you could try this if you want a fancy look.
I find that this outfit makes me want to slip on a slip dress, gold hoop earrings and strappy sandals and walk around.
Daisy Field Pop on Aqua & Hot Pink
This may be the most joyful set of nails you wear this summer. Alternating between bright aqua and hot pink, the base colors are finished with simple daisies in a bright pastel shade. The shape is a soft square short, making it perfect for anyone who likes fun but still needs their hands to be practical (hello, keyboard warriors and moms alike).
Check out ORLY’s “Frisky” for the aqua and Color Club’s “La Vida Loca” in pink. If you want flowers, dotting tools are great or you can find some lovely floral decals on Etsy.
I prefer this style for picnics in summer, music festivals or whenever, since it makes any outfit seem more thought-out than it was. It’s giving trendy summer nails 2025, with a wink.
Neon Swirls on Nude Almond
You remember that moment when your summer playlist sounds perfect? That’s exactly the mood of this bold swirl design. These 2025 almond nails have a retro feel thanks to the swirling pink and green lines over a milky nude background. These summer nails are trendy in 2025: they’re a bit messy, very fun to look at and you’ll never forget them.
If you’d like to do this at home, start with a light beige nail polish called CND Shellac “Beau,” and add bright neon colors like Orly “Glowstick” and Color Club “Yum Gum” using a striping brush. You should wear these shades over a neutral base, so make sure the color underneath is matte.
Paint the lines in one smooth motion—don’t overthink them. According to Chaun Legend, it’s best to finish neon nails with a shiny topcoat to maintain their bright look. He’s right. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
I put this on during a weekend trip and felt like my fingers were wearing art. It’s dopamine in manicure form.
Geometric Pastel Spin with Glossy Pink
This mani is a modern kaleidoscope. Lavender, peach and butter yellow pastel pieces are arranged in sharp, angular shapes on a white background and these are balanced by glossy pink. The square shape of the short keeps the design from becoming too extreme. It’s playful, but graphic—and very 2025 square white.
Choose Essie’s Fiji or Zoya’s Dot for a beautiful pink pop in your look. For the geometric nails, use striping tape to guide your shapes, or pre-designed water decals if you’re short on time.
You don’t have to be an expert—having acetone on hand will help you correct any mistakes. Britney Tokyo suggests using a silicone tool to gently press the tape or stickers into your nail, so you get clean lines without any smudges.
Honestly? You could wear these to a rooftop gallery opening—they’re both interesting and fashionable.
Yellow Jungle Vibes with a Zebra Finale
I prefer a mix-and-match set that doesn’t look too busy. The set has two varieties of matte yellow, olive green, a zebra stripe and a wild graphic accent, all working together nicely. This combo is inspired by safari, but the natural style and bright colors make it look trendy and modern.
Use Lights Lacquer “Sunshine State” as your yellow and Olive & June “Camouflage” for earthy green. You can make a zebra using either a stamp or a detail brush and black polish over white.
There’s something really liberating about mixing styles across fingers. Mazz Hanna, a nail expert, likes this style of minimalism since it allows you to experiment without making a big commitment.
I enjoy this when I’m wearing something simple, but I want my nails to be the statement piece.
Fuchsia Grapefruit with Zesty Personality
Two words: juicy glam. Thanks to the grapefruit slices and strong polish, this hot pink almond-shaped set is full of trendy summer nails 2025 almond joy. It’s a reminder that fruit isn’t just for smoothies—it’s also fashion. The pigment is great and the attitude is even better.
Try either “Backseat Besties” from Essie or OPI’s “Suzi Nails New Orleans” for your base pink. For fruit art, stick-on stickers will work great and for true DIY masters, use a detail brush and white/red gel.
Be sure to leave a little room around the fruit art so it doesn’t look crowded. According to nail artist Hang Nguyen, it’s important to keep the design balanced when using bold colors.
I started feeling hungry for a fruit salad and a brunch on a rooftop after seeing this look. It’s bright, wearable, and unapologetically seasonal.
Emerald Pop with Monochrome Safari
Minimalism? We don’t know her. By painting on emerald green 2025 solid color, it adds color and the zebra accent changes the whole effect. This summer nails square style is both modern and eye-catching. Since the shape is simple and square short, it’s simple to maintain for regular use.
Apply “Jade is the New Black” by OPI to get that rich green and top it with the zebra print “Blanc” by Essie. If you want your stripes to be the same, use a fine liner brush or a stamping plate.
This design is perfect for beginners too. A detailed nail allows you to experiment with design without changing your entire hand. Celeb manicurist Tom Bachik says that adding just one accent nail can make a regular polish look more stylish.
Wearing a green bag or ring with this will make the whole look feel more put-together.
Zebra Meets Neon on Almond Violet
This is a combination that can’t be ignored, especially with rich violet, acid yellow and zebra print. The almond shape in 2025 gives fingers a longer look and the combination of neon and animal print makes this the best trendy summer nails style. I love how bold yet balanced this set feels.
You should have a bright neon like “Electric Daisy” from Holo Taco and a dark purple like “Do You Lilac It?” from OPI. If you want the zebra effect, using stamping plates or black-and-white nail foils will help you finish faster.
Elite nail artist Elle Gerstein recommends this shortcut: paint white lines with a gel brush and then gently apply black stripes to look like a zebra’s fur. Seal it with a thick topcoat so it doesn’t catch on fabric.
I think of this mani as summer nightlife chic—it brings just the right amount of excitement and you’re in charge of things.
Blush Ombré with Pearls
It’s a style that unites the best of 2025 square with the charm of vintage elegance. The soft pink color starts with a nude shade, changes to deep rose and is finished with small pearls. The result? Bridal, brunch-appropriate and a hint of Bridgerton are what make these trendy summer nails in ombre so popular.
For this look, start with “Mademoiselle” from Essie and blend it into “Peach Side Babe.” Place small flat-back pearls over your nails with nail glue or builder gel, making sure they are above the cuticle line.
Apply thin layers of the fading color to the picture by pouncing with a sponge. According to nail tech Zola Ganzorigt, holding your sponge upright and bouncing it gently helps create a smoother effect.
I chose a similar outfit for a friend’s baby shower and felt like the best-dressed person only because of my nails. It’s cute but sophisticated, and super wearable.
Matte Pink Cheetah Vibes
If you’re feeling flirty and fearless, this one’s for you. On your lips, you’ll get a bright base of bubblegum pink and tiny cheetah spots in a deeper berry, all topped with a matte finish. The 2025 almond shape keeps it sleek and fierce. This is the latest in summer nails 2025, with a touch of Y2K nostalgia.
The foundation of your nails can be the pretty pink “Bubble Trouble” from Lights Lacquer. Lay the wine-colored polish on with a dotting tool, then top the manicure with Zoya’s “Velvet” matte topcoat.
This design doesn’t need perfection—it needs personality. I love how each spot looks slightly different. It feels alive. So, wearing your mini skirt with a denim or oversized tee makes for a super simple summer style.
White Square with Blush Paw Prints
If you’re one of those girls who shares every pet meme, this design is made just for you. Soft pink paw prints next to white 2025 square nails create a style that’s both neat and cute. It’s a fun design, but it doesn’t look childish because of its smooth shape and shiny finish.
Try using “Marshmallow” by Essie and “Tickled Pink” by Wet n Wild for your nails. The best way to do paw prints is with dotting tools or a fine brush or you can try using 3D gel polish for some texture.
If you enjoy pets or want to add some fun to your nails this season, this set is a simple way to do so. I wore something like that on a visit to the vet and the staff gave me more compliments than they did my dog.
Lime Fade with Green Tips
Last, but certainly not least, the 2025 polish color choice for those who want a strong color that’s still mature is a two-tone fade from lime to forest green. Using the dip fade method, this color has a smooth blending and strong pigment and the 2025 square shape is both stable and trendy.
Try dip powders like Revel Nail’s “Jellybean” and “Evergreen.” If applying peel-off polish isn’t for you, try blending regular polish with a gel topcoat for even better results.
It somehow matches both floral prints and leather jackets. Those in search of exactly that “Dynasty” glow are advised by salon pro Pattie Yankee to polish off ombré nails with a gel topcoat.
This is an unexpected summer nail trend—it’s bright, unique and you won’t soon forget it.
Summer Fruit Salad on Long Square Tips
If summer were a manicure, this would be it. Every nail in this set has a fruity feel, thanks to the lemon, watermelon and orange colors and each is set against a shiny, solid background. The square shape of the 2025 model gives the design a modern and clean look, despite the colorful palette. This design proves that summer nails can be both trendy and trendsetting.
You’ll want to prep with a smooth builder gel and use polishes like “Big Apple Red” (OPI), “Sunshine Yellow” (Zoya), and “Tangerine Dream” (Cirque Colors). If you want to make fruit art, you can purchase nail stickers on Etsy or Amazon or you can paint your nails by hand using acrylic nail pens.
To make this at home, first cover the canvas with two solid color layers, then use dotting tools and fine brushes to add the fruit. You might want to add a matte topcoat to the fruit shapes to give them texture contrast, as I learned from nail artist Yoko Sakakura’s TikTok tutorial.
I had the same set on once for a pool party and it was the nails that stood out to everyone. They are striking, sweet and full of joy which is what summer nails in 2025 should be.
